Mitt Romney’s choice for vice-president is risky for him, but good for America

BY PICKING Paul Ryan, an athletic and brainy young congressman from Wisconsin, as his running-mate Mitt Romney has delighted Republicans and Democrats in equal measure. To the Republican base, Mr Ryan is the distilled essence of tea, a determined tax-cutter and state-shrinker. To the Democrats, he makes a perfect target for exactly the same reasons. But no one can accuse Mr Romney any longer of being unclear about what he will do if he makes it to the White House (see article).