Jindal to Cheney: Leave Obama aloooone!
posted at 9:55 am on April 17, 2009 by MadisonConservative
First Sarah Palin called the McCain family “a class act”. Now Bobby Jindal is complaining that former Vice President Cheney is being too tough on Obama.
I don’t know about you, but I’m a vodka man.
Asked to respond to Cheney’s remark during an interview ABC’s “Good Morning America,” Jindal said: “I don’t think we should question President Obama’s patriotism or his intentions.”
“I think Democrat or Republican, we should all agree that our current president, our former president would obviously want to do everything they could to keep us safe,” he said. “Let’s give the new administration a chance. Let’s not question their intentions. Let’s have a real debate on their policies.”
I’ll be the first to admit that a lot of people were suffering from a serious case of Obama Derangement Syndrome in the post-election weeks leading up to the inauguration, and it didn’t help anything. Some of those people are still focusing on canards like “Obama is a Muslim” while failing to engage the fact that whatever religion he is, he’s authorizing more spending than at any time in American history, and already has set us up for record deficits for the next decade.
However, there are a couple of things that need to be addressed here. First of all, if there are two people in the entire world who have every reason and right to be critical of the Obama administration, it’s former President George W. Bush and former Veep Dick Cheney. They endured eight years of more scrutiny than any administration, ever. They were called fascists, dictators, war criminals, and worse…all the while pursuing foreign policy that, more often than not, put US security and interests as top priority. For Jindal to scold either of them for voicing their concerns, with the guy who’s held their job for three months, is patronizing and condescending. I don’t think Jindal necessarily means it that way, but it doesn’t matter.
Secondly, the Obama administration has so far made a number of good decisions regarding our Middle Eastern conflicts and WOT situation…by carrying on Bush policies. On his own, in terms of foreign policy, the guy is showing himself to be a kindergartner. He’s fumbled a number of situations with world leaders, whether it’s as benign as giving DVDs that won’t play to Gordon Brown, or bowing to the Saudi king. He’s been completely impotent on the resurgence of North Korean nuclear posing. Perhaps the only real success he’s had has been the handling of the Somali pirate situation, which…he stayed entirely out of.
In short, both Jindal and Obama are greenhorns when it comes to handling the foreign affairs of the United States, while Cheney is a seasoned veteran. Obama would do well to listen to the embattled former Vice President, as would Jindal if he has any real aspirations about eventually running for the White House.
Blowback
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No Bobby, not you, please tell me you didn’t drink the kool-aid!
Tuari on April 17, 2009 at 10:01 AM
I have been a Jindal voter for years. When he was my Rep, I thought he was about the greatest thing since sliced bread, particularly on immigration. I’ve got the yard sign collection and I’ve worked the phone banks. As governor, he’s been pretty decent, in spite of his Potemkin ethics laws and faux state hiring ban. But all the talk about Jindal as a 2012 or 2016 candidate is ridiculous, and this is just one more reason why.
Laura on April 17, 2009 at 10:06 AM
Bobby’s just trying to prove he’s “reasonable” like Charles Johnson, Patterico, and the Beltway pundits who worry about getting invited to parties.
The Monster on April 17, 2009 at 10:10 AM
I’m sick of people saying we need to lay off Obama. Goodness gracious, when did they ever lay off Bush? They still are blaming Bush for everything they can.
deidre on April 17, 2009 at 10:24 AM
Perhaps Jindal should tell Obama to lay off Bush which is something I would like to see anyone of them do.
deidre on April 17, 2009 at 10:25 AM
Maybe… I think he’s a good guy, but that he’s worried about making himself as big a target as Palin. He’s got some weak spots that the media has already promoted at length – no need to get into it here but if he were in a national campaign they’d make him look like a loon just like they made Palin look like somebody from a trailer park.
Certainly he’s the best leadership we’ve had in La. in… well, since I can remember. Foster wasn’t all bad, but before that, jeez, I can’t think when we had anybody decent. Damning with faint praise, right?
If Jindal did run for president, it’s very probable I’d vote for him. But I hate to think he’s really the best we can do.
Laura on April 17, 2009 at 10:27 AM
Well said, enough of “distancing” from the Bush admn. 2004 (add congressional elections too) & 2008 elections are proof of that.
