Why Paul Ryan's Plan Might Work

Douthat defends Ryan's plan against the charge that it is a giveaway to the rich:

Ryan’s proposed changes to the tax code his reduction in the highest rates, and his addition of a consumption tax would shift the tax burden down the income ladder, just as Chait says. But nearly every other major element of the roadmap would make the American welfare state more redistributionist, rather than less so.

But it wouldn't balance the budget, would it? For Krugman's critique, see here.