Are you ready for Vice President Jindal?
posted at 11:10 am on March 17, 2008 by Allahpundit
Share on Facebook | printer-friendly
The Headlines item has 65 comments so people obviously want to talk about this. Sell me on it. Why now? He’s been governor for two months; before that he was in Congress for three years; before that he racked up eight years (of impressive accomplishments) in state government. In other words, his resume roughly tracks with Obama’s. How are we going to beat up on the Messiah for his inexperience when our own number two is ten years younger than he is and one 71-year-old heartbeat away from the presidency? If McCain flames out, then we get the “GOP, the next generation” narrative for 2012; as it is, we’re stuck with the “tried and tested” narrative for this election. Besides, barring any Spitzerian lapses, Jindal’s bound to end up on the ticket someday. Why rush him up before he’s had a chance to build a record as an executive?
Do read the Journal piece, though, as it’s a sterling intro to an exceedingly capable guy. I’m importing the comments from the headlines item into this post; take it from there.
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Blowback
Note from Hot Air management: This section is for comments from Hot Air's community of registered readers. Please don't assume that Hot Air management agrees with or otherwise endorses any particular comment just because we let it stand. A reminder: Anyone who fails to comply with our terms of use may lose their posting privilege.
Trackbacks/Pings
Trackback URL
Comments
Comment pages: « Previous 1 2
Jindal needs some seasoning – now is not the time. And besides, we need him here in La. for awhile…
reine.de.tout on March 17, 2008 at 11:55 AM
No. Let Jindal clean up Lousiana first. Turn New Orleans into a first rate city, get a Republican mayor in there. Sell the brand, etc.
Theworldisnotenough on March 17, 2008 at 11:58 AM
Amen, sistah! I just worked my butt off helping get him in the governor’s mansion – I’m not prepared to give him up yet. Ask me again in 8 years!
Laura on March 17, 2008 at 11:59 AM
Heck, we can play identity politics too. What can we run his wife for?
JiangxiDad on March 17, 2008 at 12:00 PM
Mr. Jindal needs to do a slam dunk job in Louisiana first. Kill as much corruption as possible, get the state semi functional, lower taxes, attract businesses other than those rooted in vice and then he’ll have a solid record to run for president.
Forget vice president.
Mommynator on March 17, 2008 at 12:00 PM
Agreed – we really need Jindal to clean up Louisiana. He could almost singlehandedly restore the Republican brand if he succeeds there. He scares the crap out of a lot of Democrats for that very reason.
rockmom on March 17, 2008 at 12:01 PM
Not yet for Bobby J. He needs a successful term as governor under his belt. 2012 after the disaster that will be known as the Obama administration…Or the Clinton MKIII administration.
His campaign motto? “Here I come to save the day!” :)
Oh wait, that’s Dudley Doright of the Mounties. :D
Nope, Jindal in 2012
evilned on March 17, 2008 at 12:02 PM
If McCain loses in November, do I hear 4?
flipflop on March 17, 2008 at 12:02 PM
“Are you ready for Vice President Jindal?”
Don’t take our Governor. We just got him!
Kevin M on March 17, 2008 at 12:05 PM
I would like to see how he does as La. governor first, then run for president in 8-12 years.
rbj on March 17, 2008 at 12:06 PM
The criticisms of the Prophet Barack’s inexperience are legitimate, so, while Jindal shows a lot of promise, he needs to establish a longer track record of his own. A successful tenure as Governor of Louisiana would be just the ticket to get him on the ticket in 2008 or 2012.
irishspy on March 17, 2008 at 12:07 PM
Actually, since Katrina, Louisiana is growing. While as a Katrina survivor I was quite outraged and entirely opposed to the mindless knee-jerk over-reaction to the distorted, media generated hysteria, which resulted in the waisting of billions, never the less, all indications now, are that the over all effect has been cathartic. I believe that this would have happened with or with out, the rush to throw billions of federal dollars into a black hole of corruption. Ultimately, the out come of, if you will, this coup de torchon, that was Katrina, was to finally put an end to business in Louisiana as usual. As I learned in my English classes many years ago, the ultimate outcome of Tragedy, is rebirth. Perhaps I’m dreaming, I hope to death I am not, but that is what the ascendence of Bobby Jindal signifies to me.
