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Mitt Romney and his running mate Paul Ryan sat down for their first joint interview on Sunday’s 60 Minutes . In the softball interview with Bob Schieffer , the pair didn’t reveal much new information, finding it an opportunity to drive home some of the Romney campaign’s central messages. Asked about when he made the final decision about his running mate, Romney said he had kept an open mind with his options and committed to picking Ryan on August 1. Calling Ryan “a real leader,” Romney touted his “passion for making a difference.” Chiming in, Ryan noted that the country is in a “very perilous position” — and that he’s been focused on tackling the economic and fiscal challenges “before it tackles us.” Exuding confidence in his choice, Romney asserted that Ryan could be president, should the occasion arise, that that was the first and most important criterion used in vetting. He further touted Ryan’s experience in Washington, arguing that he’s worked in ways that are “not highly parti...

MSNBC host Rachel Maddow clashed with National Review editor Rich Lowry during a roundtable discussion about Paul Ryan ‘s budget plan on Sunday’s Meet the Press . While Maddow insisted that Mitt Romney ‘s picking Ryan as his running mate is everything the Democrats could have hoped for, Lowry disagreed, commending the choice. “Democrats think that this is the best thing that could possibly happen to their campaign,” Maddow said, noting that the conversation is no longer just about whether voters like the way the country is going. “Now the choice is, ‘Well you may not like Afghanistan or renewable energy or Solyndra or health insurance coverage for contraception or something, fine. Do you like Medicare?’” she continued. “Now it is a choice. It is no longer just a referendum on Obama and that’s everything they wanted.” Lowry begged to differ, viewing the Ryan pick as one that shows “a real commitment to getting things done,” and demonstrates Romney’s eye for good talent. The segment ...