I am channeling Scott Rasmussen here, a brilliant, brilliant man. http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/political_commentary/commentary_by_scott_rasmussen/the_introduction_is_key_to_a_successful_romney_veep_pick
I am summarizing a couple of his articles, one of which was written prior to Ryan's selection as VP candidate. In essence, one of the most important qualities in selecting a running mate is their rame or if you prefer, recognizability. The problem with selecting a Portman is that 90% of the public does not know him. That means that CBS, NBC, ABC, AP, NPR would define (read smear) Portman for all but 10% of the public.
This is what happened to an unknown known as Sarah Palin. She is arguably the most successful governor in US history and Alaska is possibly the best managed state (if finances mean anything it is far and away the most successful state in US history) of all time. But facts afforded Palin no protection from character assassination. She was a blank canvas and the media turned her into a caricature of herself.
According to Rasmussen 39% have a favorable opinion of Paul Ryan and 25% have an unfavorable opinion. That means that the media only get to shape the opinions of 36% of the population. Ryan, therefore, is a safer bet than Portman.
http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/elections/election_2012/election_2012_presidential_election/august_2012/39_have_favorable_opinion_of_paul_ryan_25_unfavorable2
This was a smooth maneuver for Romney. Romney will be called a lot of names but "dumb ass" will not be one of them.
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