1. Running as the champion of opportunity, a theme he’s already been working on.

2. Stifling his wonky budget analysis both to guide the discussion to growth and opportunity and to connect with ordinary voters who care much less about debt than about jobs.

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3. Reforming entitlements is not a penny-pinching exercise but a means to an end — better health care for the poor and a sustainable, quality Medicare plan for the elderly.

4. Contrasting the records of freshmen GOP Sens. Marco Rubio (Fla.), Ted Cruz (Tex.) and Rand Paul (Ky.) who’ve been part of the dysfunction problem in Washington with his own labors to achieve constructive policy goals.

5. Convincing voters he is knowledgeable and has solid instincts when it comes to national security. He and Mitt Romney, after all, had it right on multiple fronts in the 2012 campaign. It really would be the “We told you so” campaign.

6. Highlighting his roots in Janesville, Wis. Bill Clinton, the man from Hope, Ark., was expert at bonding with ordinary voters. Ryan would have to do the same, revealing more of his life story and making a more visceral connection with his audiences.

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7. Preventing a vivid contrast between the future and past, tired partisanship and smart leadership. The contrast in appearance, vigor and creativity with Hillary Clinton, and even some of the GOP contenders, is remarkable.

8. Tapping into voters’ desire for something better. Although he was entirely incapable of following through, Obama’s message of change, potential and optimism was alluring, and conservatives shouldn’t denigrate it. Talking about our ability to rise above problems is essential; no one wants to vote for a pessimist. That message is near and dear to Ryan and could earnestly convey his confidence in better days ahead.

9. Making the campaign about something other than celebrity. He’s never been comfortable with the focus on personality in politics and has always striven to master and gather support for policy reforms. After eight years of Obama and decades of the Clinton soap opera, the smart, humble candidate who doesn’t rely on a cult of personality may be refreshing.