Popular culture paints a fairly negative picture of the typical politician, and this view seems to transcend communities, cultures, ethnic groups and even nations. Even the Bible speaks in negative terms about these folks. We think of them as self-focused, greedy, lazy and motivated more by self-promoting ambition than by what might be in the best interests of their fellow citizens. I have to admit, this has been my long-held view of the political breed (well, long-held for me, as I am only 20). I realize that many worthy public servants get involved in government because they seek to effect positive change and that many are successful in serving the greater good. However, I believe that most seek office so that they might promote their own selfish interests. Now, I readily admit that I make all these assertions based upon the most unscientific of foundations– I simply rely on my own experience, what I have read, heard and seen. However, I am willing to gamble that most of the readers of this article have much the same point of origin in regard to this subject. How do we separate fact from fiction, and how do we sort this out relative to every politician who appears on our ballots? For me, the answer to the first question is simple: meet and speak with a politician directly. I was given this opportunity to meet a politician and we had an interesting conversation. As to the second question, well, that one isn’t quite as simple to figure out, unless you plan on meeting every single one of them.
Last week I had the incredible opportunity to meet Congressman Paul Ryan, the same congressman running for vice president. I was offered the opportunity to participate in the Romney/Ryan campaign while Congressman Ryan was in St. Petersburg preparing for his debate against Vice President Biden. I am not going to go into explicit detail about the campaign, how it worked and what I did during my time with the campaign. What I will elaborate on is my experience with Ryan. Before I begin, however, it is important that you recall what I said above: my default setting is to assume that all politicians are lazy, greedy and working only to promote their own private agenda. You should also realize that I hopefully expected I might get a photo opportunity with Ryan for my efforts. Instead, what I got was a life-changing experience and a different view of Congressman Ryan.
Rather than simply pause for a photograph, Congressman Ryan introduced himself, shook my hand and went on to ask where I was from, if I liked Florida, if I enjoyed my time with the campaign and so forth. I answered each of these questions, and then he went on to engage me in a short but meaningful conversation about my background and what this election means to me, the nation and to him. As we conversed, a number of folks took a slew of photos, but I hardly even knew that was happening because this fascinating and dynamic man was so focused on what I thought and what I had to say. In short, Ryan made it his point to make me feel important. Now, I realize that this is the goal of every politician, but I cannot with words explain to you the extreme genuineness and sincerity I sensed from Congressman Ryan.
I expect that many of you might be laughing just about now, thinking, “this kid got played like everyone else,” but I believe you would be wrong to assess this man’s actions and motivations as anything but totally sincere. This is a rare man, and if you are ever offered the opportunity to meet him, take it, and you too will understand what I am so desperately trying to convey.
As I was watching the vice presidential debate between Congressman Ryan and Vice President Biden my opinion was confirmed repeatedly. Throughout the debate, we saw Vice President Biden laugh and flash his signature, creepy “joker” grin just over a thousand times. We also saw him interrupt Congressman Ryan 81 times and accuse Ryan of taking up most of the talk time, when in reality Biden led Ryan on total time used. Yet, we never saw Ryan resort to the same disrespectful techniques. Ryan kept his cool, politely suggesting that both of them stop interrupting one another for the benefit of the American people. In response, Biden merely laughed. According to www.ktla.com, the Senior Political Analyst for CNN, David Gergen, stated, “On style I think that Ryan won the debate. The Biden dismissive laughs, the interruptions, the sort of shouting, I think that Ryan was calmer and frankly more presidential.” I could not agree more with Mr. Gergen. Vice President Biden acted nothing like his prestigious title would suggest, but instead chose to embarrass himself, the Obama administration and, quite frankly, America. Biden behaved consistently with the low opinion I and others generally have of the political breed whereas Ryan did something that I found consistent with the time I spent with him– he conducted himself with class, distinction and honest sincerity.
Congressman Ryan is the real deal, a man whose values are true and sincere, who puts the people of this great nation above himself and who will work with Governor Romney to return America to its former glory. On the other hand, our current vice president appears to be more of the standard politician, a man who reinforces the negative view most folks have of the political breed. Ryan placed dignity, honor and a respectful demeanor on display, not to mention a razor sharp intellect and grasp of the issues. Conversely, the vice president displayed bad manners. No wonder the administration cannot work with Congress to get a budget passed. Our nation is in serious trouble, and I see more than a glimmer of hope in Ryan.
Richard J Whitaker can be reached at richard.whitaker@spartans.ut.edu
WOW! This article absolutely has no substance. The author does not address the debate at all because he is too wrapped up in his new political love affair with Congressman Ryan. Seriously Whitaker you need to take you head out of Paul Ryan’s ass, and you should honestly be ashamed of an article that has given absolutely nothing to the reader in terms of talking about the major points presented in the VP debate. This article only confirmed the fact that you must have watched the debate with the audio off or were completely disappointed in what your candidate had to say that you chose not to address it.
Your argument: Paul Ryan isn’t a typical politician. Your evidence: You had a politician-y conversation with Paul Ryan at a political event. I’m on the phone with the Obama campaign right now to discuss this breakthrough in campaign strategy. “Fired up! Ready to go . . . talk to people!”