Williamsburg, Virginia (CNN) - Former 2012 GOP vice presidential candidate Rep. Paul Ryan plans to attend Monday's inauguration of President Barack Obama.
The lawmaker from Wisconsin told reporters at the House Republican retreat in Williamsburg that he would be at the Washington ceremony, saying "it's my obligation."
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But Ryan ignored a question about his plans for 2016.
He is considered among the top tier of potential presidential candidates next cycle and has not ruled out a bid.
He stoked speculation about a future presidential bid when he spoke about the future of his party at a December conservative awards dinner sponsored by the Jack Kemp Foundation.
Ryan encouraged his party to find a "vision for bringing opportunity into every life - one that promotes strong families, secure livelihoods and an equal chance for every American to fulfill their highest aspirations for themselves and their children." That vision, he said, includes roles for government, private groups and free enterprise.
At the dinner, he congratulated Obama on his re-election and said he hopes the president would "offer fresh ideas and serious leadership" in his second term.
On the presidential campaign trail this year, Ryan described Obama in stark terms. At an October event in Pennsylvania he said, "This is the third president I have served with. It's the most partisan one I have ever known."
Ryan could find himself at the center of a major policy debate between Obama and congressional Republicans over the debt ceiling, sequester, and funding the federal government. He is the chairman of the House Budget Committee.
Obama will officially take the oath of office at noon on Sunday January 20, as required by the constitution, but because inaugural ceremonies have traditionally not been held on Sundays, the public ceremony will take place on Monday.
– CNN's Gregory Wallace contributed to this report
From CNN Politics
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It's not your obligation, Congressman, it's your honor.
Well there will be at least one person there who can read and write.
He's a snake. it's the only way that he will see one.
"It's the most partisan one I have ever known." "
LOL. He just used "It's" instead of "he's" to refer to Obama. Freud would have a field day with this insolent self-serving little narcissist.
Ryan wouldn't be missed if he chose to stay home instead and sharpie a new hairline.
Honestly, who cares? As a woman, I find this man offensive, and even moreso given the fact that he's in a position to make his beliefs law.
What do you call someone with a big head and no brains? A moose.
Only a sore loser would think of it as an "Obligation".
I don't think that he'll get to be on that stage as a person that is going to be sworn in. I think his kids have a better shot at getting into office when they grow up than he does now at getting the presidency.
"Well there will be at least one person there who can read and write."
I'm sorry, but "Derp" is not an officially recognized language.
Did he get his permission slip from Norquist to attend? Objectivist POS.
well whats next with paul what does he want from obama, an his point is.
if you did not go,you would not be missed mr. gremlin
Ryan is a low life, lying punk.
He should hide in shame.
Guys got more sense in his left finger than Obama. Obama is going to break this country.
If you can't beat them – join them. Amen!!!
"Oh my God Paul Ryan is on the clock tower! Take Cover!"
Get the flock out of here Eddie Munster. What's your real reason for attending??
from the article:
On the presidential campaign trail this year, Ryan described Obama in stark terms. At an October event in Pennsylvania he said, "This is the third president I have served with. It's the most partisan one I have ever known."
----------------------
"It's" ??? Sniffit has a point.
Let's take a poll. Typo or Psycho. T or P.
Ryan encouraged his party to find a "vision for bringing opportunity into every life – one that promotes strong families, secure livelihoods and an equal chance for every American to fulfill their highest aspirations for themselves and their children."
------------------------------
Yup. Find a vision to sell to the rubes and then make sure it stays just that: a vision. Because policies that promote strong families, secure livelihoods and an equal chance for every American in any way that matters and can be enforced also cut into the power of the plutocrats to squeeze out a few more bucks with forced overtime, threats of layoffs and divide and conquer strategies. We know whose side Paul Ryan is on. So do the people of his hometown, Janesville, who know him best - they voted overwhelmingly for Barack Obama.
It's his "honor?" mmmkkk Kathleen Farrell
If you cannot say something good about a man do not say anything at all and I cannot find anything good to say so I will close!!
of course a republican would think a democrat would be more partisan than a republican just like a democrat would think the republican was more partisan. Duh
Ryan couldn't win a state wide election. Wisconsin went blue and so did his district. Boehner, Cantor, Ryan have all taken the short cut to power. At least the turd McConnell is a senator. This guy has no shot against Christie. Fat boy will take Ryan and Rubio and mop the floor with them in 2016.
Chairman of the House Budget Committee. He spent the entire meeting with the WH Budget Director strenuously running for the 2016 nomination. No matter what the guy said it was: "Sir, in Middle America, where I come from, people depend on small business. I know you come from New York, so you couldn't understand that.' Jesus. And Obama is more partisan than Bush. Good one.