Paul Ryan’s family time demand: A stand for young families

Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) has been recruited to be the next Speaker of the House for some time now. Part of the reluctance has been his three children. And now, he has made it clear that he wants to be able to balance such work with family time.

Fox News Insider has a video and transcript of Ryan’s speech Tuesday night. In speaking on if he would run for Speaker, Ryan did address his children:

Like many of you, Janna and I have children who are in the formative, foundational years of their lives.

I genuinely worry about the consequences that my agreeing to serve will have on them.

Will they experience the viciousness and incivility that we all face on a daily basis?

But my greatest worry is the consequence of not stepping up. Of some day having my own kids ask me, when the stakes were so high, ‘Why didn’t you do all you could? Why didn’t you stand and fight for my future when you had the chance?’

None of us wants to hear that question.

And none of us should ever have to.

Ryan also closed by mentioning his family, with added emphasis:

I have shown my colleagues what I think success looks like, what it takes to unify and lead, and how my family commitments come first. I have left this decision in their hands, and should they agree with these requests, then I am happy and willing to get to work. Thank you.

Such statements and conditions have gotten attention. Fox & Friends posted on their Facebook page. a quote from Ryan with pictures of his family.

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The Huffington Post also reported on Ryan’s reluctance to run over his kids, and included statements from various Congressmen about how taxing the role as Speaker can be.

Some think Ryan’s commitment to his family helps his appeal. This includes the Young Republican National Federation and the College Republican National Committee.

Not all are thrilled. Rep. Tim Hueslskamp (R-Kan.) expressed concerns and mentioned “there are a lot of questions to be answered.”

Independent Women’s Forum published a piece by Sabrina Schaeffer who writes about connecting with Ryan’s sense of commitment to family. Schaeffer calls it a “teachable moment” in her headline. She also mentions that:

Paul Ryan has some big decisions to make in the coming days. And he might not get everything he wants – most of us don’t. But Paul Ryan has served as a great example by doing something too few of us, especially women, are often willing to do: He’s clearly stated what he wants.

Schaeffer provides a worthy and relevant commentary on Ryan’s conditions. The GOP House leadership has undoubtedly scrambled with Speaker Boehner’s resignation, followed by McCarthy withdrawing from running for Speaker. It’s smart of Ryan to be clear about laying out exactly what he wants, and sticking to it. Ryan is also principled and honest in that regard.

Plus, who doesn’t love and relate to a family man?