Ryan Says He’s Running for President, Activates Site
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan made it official this morning: he’s seeking the Democratic Party nomination for president. Ryan made his announcement on ABC’s “The View.”
He began by saying, “This country is divided,” and has been for quite some time.
Ryan referenced the industrial losses that have afflicted the Mahoning Valley since the 1970s, beginning with the story of when his father-in-law lost his job at Youngstown Sheet & Tube.
Then he brought it all home by mentioning the closing March 6 of the General Motors Lordstown Complex.
A few weeks ago, he said, his daughter called him “crying from school,” after learning that one of her friends would have to move because her father lost his job at the GM Lordstown Complex and needed to accept a transfer to another GM plant.
“You’ve got to do something,” he quoted his daughter as saying.
“I said I am going to do something. I’m going to run for president of the United States,” Ryan continued.
During the segment, Ryan discussed his emphasis on creating new job opportunities in emerging technologies, his support for the $15 per hour minimum wage, congressional oversight of President Donald Trump and how he will approach retail politicking following allegations that the campaign style of former Vice President Joe Biden is too affectionate and invades the personal space of women.
Ryan has scheduled a rally for Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Youngstown Business Incubator.
Within minutes of his announcement, a website, TimRyanForAmerica.com, was activated, introducing Ryan as “an independent, no-nonsense congressman from Ohio fighting to rebuild our economy by investing in American workers.”
The theme of the website, and apparently the congressman’s campaign, is “Rebuilding the American Dream.” The home page, which includes a tab that seeks donations, is very similar to the language Ryan used on “The View” to make the case for his candidacy.
“The devastating stress and anxiety that comes with living paycheck to paycheck, not being able to afford to put food on the table or take your child to the doctor is making us sick and has fractured and divided our communities across the nation,” the website states. “It’s time for us to start building the America we deserve. An America that invests in public education, affordable health care and an economy that works for all of us. An America united by a shared vision for our future.”
Ryan’s appearance on “The View” did not specify that he has formed an exploratory committee that enables him to raise money and test the waters for his candidacy. His presidential campaign website states it is paid for by Tim Ryan for America.
To participate in the primary debates, the Democratic National Committee requires candidates to secure donations from 65,000 individuals or meet polling thresholds.
The first Democratic debate will take place on June 26 and 27 in Miami, followed by a second debate about a month later in Detroit, the date of which is yet to be announced.
NEW YORK TIMES:
Tim Ryan, Ohio Congressman, Enters 2020 Democratic Presidential Rac
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