Day 4 LIVE from Tampa Bay and the RNC. Today on AirTalk we'll discuss the Paul Ryan speech and the fact-checking fallout, the Mitt Romney tax plan and whether or not the numbers add up, what's to be done with pension reform, a look at the California youth delegation and the future of young republicans, catching up on the latest news of the day surrounding the convention and a look ahead to tonight's main course and the focus of the week, Presidential candidate Mitt Romney. Plus, the latest news.
Democrat Debbie Wasserman Schultz weighs in at Republican confab
Guest:
Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Congresswoman from Florida’s 20th district and chair of Democratic National Committee
After much ado about his budget, Paul Ryan takes the RNC stage
Last night, vice-presidential nominee Paul Ryan and Former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice took the podium at the Republican National Convention.
Rice delivered an articulate and stirring speech. She exhibited the foreign policy knowledge that many believe Romney lack and spoke seriously and skillfully about the problems facing America. Unlike Ryan’s, her statements have garnered little criticism.
Last night marked the congressman from Wisconsin’s first foray into the campaign in front of millions of potential voters simultaneously. His genuine ambition and enthusiasm for what he does couldn’t help but shine through. He spoke about his budget plan and discussed at length Romney’s successes in business, Olympic planning and governorship. He also paid particular attention to his much discussed plan for Medicare. The speech was very well received by the audience at the convention. His personal story was interwoven with a strong critique against Obama that riled up the crowd and earned praise from Republicans at the convention and across the country. No one can deny his rhetorical skill and the effectiveness of the speech.
However, critics note a determined lack of accuracy and use of subtly twisted truths. Factually, they argue, the speech just didn’t cut it. Among their concerns is the blame he puts on Obama for closing a General Motors factory in his hometown in Wisconsin, when actually the plant was closed in June 2008 under the Bush administration. Obama did neglect to reopen the plant, but that distinction, among other factual inaccuracies, has upset many.
Have the inaccuracies irrevocably hurt the campaign? Did he successfully sell his ideas, or did he give you reason to pause? How well did this noted policy wonk do at reaching out and connecting on a personal level? Has your opinion of the man changed? What about his discussion of his budget proposal and Medicare? How will he stack up against “say it ain’t so” Joe Biden come debate season?
Guests:
Lou Jacobson, Senior Writer for Politifact and the Tampa Bay Times
Mark Barabak, Political Correspondent, Los Angeles Times
Do the math: does Romney’s tax plan add up?
In his nomination acceptance speech, George H.W. Bush famously promised voters “no new taxes.” Mitt Romney has a different promise: keeping Bush-era tax cuts in place, and adding even more, across all income levels.
How to make up the difference? By limiting deductions and exemptions and simplifying the code overall, closing loopholes and hopefully giving a break to small businesses. But in a recent study, the Tax Policy Center tested the plan and found it didn’t add up. Is this a math problem that just needs to go back to the whiteboard? Or is the overall plan flawed, as many believe?
It’s clear that Romney’s proposed cuts will be welcomed by those in the higher tax brackets, but what will this overhaul mean to middle and lower-class taxpayers?
Guests:
Senator Ron Johnson, (R-WI) Member of the Senate Committees on the Budget and Appropriations
Representative Dennis A. Ross, (FL-12) Republican Congressman serving Polk, Hillsborough and Osceola Counties
William Gale, co-director, Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center and Arjay and Frances Miller Chair in Federal Economic Policy in the Economic Studies Program at Brookings
Are public pensions in desperate need of reform? Or is that just another word for union busting?
While the economy is undoubtedly the biggest issue in this election, one issue which has proven to be incredibly significant as well is that of pension reform.
In fact, it was so important in Wisconsin that it helped to spur a recall election for the governorship. When Governor Scott Walker won reelection, it showed Republicans in other states and on the federal level that pension reform for public employees can be achieved without losing political capital. And while it may not be popular with the traditional labor forces, it also plays an important role in slashing government budgets, which seems to be a fairly desirable objective these days no matter what one’s political persuasion.
What is the current state of public pensions? What effect are they having on their respective budgets? Is there a compromise that can be reached between lawmakers, workers and companies? Is “pension reform” just coded language for taking down unions? With California’s budget still in limbo, how is this debate playing out in the Golden State? How would a Mitt Romney presidency (and a Paul Ryan vice presidency) affect public pension programs across the country?
Guests:
Congressman Devin Nunes U.S. Representative for California's 21st congressional district, serving since 2003. The 21st district is Fresno and Tulare counties, including most of the city of Fresno
David Spady, California Director, Americans for Prosperity
Dave Low, Chair of Californians for Retirement Security, a coalition group that represents 1.5 million public employees
California delegates, from the youngest to the more seasoned
If the name Briana Bilbray sounds familiar, that’s probably because you’re thinking of her father. Brian Bilbray is a Republican representing California’s 50th district of northern San Diego County in congress. This year, Briana is serving as the youngest California delegate attending the Republican National Convention.
As a 25-year-old female, she may not appear to be the typical Republican. Beyond that, she also supports the use of medical marijuana and dispensaries for the drug. She even signed on as a plaintiff in a lawsuit against the federal government to stop the Drug Enforcement Agency from shutting down dispensaries which turn a profit. Both Briana and her father are skin cancer survivors, although the elder Bilbray does not share his daughter’s view on marijuana.
What, beyond her family ties, influenced her decision to serve as a delegate? What are Mitt Romney and the Republican Party doing to garner that elusive youth vote? Are they succeeding?
Also on AirTalk we have Bill Jones, former California Secretary of State from 1995 to 2003, as well as gubernatorial and senate candidate. How does Jones, who has been around the political block a few more times than Bilbray, rate the Romney campaign and this year’s Republican convention?
Guests:
Briana Bilbray, California Delegate pledged to Mitt Romney; youngest delegate in California’s delegation; daughter of Congressman Brian Bilbray (CA-50)
Bill Jones, California delegate, former Secretary of State for California (1995-2003)
Mitt Romney’s time to shine
As the Republican National Convention comes to a close, the electricity is building toward its final moments.
Mitt Romney will formally accept the Republican Party’s nomination nod for president tonight.. It’s the last major chance for the Republicans and Romney to put forth their four-year plan for America to the public before the debates, so there’s obviously a lot riding on the night. Politicos on both sides of the aisle are buzzing with excitement.
But in addition to outlining policy and highlighting President Obama’s failures, Mitt Romney has a somewhat unique challenge to overcome. Ever since he ran for president in 2008, Romney has been dogged by the perception that he is stiff, disconnected and doesn’t fully understand what it means to live as a regular citizen making a modest, let alone meager, income. The campaign is hoping that by presenting Romney’s biography in the right light, he will come across as accessible and down-to-earth enough for voters to support him. This could prove to be the most important speech of Romney’s entire life.
What will the tone of his rhetoric be? What types of policies will Romney highlight, and how will he distance himself from Barack Obama? What moments from his own life could be used to personalize his campaign? What are you personally looking for from this man who is asking to be Commander-in-chief for the next four years?
Guests:
Vince Haley, Campaign Manager for Newt Gingrich’s nomination run for 2012; “Dean” of Newt University, a series of public policy workshops for RNC delegates in Tampa; Haley has also served as a speechwriter for Gingrich
Mary Kate Cary, former White House speechwriter for President George H.W. Bush, former Deputy Director of Communications at the Republican National Committee