Sweet: Jindal rejects $98 million in stimulus money for Louisiana
posted at 8:30 pm on February 20, 2009 by Allahpundit
In one fell swoop, he’s stolen Sanford’s thunder as stimulus critic-in-chief. Risky, but I like it.
Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal announced Friday that he will decline stimulus money specifically targeted at expanding state unemployment insurance coverage, becoming the first state executive to officially refuse any part of the federal government’s payout to states…
“The federal money in this bill will run out in less than three years for this benefit and our businesses would then be stuck paying the bill,” Jindal said. “We must be careful and thoughtful as we examine all the strings attached to the funding in this package. We cannot grow government in an unsustainable way.”
NOLA says he’ll accept cash for transportation infrastructure and a modest increase in unemployment benefits but drew the line at unemployment insurance lest it mean a $12 million tax hike for Louisiana businesses three years from now. Needless to say, he’s out of the gate quickly on this for two reasons: to give him fiscal conservative bragging rights vis-a-vis Palin and the rest of the GOP’s rising stars, and of course to give the weekend talk shows a chance to buzz about him before his rebuttal to The One’s State of the Union on Tuesday night. The left will naturally hammer him for hating the poor — or, per Jim Clyburn, black people — but by framing it as a savings to businesses he can sell it as something that’ll produce more employment in the long run. Exit question: Good move or no?
Blowback
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Funny how so many people without any connection to Louisiana want to criticize Jindal’s move. Don’t they have enough issues right now in their own home states with which to occupy themselves?
Christien on February 21, 2009 at 1:02 PM
There is a nationwide movement gaining momentum for States to reassert their constitutional rights as enumerated under the Tenth Amendment. Just this week a bill was introduced in the Texas Legislature as HCR No.50. Other states have passed or are considering similar legislation. This is important if we are to throw the liberal Feds off our backs. It’s not some nutty Ron Paul thing either. Check with your state and see if there is a similar resolution pending. Call your state Reps and ask them to introduce or co-sponsor similar resolutions.
Texas HCR No. 50
BrianA on February 21, 2009 at 1:04 PM
Fair enough, but I think we have better than Sarah Palin. The reality is I’d also be stunned if she was ever elected to national office, she’s loved by Republicans but if she were to win she’d need an election where over half of the electorate is Republican (which I don’t think has been the case since the period right after the civil war).
I guess it’s no surprise to say I’m a diehard Mark Sanford fan, I do like Jindal but it makes me very nervous when Rush Limbaugh is really excited about someone. Tom Coburn is someone I like, Jon Huntsman too. Our bench is pretty depleted, but not so depleted that Sarah Palin is the best we have to offer. I could dig a Sanford/Jindal ticket, but I’m really uncomfortable with pushing Jindal beyond that.
galenrox on February 21, 2009 at 1:04 PM
I forgot to mention, you and I are on the same page about Romney. He’s like our Barack Obama, a complete jellyfish as per his lack of spine.
galenrox on February 21, 2009 at 1:06 PM
I think she has a future in the GOP, and I adore her, but I think the lefty press will have a harder time trying to paint Jindal with the evil redneck stereotype brush they used on ‘Cuda.
He is an ivy-league educated wonk with a long list of accomplishments under his belt, and he happens to be non-white. The MSM can’t call him racist, and people will have a hard time throwing oreos at him because he is not black. The left will have no idea how to attack him effectively. I think he fits the bill perfectly.
Laura in Maryland on February 20, 2009 at 10:04 PM
Do you remember clarence thomas,was he treated well.
msm dont care about any conservatives they will go after rush,sean,joe the plumber,sp.
vote for someone who shares your values and leave the rest in the hands of God.If you want the msm to pick your candidate you will end up with juan mccain or bobby dole.
I can only vote for the giper over the cuda.
baddest2020 on February 21, 2009 at 1:16 PM
Good Move.
Jindal = Big Solid Brass Ones.
BooYeah!
Lawrence on February 21, 2009 at 1:45 PM
He probably has a Hawaiian birth registration.
Dr. Charles G. Waugh on February 21, 2009 at 1:46 PM
Agreed. I have a feeling that in the end both Palin and Jindal will reject much of the money, but still accept funds for basic “transportation infrastructure” (as Allah puts it) if they deem it necessary and it comes without pesky Federal strings. It would be a prudent move.
That being said, I did read from two sources yesterday (CNN and MSNBC websites) that said Palin and Jindal were in a group of GOP Governors who were rejecting the stimulus funds. Unfortunately the articles didn’t say if this was an outright rejection of all funds or just a partial. I don’t entirely trust these sources, so I’m waiting for further clarification in days to come.
unwashed minion on February 21, 2009 at 1:46 PM
Meet Bobby Jindal – the next POTUS. And as for Sarah? Sarah who? Poor, sweet Sarah Palin threw herself under the bus:
( link )
DD
Darvin Dowdy on February 21, 2009 at 1:50 PM
Does anyone want to buy my house in California? Cheap. I’m movin’.
texacalirose on February 21, 2009 at 2:08 PM
lol Darvin…. you pushing MSM smears? The whole “Palin lobbied for stimulus funds” has been debunked quite convincingly
I suggest you take the Associated Press with a grain of salt.
