Small Comfort

Ryan's New Job: Reassuring Pundits

VP candidate works the phones.

He never calls just to talk anymore. Sources tell the National Review that Paul Ryan has been granting private press talks, via phone, to a variety of conservative pundits. The Republican running mate has reportedly asked for assessments, answered questions, granted reassurances about November, and even acknowledged 'missteps' in his ticket's campaign. He’s said to have talked to such figures as The Washington Post’s George Will, CNBC’s Larry Kudlow, and Wall Street Journal editorial page editor Paul Gigot. And although the calls may look strategic, a campaign source claims they just reflect Ryan's good relationship with the conservative press.