The current political climate, charged by Democratic and Republican consultants has marginalized the political debate and distanced the average American from the process. We got where we are today because both parties have rigged the primary system and election laws through both statute and mutual cooperation in the court system.

In an email statement sent out this morning, Obama for America hits back at Mitt Romney's selection of Rep. Paul Ryan:

8:30 - "Following four years of failed leadership, the hopes that have inspired our country have grown dim... Governor Romney is the man for this moment. And he and I share one commitment. We will restore the greatness of this country."

8:31 - Ryan introduces his wife and children.

8:33 - Paul Ryan says his now deceased father used to always say to him: "Son, you're either part of the problem or part of the solution," adding that Barack Obama is part of the problem and Mitt Romney is part of the solution.

Update: Watch the Romney campaign announcement live here.

Though the Mitt Romney campaign app got off to a slow start, it has finally caught up to the social networks like Twitter that virally spread news reports of a possible Paul Ryan pick late Friday, and confirmed those reports early Saturday with these words:

Mitt Romney announced Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan as his running mate Saturday morning. Rep. Ryan is a shrewd decision from a domestic policy angle. He is a major architect of the Republican's Path to Prosperity, a vocal member of the GOP majority in Congress, as well as youthful, fresh and predicted to invigorate the Republican base.

One of the more contentious political episodes of the past week has been an ad run by a pro-Obama PAC making the claim that as CEO of Bain Capital, Mitt Romney killed a man's wife.

One of the more contentious political episodes of the past week has been an ad run by a pro-Obama PAC making the claim that as CEO of Bain Capital, Mitt Romney killed a man's wife.