BPD on February 21, 2009 at 2:18 PM
Don’t assume they won’t try to paint him as racist, they tried to suggest racism had something to do with our picking Steele, they’ve got no shame whatsoever. Palin’s definitely got a future with the party, but aside from the MSM’s attacks on her, she just doesn’t know enough to be President or Vice President. I hope she picks off Mirkowsky, a career in the senate could definitely give her an understanding of the things she’d have to know to take that next step.
It isn’t just the MSM that dislikes Hannity, although there is a double standard. He’s like our Janine Geraffolo.
galenrox on February 21, 2009 at 2:38 PM
another doofus who does zero research
are you gunning for Allahpundit’s job?
joey24007 on February 21, 2009 at 2:47 PM
Yeah, I mean her knowledge level is just so low compared to the wonderful Barack Obama and Joe “stand up chuck” Biden
Let me guess … you really know nothing about her other than what you read in the NY Times (or see at hotair.com)
joey24007 on February 21, 2009 at 2:51 PM
People need to understand the government never puts out a helping hand without extending a leash. There are strings attached to this money and the price is submission to federal policy. If that policy were fiscal responsibility then that might not only be a good thing but would be entirely logical. However, thus far it’s only been about power and socialism. So it will only make states worse over time.
Everyone should reject it. Wellsfargo was stupid to accept the bank payout. And Ford so far has been very wise to avoid it.
Karmashock on February 21, 2009 at 3:07 PM
It’s leadership.
Obama, take note.
Kevin71 on February 21, 2009 at 3:16 PM
Jindal doesn’t need any hand out. If he were governor for the past thirty years in La. He’s be the one giving out the money from his surplus to the rest of the states with loser democratic/RINO controlled legislatures. Their wouldn’t have been the Katrina style wash out that took place in the petri dish of democratic environmentalism, corruption, theft, and pay to play known as New Orleans. The levies would have been repaired, jobs would be available, the 9th ward would have hard working people instead of a bed welfare blacks, their kids would have education and not be selling crack or their bodies.
What a pipe dream this is..
MALICIOUS DISORDER on February 21, 2009 at 3:22 PM
Boy, open enrollment sure let in a whole mess of representatives from the anti-Palin contingent. AP must be looking for reinforcements. ;o) (I kid, AP)
The credibility of anyone who would accuse Gov. Palin of being a closet elitist is immediately suspect IMO. A woman from a working middle class background, who catches fish and cooks moose stew and shops in consignment shops? Um, not an elitist. The notion is laughable really.
So is the assertion that she doesn’t “know enough” to be president or vice-president. She was thrust into the national spotlight virtually overnight. Who would expect her to be a constitutional scholar or an expert on foreign policy? Neither has a direct bearing on her day-to-day duties as governor. I am comfortable enough with her political philosophy that I have confidence that were she elected, she would appoint judges who are strict constructionists, and that she would take a hawkish approach to foreign policy. When asked to expound on topics she’s intimately familiar with — including such complex matters as energy policy — she speaks passionately and with great authority. She is obviously quite intelligent and a great listener, and to me appears somewhat like a sponge in her ability to soak up knowledge. I have no reason at all to believe that she can’t establish a firmer footing in matters she would deal with directly as president. She just needs to take the time to learn, and I would bet that’s what she’s doing right now. I’m really not sure where this notion came from, that a person has to be an Ivy League egghead in order to be up to the job of president. We’ve got one of those now and look how well it’s turning out.
What the Cuda brings to the table are not traits or qualities a person can cultivate from nothing. It’s the intangibles — the “It” factor, if you will. Jindal and Sanford and Perry and a few others have their merits of course. But they don’t have the magnetic appeal that Gov. Palin has. They don’t — that I have seen at least — possess her facility for connecting with people, for commanding crowds. They are a great offensive line, but Gov. Palin is calling the plays. She’s the only one who is really quarterback material. And before someone suggests I’m putting style ahead of substance, let me say that I am — like the Guv — a pragmatist. If we expect to take on the Messiah and his cult of personality and win, we HAVE to have someone with the kind of populist appeal that Gov. Palin has. Those who think she only has appeal with the base are deluding themselves. There is a whole faction of Blue Dog Democrats who would give her their support because she lives the values they believe in.
And I reiterate: Palin HAS substance. I just the other day read a piece from 2006 that ran in ADN where all of the gubernatorial candidates were asked some fluff questions, as a way to help Alaskans understand them a little better as people. Asked if she could have dinner with anyone of her choosing, who would it be, the Guv chose Condi Rice. Does that sound like someone with no discernible interest in foreign policy? She also stated that given a choice, she would opt to read over watching TV almost every time. Again, unintelligent? I don’t think so. A stupid person did not broker that gas pipeline deal with TransCanada.
Those who buy into the conventional “wisdom” about the Cuda must be getting all of their info distilled through the lens of the MSM. I’d invite all who fall into this category to go read Conservatives4Palin, or Team Sarah, or Sarah’s Full Court Press, or some of the other blogs out there dedicated to disseminating ACCURATE information about the governor and her record. I think you will find the picture you have of her is quite distorted.
