Competence, it seems, is the cornerstone of his post-Bush appeal—both within the party and, perhaps, beyond it. Satisfy the right with your personal convictions; sway the center by actually solving problems. “Jindal can play up the wonkier side of his résumé because he already has this visceral, implicit connection with rock-ribbed social conservatives,” says journalist Reihan Salam, coauthor of “Grand New Party.” “Everyone can see what they want in him: the reformers and traditionalists battling for control of the GOP, as well as the independents who will decide future elections.” In Breaux Bridge, Jindal doesn’t boast about the bill he signed allowing public schools to teach intelligent design. He doesn’t have to. Instead, he can focus on more pragmatic achievements—and build chic postpartisan cred in the process. As Jindal finishes posing for photos, Gloria Kern, a blind, 83-year-old lifelong Democrat, saunters over and touches his shoulder. The governor leans in. “I didn’t vote for you,” she says. “But I’ve been impressed.” Back in Baton Rouge that evening, Jindal attributes his 69 percent approval rating to “authenticity.” “Even when the voters don’t agree with you on everything,” he says, “if they see that you have relevant solutions, they’ll support you.”