Paul Ryan Aide Expects ‘Irish Uncle’ Figure in Debate with Joe Biden
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Joe Raedle/Justin Sullivan/Getty Images(ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.) — Paul Ryan wrapped up last minute debate prep Wednesday at a Florida hotel replete with Sunshine State pastels and Mediterranean revival architecture — The Vinoy. It would be his last formal session in seclusion before the only vice presidential debate where he faces off against a man nearly 28 years his senior.
An aide, who asked for anonymity, admitted the obvious, especially after his running mate’s performance last week: “He’s nervous.”
“He’s done things on the national stage,” the aide said, trying to play the expectations game. “He’s given a response to the president, debates in the Budget Committee and on the House floor and his congressional races, but nothing compared to the attention and the pressure that goes with a live nationally televised debate like this.”
Ryan has taken part in eight campaign debates as a congressman, but none of those were on a national stage.
The aide said his biggest worry was an “Irish uncle moment where the vice president’s charm overwhelms his lack of facts or logic.”
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