The Path to Prosperity (Episode 2): Saving Medicare

[Maggie]

The Path to Prosperity (Episode 2): Saving Medicare, Visualized

Please run for POTUS, Mr. Ryan.

[WuDrWu]

Re: The Path to Prosperity (Episode 2): Saving Medicare

The Path to Prosperity (Episode 2): Saving Medicare, Visualized

Please run for POTUS, Mr. Ryan.

I would agree, but the results in the special election last night tell me (from a far away distance I realize) that the American people like their entitlements, and they are more than happy to bury their collective heads in the sand and let it be someone else's problem.

Am I misreading the tea leaves Maggie?

[Downtown Shocker Brown]

Re: The Path to Prosperity (Episode 2): Saving Medicare

The Path to Prosperity (Episode 2): Saving Medicare, Visualized

Please run for POTUS, Mr. Ryan.

I would agree, but the results in the special election last night tell me (from a far away distance I realize) that the American people like their entitlements, and they are more than happy to bury their collective heads in the sand and let it be someone else's problem.

Am I misreading the tea leaves Maggie?

No, Doc. Pretty right on.

I had a discussion the other day with a couple that was waiting for their "big check" to come in. They had both won disability, was going to buy a new house, new boat, and deck it out. They were ecstatic that they now also no longer had to work, health care was going to be provided for them and their children, and they would also be getting state assistance for food.

Granted, this isn't an extravagant way to live, but when you can get everything you need for nothing, well for most that is the best that they can hope for.

I've heard many say on FB and other places the past few months that now is the time to start getting Obama re-elected so they can get the rest of "what's ours" from the government and the rich.

[Maggie]

Re: The Path to Prosperity (Episode 2): Saving Medicare

The Path to Prosperity (Episode 2): Saving Medicare, Visualized

Please run for POTUS, Mr. Ryan.

I would agree, but the results in the special election last night tell me (from a far away distance I realize) that the American people like their entitlements, and they are more than happy to bury their collective heads in the sand and let it be someone else's problem.

Am I misreading the tea leaves Maggie?

Yes and no. I think reading too much into a special election is a mistake – I have fallen into that trap before. Sure, people “love” their entitlements Republican and Democrat alike. That is why negative ads, as they relate to Ryan’s plan, can be effective. But when the reforms Ryan is advocating are presented properly (not distorted) – they garner positive responses from people of all stripes. We will see but my gut keeps telling me the general public is ready for someone like Ryan. And they will embrace him.

I have written before – Ryan can sell his plan. I trust no one else at this point. He is the only national figure that is serious about fiscal issues. But Ryan’s plan is going to continue get hammered – Obama is going to have almost an unlimited amount of funds to attack and he will.

Although I am eternally pessimistic – I still hold out hope that the argument will ultimately prevail. These days people don’t make arguments – they shout slogans with nothing to back up the position. Ryan is the opposite.

Now that Daniels is out – the pressure on Ryan to run will increase dramatically. He is a long shot but he would have, for what it is worth, my support.