What Ron Paul and Prominent Republicans Are Saying About the Paul Ryan VP Selection

Impact

Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney:

"In a city that's far too often characterized by pettiness and personal attacks, Paul Ryan is a shining exception. He doesn't demonize his opponents. He understands that honorable people can have honest differences. He appeals to the better angels of our nature. There are a lot of people in the other party who might disagree with Paul Ryan; I don't know of anyone who doesn't respect his character and judgment."

Former President George W. Bush

"Governor Romney is serious about confronting the long-term challenges facing America, and Paul Ryan will help him solve the difficult issues that must be addressed for future generations."

Former Vice President Dick Cheney:

"I worship the ground Paul Ryan walks on."

Governor Nikki Haley (R - South Carolina): 

“In choosing Paul Ryan as his running mate, Mitt Romney has confirmed that he intends to run a campaign based on ideas to challenge a President who has no new ideas, is running away from his record, and is relying instead on smears, distractions, and demagoguery. That’s a failing strategy and a Romney-Ryan ticket is going to prevail against it.”

Governor Bob McDonnell (R - Virginia):

“Paul Ryan is a tremendous choice to serve as the Republican nominee for Vice President of the United States. In selecting a bold, innovative thinker, Mitt Romney has ensured that his campaign—and ultimately his administration—will be led by individuals with courage, determination, judgment, and wisdom. With this great announcement, America is on its way back. The Romney-Ryan team will get our fiscal house in order, our economy back on track and Americans back to work.”

Senator John Thune (R - South Dakota):

“I think that Paul Ryan represents the kind of leadership that people in this country are hungry for, and his efforts to not only define the issues that we need to face as we get into the days and the weeks and the months and the years ahead, but also to come up with solutions to those issues, is something that I think that will serve as a great asset to Governor Romney and the campaign.” 

Former UN Ambassador John Bolton

“Every American and every American ally abroad should be heartened by Mitt Romney’s selection of Paul Ryan as his running mate.  Congressman Ryan deeply understands that American leadership in foreign policy makes for a more peaceful world and a safer, more prosperous America. And he and Governor Romney will restore our economic strength at home that is the basis of our influence abroad.  For nearly four years, we have seen the dangerous conditions that are created when a president refuses to lead. Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan will restore American leadership.”

Congressman Ron Paul (R - Texas):

"[Paul Ryan's budget plan] doesn’t get anything of substance. The debt is going to continue to go up. There’s not any one agency that’s going to be removed, and the goal is to maybe balance the budget in 30 years." 

Obama senior campaign adviser David Axelrod:

"When John McCain appointed Sarah Palin, as well, there were huge crowds, much of the same kind of reaction, and I don’t think it worked out very well... I think when the reality catches up with the moment it’s not going to be a plus for Governor Romney."