Turn of Phrase - Paul Ryan Is Good For America

Paul Ryan, Republican VP nominee

"He’s what a Republican should be: an honest, open-minded, solution-oriented fiscal conservative."

- From Slate columnist William Saletan, who plans to vote for Obama but who appreciates the candid, legitimate, fiscally conservative voice that Paul Ryan brings to the political arena.

In an excellent Slate article this morning, Saletan rejoices at Romney's choice of Vice Presidential running mate, praising Ryan in large part because the GOP congressman from Wisconsin is obsessed with fiscal conservatism, rather than social conservatism, and for all the right reasons. 

Regardless of political loyalties, reasonable Americans agree that sustaining our current level of deficit-spending and debt-building is a losing strategy. 

While you might disagree with the difficult budget choices Ryan proposes (or "draconian measures" as Democrats would call them), you have to acknowledge that he brings a more educated, considered, and specific approach to solving our fiscal problems than almost any other national politician, most of whom simply spout unrealistic knee-jerk party-line rhetoric about tax cuts and national debt.

In his article, Saletan notes that Romney's selection of Ryan, a serious and focused politician, may also help to elevate our national discourse. 

"Unlike many of his colleagues, Ryan isn’t a wanker or a hater. He’s in it for solutions, not spite. 

Instead of bickering about Romney’s tax returns and repeating the obvious but unhelpful observation that the unemployment rate sucks, we’ll actually have to debate serious problems and solutions."

I know enough about Paul Ryan's beliefs and values to recognize that his addition to the ticket doesn't change my political affiliation, but like William Saletan, I'm excited about the possibility of an election that possesses the potential to re-focus Americans on critical issues and maybe even surfaces a solution or two.

Herman Cain as Romney's Vice President

What would you think of a Romney-Cain Republican ticket?

Former San Francisco mayor Willie Brown is the first I have seen to propose the idea, and I think he may be on to something.

Consider the benefits for Republicans.

• In these tough economic times, Republicans could tout a ticket with not one, but two "job-creating" businessmen.
• As a newcomer to presidential politics, Cain brings a different energy and a Washington outsider edge to the ticket in a very anti-incumbent political environment.
• Cain's presence on the ticket would help Romney solidify support from the conservative wing of the Republican party.
• As an African-American, Cain may be able to siphon enough of the traditionally Democratic black vote to give the Republicans an edge.

While it's far too early for any candidate to concede that he or she is interested in the number two spot, if I were a Republican party leader, I would plant the seed now, water the hell out of it, and get the back room negotiations going posthaste.