“It finally gives us an argument to make with seniors… It’s a godsend,” said a Democratic operative allied with Obama who sees the issue as a way to make up lost ground with seniors in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Iowa and Florida. (See also: John Boehner says he’s not ‘wedded to’ Paul Ryan plan)

Moreover, some of Obama’s advisers think the anti-Ryan campaign could be especially effective against Republican Mitt Romney, a possible Obama opponent who has pronounced himself on the “same page” with the budget committee chairman from Wisconsin.

“This could be a real Romney killer,” added the person.