175 Responses to:
RYAN WAS THE WRONG CHOICE

# 1. 8/11/12 12:37 PM by Scott - Rochester Ny
Good points all , but Buggs bunny running with Elmer Fudd would have done a better job than Obama /Bidden sad and sick as that truth is ... (Romany you guy Bob) The Romany/Ryan is the train that we live with or die without...!

# 2. 8/11/12 1:11 PM by John - slc
Sorry, Bob, you are wrong on this one.

I love Marco Rubio, and would have been delighted if he had been the choice. However, the Hispanic community is self segregated into those of Mexican heritage, those from Cuba, and others. Rubio would have helped with the Cubans, but not the Mexicans.

Obama's thugs will demonize any Republican and especially any conservative, be it Rubio, Ryan, Christie, or Jesus Christ. We need to just accept that fact and resolve to fight the lying libs at every turn. Ryan is not bashful about fighting back, and unless Romney's minders rein him in, Ryan should bring a vicious attack dog to our team.

Ryan will make this focus on economics and entitlements, not bogus crap like tax returns or other "squirrel" issues.

It remains to be seen if enough thinking people will show up at the polls to vote for Romney-Ryan, or if the deliberately kept ignorant mASSES from the liberal welfare plantation will be herded to vote, along with their dead relatives and pets to give Obama the victory.

People have indeed learned they can vote themselves largesse from the public treasury, and the Democrats are maximizing that "benefit" with their shameless and shameful class warfare rhetoric.

If Obama wins again, our country is lost. If Romney and Ryan win, we may be able to save it. ROMNEY-RYAN 2012- I can hardly wait to vote for them in November. Although, I would have been nearly as eager to vote for just about any two non-felons who are not liberals, instead of Obama and his plagiarist village idiot pal.

# 3. 8/11/12 1:33 PM
Wait a minute. You don't do saturday columns.

Jack, are you playing with daddy's computer?

# 4. 8/11/12 1:33 PM by Gary M - Hornell NY, USA
He needs Ryan on the ticket to explain to the American people the changes that need to be made, in terms and phrases that they can understand. Obama is not running on hope and change anymore, he is going to be forced into a gloom and doom campaign, which he can't win, because Americans have to believe that we are at the bottom looking.

# 5. 8/11/12 1:44 PM by jaymor
Bob, you're right. At least the prospects for a debate victory vs. Biden are promising.

# 6. 8/11/12 1:55 PM by Abner D

As usual, you raise excellent points, Bob. I, too, would like to have seen Rubio as VP, although I'm not sure he would have garnered much Hispanic support outside of Florida.

Latinos identify themselves as people of color, which tells me they are entitlement-minded. What they really need and what they really want might be two different things.

At any rate, all we can do at this point is hope that you're wrong in your assessment.

# 7. 8/11/12 1:58 PM by Jason - Lehi, it
I don't think it is that bad Bob. Rubio was an awesome option too. Maybe he said no? However I seriously doubt a bunch of Obama voters would magically decide to vote against Obama and all his policies simply due Rubio's ethnic background. It's going to be a tough fight no matter what due to the media and ever present Dem voter fraud.

# 8. 8/11/12 2:04 PM by Joe Rosenthal - Ocala, Florida
I completely agree with you. It is a very sad day for our country. Four more years of an Obama administration will give us a country that none of us will recognize. His agenda is not one that recognizes the hard work of Americans since our founding. His agenda is to destroy the American Dream. He was not raised in American traditions, and does not honor them. He wants to create a country in his Father's twisted image. There is nothing in the man for a young person in America to look up to. Romney's choice is not one that will restore our Country.

# 9. 8/11/12 2:21 PM by Sad American
I only counted about 5 or 6 blacks that I could see in the crowd, and just a handful of what looked like Latinos. It was a sea of "whiteys". Two white guys with blond wives and some blond kids to boot. At that point it was obvious that Romney would not be any kind of shoe-in, and that now the race would tilt towards Obama. Imagine the knee-jerk reaction of African Americans.

I notice that in the past you did not favor Romney among the field, and the reasons are now obvious. Your political instincts are far more refined than I could ever hope mine to be.

At times, Ronald Reagan, George H. W., and George W. Bush seemed hopelessly out of touch with the "average" American. Reagan sleeping while we bombed Libya, George H. W. shopping for socks in a department store that cost $20 a pair, and when asked by a reporter if he thought that to be rather expensive responded by saying "I guess that's what socks cost nowadays". For crying out loud I hardly pay $20 for pants even today.

