Paul Ryan...again

A few days ago I wrote an e-mail to Czar over at yon Gormogons in response to a tweet he'd posted about the possibility of Paul Ryan entering the Presidential race. He responded to my concern with a blog of his own and while my inclination is to continue the conversation with a private e-mail that kind of defeats the purpose of the Interwebs, no? Also public discourse is good. So here goes. Prepare to be discoursed.

I'd like to make one thing clear at the outset: I want Paul Ryan to be the President of the United States. However, I want him to be the Representative for the 1st District of Wisconsin for a little while longer.

First head on over here to see the e-mail I wrote Czar and his response.

I want Paul Ryan to stay where he is because he's doing a fantastic job there. He is a beacon of hope on the fiscal front and seems to be focused like a laser on ensuring responsible, immediate and long-term solutions for our debt crisis. (Ick. I officially hate the phrase "debt crisis." Overused much?) Frankly, I fear that as President he would lose his ability to be a strong leader on that issue (or at least "as strong a leader"). Unfortunately I couldn't put my finger on why. I just knew that we need him where he is. As I expected Czar was able to articulate the source of my fear:

So while we might be all eager to elect Paul Ryan to end this economic nightmare of over-spending and orgiastic creation of federal positions, the Czar’s experience is that he will get side-tracked by some emergency in Iran, or some appointee of his will be exposed in a scandal, or a hurricane will somehow hit Lincoln, Nebraska, or something else out of the blue.

Presidents ought to be delegators who join the fray at the outset, set the tone and then trust that those they've appointed, conferred with, or negotiated with will accomplish the agreed upon goal. Some projects may require more Presidential oversight than others, but as a whole the President of the United States ought to have (as my boss is so fond of saying) a 30,000 foot view. I think Ryan is most useful to the nation right now right in the thick of things. He's the do-er. He's the go-to guy. He's motivational and positive and convincing. Why would we want to lose that? Incidentally, I'd like to make Paul Ryan the CFO of the USA and say, "Do what you will, and God speed!" (Is "God speed" a contraction? I'm never sure.)

So thanks, Paul Ryan for heeding my telepathic advise and not running in this presidential race. I'll happily volunteer for your campaign in another cycle, but I am glad you're sitting this one out. Do us proud. Stay strong. And continue your leadership in the House. It's refreshing and hope-giving. We need you where you are!

An aside: I love that people were approaching him about running. I think that's how all politicians should get started. When people start buzzing that this or that guy should run for office pay attention. That's the politician to watch. (I'm looking at you, disappointing GOP field.)

(I toldjaso)