Report: Ryan, Rubio Plan Party Future 2016

The young guns in the GOP are ready to take over. Two of the stars of the party, Paul Ryan and Marco Rubio, attended a dinner honoring the late Jack Kemp, and both addressed remarks to the audience. Ryan addressed the issue of Republicans being perceived as indifferent to some segments of the population, indirectly dealing with the fallout that accompanied Mitt Romney’s remarks that noted 47% of the nation’s population are exempt from income taxes. Ryan stated:

You know, both parties tend to divide Americans into our voters and their voters. Let’s be really clear: Republicans must steer very clear of that trap. We must speak to the aspirations and the anxieties of every American … At a time of great consequence, the American people have again chosen divided government. And it’s up to us to make this divided government work. We’ve got to set aside partisan considerations in favor of one overriding concern – how to work together to repair this economy.

Ryan and Rubio were aware of the chances they would square off in 2016. Ryan joked, “Know any good diners in New Hampshire or Iowa? I’m sure the press won’t read too much into that one.” Rubio has already visited Iowa, whose caucuses commence the primary process, in preparation for 2016, and New Hampshire is the first presidential primary.

Ryan wasn’t bashful about 2016, either, saying

Now Jack and I share something else in common: We both used to be the next vice president of the United States. You know, although I wish this election had turned out differently, I’m proud of the campaign Mitt Romney and I ran … losing is part of politics, and can often prepare the way for the greatest victories.