Nuggets from Paul Ryan's GOP-Tea Party stemwinder last night

By Pablo Fanque, National Affairs Editor
Illustration by Jack Brummet

Paul Ryan delivered an energetic and interesting, but troubling speech, full of inspiration for the base, with virtually no substance. Ryan never talked about what the Romney-Ryan team will do, just that it will be different.

“We’re a full generation apart, Governor Romney and I. And, in some ways, we’re a little different. There are the songs on his iPod, which I’ve heard on the campaign bus and on many hotel elevators. He actually urged me to play some of these songs at campaign rallies. I said, I hope it’s not a deal-breaker Mitt, but my playlist starts with AC/DC, and ends with Zeppelin.”  

“College graduates should not have to live out their 20s in their childhood bedrooms, staring up at fading Obama posters and wondering when they can move out and get going with life.”  

“After four years of getting the run-around, America needs a turnaround, and the man for the job is Gov. Mitt Romney.” 

'“With all their attack ads, the president is just throwing away money — and he’s pretty experienced at that. You see, some people can’t be dragged down by the usual cheap tactics because their ability, character and plain decency are so obvious — and ladies and gentlemen, that is Mitt Romney.” 

“It went to companies like Solyndra, with their gold-plated connections, subsidized jobs and make-believe markets. The stimulus was a case of political patronage, corporate welfare and cronyism at their worst.”  

“So our opponents can consider themselves on notice. In this election, on this issue, the usual posturing on the left isn’t going to work. Mitt Romney and I know the difference between protecting a program and raiding it. Ladies and gentlemen, our nation needs this debate, we want this debate, we will win in this debate. (On Medicare) 

"Obamacare, as much as anything else, explains why a presidency that began with such anticipation now comes to such a disappointing close.” 

“It all started off with stirring speeches, Greek columns, the thrill of something new. Now all that’s left is a presidency adrift, surviving on slogans that already seem tired, grasping at the moment that has already passed, like a ship trying to sail on yesterday’s wind.” 

“These past four years we have suffered no shortage of words in the White House. What’s missing is leadership in the White House. And the story that Barack Obama does tell, forever shifting blame to the last administration, is getting old. The man assumed office almost four years ago. Isn’t it about time he assumed responsibility?” 

“[Mitt] turned around the Olympics at a time when a great institution was collapsing under the weight of bad management, overspending, and corruption— sounds familiar, doesn’t it? 

“None of us have to settle for the best this administration offers, a dull, adventureless journey from one entitlement to the next, a government-planned life, a country where everything is free but us.”

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