Anita on April 17, 2009 at 10:28 AM
Calling McCain family a “class act” just shows how strong her faith is.
youngO on April 17, 2009 at 11:01 AM
Wow, I think Jindal may have started to “hump the leg”.
**sighs** I was hoping you would be a stronger man.
upinak on April 17, 2009 at 11:02 AM
I to trust Cheney on this , he wouldn’t have said anything if he didn’t really believe it were a problem.
the_nile on April 17, 2009 at 11:03 AM
+100
Or kill them with kindness. It makes anything MayGun McCain says now look extremely small & mean. Palin just disarmed her.
RE: Jindal,
I really want to like him. Something holds me back, stroking Obamas ego isn’t helping.
portlandon on April 17, 2009 at 11:07 AM
It’s good tactics either way , she’s not running against McCain , no point going the jerry springer route.
the_nile on April 17, 2009 at 11:07 AM
I agree. 8 years in the trenches, however you may disagree with them, should garner some form of respect from such a greenhorn president. As for Jindal, I don’t know if this is his nature to be such an appeaser, or so cautious against courting any controversy, but if it is, I would have to rethink about supporting him for any higher office as he may lack the edge it takes to be a winner (see John McCain.
Nicely done, MC, reads like butter.
RepubChica on April 17, 2009 at 11:08 AM
I always thought you were really “Madison Communist”. Wait, I like vodka too, nevermind.
This kind of statement has been throw around a lot, but I am curious if there is any data to support it. If any thing the last campaign was conducted with an extremely light touch from the right; I’m curious to see where any behavior on the right from other the candidates adversely affected voting. I am skeptical.
That’s well said.
Spirit of 1776 on April 17, 2009 at 11:12 AM
I don’t mind “front runners” taking this tact (or tack)…what I don’t like is that they don’t have anyone attacking the very thing they say is “okay”.
Obama used this effectively, he would “stay above the fray”, meanwhile he had his attack dogs tearing apart, say Palin. Passing along the most vile and disgusting lies.
Obama would never get caught (save his one speech) on “racism”, meanwhile his attack dogs are out calling everyone not voting for him a racist.
Obama, like any good mafia boss, didn’t get his hands dirty, he had his “men” do the dirty work.
So what Jindahl is doing is only half of what needs to be done…what is missing is the “Carville Cabal” attack machine.
We, conservatives, won’t be able to ever point out the real weakness of our opponents, because we are scrambling over each other to get to the high road…our leaders just don’t get it…
right2bright on April 17, 2009 at 11:13 AM
No Bobby, we should question the intentions of Everyone that wields political power. With few exceptions of dignified public servants (which I have outlined in most of my previous posts), they’re all out to grab as much power as possible.
The Dean on April 17, 2009 at 11:15 AM
BTW, this is a perfect example of the Obama attack machine…MadCon has bought into what Obama’s minions have imposed.
It shows how effective Obama is, even to the point of convincing that this ODS is rampant.
Thanks for proving my point…sorry it had to be you.
right2bright on April 17, 2009 at 11:16 AM
Yes and another thing, Jindal, and the rest of us on the right, would be better served if we refrained from airing our dirty laundry in public, whenever practicable. If there’s a quarrel, try to keep it among ourselves and no need to broadcast it to MSM, as it’ll surely be used against all of us in the future. It’s the Eleventh Commandment, given to us by Ronaldus Maximus.
petefrt on April 17, 2009 at 11:17 AM
Perfectly said…precisely the Axelrod MO…people sometimes don’t see the savvy political machine that they are (or don’t want to admit it) right down to their message managers (the bulk of the media) but this is why Jindal appears weak…it’s kiss butt and disappear into the shadows.
As for the Palin bit (“they’re a class act”), that’s the perfect response each and every time to the latest media hack trying to put a new spin on the urban legend of the “deep, abiding hatred between the Palins and the McCains”…
RepubChica on April 17, 2009 at 11:22 AM
Sir you insult Kindergartners everywhere.
Rogue on April 17, 2009 at 11:28 AM
petefrt, do you have any ideas on how exactly we could accomplish that?
Laura on April 17, 2009 at 11:30 AM
Say it ain’t so. When this comment came out from Jindal it was SUCH a disappointment.
I don’t think Jindal should go around criticizing Cheney. All he’s doing is giving his opponents more ammo and weakening himself in the eyes of those who voted for him.