Palin 2012
NoLeftTurn on February 21, 2009 at 3:40 PM
What is with this notion that people will starve without you and I subsidizing them?
anuts on February 21, 2009 at 3:57 PM
“Jindal argues that the law requires the state to permanently expand eligibility, though Democratic Sen. Mary Landrieu says it’s designed to be temporary.”
Think the legislature will override him.
getalife on February 21, 2009 at 3:59 PM
Don’t assume they won’t try to paint him as racist, they tried to suggest racism had something to do with our picking Steele, they’ve got no shame whatsoever. Palin’s definitely got a future with the party, but aside from the MSM’s attacks on her, she just doesn’t know enough to be President or Vice President. I hope she picks off Mirkowsky, a career in the senate could definitely give her an understanding of the things she’d have to know to take that next step.
It isn’t just the MSM that dislikes Hannity, although there is a double standard. He’s like our Janine Geraffolo.
I vote for who i like,i dont want the msm to pick a candidate for me.
Do you think the one would lose any sleep if he has to run against piyush,he will keep all demographics he won youth,blacks,hispanics.He could even put hillary on the ticket if he thinks it helps him,if cuda is the nominee hilary cant be put on the ticket.
baddest2020 on February 21, 2009 at 4:15 PM
Like race wasn’t the motive for Barblack Obama, right ?
MALICIOUS DISORDER on February 21, 2009 at 4:18 PM
I doubt it. The legislature here is less popular than Jindal because of at least one or two major overreachs they tried last year.
Jindal was letting them name their own pay raise as part of a deal to put in a bunch of reforms he thought the state needed. The problem was that they got way too greedy, the press picked up on it, and they passed the bill anyway.
Jindal vetoed the pay raise, despite his promises to the legislature, because it was way too much and the people were vocally opposed to it.
The blame of the people was on Jindal at that point until a few legislators opened their mouths and started whining about Jindal breaking his promise, at which point they became the focus of the people’s wrath.
There were also some lobbying reforms pushed by Jindal that produced a lot of legislative whining which, in turn, produced a lot of constituents pissed off at their legislators.
(Jindal put caps on how much legislators could receive in entertainment expenses from lobbyists, which was in the $50 range per legislator. At least one legislator from New Orleans started whining VERY loudly in the press about how that meant she’d be limited to free meals at Taco Bell.
That went over like a fart in church with the general populace of the state.)
teke184 on February 21, 2009 at 4:33 PM
If Obama and Diamond Joe are the standards we seek to beat than we’ve already lost. Bad behavior doesn’t excuse bad behavior. And you might want to google “ad hominem”.
She’s not stupid and she’s excelled at every job she’s ever had, but we’re talking about being President of the United States. I don’t scoff at her values, her record shows much more independence than she’s ever been given credit for, but are you telling me that you’ve got complete confidence in her ability to bridge the Pakistan-India gap in order to enable more effective efforts in Afghanistan? Are you completely confident that when she picks a new fed chair or a treasury secretary it won’t be someone as much of a joke as Hank Paulson, Tim Geithner or Ben Bernake? Do you think she’d be able to use our diplomacy in a way so as to maximize the usefulness of our military resources?
I’d certainly hope you wouldn’t want the MSM to pick who you vote for for you. If Cuda is the VP nominee he wouldn’t need to put Hilary on the ticket because she drives women to the Democrats in much greater numbers than Hilary brings them in.
I don’t see what the damn rush is. Let her become a Senator, she mastered energy policy through being governor, let’s see how she picks up economics and foreign policy once she’s actually exposed to them. This isn’t a job where the right mindset is sufficient.
galenrox on February 21, 2009 at 4:47 PM
Not a good move, it’s a great move.
suzyk on February 21, 2009 at 5:15 PM
I’d certainly hope you wouldn’t want the MSM to pick who you vote for for you. If Cuda is the VP nominee he wouldn’t need to put Hilary on the ticket because she drives women to the Democrats in much greater numbers than Hilary brings them in.
I don’t see what the damn rush is. Let her become a Senator, she mastered energy policy through being governor, let’s see how she picks up economics and foreign policy once she’s actually exposed to them. This isn’t a job where the right mindset is sufficient
dude why dont you tell others to become senators,why do you decide for her.
Being gov is 100 times better than being senator,most presidents have been governors not senators.
baddest2020 on February 21, 2009 at 5:40 PM
Ahnold said he will take their money.
getalife on February 21, 2009 at 5:52 PM
It doesn’t have to be mutually exclusive, clearly. Executive experience isn’t a substitute for foreign policy and federal economic experience, and vise versa. We’re not the Democrats, this is a party for adults, we don’t see knowing what you’re doing as being expendable at the altar of a cult of personality.
galenrox on February 21, 2009 at 5:55 PM
Arnold Kennedy will take anything , especially up the …….
