[scottw]

just reading around the vaious sites that would be considered "conservative" sites, the Ryan pick is very popular, if the conservative base was tepid about Romney as they were with McCain, this pick has provided a significant spark heading into the convention, and while Palin delivered some inspiration to a party that was desperate for some/any with McCain she was easily caricatured...I imagine that there are many in that moderate/independent block that regret taking a flyer on BO and many more are looking for a direction which includes some fiscal sanity which does not seem to be a concern for the current bunch....BO is in the unenviable position that McCain was last go round in that many will consider a vote for him to be a vote for more of the same and with the economy not likely to make any great gains and the country going in the "wrong direction" polls consisently around 60% for a very long time (62% latest RCP average and those favoring repeal of his signature legislation consistently around 50% and trailing Bush in terms of job approval at this point in his reelection effort ).....it's going to be interesting to watch the strategy