Ingenue on April 17, 2009 at 11:32 AM
BRING IT ON.
MadisonConservative on April 17, 2009 at 11:40 AM
hehehe Right-wing Extremist!
Rogue on April 17, 2009 at 11:46 AM
Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeease tell me it’s a head-fake, Bobby.
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on April 17, 2009 at 11:50 AM
I don’t think Jindal is President material. I say so for entirely superficial reasons which, sadly, have been shown to way too important in this country.
Simply put, he looks like an AV club nerd and he’s not a spectacular orator. Yes, those are stupid reasons, but they have an impact. Ideas matter, but you’ve got to be able to market those ideas effectively.
Sarah Palin has issues as well. I defend her from charges of stupidity because I think those charges are built on faulty premises (Two heavily edited interviews and some family baggage means she a moronic hick? Come on.) On a gut level I like her, but I think she’s too polarizing to be as effective as she could be.
On the other hand, who else is there right now? Romney looks the look but comes off kinda plastic. And his record is a little iffy. Huck is an excellent communicator who makes a great point once in a while but his record (particularly regarding the pardons) is awful. Fred is … Fred is sleepy and would like a nap. Don’t get me wrong, I like him too, but he lacks the fire in his belly.
Now, if Bolton (and the ‘Stache of Great Justice), Senator DeMint, or perhaps even General Patraeus were to run that’d be something. Who else am I missing for good candidate ideas? Pawlenty doesn’t excite me overmuch. I couldn’t tell you why.
TheUnrepentantGeek on April 17, 2009 at 11:54 AM
“deidre”…”when did they ever lay off of Bush?” Never did, never will! The word ‘ingrates’ comes to mind. They were safe for 8 years. Under Hussein, they best bend over and kiss their arses and retirement money…goodbye.
JoeySlippers on April 17, 2009 at 11:55 AM
He was an AV club nerd. NTTAWWT. And he’s a really great orator – you catch him speaking extemporaneously and he will knock your socks off. Dig up some video of him right after Katrina and you’ll see where the hype about him started; he’s great. Fluid, good command of the facts, very light on the “uh” and filler words. He just needs some work on his prepared speaking style – he’s the antithesis of President Teleprompter. He’s very salvageable from a public speaking point of view.
The problem is his record as Gov. is spotty – close examination by a really motivated media (and they’ll be motivated to take him down just like they did Palin) will punch a couple of big holes, particularly on the ethics reform for which he’s gotten a lot of (undeserved) credit. And the exorcism is not going away. They’ll make him look like a freak for that. If he had, not even a sympathetic media like Obama had, but at least one that was only center-left, he’d do fine. But he doesn’t have that.
Laura on April 17, 2009 at 12:03 PM
Yeah, what is going on here? Cheney’s comments do nothing but generate ‘real debate on policy’. Jindal missed this one.
thegreatbeast on April 17, 2009 at 12:23 PM
Tell our our pols they should stop making gratuitous criticisms of each other, for openers. Remind them we expect them to live up to the Eleventh Commandment.
Also, our spokespeople should decline to be goaded into criticizing each other by MSM. When MSM asked a loaded question, just deflect it.
If criticism is needed, then make it direct and private (email, letter, phone, meeting) whenever possible… and don’t leak it or spread it around.
The Eleventh Commandment is sustained by the political culture. We had it with Ronaldus Maximus, and we can have it again.
petefrt on April 17, 2009 at 12:25 PM
I don’t think you meant it this way, but it’s sort of damning him with faint praise. He’s not bad. But he’s not great, and I’d like us to do better. Perhaps we can’t, but it’s worth trying. Maybe if we made an agreement with the ‘Stache of Great Justice it’d win the rest of Bolton over for us.
Believe me, I’m the last guy to object to a geek in the White House. The problem is just getting him or her there. And of course, the record is of great importance and I know Jindal’s is spotty. I’m almost willing to give him the benefit of the doubt with LA’s rep and all.
TheUnrepentantGeek on April 17, 2009 at 12:26 PM
Sorry, but the supposed “11th Commandment” isn’t viable anymore (the Internet happened) and I’d argue it was never terribly ethical. This doesn’t mean we need to follow the media outline and nod in all the right places, but criticism should be applied when it’s merited. And the current crop of supposed Republican are richly deserving of criticism.