MALICIOUS DISORDER on February 21, 2009 at 6:19 PM
I’m moving to Louisiana.
long_cat on February 21, 2009 at 6:22 PM
It doesn’t have to be mutually exclusive, clearly. Executive experience isn’t a substitute for foreign policy and federal economic experience, and vise versa. We’re not the Democrats, this is a party for adults, we don’t see knowing what you’re doing as being expendable at the altar of a cult of personality.
galenrox on February 21, 2009 at 5:55 PM
In elections the more likeable candidate wins.nixon vs kennedy,nixon more qualified kennedy more likeable,reagan vs carter vs reagan reagan more likeable,clinton vs bush41 clinton mre likeable,bush vs kerry,vs al gore bush more likeable bam vs mccain bam more likeable.
I wish experience won more than likeability but it does not.
If we put a boring male against the bam we are going to be creamed.
baddest2020 on February 21, 2009 at 6:25 PM
n elections the more likeable candidate wins.nixon vs kennedy,nixon more qualified kennedy more likeable,reagan vs carter vs mondale reagan more likeable,clinton vs bush41 clinton mre likeable,bush vs kerry,vs al gore bush more likeable bam vs mccain bam more likeable.
I wish experience won more than likeability but it does not.
If we put a boring male against the bam we are going to be creamed.
I dont remember a very likeable and charismatic nominee lose an election.
baddest2020 on February 21, 2009 at 6:31 PM
It would pay to be concerned that our refineries are repaired and functioning properly again in our Gulf. The Feds never reasonably accommodate accomplishing any task dealing with oil; rather, the Feds as Socialists inhibit everything to do with fossil fuels, commerce and the well being of our nation.
As progressives put the fix on politics, once Washington pumps tax dollars out of us, it’s impossible to get designated money back from the Feds during and after natural disasters. The Feds immediately pay themselves to spend it all on their own whims. Gotta tax you all over again, bub, if you want [any Federal agency] to do its job.
maverick muse on February 21, 2009 at 6:41 PM
Well, if he wants to make the constituents suffer, he’ll be dispatched for someone who doesn’t completely genuflect to business.
sethstorm on February 21, 2009 at 6:42 PM
FIFY.
sethstorm on February 21, 2009 at 6:44 PM
This newest Federal fiscal fiasco law has so many strings attached, states who take the money do so at the peril of losing ALL sovereignty. Hence, for Kay Bailey Hutchison to brag about bringing home THIS bacon really reeks. She belongs to Soros, and wants to deliver Texas to him as the next Governor.
We’d all take a good lesson observing Jindal as our leader in this economic setting wherein most politicians deliver their constituents through the gates of hell, having forfeited our Constitutional Rights for us whether we know it or admit it or not. The Devil is always in the details.
maverick muse on February 21, 2009 at 6:45 PM
Drudge is reporting that Schwartzenegger (sp?) will be glad to take any funds that GOP Governors don’t want.
I guess it’s time to send him some Monica brand kneepads.
BTW, Palin ROCKS!!
mad scientist on February 21, 2009 at 7:09 PM
I’m guessing this is a political stunt from Jindal knowing full well that the LA legislature will probably override his say in the matter. Sorry Arnold… you’ll have to look elsewhere for more handouts.
disillusioned on February 21, 2009 at 7:26 PM
Well, if he wants to kill his state, go ahead. Just don’t be surprised when his constituents throw him out of office.
sethstorm on February 21, 2009 at 7:26 PM
There is no way Jindal has any business being the VP candidate on anyone’s team. He is way too intelligent, experienced, and qualified. Nothing against Palin, I have always loved her and was offended by reaction against on the left and the right, but Jindal is the best of the best and you do not bench your star players when you want to win.
StubbleSpark on February 21, 2009 at 8:00 PM
Oh Please! That’s nothing but troll trash talk.
Do you know anything about Bobby Jindal or Louisiana?
highhopes on February 21, 2009 at 8:10 PM
There is no way Jindal has any business being the VP candidate on anyone’s team. He is way too intelligent, experienced, and qualified. Nothing against Palin, I have always loved her and was offended by reaction against on the left and the right, but Jindal is the best of the best and you do not bench your star players when you want to win.
StubbleSpark on February 21, 2009 at 8:00 PM
the msm will do everything to help the bam win again,they will give fake polls and get phony people to say that the porkulus saved them and the country.lets think about 2016.
baddest2020 on February 21, 2009 at 8:20 PM
Jindal definitely has more of a serious resume than the filthy liar currently infesting the White House. He even has national policy experience as a political appointee in HHS and his time in the Congress (where he actually voted something other than present). By 2012 he will have a track record as a Governor. He has a great personal story, a wonderful family, and solid conservative credentials.
What precludes me from all out rapture for the Presidency(and I voted for him for Governor) is that he hasn’t had any real experience or gravitas in national security or defense issues. That’s not an immediate disqualifier (re the filthy liar who just won the Presidency) but it is cause to be concerned. Jindal also doesn’t have much of a national name although this kind of press does help him correct that problem.
