Paul Ryan's Fairy-Tale Budget Plan  —  PAUL D. RYAN is the most articulate and intellectually imposing Republican of the moment, but that doesn't alter the fact that this earnest congressman from Wisconsin is preaching the same empty conservative sermon.  —  Thirty years of Republican apostasy …

Brutal: CNN Torches DWS on Medicare Falsehoods  —  Let me say this right up front: Congratulations to Wolf Blitzer for being a relentless, responsible journalist.  If you value the truth, this interview is a pleasure to watch.  If you have even an ounce of human compassion for the in-over-her-head target …

Gov. Chris Christie to deliver keynote at GOP convention  —  New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie will deliver the keynote address that launches the Republican National Convention in two weeks, telling USA TODAY he plans to make an “emphatic” argument on behalf of GOP approaches and shared sacrifice to face the nation's biggest challenges.

The Return Of No-Risk Romney  —  No answer on Medicare, and no salsa music.  Romney seems to want Ryan, but not the Ryan plan.  —  Romney speaks during a campaign event at Palacio De Los Jugos in Miami, Florida, on Monday.  —  Image by SAUL LOEB / Getty Images

GOP concerned Ryan could cost party House and Senate seats  —  Republicans strategists are worried that Rep. Paul Ryan's (R-Wis.) addition to the presidential ticket will cost their party House and Senate seats this fall.  —  Their concern: Democrats will successfully demonize Ryan's budget plan …

Romney Campaign Chair Contradicts Candidate, Says Romney's Medicare Plan Is ‘Very Different’ From Ryan's Plan  —  Just a day after Mitt Romney told reporters, “my plan for Medicare is very similar to [Paul Ryan's] plan for Medicare,” former New Hampshire governor and Romney campaign chair …