Louisiana Jindal, Tonight Show's Jay Leno: The Real Scoop

Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal becomes more of a household name tonight—especially for those who stay up to watch late night television. As previously announced, he is scheduled to appear on Jay Leno’s The Tonight Show, tonight.

Obviously, there has been intense speculation that with the appearances of President Bush and John McCain last week in Louisiana and with the Leno event and Jindal’s Press Club speech this week, that Jindal is priming for that coveted Vice President position.

Yet, Jindal has stated on numerous times he loves the job has currently has (Governor) wants to be re-elected, and has told other media that he does not want the Vice President position.

He has not said that if asked by McCain he would turn down the request. McCain said he wanted to protect the Jindal family privacy and did not fully comment on the possibilities of a McCain-Jindal ticket.

One very “uber-politico” told me recently in a very casual conversation that if McCain specifically asked Jindal to join the team, the Governor would do so. However, that opinion is pure speculation but was not made by an amateur pundit . The “politico” also said that it is highly unusual for a person to go on national television such as the Jay Leno Show unless there was some other motivation. By contrast, Jindal has said that he wants to spread the good news about Louisiana.

So, in light of the Leno appearance, the busy Bayoubuzz Bee has once again gotten a first hand look preview of the Jindal-Leno conversation tonight. Don’t ask me how the Bee gets into the future in the strangest of places, he (or is it a she) just does. Here’s the scoop:

Leno: Governor, you don’t mind if I call you Bobby, do you?

Jindal: Oh, no. As long as you let me call you Jay, we have a deal?

Leno: You drive a hard bargain. Perhaps that’s why you are becoming somewhat of a rock star in Louisiana. So, tell me, you’ve been the Guv for a little over 100 days and you are really making waves in that state and nationally. What’s going on? What’s the real secret?

Jindal: Well Jay, it is my honor to serve the great people of Louisiana as their Governor. So far, we are near the “Gold standard” in ethics, our tax system is now very competitive with other states and we are rebounding from Katrina with a vengeance.

Leno: So, I hear that El Rusho has mentioned you as a Vice President possibility. Tell us the real down and dirty on this Veep talk.

Jindal: Well, I admit there has been wild speculation and I am honored my name is even mentioned, but I love being Governor of Louisiana. I served in Congress, know the system, but, we have work to do to ensure that we get off of all the “bad lists” plaguing the state for years and onto the good lists. We are making changes to ensure the “brain drain” that has plagued Louisiana over the years is reversed. We are positioned to be very competitive for major economic growth.

Leno: Louisiana….that’s in the South right? Or did Katrina move it?

Jindal: Jay, we are proud Southerners at the mouth of the Mississippi and the gateway to the Americas. Have been and will be. With America’s help, we won’t wash away.

Leno: So, tell us Bobby. If John McCain came asking or begging you to be vice president, you’re telling us you will say “no”.

Jindal: Jay, again, I would be honored but I have a job to do and that is to be the governor of all of the people in Louisiana, republicans and democrats, rich and poor, young and old.

Leno: Spoken like a politician Bobby. You are learning fast. But, getting back to the question. Would you say absolutely say I would not serve as Vice President if asked. Remember you would be a heart beat away from the Oval Office and McCain is no “spring chicken”. Are you telling the nation tonight you would not serve no matter what?

Jindal: Jay, I have a job to do. I was voted into office by a large majority. I want to be the best Governor Louisiana has ever had and we have really had some real colorful clowns in the past.

Leno: So, that is the best we will get from you tonight, right.

Jindal: I have spoken repeatedly about this issue explaining my feelings, so let’s talk about how Louisiana is becoming a major force to be reckoned now and in the future.

Leno: Governor, first, I’ve been wondering. Tell me. How did an Indian American become Governor of the same state that almost put David Duke in the mansion a decade or so ago? Did you buy his list or something?

Jindal: (laughs) Well, Louisiana has changed so much in the past decade and will do so even more during my administration. I am pleased that the son of an Indian immigrant could become Governor in the Deep South. I was born in Baton Rouge, am an American and am dedicated to turning Louisiana around after years of neglect and poor leadership.

Leno: That’s what I hear you said during the inauguration and you got some heat for it. Are you calling your predecessors poor leaders and negligent?

Jindal: Well, not all of our Governors and leaders have run us into the ground. But, we’ve had policy makers who have been all about themselves or incompetent. The voters said, they wanted a change, so I am proud to be that change agent. Jay, you ought to come down and take a look. We are putting over 100,000 people to work in a state that has jobs that are going begging while the nation is losing jobs by the droves. So, if you need a job, we can find one for you. The same goes for the rest of the nation. Just come on down.

Leno: Well Bobby, next time we have a writers’ strike, I might just have to do that. Now getting back the the big question, one last time. Let’s just say you are asked by John McCain to be his running mate. He says he needs your competence, your charisma, your experience. Who would take over if you were actually sworn in as VP in 2009?

Jindal: Well, that would be Mitch Landrieu.

Leno: He’s a Democrat and his sister is a Democrat US Senator, is that right?

Jindal: Yes, you know, Jay, for a comedian you can really be a straight man, sometimes.

Leno: Bobby, considering the excitement you have brought to Louisiana since your taking office, I bet the state Republicans would be seething “Red” if you were to make a run.

Jindal: Jay, there are a number of fine Republicans across America who would make great running mates for John McCain, a real hero and a super candidate. My son wants to see those jets fly over the State Capitol if I get re-elected. All this talk about being chosen for Vice President is a diversion when the people of Louisiana are recovering from two major disasters and our legislature is in session doing the people’s business. I hope that after my first term and certainly after my second, should I get elected, Louisiana is considered by the rest of the world as the best place to raise a family. We already know it back home, but, it is important to get out the message to the world, which is why I am here tonight. So, tonight I am urging the world to come on down to Louisiana and stay a spell. We have high-paying jobs for the asking and all you need is a high-school diploma for some of these jobs, considering our infrastructure.

Leno: Governor, something tells me your going somewhere. By the way, are you doing Letterman? Just kidding. Ladies and gentlemen, let’s say thanks to Louisiana’s Governor Bobby Jindal, Governor and Ambassador of Louisiana, the Deep South’s rising star, and who knows what other titles he might collect over the next couple of years. We would love to have you back soon in the future so you can give us an update on the Katrina recovery and other political matters in your state. Ok?

Jindal: Of course. I’m hoping you and the rest of the world will be proud of our transformation. We’ve been the butt of many jokes in the past and now it’s time for us to do some kicking. So, everyone, come down for a visit, a “look see” and you will immediately start thinking business opportunities and experiencing a great place to live.

Leno: Despite your colorful past of Huey Long and others, right Governor?

Jindal: Yep, we are exporting hope and opportunity in every pot. Thank you for having me on tonight.

Leno: Good luck, Governor. I am sure we will see you soon.

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