Well, that didn’t work out, but he could still play a key role as VP. He can frame the issues clearly, with humor and a smile, just the way the great RR could. He’d be a GREAT pick!
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No he would be wasted as VP. With some high profile work saving the economy he could be a presidential contender down the road. The debates are minor points, performance abilities in the long term counts.
“No he would be wasted as VP.”
I disagree with that view in that I think Romney would be smart enough to use him as essentially a co-president, the way Cheney was. If Romney assigned Ryan the task of entitlement and tax reform, Ryan’s someone who could get it done. He’s already educated the House: as VP, he would have the ability to play a similar role in educating the Senate and rounding up votes there.
His only weakness, IMHO, is lack of executive experience. He’s no worse than Obama or Biden were in that regard, so it may be hard for Dems to exploit that as an issue. But as a general matter, Republicans should be nominating individuals who can step into the presidency on Day One if need be. That said, Ryan is SO strong on his other attributes—understanding the issues, being able to communicate clearly and forcefully etc., having a vision—that I could live with him as VP pick.