Ryan clearly is the conservative thought leader in the House today. The Democrats will go ahead and attack Ryan for the next two weeks, but I counter that he will get Romney up to speed. My sense is this has been a very thoughtful plan. Now, it's got to be sold. It certainly creates a contrast with Obama. Now there is a way to challenge Obama on the fiscal deficits and health care.

There will be no backshooting from Republicans over this choice. And it also brings along two elements: He's a Catholic. He can go out and take up some of the fight. He also has the ability to appeal to young people. They are disillusioned about Medicare and Social Security. He may be able to bring some of them along.

This choice also puts the state of Wisconsin in play, a state which we've not won since 1984. Romney clearly has a chance there now.