SHORT TAKES ON THE DRIFTING WRECKAGE – AT 11:15 P.M. ET:

RYAN REACTION – Reaction to the selection of Paul Ryan has been generally positive within the Republican Party, with considerable enthusiasm among solid conservatives.  However, there are some words of caution.  Some conservative pundits feel that Ryan's brand of thoughtful policy-oriented arguments may not register during a sound-bite-driven campaign, and that the pro-Obama media will have a field day demagoguing Ryan's ideas and portraying him as a granny-bashing skinflint.  Bottom line:  This is seen as an exciting, but risky choice.  It is clear that how Romney handles the choice will be key.  An aggressive, take-no-prisoners campaign, or a gentleman's campaign with tea at four?  It's also being pointed out that people generally don't vote for the vice-presidential candidate. 

PRESS REACTION – The press reaction was exactly as predicted.  You could have written that script in advance.  The lamestream media immediately moved in on Ryan, led by Andrea Mitchell of NBC, who serves as unofficial minister of propaganda and public enlightenment for the Obama administration.  She declared that Ryan is not a choice for women, especially "suburban moms."  As we all know, Andrea is queen of American women, a position to which she appointed herself.  The rest of the liberal press followed right along, and it will only get worse as the campaign wears on.  An interesting side note on the "woman" issue:  Ryan's wife is a respected lawyer and a graduate of one of the leading feminist institutions in the United States, Wellesley College, which is also Hillary Clinton's alma mater.  Take that, Andrea.

MAJOR WISE MAN BULLETIN – Harry Belafonte, previously known as a calypso singer, and whose career was built on one song, has announced, no doubt after much contemplation, that the election of Mitt Romney will mean the end of civilization.  He said this while in Switzerland to accept an award.  In addition, Russell Simmons, the hip-hop "entrepreneur," announced that the Romney-Ryan ticket would destroy the black race.  One of the things we stress at Urgent Agenda is bringing you the best philosophy expressed by today's thinkers and writers.  I hope we get some appreciation.  Please send compliments.

August 11, 2012