Paul Ryan, Politician

Newt sees what Ryan is doing with his budget deal: Taking the budget and government shutdown out of the discussion for the mid-term elections, increasing the likelihood of a GOP takeover of the Senate. A savvy move.

Then Ryan becomes the object of Tea Party attack. Perhaps that was part of the strategy too. If not, it still works: It allows GOP representatives and Senators firm up their Tea Party credentials, again in preparation for mid-term elections. Ryan plays the stooge and scapegoat, but he can afford to since he’ll win no matter what.

Meanwhile, Ryan looks statesmanlike, a pol who can work with everyone and get things done, which is not a bad way for Ryan to prepare for 2016 or 2020. The most his own allies attack him, the more statemanlike he can look.

Turns out that Ryan is a politician, and a clever one.