Miami Herald: Ryan could hurt Romney in Florida

[WI_DEM]

Republicans are rejoicing at Mitt Romney’s selection of Paul Ryan as his vice-presidential running mate.
But so are Democrats.
Ryan, a Wisconsin congressman, is the architect of the Ryan budget plan that makes big changes to Medicare and Medicaid and could allow for some privatization of Social Security. And that’s widely seen as a politically risky stance in Florida, a must-win state for Republicans.
Ryan might have another Florida problem: He once opposed the U.S. embargo on Cuba, a now-reversed stance that concerns some in Miami-Dade’s exile community, which is overwhelmingly Republican and had hoped that one of its own, Sen. Marco Rubio, would have been picked as Romney’s running mate. The county’s elderly Cuban population also relies heavily on government assistance, particularly Medicare.
Polls indicate that voters over 50 years old — who make up more than half the Florida electorate — are wary of changes to Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security, which together pump about $96 billion yearly into the hands of the elderly, the infirm and the hospitals, doctors and other providers who give them care.
By picking Ryan, Romney shows he’s ready to fight for conservative changes to the liberal-legacy programs.

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/08/11/2946098/how-paul-ryan-could-be-a-drag.html#storylink=cpy

Maggie Haberman: "It appears as Ryan's appearance in the state alongside Romney, planned for tomorrow, was redirected to Iowa."

http://www.politico.com/blogs/burns-haberman/2012/08/a-view-of-ryan-from-florida-131855.html

[steve2470]

1. If Ryan/Romney carry Florida, I will be shocked indeed nt

[freshwest]

2. Will the voters be able to wade through the disinformation campaign already launched?

[WI_DEM]

4. well that is why Obama/Biden have to pound away day after day against the Romney-Ryan budget

[Brother Buzz]

7. I believe there is a threshold where the lies stop working

The GOP has simply gone to the well to many times. People talking over back fences and street corners will sort it out, and the truth will prevail. The hopeless optimist, I am, but I believe in people.

[2banon]

17. Re Lies, They actually get stronger and work better the more they're repeated..

That's the key component of propaganda, repeat the lies over and over and over again. Historically speaking, Lies don't stop working on electorates or the general public. they work better than ever.

[charlyvi]

3. That's why I don't understand this pick.

I read somewhere that Romney MUST carry Florida to win, but O can win without it. WFTF?

[ithinkmyliverhurts]

5. Said the same thing last night.

Except my language is more colorful: http://www.democraticunderground.com/10021114921

[cleduc]

6. If Romney loses Florida

it makes it very, very difficult for him to win the White House

A piece of this video should get played to Florida seniors daily:

&feature=player_embedded
Ryan: "I hope he remembered to take his blood pressure medication"

The ad might go like:

"Paul Ryan thinks it's funny to wonder if seniors have taken their blood pressure medication when they get upset hearing about what he's going to do to their Medicare and Social Security".

[LongTomH]

8. No! Shit! Sherlock!!!!

[sakabatou]

12. Just about to say that

[bayareaboy]

22. Me Too!

But he was prepared with even the pic of Basil.

How come no one names their son's Basil anymore?

[riverbendviewgal]

9. Would new seniors move to Florida if the R&R train wreck wins?

I don't think anyone will be able to move south if that happens? Anyone here in DU think the same?

The last 3 winters I spent vacationing in Florida.... Each year more homes were up for sale and businesses boarded up.
Talking to people who lived there year round who were working well into their 60s and 70s. They could not afford to retire.

Those not retired and under 65, many had no health care insurance. They went to the emergency room when very sick.

The little joke I have heard quite a few times is the one where the question is:

How can you tell a Canadian senior from an American senior?

The Canadian is smiling.
(no worries about health care bills)

This winter I am staying home....Going to Europe this Fall and also Next spring or summer.
Winters are getting warmer up my way..There is something good to be said about Global warming.

[russspeakeasy]

10. I think they are betting on the fact that

we are not a real bright group here in Floriaduh.
And that's supported by our voting record...
pRick Scott, just for example.

[jillan]

11. Biden did really well campaigning in Florida in 2008. The Seniors love him - plus -

he has a daughter in law that is Jewish, so he had that connection with the Jewish vote....

You can be certain that Joe will be down there telling them exactly what is in that Ryan Budget in a way that they will remember.

But the real question, will Ryan even show his face in Florida? My bets are no way.

[flamingdem]

13. Skeletor is already planning the theft

we need a huge turnout

[Canuckistanian]

14. There are a lot of retired people in Florida?

Who knew?

[ejbr]

15. Rick Scott has a LOT of purging to do!! n/t

[Harry Monroe]

16. File this one under "No Shit, Sherlock"

When senior citizens realize what is in store for them under a Rmoney, Rayn Administration, they'll be out to vote for Obama in droves!!

[Spitfire of ATJ]

18. "Ryan could hurt Romney in Florida"

[LiberalFighter]

19. I doubt the Cuban embargo is an issue for Romney to worry about.

Personally, I think Miami Cubans will have little effect on the outcome of the election.

[Mkap]

20. Rick Scott is already on it

He just called Mittens a few minutes ago to confirm that he will make sure that the polls close early in democrat favored counties!

PROBLEM SOLVED

[morningfog]

21. Gekko/Galt can't win without FL. And OH.

[starroute]

23. I hate how even articles like this one put a spin on things

The phrase that jumps out at me is "Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security, which together pump about $96 billion yearly into the hands of the elderly, the infirm and the hospitals, doctors and other providers who give them care."

My problem with it is the way it says "pump about $96 billion yearly into the hands of the elderly." Yes, it does go on to include "hospitals, doctors and other providers." But the impression being created is that these programs simply hand over large sums of money to the elderly, as though being sick or in the hospital winds you up with thousands of extra dollars in your pocket.

The phrase "pump into" is also pretty invidious. It conveys an image of either a tire being inflated beyond its recommended pressure or water being siphoned from one place to another -- and either way, it seems to be saying that the elderly are greedy old fools who are draining the country dry and that it's only a matter of electoral politics to be wary of cutting the programs they depend on.

Boy, I hate that sort of sleazy writing.