Make no mistake that I would without question vote for Jindal for President or as VP on another ticket. Not for the “electablilty” reasons put forth by the traitors that foisted McCain on the party but because I believe in Bobby Jindal’s character and positions. If at the top of the ticket, however, he will need somebody with the gravitas he doesn’t have. I’d also like to see a return to the Bush/Cheney model where the VP is a partner as opposed to the filthy liar/Biden model where the VP is nothing more than a court jester.
highhopes on February 21, 2009 at 8:22 PM
Wow! A politician thinking ahead…they still exist?
Dr. ZhivBlago on February 21, 2009 at 10:00 PM
This notion has a name…. Liberalism.
BPD on February 21, 2009 at 10:11 PM
You’re confused, it was his predecessor that got people killed through her negligence.
PackerBronco on February 21, 2009 at 10:38 PM
God bless Jindal and those making the same decisions.
BlueforYou on February 21, 2009 at 10:40 PM
If anyone is interested, here is a link from the Democratic Policy Committee (I know, I know) with a state by state breakdown where the stimulus funds would go. Over 80% of this crap are entitlements pure and simple.
Reinvestment Act of 2009, State by State
lowandslow on February 21, 2009 at 10:49 PM
So you think Lyndon Johnson was more likable than Barry Goldwater?
When you operate strategically on this premise it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. I don’t think you’re wrong. I think you forget that a part of whether people see someone as being likable is the party of which they are a representative. I don’t think many people dislike Sarah Palin outside of the Democrat party, but she wasn’t likable because she was a reflection of an intellectually vacant party who don’t take the responsibilities of the Presidency seriously. We’re not going to get anywhere by sticking with premise that the job of the Presidency can be done by essentially anyone.
I snuck in the back door, nothing to see here!
Sarah Palin does have more substance than she’s given credit for, absolutely. Running the risk of sounding like a broken record, she’s excelled at every job she’s ever had, and I have no intention to diminish the significance of that. And I’m absolutely open to voting for her in a primary if she demonstrates that she knows what she needs to know to run the federal government.
And I think you’re absolutely right that she picks up information really quickly and if she sets her mind to it she’ll become an absolute force when it comes to these policies. I’m just absolutely not comfortable with her going through that process as the President of the United States of America. The learning curve from any other office, no matter how deep you get into the machinations of the federal government, and the Presidency is extremely steep, and there’s no reason to make the learning curve steeper. She needs to get a job in federal policy, yeah, governors come out without federal experience and do fine, an obvious example being Reagan, but the difference between being governor of California and being the governor of Alaska is like the difference of being a cessna pilot and a fighter pilot. She hasn’t had the opportunity to soak up what she needs to soak up yet, and so she should go to the Senate and then run in 2016 or 2020.
On the “it” factor, there’s no disagreement here. Her convention speech was by far the best of both of the conventions, she absolutely tore the house down. I’d be very surprised if that went away in the process of her becoming qualified to be President.
galenrox on February 22, 2009 at 1:26 AM
Enough to say that if all he wants to do is emulate Sanford, he can do it in his own home w/o making the constituents suffer for the experience. Otherwise he’s going to find himself being a one-term governor or a man who is in the pocket of every foreign interest like Sanford.
The previous president’s administration and the business community have done worse to the survivors. Never mind the illegal immigrants bussed in that didn’t get sent straight to the INS. Never mind the incompetence at the federal level regarding FEMA’s response. Never mind the insurance companies who don’t want to pay up.
That makes Ms. Blanco relatively clean in comparison.
sethstorm on February 22, 2009 at 2:41 AM
Hah…love it.
Jindal refuses to hit the stimulus crack pipe and
the Kossacks start screaming for his head.
Complete with insults directed at his religion, heritage, and name.
Fickle, thy name is tolerance.
soundingboard on February 22, 2009 at 3:34 AM
Good. Let ‘em be PISSED.
And Bobby doesn’t need the “city machine”.
He won.
I’m thinking of registering as a dem.
That way, I’d have the pleasure of crossing party lines to vote.
And if i register thru A.C.O.R.N., I could probably do it at least twice.
soundingboard on February 22, 2009 at 4:35 AM
Thanks for the thoughtful reply. I don’t disagree with most of it. I absolutely concur that Gov. Palin has some schooling to do if she expects to be taken seriously again in another national race. And as I mentioned in my post, I think she realizes this and assuming she has aspirations to run in 2012 or 2016, I am sure she has plans to put her nose to the grindstone on these policy matters. For all we know, she’s already doing that. I am certain she’s up to the task. No one is suggesting she should learn on the job, and I don’t think she would expect to.
There are, I think, a lot of similarities between the Cuda and the Gipper — he was dismissed for many of the same reasons she’s being dismissed now. Your point that there’s a big difference between governing the state of California and governing Alaska is well taken, but I think it’s important to be mindful that while Alaska may be less populous, it does present it’s own set of unique challenges that a governor in California doesn’t face, and I don’t think that should be dismissed. Her skill set may be different from Reagan’s but it’s valuable just the same in its own way. I’m really not a fan of her running for the Senate. I’d much rather see her run for governor again in 2010 and toss her hat in the ring for president in either 2012 or 2016, depending on how badly The One screws things up. There is plenty of other opportunity for her to remain on the national stage — her PAC being one of them — without having to mix it up with the cretins in the Senate. Besides which, Lisa Murkowski appears to be a pretty popular senator. Why unleash a needless bloodbath between the two? 2008 notwithstanding, Americans seem to prefer governors to senators when it comes to picking a president anyway, at least that’s been true in the last 30 years are so.
