The Slatest

Paul Ryan is working the phones, trying to reassure conservative pundits that all is not lost in the presidential race, reveals the National Review. Mitt Romney’s running mate has been calling several conservative commentators over the past week to express confidence in the GOP ticket, hears Robert Costa.

More than just simple expressions of confidence, Ryan’s conversations have “often been lengthy and candid.” Although he acknowledged “some missteps” with the campaign, he managed to hold on to a largely “positive and upbeat” tone.

The National Review hears Ryan has reached out to the Washington Post’s George F. Will, the Wall Street Journal’s Paul Gigot, and CNBC’s Larry Kudlow, among others.