I had not realized it until reading an article today that Paul Ryan is the first member of my generation appointed to a presidential ticket. There was much ballyhoo about Dan Quayle being the first Baby Boomer back in 1988. Odd that there isn't much about the generational change this time.
This particular article said that Ryan resonates more with our generation because we haven't believed we would get any government entitlements when we retired anyway. We've known since we were teens that our parents' generation was going to bankrupt it all first. I was very annoyed that there was no entitlement reform in the 1990's.
I like the Ryan pick. I don't agree with his solutions, but I think he is seriously engaged in the policy conversation and doesn't shirk discussing the big issues. I credit Romney with picking him. There were far safer choices. It shows some integrity and daring on Romney's part and a willingness to engage in serious policy debates. Too bad that the campaign isn't a focused, adult conversation.
The recent New Yorker profile on Ryan was very good. It showed his strengths and weaknesses. It also revealed that the President missed an opportunity to develop a real relationship with Ryan. It has been known for a while that Obama does not build personal relationships with Congress the way others, especially Bill Clinton, have done. That's one of the President's flaws.
Comments