by Jed Lewison
Stephen Hayes:
Wisconsin congressman Paul Ryan is strongly considering a run for president. Ryan, who has been quietly meeting with political strategists to discuss a bid over the past three months, is on vacation in Colorado discussing a prospective run with his family. Ryan’s concerns about the effects of a presidential campaign – and perhaps a presidency – on his family have been his primary focus as he thinks through his political future.
“He’s coming around,” says a Republican source close to Ryan, who has been urging the 41-year-old to run.
“With Paul, it’s more about obligation than opportunity,” says another Wisconsin Republican. “He is determined to have the 2012 election be about the big things. If that means he has to run, he’s open to it.”
Yeah, he wants 2012 to be about big things, alright...big things like ending Medicare. And he doesn't think the GOP has yet found a candidate able to articulate such a vision.
Look, the way I see 2012 – we owe it to the country to let them choose the path they want our country to take. And I just have yet to see a strong and principled articulation of the kind of limited government, opportunity society path that we would provide as an alternative to the Obama cradle to grave welfare state.
So Paul Ryan isn't happy with the GOP's 2012 field because he doesn't think there's a candidate in the mix who can explain why we should end Medicare. In other words, Paul Ryan wants Paul Ryan to run.
Unfortunately, Paul Ryan has said he's not running (at least that's what he's said so far). And just today, his office
told Greg Sargent that nothing has changed. "While grateful for the continued support and encouragement, Congressman Ryan has not changed his mind," his spokesman said.
moreSetting the stage for more moments like this one:
Video Catches Angry Iowa Voter Calling Gingrich: ‘An Embarrassment To Our Party’As conservative pundits throw Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich overboard, one voter in Iowa echoes the same sentiment and is willing to tell Newt to his face. The awkward encounter even has Newt and the upset Iowan continuing to shake hands as Newt receives a series of harsh insults.
The uncomfortable exchange:
Iowan: What you just did to Paul Ryan is unforgivable.
Gingrich: I didn’t do anything to Paul Ryan.
Iowan: Yes, you did. You undercut him. . . . You’re an embarrassment to our party.
Gingrich: I’m sorry you feel that way.
Iowan: Why don’t you get out before you make a bigger fool of yourself?
Gingrich: Sorry you feel that way.
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