Why did Ryan agree to be Romney's VP pick? What does Ryan gain from

[coalition_unwilling]

tying himself to a floundering effort? Is Ryan deluded enough to think that, with him on the ticket, RMoney has a chance of winning?

I'd be interested to hear DU's speculation.

[progressivebydesign]

1. 2016. No doubt it's positioning him. PLUS $$$ from the Norquist/Koch Bros for the future. n/t

[FSogol]

5. +1 n/t

[coalition_unwilling]

8. Hmm. But if the Ryan Plan comes front and center and RR go down in flames, wouldn't

that hurt Ryan's chances in 2016? Or is the thinking that a rump Repig Party would be even more enamored of Ryan?

[sadbear]

15. Add in the book deals and speaking fees.

He is going to cash in on this.

[Motown_Johnny]

2. Next in line? A shot at running for Senate. Better lobbyist dollars later on.

More airtime on FAUX. A platform to spew his nonsense from. Etc etc etc.

[russspeakeasy]

4. Yup !

[oldtime dfl_er]

3. It's usually about positioning yourself

for the next election. It'll be Ryan in 2016.

[coalition_unwilling]

11. But being VP nominee for LBJ-Goldwater v 2.0 hardly seems like

a smart move if the real game is 2016. Maybe Ryan is thinking 2020 or beyond?

[oldtime dfl_er]

17. It always ups your profile

whether your guy has a chance or not, it still gets you publicity and visibility, and they usually spell your name right.

[RevStPatrick]

6. He's gonna lose his seat in Congress.

For someone as young as Ryan is (OMG... He's younger than me!!!) a losing ride as VP won't harm him in the long run. This will actually help him save face when he loses his congressional seat, and it gives him national facetime. 2016, 2020, 2024... he's young enough to go for any of those years.

I don't think he expects to actually win this...

[Lint Head]

7. He thinks he is the saviour of the country. He is power hungry just like Mitt.

[still_one]

9. Yes, those with huge egos do delude themselves all the time. I also think he want to position

himself for 2016 if romney loses

[Tom Ripley]

10. $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

[Johonny]

14. Yip the last two GOP VP picks are on TV when ever and where ever they find one

speaking fees, TV shows, magazine covers... there is $$ to be made being VP for the Republican party.

[SDjack]

12. Ryan expected to lose his congressional seat.

Two outcomes: 1) He is elected VP, and will be in a good place for seeking run for GOP nomination in 2020+. 2) If he is defeated, this move to be VP candidate will earn him points with the GOP. He will be a player in the 2016 GOP campaign, with at least a good chance of being a cabinet officer if the GOP wins the presidency.

[tritsofme]

13. Republicans have a "next in line" philosophy on presidential candidates.

The fundraising networks and exposure he will gain will give him the inside track on 2016.

[coalition_unwilling]

16. Even if RR get shellacked like Goldwater-Miller did in '64? We never

heard of William Miller again (at least until his hilarious daughter Stephanie became all the rage on liberal left-wing talk radio

[EC]

18. I don't care why,

I'm just glad our district will be rid of him.

[librechik]

19. 2016 n/t