TheUnrepentantGeek on April 17, 2009 at 12:29 PM
Why do otherwise good Republicans insist on shooting themselves in the foot?
Cheney Rules!
Man with a bad heart – and can still whip Obama anyday!
STFU Jindal.
HondaV65 on April 17, 2009 at 12:33 PM
Cheney is what he is. Straightforward…this is how it is.
He’s really never had to be a politician…the whole ‘say this, mean that, do the other thing’ bullshit.
I really have always liked the guy.
BigWyo on April 17, 2009 at 1:10 PM
and another thing. That imbecile getalife is always on about “Adults are in charge”
Cheney is THE ADULT.
Too bad he’s not in charge.
BigWyo on April 17, 2009 at 1:12 PM
TUG – it’s not my intention to damn him with faint praise… my opinion of him is generally positive; he’s the best we’ve had in La for a long time. I could settle for him pretty happily – God knows I’d rather have voted for Jindal than, say, McCain. But come to think of it, that IS damning him with faint praise.
I like him, but I agree I’d like us to do better.
Laura on April 17, 2009 at 1:24 PM
Totally agree, MC. Big Time is Big Time and by sniping at the heels of Cheney, Jindal is showing he is not ready for prime time. Grow up Bobby, the media is not your friend.
Angry Dumbo on April 17, 2009 at 1:32 PM
Okay, Jindal may have goofed on this one. But I’m not prepared to write him off just yet, on the basis of one possibly-well-intentioned-yet-still-lame remark.
Maybe it’s because I’m not looking for a Messiah.
manwithblackhat on April 17, 2009 at 1:33 PM
Did you delete my post?
getalife on April 17, 2009 at 1:34 PM
You’ll burn for that one, heretic.
MadisonConservative on April 17, 2009 at 1:39 PM
Yup. In my posts, you say something substantive, or not at all.
MadisonConservative on April 17, 2009 at 1:40 PM
There are good reasons, based on his record as Governor, to be cautious. I’ll vote for him again next time because there isn’t anybody better, but my view of him since he’s been our executive and not just a Rep. is less positive. As a Congressional Rep, he could tell us what we wanted to hear, and even if he heartily believed it – and I think he did – there wasn’t a way to implement it. Now that he’s Gov. he’s a lot more accountable, or he should be. And I don’t want any GOP rock-star status to make him feel immune from having to live up to what he’s promised.
Laura on April 17, 2009 at 1:46 PM
You should delete this one then:
Congrats on your new gig and power for freedom of speech.
I will save you the trouble of deleting my freedom of speech and not reply to your posts.
Thanks.
getalife on April 17, 2009 at 2:25 PM
Private blog. You have no right to post here.
But MadCon … nice.
TheUnrepentantGeek on April 17, 2009 at 2:28 PM
True but I thought cons believed in freedom.
Freedom for thee but not for me.
getalife on April 17, 2009 at 2:30 PM
I’m not the government, so I can’t delete your freedom of speech. You’re free to speak wherever the hell you want, but not on this private property. Know what the hell your rights are before you assert them where they don’t apply.
MadisonConservative on April 17, 2009 at 2:34 PM
And when I said you say something substantive, I was speaking directly to you, not in general. You, and every other troll.
MadisonConservative on April 17, 2009 at 2:35 PM
Look, Jindal still has to work with the Obama administration. Going out and criticizing him isn’t in the best interest of his state. What he’ll say is the polite thing to say, but notice he says he’ll tackle Obama on policy, not intention.
Read between the lines, folks. He knows that Obama is an amateur in the foreign policy arena. You never interrupt an enemy while they’re making a mistake. Or several of them.
Jindal will support Obama’s trainwreck policies because all he has to do is claim “support for the current President”. It’s deferment, not agreement. When he actually gets on the campaign trail, he’ll start hitting Obama. Until then he’ll play his cards close to his chest.
Nethicus on April 17, 2009 at 3:26 PM
Strangely, one con doesn’t believe in your freedom to spew insults and lies all over a private Internet blog.
Of course, the ignorance implied by “I thought cons believed in freedom” certainly jives with my ideas on most prog’s grasp of conservative political philosophy. Which is to say they don’t grasp it. At all.
TheUnrepentantGeek on April 17, 2009 at 3:45 PM
What, no Kris Krocker link?
Tacitus_SGL on April 17, 2009 at 8:43 PM
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