Paul Ryan is the first member of Gen X named to top of a major party ticket . Then there 's the visual appeal of Ryan , who is the same age as one of Romney 's sons . He came of age during an economic recession and the dot - com boom and bust . His views on economic and social policy have Gen X appeal , political experts say . Ryan 's relative youth matches Romney 's appeal .
Paul Ryan is the first member of Gen X named to top of a major party ticket . He came of age during an economic recession and the dot - com boom and bust . His views on economic and social policy have Gen X appeal , political experts say . Ryan 's relative youth matches Romney 's appeal .