Awww. Poor Obama. Paul Ryan is stealing all of his thunder.

Lots of reasons to smile.

The internet exploded with excitement since Mitt Romney announced Paul Ryan as his running mate, with the new official Twitter account for the campaign, @PaulRyanVP, getting over 50,000 followers in the first day. The account now has almost 80,000.

The buzz translated in to real world effects too, with the thousands of conservatives using their wallets to show their pleasure with Romney's choice of Ryan. The campaign raised over $1.2 million in the first few hours after the announcement, and $3.5 million in the first 24 hours, as reported by campaign spokeswoman Andrea Saul:

HERE FIRST: @mittromney has raised over $1.2 million since pick of @paulryanvp #LessThan4Hours
— Andrea Saul (@andreamsaul) August 11, 2012

$3.5 million raised online in 24 hrs of @mittromney's pick of @paulryanvp #RomneyRyan2012
— Andrea Saul (@andreamsaul) August 12, 2012

Unfortunately for Obama, he seems to be struggling. The campaign's spending has caused alarm for its "burn rate," unusually high this early in the election cycle and seemingly unfocused. 

And the enthusiasm gap is showing no signs of closing. As New York Times reporter Jodi Kantor tweeted earlier today, Obama is having trouble filling rooms for his fundraisers, even if the ticket prices aren't that high:

At Obama fundraiser in Chicago. Admission only $51, but room is half full.
— jodikantor (@jodikantor) August 12, 2012

Just to clarify, tix *started* at $51. Obama campaign sez event was sold out, but room is about half full. Hmmm.
— jodikantor (@jodikantor) August 12, 2012

The Obama campaign can say what they want, but no one "sells out" a campaign event like this and leaves the room half empty. [UPDATE: I almost missed the punchline...this was an event for Obama's birthday, in his hometown! Bwahahahaha!]

A Romney-Ryan event in High Point, NC, had no such attendance problems. As Legal Insurrection reported, they had an overflow crowd and the line was around the block. A photo from the article (more posted here along with comments from attendees):

Republicans are also already salivating over the vice presidential debate between Ryan and Joe Biden...

The debate between @paulryanvp and Biden will be like Mr. Spock discussing logic with a tribble.
— Lisa Scherr (@BBUMH) August 11, 2012

Simulataneously, while the Democrats seem to be cackling about trying to pin Paul Ryan on Republicans in down-ticket and local and state races, I'm seeing lots of enthusiasm. The Republicans just don't seem to buy into the argument from the Left that arguing for fiscal responsibility makes them vulnerable.

Showing political courage pays dividends. Wisconsin Gov Walker and Paul Ryan get it! Those of us who lead in Fla should take note #sayfie
— Will Weatherford (@willweatherford) August 11, 2012

#TeamBielat is looking forward to working together with @mittromney @paulryanvp @scottbrownma & @seanbielat for victory in November! #mapoli
— Bielat Press (@BielatPress) August 11, 2012

Sean Bielat also posted a statement on his website, praising the selection of Paul Ryan as a "bold choice," noting:

...Not everyone agrees with Rep. Ryan's bold proposals, but few of those who disagree with him have put forth comprehensive budgetary plans of their own. All too often, politicians use scare tactics for short-term political gain, thus preventing reforms that will shore up key programs and keep our government on a fiscally sustainable path. As a stalwart fiscal hawk, Congressman Ryan is focused on making the tough decisions that America needs to get back on track and get our economy growing again. I hope that we will see campaigns at all levels engage on these important policy issues because the American people deserve policy-focused debate. I look forward to supporting the Romney-Ryan ticket this November as we strive to get a grip on the national debt, put Americans back to work, and grow the economy.

If a Republican running in Massachusetts against a Kennedy can say this, then clearly the Democrats' scare tactics aren't working.

UPDATE: Just got an email from the campaign that says that the Romney campaign has raked in almost $5 million since the Ryan announcement. BOOM!