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My Pick for McCain's VP: a Conservative Southern Governor
By Charles Bird Posted in 2008 — Comments (40) / Email this page » / Leave a comment »
Bill Kristol beat me to the punch. After it was clear that John McCain would be the GOP nominee for president, many conservatives assuaged their frustration by saying that McCain would be acceptable if he kept to his word on judges and borders, AND if he picked a suitable running mate. In my view, it would be hard for conservatives to do better than Bobby Jindal. Why Jindal?
● He's brilliant. He graduated from high school at 16 and he's a Rhodes Scholar.
● He's performed admirably in every job he's had, and was promoted rapidly for his efforts. He has a good mix of managerial and legislative experience.
● He's doing an excellent job as governor, showing quite a bit of political savvy in getting elected and pushing through a reform agenda.
● He is the son of immigrants, which is quintessentially American.
● He is politically conservative.
● He is charismatic (for a Republican, that is).
● He would balance the ticket with McCain. The obvious balance is the age factor: McCain is 71 and Jindal is 36. Jindal is more conservative than McCain, which satisifies the conservative wing of the party. Jindal is a southern governor, which solidifies an important region in electoral college politics. Jindal is Catholic, which balances McCain's Episcopalian-Baptist background, not to mention the John Hagee unpleasantness. Least importantly, Jindal would rival Obama for funny-sounding first names (Jindal's is Piyush).
● The other hats in the ring are less inspiring.
● Did I mention that he's awfully gosh darn smart?
Of course, there are several objections to having Bobby Jindal on the ticket with McCain, and here are some of them:
"He's too young." Yes, he's comparatively young, but as I see it, Jindal's work experience is superior to Obama's years in the Illinois Senate and brief time as U.S. Senator.
"He has important work to do in Louisiana." True, but he can do important work as vice president serving his country, more so than serving just a single state. Also, Jindal can help McCain win. It wouldn't be easy, but Jindal doesn't have to quit as governor while running with McCain. If the GOP ticket doesn't make it, then Jindal will stay in Baton Rouge.
"He'd be a better candidate four or eight years from now." He's a great candidate right now, and a lot can happen in four or eight years.
"He doesn't have enough name recognition." Neither does Mark Sanford or Tim Pawlenty, to name two other Republican governors, and the chances are too low that Condi Rice would take the job.
"History is against him if he loses." Sorry, I just don't buy Ross Douthat's reasoning. Just because it hasn't happened in the past, doesn't mean it won't happen in the future. Times change.
Picking Jindal would be a smart choice, but also a bit risky (dare I say maverick?) because of Jindal's relative youth, but McCain could do worse.
and I don't really give a happy damn about what is fair to them or not. I am so glad I am out of that god forsaken swampland, and all the willfully ignorant and corrupt people.
I lived there the first forty years of my life, and I don't miss it one bit (ok, yes I do miss getting some good cracklins and boudain, but that's it)
"Nothing works like freedom, Nothing succeeds like liberty"
Kyle
Whhoooo Horsey...
by RandomGuy
Insulting the fine people of Louisiana who gave is Jindal is totally inappropriate.
You sound like Obama and his "bitter" talk. That's no good.
Besides, Jindal seemed to win over these "willfully ignorant" people anyway.
See:
"I will look for people in the cast of John Roberts, Samuel Alito, and my friend the late William Rehnquist – jurists of the highest caliber who know their own minds, and know the law, and know the difference." - John McCain
so they get something right every twenty years or so, I still have little use for them, Remember they are my family members, ex neighbors, and old friends. But they are an ignorant bunch who easily fall sway to any political fad, not all of them of course, but a majority.
"Nothing works like freedom, Nothing succeeds like liberty"
Kyle
You're entitled to your own
by RandomGuy
You're entitled to your own opinion, but it sound very prejudiced and counterproductive to me.
Furthermore, even if you were right once-upon-a-time, I frankly think electing Jindal, especially given the kind of campaign he ran, was proof that they wanted to leave the Huey Long/Edwin Edwards/David Duke days behind and move on with competent, diverse and effective government.
"I will look for people in the cast of John Roberts, Samuel Alito, and my friend the late William Rehnquist – jurists of the highest caliber who know their own minds, and know the law, and know the difference." - John McCain
Yes, and while I would have
by RandomGuy
Yes, and while I would have supported him, frankly, Jenkins was emblematic of the old way. 28 years in the State Legislature and ties to David Duke, even if fairly innocent (he used some of Duke's political fundraising stuff, from what I understand), is not exactly the way you usher in a new era. If anything, I'd say Jenkins lost BECAUSE they've rejected the old way, even if they misapplied that rejection in this case.
"I will look for people in the cast of John Roberts, Samuel Alito, and my friend the late William Rehnquist – jurists of the highest caliber who know their own minds, and know the law, and know the difference." - John McCain
fair enough, I hope that is so
by kyle8
but other than supporting the Tigers, I don't miss much about the old state. The roads, schools, and nearly everything else in Texas is so much better (even with our immigration problems) and the taxes are still lower. plus there are so many cajuns here I feel right at home.
