From the deck of the USS Wisconsin, in Norfolk, Virginia, Paul Ryan was formally welcomed as Mitt Romney’s running mate on Saturday morning.
“Governor Romney is the man for this moment,” Ryan said. “And he and I share one commitment: we will restore the dreams and greatness of this country.” After discussing his late father’s imperative that “every generation of Americans leaves their children better off,” Ryan declared, “It is our duty to save the American dream for our children, and theirs.”
“For the last 14 years, I have proudly represented Wisconsin in Congress,” said Ryan. “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.”
Ryan offered a strong critique of the incumbent president: “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,” Ryan continued. “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. We have the largest deficits and the biggest federal government since WW II. Nearly 1 out of 6 Americans are in poverty–the worst rate in a generation. Moms and dads are struggling to make ends meet. Household incomes have dropped by more than $4,000 over the past four years. Whatever the explanations, whatever the excuses, this is a record of failure.”
Ryan believes things can get better. “I hear some people say that this is just ‘the new normal.’ High unemployment, declining incomes and crushing debt is not a new normal. It’s the result of misguided policies. And next January, our economy will begin a comeback with the Romney Plan for a Stronger Middle Class that will lead to more jobs and more take home pay for working Americans… We Americans look at one another’s success with pride, not resentment – because we know, as more Americans work hard, take risks, and succeed, more people will prosper, our communities will benefit, and individual lives will be improved and uplifted.”
He has a very different campaign from the one Barack Obama has been running in mind. “We won’t duck the tough issues… we will lead!” he promised. “We won’t blame others…we will take responsibility! We won’t replace our founding principles…we will reapply them! We will honor you, our fellow citizens, by giving you the right and opportunity to make the choice: What kind of country do we want to have? What kind of people do we want to be? We can turn this thing around. Real solutions can be delivered. But, it will take leadership, and the courage to tell you the truth. Mitt Romney is this kind of leader. I’m excited for what lies ahead and I’m thrilled to be a part of America’s Comeback Team. And together, we will unite America and get this done.”
via Mitt Romney announces Paul Ryan as his running mate | Conservative News, Views & Books.
