EXCERPT:
RYAN: "I disagree with that statement. I haven't seen the context, but I disagree. We are a melting pot. My family is here because the potato stopped growing in Ireland. This is what's beautiful about the American idea. We are a melting pot where people come from all walks of life all around the world to seek freedom and to seek a better life. The American idea is this beautiful idea that is there for everyone which is that the condition of your birth doesn't determine the outcome of your life. I really do believe in the American system of our values, our principles and the melting pot that it has produced. That is what makes America great. I don't think that statement reflects what is special about this country. I would like to think, and I haven't spoken to Steve about this, I would like to think that he misspoke and it wasn't really meant the way that that sounds and hopefully he has clarified that."