"Nothing works like freedom, Nothing succeeds like liberty"
Kyle
It's *boudin*, you poser...
by Vladimir
...kind of like when I caught Thomas referring to himself as being of *Arcadian* descent.
Just funnin' ya, kyle. Sorry, I don't do emoticons, me.
There is more stupidity than hydrogen in the universe, and it has a longer shelf life. - Frank Zappa
True. Not fair to Louisianans,
by Charles Bird
but more than fair to the country. In this modern era of highly influential VPs, it would be a higher calling for Jindal to take the job, and McCain could give Jindal some assurances that he could play a major role in reconstruction there. McCain did there go there on his "po' folks tour" recently, and he did say that our federal government should have done better. With Jindal as VP, the chances are better of that happening.
1. McCain, 2. Thompson, 3. Giuliani, 4. Romney
Jindal's work experience is
by mbecker908
significantly better than McCain's. He's actually been in charge of stuff. And improved it. Stuff like education and health care.
____
CongressCritter™: Never have so few felt like they were owed so much by so many for so little.
Must you trash McCain in order to praise Jindal?
by RandomGuy
Jindal wouldn't do that.
And I suppose from what you've said that you don't consider being a squadron commander "being in charge of stuff"?
"I will look for people in the cast of John Roberts, Samuel Alito, and my friend the late William Rehnquist – jurists of the highest caliber who know their own minds, and know the law, and know the difference." - John McCain
I'm not trashing McCain, I'm simply
by mbecker908
pointing out a fact.
McCain's last attempt at executive experience was about 30 years ago and consisted of commanding a Navy flight squadron.
There's just no way that stands up to what Jindal has done with education and health care in LA.
Believe me, if I was trashing McCain, you'd know it. I have no use politically for the guy but I'm voting for him against the Dem nominee. And, I'm at least four standard deviations away from "subtile".
____
CongressCritter™: Never have so few felt like they were owed so much by so many for so little.
If you weren't trashing him,
by RandomGuy
If you weren't trashing him, you wouldn't have brought him up.
"I will look for people in the cast of John Roberts, Samuel Alito, and my friend the late William Rehnquist – jurists of the highest caliber who know their own minds, and know the law, and know the difference." - John McCain
Your crystal ball is cracked.
by mbecker908
Hell, it's broken.
I brought up McCain in the context of noting Jindal's level of actual, real world experience as a successful executive. The point was to note that his addition to a McCain ticket would significantly strengthen it because he's got that experience. It's complementary to McCain's long experience as a legislator and his committee experience with both military affairs and foreign policy, both areas where McCain is stronger than Jindal.
In other words, they strongly complement one another.
THAT is why I brought up McCain, no other reason. You can give your tinfoil hat a rest now.
____
CongressCritter™: Never have so few felt like they were owed so much by so many for so little.
Jindal is too young - let's go with Sanford - nt
by gamecock
Mike DeVine’s Charlotte Observer columns
http://thehinzsightreport.com
www.theminorityreportblog.com
www.race42008.com
"One man with courage makes a majority." - Andrew Jackson
My objection in two words: *Governor Landrieu*
by Vladimir
More later on this topic.
There is more stupidity than hydrogen in the universe, and it has a longer shelf life. - Frank Zappa
I'm warming up to the idea
by Adam C
If it's a late nomination and he serves as GOV in case the ticket loses. I think LA needs him and he could really save the state. But he's also someone I want with national exposure and he is the future of the Party (I hope). I was pretty opposed to plucking him before but I would be very happy to see it.
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Recommend, but respectfully disagree
by E Pluribus Unum
Well let me redirect. I agree wholeheartedly that Jindal would be a superior pick, perhaps even the best, CERTAINLY would draw votes, possibly electoral votes, perhaps the winning margin.
But I don't want this to happen for these reasons (aligning myself with several others here). First, He has the potential to do a great and badly needed healing work in LA, reversing generations of corruption and Democratism. If he is pulled out, this job will fail, and I mean fail UGLY.
Second, if he succeeds in LA, he has ALL the tools and the backing to absolutely OWN the White House from 2017 to 2025. Nobody but God could stop that from happening, in my view. And not only will he occupy a desk chair in he White House, he is one serious, not kidding around guy with big (and right) ideas, a vision, drive, the clarity of explaining (a Republican who can actually articulate his case? Really? ) and the kind of leadership to ACTUALLY LEAD THE PARTY, and to actually persuade Americans to buy into his conservative vision.
All of this does NOT happen if he goes to DC as the Veep in 2009.
Third, in league with the second thought, there is a REASON that experience matters - it provides wisdom, some educational hard lumps, and a chance to build an organization, a team, as ground game, that you can trust to take with you to DC when your time comes (like Reagan did and George W did).
Anyway, my thoughts.
Kill the terrorists
Protect the borders
Punch the hippies -- Frank J
5 EPU, 5^10
by itrytobenice
I meant what I said and I said what I meant. An elephant's faithful 100 percent.
