Posted on 07/23/2008 4:44:41 AM PDT by Kaslin
Drum roll. Suspense. Who will it be?
In this corner, we have Stormin' Mormon Mitt Romney. In the other, we have Brain-Buster Bobby Jindal.
Amid speculation that John McCain will announce his vice presidential pick soon, political nail-biters have begun placing bets. Favorites include Louisiana Gov. Jindal, with whom McCain is meeting Wednesday, and former Massachusetts Gov. Romney, whose resume is familiar.
Can McCain's former foe become his new best friend?
Romney would bring more than squeaky clean qualifications and youthful good looks to the ticket. New polling in Michigan by Ayres, McHenry & Associates shows that Romney gives McCain a significant jump -- "off the charts," as someone familiar with the still-unreleased poll described it -- and makes him competitive in a state that hasn't voted Republican since 1988. Mike Huckabee had little effect on the survey results and Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty's name was of negligible value.
Given the importance of even that single state, where 17 electoral votes are at stake, Romney would seem a logical choice. Then again, as conservatives frequently note, logic doesn't always work with McCain, who seems to enjoy doing the opposite of what he senses people want him to do.
Although Jindal is less well-known, he's got rising star power. Importantly, he's young -- and looks even younger. If he had cheeks, you'd want to pinch them.
Reed-thin, Jindal has the metabolism of a hummingbird and the kind of intellect that makes Vulcans uneasy. Often referred to as the smartest man in the room, Jindal's mind can wrap around anything but the idea of repose.
More to an important point, he's not another white guy. The son of Indian immigrants, Jindal is both the Republican Barack Obama and the anti-Obama. To a vote, he's a fiscal and social, pro-life conservative who came to the governorship on a promise of reform in the wake of Katrina.
While then-Gov. Kathleen Blanco told President Bush she'd get back to him about what she needed after the hurricane, Jindal orchestrated a national emergency system of volunteers, faith-based agencies, retail providers and truckers to donate and deliver supplies to the drenched and homeless. Affectionately told stories of his gritty performance are the stuff of future legend.
That can-do spirit is a thread that runs through Jindal's life. Before becoming governor, he served in the U.S. House of Representatives. Before that, he was appointed secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, taking the state's bankrupt Medicaid program from a $400 million deficit to a $220 million surplus. He also served as president of the University of Louisiana System.
Oh, and he delivered his third child when his wife awoke in the middle of the night in labor. Yeah, but can he juggle machetes?
In one of his toughest challenges as governor, Jindal vetoed a bill that would have doubled state legislators' pay. Jindal had long opposed the raise, but also had promised to let the Legislature handle its own business. Caught between two vows, Jindal erred on the side of ethics, admitting that he had made a mistake in promising too much.
"As with all mistakes, you can either correct them or compound them -- I am choosing to correct my mistake now," Jindal said at a news conference.
Too good to be true? Perhaps. If Jindal gets close to the White House, Americans will hear about his conversion to Catholicism. He was smitten in high school by a young lady who stole his heart and led him to the cross. In college, he witnessed and wrote about an exorcism.
Though such talents might be needed in the nation's capital, Hindu converts to Catholicism who admit to belief in demons have some 'splainin' to do.
It seems clear that Romney would agree to serve as McCain's wingman. He has stumped for McCain for several months after graciously dropping his own candidacy for president.
Jindal has a tougher call. He's been governor only for six months and has the unique opportunity to create a new state, literally, from the ground up. Politically, the fallout would be significant, as Lt. Gov. Mitch Landrieu, a Democrat and brother of U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu, would take Jindal's place.
Staying put might allow him time to further burnish his executive credentials while honoring his contract with Louisiana voters. Jindal's resume would suggest that he's always been a man in a hurry, but there's no rush for the nation's junior governor.
When you're Bobby Jindal, the night really is young.
I wanted Sarah Palin...but that’s purely for aesthetics. :)
I like Palin as well but I think she would be best in service as heading up the State at the present time with all that may be taking place in terms of exploration.
