Paul Ryan, in his first live interview since November, offered a lot of the same combative and duplicitous talking points about fiscal policy that he employed in the run up to his and Mitt Romney’s loss.
But he seemed to indicate that Republicans will employ a less Talibanic strategy when the next round of budget negotiations take place over the next few weeks, as we approach the debt ceiling and sequestration cuts set for March 1.
“We’re not interested in shutting the government down,” Ryan told David Gregory, saying that he would rather see more continuing resolutions and let the debate drag on as a long-term deal is hammered out.
So Republicans won’t use suicide bomber negotiation tactics. That can only be a good thing.
But Ryan still seemed to think that his was the only plan, as if Democrats didn’t offer a myriad of fiscal visions during the 112th Congress.
The Extremely Seriousâ„¢ House Budget Committee chair also told Gregory he was in favor of tax reform and closing loopholes, but simultaneously, somehow, said that he rejected Sen. Chuck Schumer’s call for more tax revenue.
“This isn’t a Republican or Democrat thing. This is a math thing,” he said at one point.
So continuing resolutions until January 2015, then.
