FIGHTING WORDS

Ryan: Obama a ‘Failed’ President

Wisconsin congressman seen as potential VP pick.

Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan called President Obama a “failed president” during a speech at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in California on Tuesday—leading many to believe the budget hawk is throwing his hat into the ring for the vice-presidential nod. Saying Obama believed in the “failed theology” that “our best days are over and the only thing left to do is manage the nation’s decline,” Ryan told the nearly 1,000-person crowd that things could get back on track with the 2012 election. Ryan, the chairman of the House Budget Committee, threw his support behind Mitt Romney ahead of the Wisconsin primary—and Ryan’s harsh budget policies could end up being a major influence in the 2012 race. Long rumored to be a vice-presidential favorite, Ryan said that decision is “months away,” but did not immediately shoot the question down.