It's not whether it all is bad or good, but rather how it looks to people. Yes there is such a thing as "keeping up appearances" and being "above reproach".

Sadly, the only way it seems that Romney can win now is for Obama to commit a huge gaff.

I was looking forward to the next 90 days being ones of dynamic excitement and renewal for our great country. Now we will get Obama again. But I will still vote, knowing that the sheep are conned again by Obama.

The Republican Party is DOA - again. I was expecting to be excited and enthused today. Instead I am very, very sad. At first I thought it was just me. But as I read your column today my gut feelings were reinforced and verified.

# 10. 8/11/12 2:43 PM by A Patriot - Lockport, NY
Love ya like a brother, Bob. Hoping you're wrong about this.

# 11. 8/11/12 3:04 PM by Galen - Rochester
Two months ago I thought Romney would win in a landslide. Now it seems certain Obama is going to win. Politics is all about image. Nobody cares about policies. Romney just screwed himself by picking Ryan Maybe Ryan had skeletons in his closet or maybe it was Ryan who said no to Mitt. Baring those possibilities Mitts choice just screwed us all

# 12. 8/11/12 3:23 PM by Keith - Pittsford
Bob,

Obviously you have strong opinions, however that's what they are, opinions. To declare that Romney will lose the election because of his VP pick flies in the face of historical fact. There was no guarantee that Rubio would have delivered Florida. And with his campaign financing issues ('borrowing' money from his campaign that he paid back only after it was made public) he would have been fresh meat for the rabid democrats. What Romney needs to do, regardless of who he picked for VP, is to get in BO's face and call him out. Get belligerent with him like Chris Christie does or would do. Call him the liar in chief and give specifics! The public would eat it up and give him a lot of credit. The public is waiting for Romney to show some fire and grit. He's been too much of a nice guy except to Newt during the campaign. Romney needs to treat BO like he treated Newt. If he goes after BO, he can win. If he acts like a choir boy, he's bound to lose and Rubio wouldn't have prevented it.

Keith

# 13. 8/11/12 3:29 PM by Alex
the democratic party also offers welfare to whites so your argument doesn't make sense.

When the GOP unleashed its Latino outreach website in Spanish, the people it has any chance with speak English as their primary language.

I think the GOP opposition to the DREAM act which would allow immigrants who served in the US military legal citizenship has played a big part in not gaining favor in the future with voters.

I could go on and on but to blame Obama and the democrats for Romney's choice is giving them too much power.

Romney picked Ryan Paul because of his shared commitment to provide tax cuts for the wealthy, while placing greater burdens on the middle class and seniors, and that will make our economy stronger because the rich will create jobs but only after the republicans in congress who have 7 bills now floating around to stop womens contraception rights pass. Then they will create jobs in China.

# 14. 8/11/12 3:40 PM by DD
My first thought upon hearing the news was that at least we'll be rid of Obama in four years.

# 15. 8/11/12 3:44 PM by Dave - Rochester, NY
You have it exactly right, Bob. Every point you make is absolutely correct. But, we have to go with Romney. I'm not sure I even like Ryan's positions on many things, how can we expect Democrats to come over or even middle swing voters? He may have just lost Florida with this choice.

# 16. 8/11/12 3:52 PM by Warren - Sandy, Utah
Bob, I don't know how many people last go around in 2008 voted for Obama because Joe Biden was on the ticket. Did you vote for George Bush because Dick Cheney was his running mate? Ryan a good solid conservative could help. Romney needs to come out swinging and hitting the demoncrats hard, fast and frequent. He is not gaining votes by being the nice guy. I wanted somebody that would say what needs to be said like Chris Christie. Let's hope, pray and plead to God that Obama doesn't win a second term.

# 17. 8/11/12 3:55 PM by tami harris - Provo Utah
I hate it when you are right.

# 18. 8/11/12 4:00 PM by Carl - Lima, NY
While I think Romney is a loss no matter who runs with him, I agree, Ryan adds no additional voting pool to Romney. Bad move. Sure it makes conservatives feel good, but as you said, they already have them hooked in.

# 19. 8/11/12 4:01 PM - Sandy, UT
I agree with your article completely, but do we know whether Mitt Romney asked Rubio to be his running mate. Maybe he did and Rubio declined.