Nyog_of_the_Bog on March 17, 2008 at 12:10 PM
What about Barack? Why now?
ToddonCapeCod on March 17, 2008 at 12:11 PM
How does he feel about India taking all our offsoring jobs, and Indians coming here to take all our high tech jobs?
PrezHussein on March 17, 2008 at 12:14 PM
let him fix that cesspool of Louisiana and demonstrate to the people that the (D) has done nothing for them.
jcrue on March 17, 2008 at 12:22 PM
Leave Jindal in LA…they desparately need his cleaning skills.
I’d love to see Steele as VP. Great Conservative, in charge of GOPAC, supported (albeit from outside MD) his last political campaign.
Whoever posted about Steele being “Moderate/Liberal” Republican doesn’t know squat about the guy…and there’s more than YouTube available in order to better know him.
Anyone can go to http://www.wmal.com and register for a free account to listen to the radio free. In addition to the standard daily programming you’d expect, like Rush 12-3PM, Sean Hannity 3-6PM, & Mark Levin 6-8PM, they have a local guy who’s great: Chris Plante 9-12AM.
Each Wednesday morning, Steele has a standing invitation to call in and discuss current issues with Plante (this invitation is a holdover from another local great, Chris Core, until recent programing changes). I think it’s in the 11AM hour, but it doesn’t matter. All 3 hours of the Chris Plante show are worth listening to, and the Wednesday discussions with Steele are especially enlightening.
Miss_Anthrope on March 17, 2008 at 12:25 PM
Agreed, everybody. Bobby needs to stay in Louisiana and turn it around before he ascends to the national stage.
I nearly choked when, yesterday morning, I heard Ed Cox mention Bobby, yet again, as a member of McCain’s short list. I fired off a heated e-mail to Buddy Roemer charging him 1) to instruct Cox, et al, as to the proper pronunciation of Bobby’s last name – rhymes with spindle – and 2) to take Bobby’s name off the list ‘cuz we ain’t done with him, yet.
Frankly, I didn’t work my “hoofies to the quick,” for five years +, to have Mitch Landrieu slide into the governor’s mansion. Pfft.
Aunt B on March 17, 2008 at 12:26 PM
A journalist shouldn’t make a good man look bad.
mymanpotsandpans on March 17, 2008 at 12:27 PM
Maybe, but unlikely – I’d rather more experience in *anybody* running for President. Depends on who else is running, I guess.
Laura on March 17, 2008 at 12:30 PM
Indeed. I’ve had quite enough of the Cajun Kennedys. I had no idea there were this many HA readers from La. Anybody interested in a meetup?
Laura on March 17, 2008 at 12:32 PM
Is it me or does he look like a tanner Ray Romano?
JayB on March 17, 2008 at 12:36 PM
He’s practically a kid, for crying out loud, albeit a very talented and promising one. Let him do his thing in LA and get some true executive successes under his belt… and nominate him for the top job in 8 years…
D2Boston on March 17, 2008 at 12:36 PM
Agreed. Let Jindal make some bones in La. Leave it the Dem to keep nominating unvetted, empty shirts. For the race/sex jujitsu angle whats wrong with Condi?
“Here I come to save the day.” is Mighty Mouse’s.
i b squidly on March 17, 2008 at 12:36 PM
Since July 06, I’m in St. Louis. But I still have family there and do read Dead Pelican pretty much every day.
Nyog_of_the_Bog on March 17, 2008 at 12:38 PM
Jindal in 2012. He shouldn’t soil himself running with a mangy liberal like McCain.
Zorro on March 17, 2008 at 12:40 PM
I agree that my preference is that he wait this one out and see what happens in 2012 or 2016.