I like Jindal, although I can’t claim to know as much about him as I do the Cuda. I am sure he’s more than capable and the two are young enough that there’s room for both of them to occupy the White House for awhile. I realize Jindal has the thicker resume and the more impressive pedigree, but I think Palin is just as capable. And I don’t think “just anybody” should be entrusted with running the country either, but the Cuda’s not just anybody. Mark my words: Sarah Palin WILL be the first female POTUS. You can take that to the bank.
NoLeftTurn on February 22, 2009 at 4:45 AM
Can I hear an “AMEN“?!!
Glenn Jericho on February 22, 2009 at 5:43 AM
You don’t like NAFTA, Sarah does. I get it. That’s the only actual fact you quoted in several different blogs.
For the life of me, I can’t understand why you don’t like her. You and so many other self-proclaimed conservatives seem viscerally opposed to her, without actual facts to back you up.
Could it be that the only thing conservative about you is your pretension? Could it be that you’re (not so secretly) trying to sow dissension and strife on the “other side”? Does it make you crazy that the only “strife” you’ve sown is between you and people who see right through you?
You and the troll brigades don’t seem to get one salient fact – the average IQ on HA is way higher than your own. You’re trying to win a gunfight with half a spork in your hand.
Well, welcome to you all. It’s always fun playing with you guys, getting you so riled that you leak your true selves a little too much. Watching your heads explode is always good for a laugh, and then the banhammer comes out and we don’t see you again (until the next registration, when you try again). Enjoy yourselves. It won’t take long.
Squiggy on February 22, 2009 at 7:29 AM
Good, Great, Gracious, and many other superlatives. Besides, it shows exceptional leadership.
It also proves Gov. Jindal is perhaps the only politician who has read the bill and found positive loopholes.
MSGTAS on February 22, 2009 at 9:12 AM
Now THIS is what I call “loyal opposition”!
Loyal to the truth, opposed to the hype/pork.
Nice one, Bobby :]
bluelightbrigade on February 22, 2009 at 9:14 AM
It’s good that he rejected it. I would, too.
Libertarian Joseph on February 22, 2009 at 9:43 AM
I just hope Gov Jihndal understands that he will have to use his bully pulpit to the fullest. The obamamedia will, undoubtedly, spin this like crazy.
He needs to keep getting the message out as to why he is refusing the porkfest.
bullseye on February 22, 2009 at 9:52 AM
On Meet the Press this morning, Jindal was given the opportunity to reject or defend the notion that Republicans need to give up or soften some social positions in order to grow the party. His answer was not very good – he skated around the question without really answering it.
I’m tired of these spineless politicians. Get a pair man.
FuriousAmerican on February 22, 2009 at 10:20 AM
Actually, I thought Jindal was good on MTP. While he didn’t directly address the question, he DID say the GOP should not seek to imitate the other party. Instead, they should stand on principal and the voters will be attracted to that.
BPD on February 22, 2009 at 10:51 AM
Palin and Jindal will be on the ticket together in 2012.
ErinF on February 22, 2009 at 10:53 AM
Watching Jindal on Meet the Press, you actually had to pay attention to what he was saying. He crammed a lot into the few minutes that he was on. Surprisingly he was allowed to say quite a bit. I didn’t see the “social” position he was supposed to have blown, but apparently he is one of the few people that has read the bill. His command of policy and it’s consequences is quite impressive.
BetseyRoss on February 22, 2009 at 11:32 AM
I would guess that Jindal is planning ahead as well as the GOP in that state. Right now the Democrats are slightly ahead in both of the legislatures. Jindal will deny the money and will be overridden with a party line vote. Then the GOP in the state will be able to point the finger at the democrats for messing their state up. When things begin to go south (which is highly probable) the party in power gets stuck holding the bag and the next election cycle is a gain for the GOP.
txaggie on February 22, 2009 at 12:58 PM
Choose the candies we know taste good, and leave the others behind.
On the other hand we have “girlie boy” Arnold, whose going to eat the whole box.
unclesmrgol on February 22, 2009 at 1:26 PM
Any link available yet with Jindal on MTP?
RepubChica on February 22, 2009 at 2:42 PM
I do not think Palin/Jindal or Jindal/Palin would be a very balanced ticket either way. Like highhopes said, Jindal’s one area of weakness would be military, which, if you think about it from a constitutional angle, is really the most important qualification of a President.
Palin shares the same weakness, so neither of these two need to be on the same ticket and both of them would be better off picking a McCain-type or a Hunter-type to help cover this weakness.
Granted this previous election showed an utter disregard for military qualifications because of the economic collapse but if you think about it this is all the more reason to build up a candidate with a broad competency rather than having a candidate who is uber-qualified in only one field. We have no idea what will be the crisis du jour in 2012.
