Ryan is not a game changer as far as swinging the election goes. No one Romney could have picked was going sway the election. Ryan might help Romney pick us some extra votes in his own CD (where I understand Ryan is tremendously popular) and put WI in his column if the vote is close. But I do think this is a sign Team Romney feels very good about Florida. If they had any doubt about winning Florida, he would have gone with Rubio.
What Ryan brings to the campaign is he shores up and excites the Conservative base, which Mitten's so desperately needed. This gives a reason for Conservatives to have some hope that maybe, just maybe, a Romney administration might be somewhat Conservative, at least on fiscal policy. And if Romney as President, is successful in turning the economy around and reducing the debt, it very well could mean a Ryan Presidency is on the horizon in 2016 or 2020.
Key now is to not let the scum at Team 0bama define Ryan. Right now Rasmussen has Ryan at 39% favorable / 25% unfavorable. That means 36% (and mostly independents) are not sure on Ryan yet. Ryan will have to win them over before 0bama and his band of roving hordes can destroy him. Hopefully Team Romney is looking back at ‘08 and seeing exactly what happened to Sarah Palin and won't repeat those mistakes.
While under “normal” circumstances I’d agree with your excellent analysis (very well stated), I see a different dynamic in this election. Many of the old rules are out the window. This one........is now emotional. Americans are looking to reconnect with their true roots; true Americans who want to see this country reverted back to what it has previously been: proud, independent, entrepreneurial, with a STRONG distrust of central government.
Romney doesn’t bring out such emotions (yet?), but Ryan does.
I believe his selection as running mate may have been a bit of a cynical ploy by Romney and his campaign staff to appeal to the right of the Party, but no matter. It was inspired. Ryan represents and embodies what true Americans really want, and I think his presence on the ticket WILL be a significant changer.