Funny enough, shortly before this, the Political Positions of Paul Ryan Wiki Page was deleted.Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan is Mitt Romney's choice for running mate on the 2012 Republican presidential ticket.
The official word, which began leaking overnight, came early this morning from the Romney campaign via a smartphone app and a news release.
It's something of a surprise. While Ryan was on all the lists when it came time to speculate about Romney's likely choice, the conventional wisdom had been that it was more likely to be someone such as Ohio Sen. Rob Portman or Florida Sen. Marco Rubio.
Ryan comes from a competitive state with just 10 Electoral College votes. Ohio's 18 and Florida's 29 are much more valuable prizes.
But Ryan is a favorite of conservatives across the nation for his tough talk about tax cuts, spending cuts and fiscal discipline. The two are set to formally accept their party's nominations at the Republican National Convention later this month in Tampa.
We've been following the news about the choice of Ryan, the 42-year-old chairman of the House Budget Committee who is nationally known for his championing of tax and spending cuts. Be sure to hit your "refresh" button to get our latest updates.
Update at 9:50 a.m. ET. Now, "A Different Conversation":
With the choice of Ryan, NPR's Don Gonyea says, the Republican ticket can now "start a different conversation and a conversation about what they plan on doing."
Update at 9:46 a.m. ET. And In Conclusion, Ryan Pledges To "Get This Done!":
As he wrapped up his remarks, Ryan said he is thrilled to be part of the ticket and promised that a Romney/Ryan administration would "unite America and get this done!"
Update at 9:45 a.m. ET. Reapplying The Founding Principles:
Ryan gets more strong approval when he says: "We won't duck the tough issues, we will lead. ... We won't blame others, we will take responsibility. ... And we won't replace our founding principles, we will reapply them."
Update at 9:43 a.m. ET. Strong Cheers:
Some of the biggest cheers so far for Ryan come when he says "our rights come from nature and God, not from government."
Update at 9:38 a.m. ET. This Isn't "The New Normal":
Ryan says that under President Obama, the "new normal" for many Americans has become "diminished dreams, lowered expectations, uncertain futures." That shouldn't be, he says.
Update at 9:36 a.m. ET. "Debt, Doubt And Despair":
The Obama administration, Ryan says, has compiled a "record of failure."
"We find ourselves in a nation facing debt, doubt and despair," he tells the crowd.
Update at 9:35 a.m. ET. "To Save The American Dream":
"It is our duty to save the American dream for our children and their's," says Romney.
Update at 9:33 a.m. ET. Ryan Says He's "Committed In Heart And Mind?"
"I am committed in heart and mind" to putting his experience to work in a Romney administration, Ryan says.
Update at 9:30 a.m. ET. Romney's Recovery:
Saying that every once in a while he makes a mistake (as in, referring to Ryan as "the next president of the United States"), Romney just came back to the microphone to say he didn't make a mistake in choosing Ryan.
Update at 9:28 a.m. ET. Romney Calls Ryan "The Next President Of The United States":
In the excitement of introducing his running mate, Romney just said "join me, in welcoming the next president of the United States, Paul Ryan."
Update at 9:27 a.m. ET. Obama Campaign Reaction:
As Romney continues his remarks, Obama campaign manager Jim Messina has sent reporters a statement that says, in part, that Romney has chosen "a leader of the House Republicans who shares his commitment to the flawed theory that new budget-busting tax cuts for the wealthy, while placing greater burdens on the middle class and seniors, will somehow deliver a stronger economy."
Update at 9:25 a.m. ET. Romney Promises "Positive" Ideas:
He and Ryan, Romney says, will offer a "positive governing agenda."
Update at 9:23 a.m. ET. Ryan Is In Politics For Right Reasons, Romney Says:
Ryan isn't in politicos "to advance his personal ambition," Romney says, "but to advance the ideals of freedom and justice."
Update at 9:21 a.m. ET. Romney Gets Right To The News:
"It's an honor to announce my running mate and the next vice president of the United States, Paul Ryan!" Romney just announced.
Update at 9:20 a.m. ET. Romney Arrives:
Romney just popped out of a door aboard the USS Wisconsin, jogged down to the dock, and is at the microphone. He's getting a loud welcome.
Update at 9:10 a.m. ET. Candidates To Be On Stage Shortly:
Both of the candidates' spouses are now on stage in Norfolk and Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell is at the microphone. So it looks like Romney and Ryan will be appearing shortly.
Update at 9:05 a.m. ET. First Rule Of VP Picks Is "Do No Harm":
On NPR's broadcast, correspondent Don Gonyea just said that the first rule when selecting a running mate is "do no harm." It remains to be seen, of course, whether Romney has succeeded with his choice of Ryan.
Update at 8:57 a.m. ET. Live Streaming:
We'll be updating with highlights from the candidates' first joint appearance. Of course, it's also going to be broadcast on the cable news networks and will be streamed online by various outlets, including C-SPAN.
I'm wondering how they are going to paint the fact that Ryan's budget proposals were poisonous and ass backwards and generally horrible things for anyone BUT the richest in the country?
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