McCain-Jindal would be a fabulous ticket !
by Diggins
It would certainly wake up the sedated wing of the Republican Party :)
Something we agree on!
by Adam C
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what will the other posters think? they will be horrified :-) their worlds will turn up side down...but yes Jindal is the perfect pick for McCain and brings alot of people back to McCain...now could you please get him not to speak at LaRaza? I had to do it ;-)
Freedom of Religion not Freedom from Religion
young.
Mike DeVine’s Charlotte Observer columns
http://thehinzsightreport.com
www.theminorityreportblog.com
www.race42008.com
"One man with courage makes a majority." - Andrew Jackson
the time ask my husband :-)
I am actually quite lucky that way because he is a quiet unassuming person and as you are aware I am a fired up little pistol....
I suspect as time rolls on we will disagree on other stuff but that's the beauty of individualism...
I know he's young but he is so good!
Freedom of Religion not Freedom from Religion
what a gal you are - nt
by gamecock
Mike DeVine’s Charlotte Observer columns
http://thehinzsightreport.com
www.theminorityreportblog.com
www.race42008.com
"One man with courage makes a majority." - Andrew Jackson
Short sighted
by simpson316
Why waste Jindal for what is likely a loosing cause (don't jump on me. We have a lot stacked against us at this point in time). What good would it do for Jindal if he is the loosing VP? Name the last person who was the VP on a loosing ticket to become President (which is where we all want Jindal to be in '12/'16 depending on how this one turns out).
Now also found at The Minority Report
Uhh, actually...
by RandomGuy
Name the last person who was the VP on a loosing ticket to become President
Franklin Delano Roosevelt
Was the VP nominee with James Cox in 1920 that got slaughtered by Warren Harding.
So apparently, if history is a guide, if we put Jindal on the ticket, he'll lose, but Jindal will go on to win 4 terms later!
(Joking, I still think he should wait...but yah, probably not such a great reason you stated.)
"I will look for people in the cast of John Roberts, Samuel Alito, and my friend the late William Rehnquist – jurists of the highest caliber who know their own minds, and know the law, and know the difference." - John McCain
Right
by simpson316
That still proves my point. It has been 88 years since someone lost as a VP and then later went on to win the Presidency. Modern politics hates a loser.
Now also found at The Minority Report
yes, let's let him fix the Bayou State - nt
by gamecock
Mike DeVine’s Charlotte Observer columns
http://thehinzsightreport.com
www.theminorityreportblog.com
www.race42008.com
"One man with courage makes a majority." - Andrew Jackson
minds: 1) Believe that McCain needs to shake up the Republican brand; 2) Afraid that McCain will shake up the Republican brand.
I think, given the results in the special elections and what we are seeing in IN and NC tonight, that McCain needs to shake up the brand a bit. I think it has to be someone from outside DC, and some one who is fresh, and someone who has had some executive experience who can say "I did..". I think it comes down to three choices: Huntsman, Jindal, or Palin.
I like Palin because: she has been a reformer; she is middle class and will relate to Hillary's blue collar workers the best; and she has a son in uniform (mothers and fathers worried about the war will be a key subset that can swing 1 or 2 percent).
One fear on Jindal - he may be a little too wonkish for blue collar union workers in OH, MI, PA, WV, etc.
I've got to be honest, given IN's history, and the Rev. Wright deal, I thought Obama would loose IN by 8-10. The voters are of a different mindset for this cycle, and they really (REALLY) want different.
Jindal is fine. But
by Anteater
McCain already gave a thumbs up to somebody else!!!!
All that indy appeal McCain has will go down the tubes as rank and file Republicans run screaming for cover from the idea of America's Snake Oil Pastor a heartbeat away from the WH. I might even give Obama some money for that one. But I'm glad you came pick to pimp the Slickster for one final go round Anteater.
Someone's got to punch the hippies.
Thanks Anteater I feel much better now
by BlackRepub
I was blind but now I see, truly Huckabee is the one I have been waiting for, helping me to amend the Constitution so it fits God's standards, not the Founding Fathers or that Mormon guy who was running and thought Jesus and the Devil were brothers.
Enjoy the view of the White House from the double wide-I heard he can make a mean batch of Kool-aid and fried squirrel.
Someone's got to punch the hippies.
Yup, BR is back. n/t
by simpson316
Lurking time is over, wedding is planned, and all there is left is moving aggressively next week. In the meantime, I have a solid two weeks for blogging and smacking.
Someone's got to punch the hippies.
I agree that Jindal will
by South Park Conservative
I agree that Jindal will probably do better in the future if he stays in Louisiana. Either way he'll have plenty of experience to run in 2012, although I'm sure Romney will give him a run for his money. I believe he would do better in the General election in 2012 or 2016 as the governor of Louisiana than as the incumbent Vice President after 12 or 16 years of Republican rule. If McCain loses then I don't think it will make much difference in a future general election whether Jindal is chosen as the VP candidate or not, although I'm sure it will boost his profile and could help him in the Republican primaries.
My favorite pick would be Mark Sanford. This guy is a real small government conservative. He's from the south and also has an appealing personality to people all over the country. I wish he would've run for President actually.
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They just elected him to do a job. It would not be right to take him at this point. At least, I'd be pretty upset if I were in Louisiana and had voted for him.