General

Romney taps Paul Ryan as VP pick

News, photos, tweets, reaction and instant analysis from the pundits. Plus … another video blooper

Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney introduces his running mate, Rep. Paul Ryan. (Getty, Win McNamee)

Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney selected his running mate this morning. Here’s how he announced his decision on Twitter:

Just prior to the announcement, Mitt Romney’s campaign gave the media a sneak peek at Paul Ryan’s speech:

Mitt Romney is a leader with the skills, the background and the character that our country needs at a crucial time in its history. Following four years of failed leadership, the hopes of our country, which have inspired the world, are growing dim; and they need someone to revive them. Governor Romney is the man for this moment; and he and I share one commitment: we will restore the dreams and greatness of this country.

… For the last 14 years, I have proudly represented Wisconsin in Congress. There, I have focused on solving the problems that confront our country, and turning ideas into action; and action into solutions.

I am committed, in mind and heart, to putting that experience to work in a Romney Administration. This is a crucial moment in the life of our nation; and it is absolutely vital that we select the right man to lead America back to prosperity and greatness.

That man is standing next to me. His name is Mitt Romney. And he will be the next president of the United States.

Let me say a word about the man Mitt Romney will replace. No one disputes President Obama inherited a difficult situation. And, in his first 2 years, with his party in complete control of Washington, he passed nearly every item on his agenda. But that didn’t make things better.

In fact, we find ourselves in a nation facing debt, doubt and despair.

This is the worst economic recovery in 70 years.

Unemployment has been above 8 percent for more than three years, the longest run since the Great Depression. Families are hurting.

Romney stumbled as he announced his running mate, introducing Ryan as “the next president of the United States …”

Some photos from the announcement:

Even before Romney had made it official, there was much talk of how the pick would play. Here is just a sampling of the instant analysis:

Frank Bruni, the New York Times

“He’s a transformative choice—and a seriously, seriously risky one.”

Ryan Lizza, the New Yorker

“Romney has made the most daring decision of his political career.”

Ezra Klein, the Washington Post

“You make a risky pick like Paul Ryan if you think the fundamentals don’t favor your candidate.”

Gregory Krieg, ABC News

“It also sets up more than a few potential tripwires.”

Tim Stanley, the Daily Telegraph

“The best looking ticket since Clinton/Gore in 1992.”

Here’s what Barack Obama had to say this afternoon:

And speaking of Twitter, as of this typing, @PaulRyanVP now has 52,126 follows and … one tweet:

Last but not least, for now, anyway, there was this analysis from BuzzFeed:
21 of the Best Pictures of Paul Ryan’s Very Serious Hair.

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