Mr Olsen – who held the Solicitor General position under Bush The Younger – has extensive experience in and out of government, including arguing 58 cases before the Supreme Court, some three-quarters of which were found in his favour.
According to the government executive website, Mr Olsen has already participated in a number of preparation sessions with Mr Ryan.

Headlining roles

Mr Ryan’s spokesman, Brendan Buck, said: ‘There are few people in politics with more experience debating the issues than Joe Biden, so we are taking this process seriously. Mr Olson is one of the most skilled, intelligent, and successful litigators in America – just the kind of opponent needed to prepare the congressman for Mr Biden.’
Mr Olsen is the last debate stand-in to be confirmed. Ohio Senator Rob Portman is set to play President Barack Obama, while Massachusetts Senator John Kerry will moonlight as Mitt Romney for the Obama team. Maryland Representative Chris Van Hollen will play Mr Ryan. So far, Martin Sheen isn’t getting a look in.