Regarding the attack angle of the press, if the MSM knew anything, attacking Jindal’s faith would virtually hand him the election like it did when he ascended to office of Governor in LA. If they were smart, they would focus on his educational background and target him as a RINO or leftist plant who has been thoroughly indoctrinated through notoriously liberal institutions.
StubbleSpark on February 22, 2009 at 3:18 PM
So if most of the states refuse the money, do we get a tax refund?
workingforpigs on February 22, 2009 at 3:55 PM
And I appreciate your thoughtful reply, most of which I don’t disagree with (damn, this is turning into a UN meeting!)
She does have a lot in common with Reagan, a big difference is that Reagan never had anything like the 2008 election hanging over his head.
I think she’s the most viable female candidate for President out there, but if she is ever going to be President there is going to have to be a defining moment that shifts the dynamic of her interaction with the American people, which is going to be rough considering most of the American people saw her convention speech and strong debate performance. She’s going to have to knock people’s socks off, and not in the manner that she’s used to because the American people are already skeptical of that ability because they saw her awesome convention speech and then they saw her asking Charlie Gibson what he means by the Bush doctrine.
And I don’t see how that dynamic could change while she’s still governor of Alaska, as long as she’s there her step up to seeking the Republican nomination is just going to be seen by those who don’t already like her as John McCain’s dumb-ass running mate as running for President. She needs to re-establish herself as being brilliant and substantive instead of just being the hot Dan Quayle, and in order to do that she’s got to get a different job. I don’t see any other job that could do it than Senator, considering the Democrats have the cabinet posts and ambassadorships pretty locked down over the next few years.
I also think that Mirkowsky claiming that she’d fight is kind of like my dog growling when a bigger dog is coming up to her. She’s hoping that she can scare Cuda off before it comes down to it, but if it came down to it Mirkowsky would roll over in a second. There’s no question who would win there, the only poll that didn’t show Palin dominating was the pure garbage one from the unabashed pro-Mirkowsky anti-Palin radio guy. I don’t think Mirkowsky sees any merit in getting her ass handed to her, taking away any opportunity she might have to pursue office ever again. I’d bet she’s drop out of the race and live to fight another day, especially considering that the senate seat would probably open up again in a few years when Palin ran for President.
galenrox on February 22, 2009 at 4:04 PM
…followed by being out of any office in 2013.
sethstorm on February 22, 2009 at 4:34 PM
Well, they’re just calling out a guy who wants to be a worse sellout than Sanford.
He deserves most if not all of it.
sethstorm on February 22, 2009 at 4:36 PM
What exactly was he supposed to say to that vague question designed to trip him up? The devil (and I’m not talking about that partisan tool Gregory) is in the details. Which positions and why?
It also assumes, incorrectly IMO, that the there are legions of voters who would flock to the GOP if they caved on abortion, same-sex marriage, or any of the other parts of the left’s secular humanist agenda. I think the answer is to hold firm on national security, fiscal conservatism, small government, tax cuts, and protecting the US Constitution from the attacks it is getting from the filthy liar and the Dems in Congress.
highhopes on February 22, 2009 at 5:01 PM
The only sell outs in this little drama is the filthy liar and all the Democrats who insist spending all this money without a plan, without goals, and without any real intent of doing anything but growing the size of government. They are traitors and so are any of the filthy liar’s supporters. It’s nice to see some in the GOP fight back and take a stand.
highhopes on February 22, 2009 at 5:03 PM
Well, it’s more of a case that you’re trying to put the horse back in the barn – and the horse is two counties over – with regards to the battering of business.
Fix your reputation that you’ve destroyed over a long time.
sethstorm on February 22, 2009 at 5:16 PM
Well, the GOP did the same.
The only folks who I’d consider traitorous would be those like Sanford and Jindal – one wants to prolong pain, the other has sold their citizens to some unaccountable foreign interest.
sethstorm on February 22, 2009 at 5:19 PM
Ireland is looking better and better everyday….please global warming God we pray to you
lexa on February 22, 2009 at 6:49 PM
It’s just an intermediary step to the Third World.
sethstorm on February 22, 2009 at 7:24 PM
What? Me worry?
gary on February 22, 2009 at 8:05 PM
Murkowski, it is spelled Murkowski
joey24007 on February 22, 2009 at 8:39 PM
But you are a mindless troll. Who the f**k cares about your opinion? I don’t. You and the filthy liar in the White House are both beneath contempt because I already know who evil you are.
highhopes on February 22, 2009 at 8:57 PM
I don’t see the GOP wanting to cleanse itself of some of the evildoers in business. They welcome them in a manner similar to Faust. The only difference is that they don’t sell their soul, they sell the nation.
sethstorm on February 22, 2009 at 9:33 PM
No need to move to the third world.. Give Obama and crew another year or so and we’ll have it right here in what was once the Good Ole US of A.
bullseye on February 22, 2009 at 9:37 PM
Sorry you bastard, but the filthy liar in the White House has betrayed the nation not the GOP. Get back under that bridge you troll.
highhopes on February 22, 2009 at 9:55 PM
That includes Texas if it doesn’t split off somehow.
sethstorm on February 22, 2009 at 10:20 PM
I see a huge potential for backlash by Loisiana’s voters. It’s a poor state. Unemployed voters might not appreciate that they cannot receive additional benefits for no good reason.
