My opinion: Romney chose Ryan because he is a lightening rod who will

[Laurian]

take the heat of media scrutiny off Mitt. I think Romney is very thin skinned and was withering under the daily commentary about his business practices, taxes, etc. There's enough about Ryan to keep the press busy for a long time, thus reducing their reporting on Romney's vulnerabilities.

[Bluenorthwest]

1. They are running mates, focus on Ryan IS focus on Romeny. Reporting on Ryan IS reporting on

Willard. Nothing is reduced, it is all expanded.

[Proud Liberal Dem]

2. The heat will be on both of them

Ryan for his budget policy, Mitt for picking him as his #2 guy. I now pronounce them both joined at the hip on all matters personal and political.....until November at least.

[WI_DEM]

3. The main reason he selected him was to make the GOP far right base happy

so that they will actually (maybe) show up and vote.

[DinahMoeHum]

4. Romney chose Ryan because he wants the Teabaggers votes

and is looking for the "lightning in a bottle" in the Teabagger victories of 2010.

[Voice for Peace]

5. I think you're right that Mitt was withering

and this photo looks like he's feeling wilted but very grateful for Ryan
http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=1120575

[Life Long Dem]

6. Romney was weakening under his Bain experience

I don't think focusing on Ryan helps as much in weakening Romney as much as the attacks on Romney himself produce. I think we'll get back to Romney soon, but I don't think we should make this into a Palin free for all in only focusing on the V.P. like with McCain/Palin. Ryan won't be as easy to take down as Palin was. And may help Romney more than what we're looking to do.

I agree, Ryan was chosen to take the heat off of Romney.