Let’s say you are a Republican consultant with misgivings about the selection of Ryan as veep, or who thought it was a mistake. What possible good purpose could be served by giving quotes to that effect to a reporter for publication? Isn’t it your job to make the best for your clients of whatever circumstances you find yourselves in? If the ticket loses, you can tell your reporter friends you knew it was a mistake all along — and remind them what you said to them at the time, off the record.