DAY'S END ROUNDUP

FROM THE BLOGS:

Things are coming up Romney
The New Yorker's John Cassidy lists five reasons the GOP front-runner should be optimistic, despite the conventional wisdom.

De Niro: First lady joke "not meant to offend"
Talking Points Memo's Benjy Sarlin tracks down the actor, who said his joke about the country not being "ready for a white First Lady" was spoken in jest and not intended to offend.

Anti-protest law could threaten free speech
Slate's Dahlia Lithwick and Raymond Vasvari say an anti-protest bill could substantially change what protests are allowed, despite government assurances.

Ryan's budget and the future of conservatism
The National Review's Yuval Levin argues the Wisconsin congressman's budget is a blueprint for what Republicans should hope to achieve — and improves on last year's effort.

OTHER NEWS SOURCES:

Ryan budget proposes $5.3 trillion in spending cuts
The House Budget committee chairman would collapse the tax code and dramatically scale back spending, The Hill's Erik Wasson reports.

Reid says Wyden does not support proposed Medicare reform
The Oregon senator, who backed Ryan's original reform proposal, will not back the new plan, according to the chamber's Democratic leader, The Hill's Alexander Bolton reports.