I don’t know Jindal well - but look forward to some opinions here on the guy. He may be the spark of vitality McCain needs in his campaign.
It’s a tough call...who needs Jindal’s leadership more? The country or Louisiana?
Just saw Bobby Jindal on Fox & Friends, and he is indeed a fabulous, quick witted, smart man.
Great sense of humor, totally Americanized, and impeccable conservative credentials.
That said, a Jindal VP selection might be seen as pandering to the minority vote (whatever that is).
Also, Jindal as VP would make McCain’s claim that Obama has “no experience” seem hyocritical.
I still like Romney for VP. The ticket would have instant energy, gravitas, fundraising ability — not to mention that Romney’s huge good-looking family just seems to make people proud of what can be accomplished in America.
Better not be...he has rejected the idea.
Anyone who believes in the Bible believes in demons.
Is she implying that Hindu voters will be offended by a conversion to Christianity? There is not enough of a Hindu voting block in the US to amount to anything.
Roger that. Why get some cross over in one state, when the
GOP can get crossover in every state
The "Warrior and the Woman" (will Win BIG
attacting a large fraction of the pro-Hillary frustrated Democrat women.)
Her family looks good (without the socialism of ######).
Jindal has lots of experience actually running things and with quantifiable results. Obama has never done anything but talk.
That wont even be taken into consideration. The Dems will be spouting of that Jindal has no experience to be VP. With the economy the way it is heading, the clear choice is Romney.
Jindal has lots of experience actually running things and with quantifiable results.
And in a short time as well. Still, he needs to finish his term in Louisiana. I work with some engineers in Louisiana, and I hear nothing but positives about Jindal. After straightening out Louisiana (no minor feat, but he can accomplish that based on his current performance record), he would make an excellent White House candidate in 2012.
I would rather see Govs Palin and Jindal wait. We will need them in 2012. Let them be successful as governors. If Obama wins we will need a strong young leader to take him on in 4 years. If McCain squeaks through and retires in ‘12, Republicans will be looking for a new face to succeed him. The vice president probably will be in the running but Jindal and Palin could be strong contenders also.
I’m ready to campaign for this team right now.
JINDAL / PALIN IN 2012
Romney’s still a Republican? What does he believe in this week?
I want Sarah Palin.....because of her stand on the issues!
I want Sarah Palin.....because she has good common sense.
I may be in the minority here, but in this case I don't mind pandering at all! In fact anything that takes race off the table of the MSM is a plus in my book.
I am so sick of any criticism thrown at Obama automatically being labeled racist.
Definitely Not Guilty
He could very well be the Barack Obama of the Republican Party. Someone who talks a good game and says all the right things, but doesn't have the accomplishments to back up his rhetoric. Or he could be the second coming of Ronald Reagan. At this stage it's impossible to tell, and I'd rather not bet the ranch on him.
On this point I think you're wrong. Jindal has plenty of experience in leadership roles, and many accomplishments. Obama has no accomplishments that have actually bettered or helped anybody but himself. Prior to his winning his first local election for state legislature, my impression of Obama's professional life is that it was lackluster and mediocre.
Obama has more in common with a pop singer like Britney Spears than with Jindal when it comes to staying power, drive, ability and accomplishments.
Yeah, right. The only way you're going to attract a large fraction of the pro-Hillary frustrated Democrat women is if Palin comes out solidly pro-choice. That's their sacred cow, and the one issue they're really concerned about.
Oddly enough, most of the Indians I talk to tell me they would be Democrats if they could vote, even though the Democratic party is anathema to everything that Indians typically stand for (family, self-sufficiency, success in business).
Like what? Jindal has never been in a government job for more than 3 years, and that was as a congressman. He's jumped from post to post, landing with big ideas and even implementing one or two, but never staying long enough for his changes to take affect. If he was in the private sector, he'd be what's called a 'seagull manager'. Someone who swoops in, makes a lot of noise, craps all over the place, and then swoops out leaving others to clean up the mess.