# 20. 8/11/12 4:06 PM by mike - fairport, ny
your mostly right! as a black conservative I was hoping marco or rep west! With west as my chose because west will call a spade a spade! I really like that about him! Some color on the ticket would be nice!

I am hoping that ryan will be able to articulate the to the common person (independents) how screwed up Obama and bush have made this country!! But the choice is made! To save this country, we now have to support them!

# 21. 8/11/12 4:19 PM by Earl - slc, uta
as a Utahn I can also see how the Republicans also cost taxpayers money due to doing things illegally continually and then invariably having to pay off lawsuits. Now the US Justice System is suing Florida because bull headed Gov Rick Scott is purging hundreds of thousands of voters from the registration roles & when people have complained with endless petitions he still does it! Make him pay off the lawsuit or the rich billionaires who don't care. It's not their money! And you talk about deception and that is only one example. The Republican party needs to clean up it's act. Ryan is not liked because he is an arrogant jerk who says seniors, students, and the poor have it too good. Be honest Bob.

# 22. 8/11/12 4:31 PM by John
get the token Latino... Marco Rubio! Isn't that what you are saying just like US Atty General Alberto Gonzalas and look what happened to him. Cheney smirked while Gonzalas took the heat.

# 23. 8/11/12 4:33 PM by Jolene
maybe Mitt and Paul are gay lovers hiding in the closet

# 24. 8/11/12 4:42 PM by hc
Mmmmm....Ryan I like. It's Romney that brings the ticket down. Romney is a wishy-washy reincarnation of Thurston Howell the Third, whose mediocraty will set us adrift (sing along with me kiddies) on a four yeeeeear tour...a four yeeeear tour...

Ryan has a back bone and he ain't afraid to use it. And if the GOP ticket goes down in flames this November as you think it will, you will be right. It will be Romney's fault. But it will be because of who Romney is (and isn't), and not because he picked Ryan.

But I still think we take Florida. It's a southern state geographically, but not ideologically.

Don't be so negative.

~xp

# 25. 8/11/12 4:44 PM by Rick C. - OBAMAWINSville,NY
Romneys pick of Eddie Munster as his running mate is a great gift to The Democratic Party. It pretty much delivers Florida to President Obama. I am thinking that the pick of Eddie Munster could even bring a Democratic majority back to The House. You should be pleased though,you will have 4 more years of selling merchandise that insults Our President Barack H.Obama. I hope that Chief Justice Roberts gets The Oath of Office right this time around. FUMR,FUPR and FUBOB.

# 26. 8/11/12 5:26 PM by Jeff
Bob - You say that the Democrat strategy is stupid and it is working. Sounds like you are insulting the American voters.

# 27. 8/11/12 5:37 PM by P. Mulley - Fairport, NY
Quote: 'Yes, he is one of a small handful of people who actually understand the federal budget and the existential threat its horrific imbalance poses to the United States'

Well, he may talk like he does, but his support of big business bailout/welfare refutes this notion.

Thanks again, GOP. Unprincipled, phony 'CONservatism' yields us 4 more years of Dear Leader.

For the good of the country, the GOP needs to die. The sooner the better.

# 28. 8/11/12 5:59 PM by Old Ham - Great_Basin
Good argument, good points all. I pray to God you are wrong though.

# 29. 8/11/12 6:13 PM by BSP
Start at the very beginning: Romney was the wrong choice!

Between Romney/Ryan and Obama/Lame-o, I feel like I'm in grammar school picking guys for the Dodgeball team, and all that's available are the sissies, the nerds, and the "slow" children!!!

# 30. 8/11/12 6:25 PM by Jethro Maddox - Rochester 14619
Bob is right that Ryan adds no votes, and that an important conressional career is being risked. Ryan was not my choice either, but he is a good man, who deserves our support now. Obama has NOT locked up this election. The polls are all over the place. Obama is the clearest failure since Carter. The Dems would have tried meda-scare anyway. "You didn't build that" Obama is error prone. Lets not give up until it is clear we have lost. The fight has just started.

# 31. 8/11/12 6:26 PM by Fred Dugan - Rochester, New York
Mr. Lonsberry, I hope your opinion is wrong. But I agree Marco Rubio would've been the better selection. Appointing Ryan to Secretary of Treasury or Commerce, would have been good.. We have to accept Romney's choice, good or bad for hopeful victory on November. Let's hope the simple can see the light that Obama is not the correct man to sit in the Oval Office..

