8/17 SHOW: WHY RYAN FOR VEEP? WHY NO RIGHTS TO ASSEMBLE AND PETITION IN CHARLOTTE AT THE DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION?

On this week’s show the Ivory Tower panelists assess Mitt Romney’s selection of Paul Ryan as his vice presidential running mate.  There are no shortages of theories to explain the choice, but the evidence points to a Romney campaign in trouble.  Then the panelists debate the apparent erosion of First Amendment freedoms of petition and assembly in Charlotte, where delegates to the Democratic National Convention will soon assemble.  Are such measures as “free speech zones” (really pens), and an atmosphere close to martial law really necessary?  Are such measures about security, or the unwillingness of Democrats to give 30,000 protestors some time on national TV?    Join in the conversation by posting a comment.