I have nothing against Jindal, and agree he looks very impressive on paper. But I'd like to see him put in enough time in one job to actually accomplish something and build a track record people can point to.
Unlike Romney, Palin screams sincerity, communicates well, and has the ability to discuss conservative ideas without coming across as as pompous or fake.
Like?
Palin might be a good tap for Sec. of Energy.
well said. Romney is phony ba-loney!
EXACTLY... Same reason H is popular. If he wasn’t what he was, he’d be a nobody... I think Jindal has a great future ahead of him, but not now... Way too inexperienced, and then it takes away a huge issue from us- H’s inexperience.
Same thing he’s believed in for several years. Conservative values. Deal with it
Palin is a great Conservative and would make a fine VP some day. The issue that should keep her far away from any ticket in 2008 is that she is the mother of a 3 month old child with Downs Syndrome. Accepting the VP nomination at that point in your (and your childrens’) life demonstrates a lack of judgement that would disqualify her to a lot of good Americans. She has a great future but now is not her time.
Good looks and intelligence often go together. ;-)
Is not THAT special. The rest talk (or less)
and Gov. Palin actually did something.
I've read it. Long on titles but kind of thin on accomplishments.
Is Bobby Jindal the GOP's answer to the Dems minority/man of color candidate, Barak Obama?
He does have similar qualities:
He's a man of "color"
He is articulate
He's thin
The only question remaining is, does he sweat when playing b-ball?
I like Romney for VP now and Jindal for Pres in 2016 or possibly even 2012. Let’s see what he does in Louisiana.
Everything you claim to want to know is already in front of you. That you can’t see it is indicative that you’ve chosen not to. No amount of restating facts found here and elsewhere is going to change your mind for you.
Americanized? He's American, born in Baton Rouge.
mark
I’d like to see Palin/Jindal or Jindal/Palin in 2012.
I'd be interested in seeing them stated for the first time, much less restated. He cut the budget. Anyone can do that, there's no accomplishment there. In the process he took Louisiana's health care ranking from 48th to 50th, and if you believe half the blogs out there cut thousands off from doctor's care and gutted the state mental health system. But what have been the long range results of his term? Is the state medicare still showing a surplus? Has the health ranking improved? Is the budget under control? In short, did he leave a more efficiently running department behind him or did he merely take a cleaver to the budget for short-term results, and then call it success before skipping off to his next impressive-sounding job? That's been Jindal's history. He has never stayed around long enough in any of his jobs to really make a lasting difference.
It’s not too tough a call. This man worked the healthcare crisis from a $400 million deficit to a $220 million surplus. He did that in a limited capacity. Now, let him make LA a model for other states. Let him show other governors how it’s done. If he stays those thieving children of Moon Landrieu don’t get to control LA. The country could use his leadership, but LA needs it.
I didn’t see it. I’m glad to hear you describe him as quick-witted and possessing a great sense of humor. On the occasions that I saw him, I’ve always come away thinking, “He needs a good haircut and some wit.”
That child has not been brought up yet. He’s a baby. He will be 6-9 months old in November and is not featured in the picture.
“I have nothing against Jindal, and agree he looks very impressive on paper. But I’d like to see him put in enough time in one job to actually accomplish something and build a track record people can point to.”
In complete agreement.
Jindal may be a rising star in the party, but wouldn’t it be a good idea for that star to actually rise and shine long enough to establish a proven record of accomplishment before we go hitchin’ our presidential wagons to it????
P.S. to conservatives and Republicans: this IS NOT the year to go choosing a candidate on the basis of gender (read: Palin), ethnicity or skin color. The democrats have already trumped us one hundred times on that issue, and it will HURT us more than it helps - at least this time around....
- John
I like Bobby Jindal alot and expect alot out of him in the future but not just yet. Bobby’s a rising star in his own right...if he’s picked for the ticket the media will prtray it as a desperate act to get a conservative obama on the ticket..that’s a load of crap but that’s the way it will be played. He’s got a bright future and the State of Louisiana deserves a competent, honest leader at least once every 200 years.
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