# 32. 8/11/12 6:32 PM by derek - highland, ut
i like the pick. i'm sick of "identity politics" and "affirmative action candidates" where "what they are" is more important than "who they are." let's take the ideological fight to the libiots and beat them on the battlefield of ideas!

# 33. 8/11/12 6:51 PM by Will
Well, Wisconsin is a swing state, you know.

# 34. 8/11/12 6:59 PM by Jason - Spanish Fork, UT
Bob, I respect your opinion but I disagree that Romney is destined to lose. Ryan is a solid politician with a great intellect. There's still a lot of time to sway the voters with charisma and intelligent talking points. I also look forward to watching Romney and Ryan wipe the floor in a debate again Obama and Biden.

Having said that, if this country actually votes for four more years of Obama, I will officially have lost all faith in the American public.

# 35. 8/11/12 7:11 PM by Kevin - Raleigh, NC
Bob, no matter who was chosen the democrats would have something to attack them with; with Ryan it is his fiscal stance; if it was Rubio he would have been saddled with the Sarah Palin label of not having enough experience. This IS a good choice; Ryan will energize people; should deliver the swing state of Wisconsin; and will destroy Biden in the debates. I don't know if anyone has ever voted for a candidate for who is their VP; but I know people have voted against candidates for who their VP is.

# 36. 8/11/12 7:20 PM by Rex - Dallas, Texas
Ryan has no big cities in his district. He is a politician that is good for going to the local parades. After he proposed that Medicare become a voucher system he had hundreds of angry people show up at his town hall meetings.

You are right.....very bad choice.

# 37. 8/11/12 7:28 PM by Sean
What, were you asleep when McCain made his "dramatic" veep pick? Good luck with this one!

# 38. 8/11/12 7:39 PM by Amy - Fairport
"Mitt Romney has chosen Paul Ryan, and has thereby chosen to lose."

Actually, he lost it months ago

# 39. 8/11/12 7:45 PM by Betty - Brockport
I assume that the towe? Mitt just threw in was monogrammed.

# 40. 8/11/12 7:47 PM by Harry - Hamlin
Mitt just solidified his base.

Thing is, it doesn't matter how well you may be liked by your base. You can NOT win without independents, no way, no how.

Mitt just lost a slew of independents with by selecting Ryan.

# 41. 8/11/12 7:51 PM by Irene - Hammondsport
Can't wait to watch both them thump their chests at the convention. Come debate time...lights out.

# 42. 8/11/12 7:54 PM by Joe - Batavia
As if Romney hadn't already alienated women, students and minorities, now add seniors to the list with Ryan as his pick.

Romney has seriously been trying to lose for several months. His VP pick just enforces that. Add his overseas failures and gaffes and Obama wins without one debate.

# 43. 8/11/12 7:57 PM by Kacz
Most Americans don't know who Paul Ryan is yet, but they soon will and boy are they gonna be pissed.

# 44. 8/11/12 8:01 PM by Larry - Orchard Park
Thurston Howell III just picked Gilligan. It's up to Gilligan to sell the party now.

What a joke.

# 45. 8/11/12 8:06 PM by Ned - Bergin
When the Dem attack dogs get done with Ryan, Mitt's going to wish that he'd left this particular bride at the altar.

# 46. 8/11/12 8:09 PM by Old Geezer
Now I see why all the voter suppresion laws. It disproportionately keeps the the elderly from voting.

# 47. 8/11/12 8:13 PM by Peter
Ryan??? Really??? Mitt said he was predisposed to making mistakes....guess he's made the biggest one of his political career....Lord knows he ain't been workin; since he's been runnin'...guess he flunked the apprenticeship part of the political-career course.

# 48. 8/11/12 8:16 PM by Ray - Scranton, PA
I'd love to know who told Mitt he could win by appealing to the far right and no one else?

# 49. 8/11/12 8:19 PM by Tony
"First do no HARM".

Well Mitt, there goes that theory!

# 50. 8/11/12 8:29 PM by GEORGE (THE OTHER ONE) - GANANOQUE ONTARIO CANADA
*

The choice may doom the Republicans to four more years of wondering in the desert, but when the economy collapses, and it most assuredly will, it will be under the auspices of the Democrat party and their socialist policies. Perhaps then the American voter will draw the obvious conclusions.

Would you like to:
add your own comment? or send this story to a friend?