Let me play devil’s advocate, however, and advance his cause for vp in 2008. First of all, his experience is roughly equal Obama’s. If Obama does survive current storms and wind up as the nominee, it counts for something that the R veep is as experienced as the D candidate, showing the R bench is deeper. (Even if something happens to McCain, Jindal is still the equal of your #1 in experience). Then, of course you run the risk of Jindal either succumbing to some sort of scandal in the La. political environment or striving mightily for a few years and failing to achieve lasting change. If he tries to clean up La. politics and fails spectacularly, he will not be in a good position next time around. Take him now, and put his current cred to good use burnishing the R ticket. Identity politics being in play, his ethnicity is also a plus.
Of course, as noted above, I would prefer that he wait. I hope he can come out with significant progress on his La. record.
cs89 on March 17, 2008 at 12:45 PM
Let’s decide this with a Jindal vs. Romney death match. Go!
PS. Romney gets to have help from his sons…. Muahahaha.
Seixon on March 17, 2008 at 12:46 PM
Leave him alone you can’t have him yet.
Seriously let him do some work on Louisiana first.
roux on March 17, 2008 at 12:46 PM
Nyog_of_the_Bog, it’s good to hear Louisiana is rising. I’m still worried about New Orleans. Even before Katrina it was too dependent on tourism. Population was shrinking and non-tourist businesses were leaving.
seanhackbarth on March 17, 2008 at 12:50 PM
A good point CS. My biggest worry is that Louisiana Politics will some how dirty him. Bobby has to be very careful. Certainly, you’ve got to know, the Dems will be out to make that happen.
Nyog_of_the_Bog on March 17, 2008 at 12:51 PM
Haha, I can see that.
But as to the question, yes, it’s way too soon. It would be best for Jindal to get that exec experience…and LA could use all the help they can get. If he can turn that state around, that’ll only help him in the future should he run.
Dubn8tr on March 17, 2008 at 12:52 PM
Not yet. He’s like a big pot of NOLA gumbo.
Yes, technically, you can eat it 5 minutes after it all comes together.
BUT, youre better off letting it simmer for a good long while.
If Mav wins the WH in 2008, chances are he wont run again in 2012. I would like to see Mav pick a solid accomplished running mate as his “Goose” this year, and turn that person into the 2012 nominee with a Jindal on as VP…after he has had a chance to perform as chief executive of a diverse and strategically important state.
ps – whoever the GOP VP nominees turns out to be, can there be any doubt that his/her nickname will be and should be, Goose?? I realize Goose buys it in a crash, but….
Mike D. on March 17, 2008 at 12:58 PM
The difference between Jindal and Obama is that Jindal had demonstrated his ability by taking on and succeeding in a number of different jobs. Obama spins a pretty speech, but he really has not accomplished much.
If you support Jindal, you are supporting somebody who has demonstrated ability and is solid philosphically. You are voting on a resume that has a lot of accomplishment stuffed into very few years. Just because Jindal hasn’t been around for twenty years does not mean he is not the real deal.
I want a man who is going to produce, and move the country back in the direction of limited government and fiscal conservatism. Jindal has shown he can do that. If you remove the dates from his resume, you would think you were looking at a very accomplished thirty-year career. The fact that he has jammed all that into ten years only make it more impressive, not less.
gridlock2 on March 17, 2008 at 1:21 PM
not now, but for the next one
Ropera on March 17, 2008 at 1:25 PM
Romney as VP, then Jindal as Romney’s VP in 2012.
MarkJudge on March 17, 2008 at 1:29 PM
Laura @ 12:32 PM
Sure! It’s nice to know there are other conservatives here who so desperately want the sullied reputation of our great state removed.
Nolamom67 on March 17, 2008 at 1:36 PM
I’m with most of the posters on this site–Jindal is very promising, but he needs experience. If he really cleans up Louisiana by 2012, he can then be seen as a young conservative governor who can get things done, and may become an excellent VP pick by then, especially if McCain is elected but then steps down due to advancing age. Right now, the same “no experience” label could be applied to Jindal as to Barack Obama.