Atlanta Voter on February 22, 2009 at 10:21 PM
Sarah Palin will not win more than 100 electoral votes, if she gets the nomination.
Atlanta Voter on February 22, 2009 at 10:30 PM
The kooks aren’t very happy:
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2009/2/20/201952/586/736/699971
Nelsen on February 20, 2009 at 8:39 PM
——————————————
dailykos quoting the Bible. That’s rich.
kg598301 on February 22, 2009 at 11:38 PM
Well, it’s not much worse than a very left-leaning version of HA with respect to the article.
A good chuckle here and there, but nothing overly “offensive”.
sethstorm on February 23, 2009 at 12:07 AM
Palin vs Jindal vs Sanford, etc. All in good time. I intend to focus my attention on every stupid thing Ogabe does for the next couple of years and do what little I can to get my representatives and the MSM to recognize and admit to his failures (he certainly won’t)and tie every scum-soaked Democrat to those failures. And don’t tell me Republicans are above that. We’d damned well better not be. Like Rush has said many times, “the aggressor sets the rules”. It’s about time we followed those rules.
Destroy Obama (politically, of course…I don’t want the secret service at my door).
SKYFOX on February 23, 2009 at 6:39 AM
http://blogs.tampabay.com/buzz/2009/02/video-crist-on.html
gzelmiami on February 23, 2009 at 8:02 AM
Is it a good move? That’s vague. It was the right move and I respect him for it, hopefully it’s not a bad move politically.
Ann NY on February 23, 2009 at 8:07 AM
Well, it’s not much worse than a very left-leaning version of HA with respect to the article.
A good chuckle here and there, but nothing overly “offensive”.
__________________________________________
The offensive part is when they distort Bible passages about giving & charity to promote government giveaways and push their social agenda. Yeh, I find that offensive.
kg598301 on February 23, 2009 at 8:17 AM
Interesting that you should say that, why don’t you look at the political affiliations of the major names in the biggest scandals. What was the party affiliation of Madoff? Or the guy who ran Fannie May? Or Countrywide? Or Goldman Sachs? Marion Sandler? The list goes on and on and on.
Maybe your side should cleanse their evildoers, not appoint them to cabinet posts like Gorelick, former vice chairman of fanny mae 97-03 earning $26m in six years. During that time FM suffered a $10B accounting scandal and falsified transactions to help FM his earning targets which insured Gorelick and others got their bonuses. Then there’s Franklin Raines, a huge contributer and adviser to Obama, he was the former Chairman and CEO of FM (Gorelick’s boss) he oversaw the acceleration of the subprime mortgage lending by both Fannie and Freddie. He pulled in a $90m bonus from mostly bogus earnings based on cooked books. And the list goes on..
Ann NY on February 23, 2009 at 8:27 AM
Gov. Jindal needs to tell Clyburn that the black people of Louisiana are capable of taking care of themselves.
Clyburn and all Democrats have Black People enslaved to the government — Republicans want to free them from slavery ONCE AGAIN!
Elizabetty on February 23, 2009 at 9:56 AM
Beg to disagree here. I don’t think it would be a good idea for Sarah Palin to challenge Lisa Murkowski for the Senate. After Palin’s moment in the national spotlight as VP nominee, and the formation of the Sarah PAC, most Alaskans probably know that Palin might run for President in 2012, and if they vote Palin over Murkowski, they might only get a two-year Senator, whereas Lisa Murkowski will already have 8 years in the Senate by 2010, and would serve a full term if re-elected, with more seniority on Senate committees than Palin would have.
Sarah Palin won the governorship over FRANK Murkowski based on her opposition to corrupt practices in the oil and gas industry, which is a major issue in Alaska. Lisa Murkowski managed to fend off charges of nepotism after her appointment by her father, and won re-election in her own right in 2004. If Sarah Palin wants to seek the Presidency, she will have to define herself on national ISSUES, not as a vendetta against the Murkowski family. She should run for re-election as Governor in 2010, let Lisa Murkowski run for re-election to the Senate, and try to educate herself on national issues betweem now and 2012.
As for Gov. Jindal refusing the Federal funding, bravo! He will definitely need to explain this well, both to the people of Louisiana and to the nation in his rebuttal to Obama’s speech, but the man is BRILLIANT, and this could be his chance to gain stature with the American people.
As for a Jindal/Palin battle for the GOP nomination in 2012, it’s probably better for them to cooperate and possibly campaign as a team, and let the voters decide between them. Gov. Palin sent Alaska National Guard troops and equipment to Louisiana (with Jindal’s approval) just prior to Hurricane Gustav to help with rescue efforts, BEFORE she was nominated for VP. Jindal and Palin probably like each other politically and see more interest in working together than competing with each other.
Steve Z on February 23, 2009 at 11:04 AM
On Fox News Sunday, Haley Barbour said Mississippi will reject that unemployment money.
hawksruleva on February 23, 2009 at 11:15 AM
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