NEWS BLOG (WSAU) The smiling, optimistic conservative is a rare breed; a so-called ‘happy warrior’. Republicans are gushing because they have one in Paul Ryan.

The challenge for all conservatives is to convince people that you’re better off without this… ‘this’ being various government programs. What you earn, do, and get for yourself will always be more, better, and will give greater satisfaction than what’s given to you. ‘My way is better for EVERYONE, even the people who don’t have much’ is the mark that conservatives have to make.

Contrast Pat Buchanan with Paul Ryan. They’re both on the far-right politically. They’re both thinkers. But Buchanon, the crusty, tired conservative has a look of meanness about him. He wants to cut and take things away. The young, friendly, optimist has a convincing quality about him. He believes that tomorrow will be better. He beckons; follow me.

I’m 42. Paul Ryan is my age. People who are younger than me don’t remember the eternal optimist Ronald Reagan. He was an unapologetic cheerleader for America. He had complete faith in capitalism and a private-sector driven economy. There was an unspoken theme in almost all of Reagan’s speeches: this is what Americais about; you know it, I know it. I saw a young Reagan last night.

Chris Conley
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