Michael Steele does look like a good VP pick for this year. He already has executive experience as Lieutenant Governor of Maryland, he is young and articulate, and could win some of the black vote from the Democrats, especially against Obama. In addition, since he is no longer in office, his running would not deprive a state of its Governor or Senator, as would running Jindal.
Steve Z on March 17, 2008 at 1:46 PM
Jindal as veep would be seen by many voters as a cynical answer to Obama on the Democrat side. “Let’s get another melanin-gifted, wet-behind-the-ears, charismatic fellah (from a crooked state) to run against Obama!” That would turn off a lot of voters, especially those who either hate identity politics or would want to vote for McCain due to his (perceived) integrity. Pulling the Jindal trigger too early could doom the ticket.
calbear on March 17, 2008 at 1:53 PM
The picture of this guy reminds me of a Mad Magazine
cover….”What Me Worry??”.
gary on March 17, 2008 at 2:17 PM
I would guess some want to rush him for the same reason the Yankees broke/stretched the “Joba Rules”. Without today, there is no tomorrow?
HunnyWaggin on March 17, 2008 at 2:18 PM
I do agree. Much, much too soon.
ThePrez on March 17, 2008 at 2:23 PM
We don’t need another Lloyd Bentsen moment. I agree. Let him work whatever Indian voodoo he can snake-charm up in Louisiana and then put him on the ticket in ‘12 or ‘16. Want a conservative minority now? How about J.C. Watts or Michael Steele?
Kafir on March 17, 2008 at 2:53 PM
Nolamom67 on March 17, 2008 at 1:36 PM
Email me at laura – at – pursuingholiness.com if you’d like to have a cup of coffee sometime. I sometimes think I’m the only conservative in the NOLA metro area… nice to know there’s a few others out there. :-)
Laura on March 17, 2008 at 3:10 PM
No no no. Let Bobby do his work in Baton Rouge. He needs to get his feet wet in an executive position for heaven’s sake (*cough* much like Obama *cough*).
If Jindal can make a dent in Louisiana, then he’ll be ready to make a dent in Washington. Honestly, if he’s making real progress there come 2012, I’d rather he stayed there for another 8 years. A Bobby Jindal with 8 solid years of reform under his belt is a nigh unstoppable reformer that could take Washington by storm. 8 years of LA politics will harden him up, make him a strong candidate and executive. That’s a Bobby Jindal I’d work tirelessly for.
spmat on March 17, 2008 at 3:24 PM
Err… “for another four years” .. eight years total. Durrr…
spmat on March 17, 2008 at 3:26 PM
If he can actually clean up the cesspool of LA politics, he will get me voting for him. It is probably the most corrupt of all state governments. There are several cities that are more corrupt, but on a state level no one touches LA – although several seem to be trying lately.
Corsair on March 17, 2008 at 3:31 PM
I’ve got it!
Romney and Jindal…2012..yeaaaaaa
Skullf15 on March 17, 2008 at 3:58 PM
I wanted just an ounce more experience before reading the piece and now I’m convinced he’s got plenty experience. Especially on health care. If anybody here has ever heard this guy talk health care policy, you know he’ll mop the floor with Hillary….and make Obama look like a first grader.
malan89 on March 17, 2008 at 4:26 PM
Agreed. His time may come, but it isn’t now – unless we don’t really believe the ‘lack of experience’ tag we’re putting on Obama.
Do we, or don’t we?
Midas on March 17, 2008 at 4:57 PM
Part of me gets annoyed when conservatives start talking identity politics, too. I hope someday both parties will be able to simply pick the best freaking candidates out there without worrying about race/gender.
Crazy thought, I know.
Midas on March 17, 2008 at 5:00 PM
McCain/Romney in 2008.
McCain/Romney in 2012.
Romney/Jindall in 2016.
Romney/Jindall in 2020.
Theophile on March 17, 2008 at 5:36 PM
Jindall/Nethicus in 2024
Jindall/Nethicus in 2028
Nethicus Rules the World in 2032! Bank on it!
Nethicus on March 17, 2008 at 5:54 PM
This is getting old. Allah, every week we play this ridiculous game. It’s going to be Lindsey Graham. This decision has been made for at least a year. I know every “true conservative” is up in arms. Why I don’t know, but this dog and pony show is dated and we need to move along to more substantive issues.
THE CHOSEN ONE on March 17, 2008 at 6:38 PM
Did I miss something? He has already adamantly said NO to this idea many times. Why is this even being discussed?
Vigilante on March 17, 2008 at 6:39 PM
because all to often in politics…”No” turns into yes, and “Yes”…turns into No.
HunnyWaggin on March 17, 2008 at 8:10 PM
I love Jindal, but nows not the time. I’m not completely sold on McCain, but I will be voting for him, and I don’t want Jindal in this race where his image could be tarnished. Lets keep him clean for 2012 or 2016.
As for the argument that he would negate the messiah’s inexperience- thats false. Jindals what, ten years younger? He’s got more experience than Obama by far.
eski502 on March 17, 2008 at 8:16 PM
I said it before anyone else did, ill say it now, i STILL believe he is considering… The human spatula…the walking weather vane…yes…Joe Lieberman. And the reason i think he will wait, is because McCain wants to see if he needs this last minute ditch effort. Loserman will hang in their like a sap, because…well…he is a sap. And Hadassah needs a new pair of shoes.
HunnyWaggin on March 17, 2008 at 8:17 PM
HunnyWaggin on March 17, 2008 at 8:17 PM
Can’t do it. Graham won’t exactly energize the debate, but he is one of us. He is a terrific speaker, mirrors many of Mav’s controversial positions, and as Vice president will keep the congressional republicans in line because he is well versed in power play politics within the chamber. Lieberman is great to have around on the campaign trail and will possibly be SOS. I could though perhaps see those roles reversed. But yes, I’m down with Joe too.
THE CHOSEN ONE on March 17, 2008 at 8:37 PM
NO.NO.NO.NO.NO!!
PoliticallyIncorrectSandy on March 17, 2008 at 8:41 PM
Didnt Mr. Grahamnesty say that Ted Kennedy was “One of the most principled men he ever met”. I’m sorry, i could NEVER vote for a guy that said that (among other things)…for Dog Catcher! I think he’s just a young McCain- Doing the job Americans
cantwont do (I’m from Connecticut, Lieberman has done nothing for CT, or this country, in all these years, he just uses us as a stepping stone (as he used Gore, and is trying to use McCain). I voted for him to get rid of the drunk-Weicker for giving us a state income tax. the only Dem i ever voted for…I’ll never do that again)HunnyWaggin on March 17, 2008 at 8:49 PM
you know why i despise Loserman? at least Bill & Hillary stay and defecate on their side of the fence. you never know when Joe will jump the fence back and forth to help his personal situation. he is filth. And all the Reps that buy his BS…man…it disturbs me.
HunnyWaggin on March 17, 2008 at 8:54 PM
I’m not suggesting that he should or would accept an invitation to be McCain’s runningmate, but how on earth can you say his career tracks with Obama?
He managed an agency within a huge government bureaucracy and made vast improvements there before he was even thirty, he’s served capably in Congress, and has a resume that most of his peers who are twice his age can’t brag of.
If he were forced to become the Chief executive at this moment, hypothetically speaking, he could. Obama’s sole qualification to be POTUS is his skin color, and perhaps his ability to turn a phrase that has been written for him by a slick speechwriting team.
Gerard on March 18, 2008 at 7:10 AM
As an illustration of just how small the conservative community is in the New Orleans area – Nolamom67 and I met for lunch, had a great time chatting, and it turns out we know a lot of the same people.
Obviously we have enough conservatives statewide to elect Jindal and to make La. a red state. But New Orleans is a very blue town, even after Katrina.
Laura on March 18, 2008 at 4:11 PM
Comment pages: « Previous 1 2