I am willing to take Bobby Jindal at his word although I admit, I am confused.
Recently, he told reporters that McCain has made it very clear that the invitation to spend the now famous Memorial Weekend visit with the presumptive Republican Presidential nominee was “social”.Jindal also told reporters “I think it would be extremely presumptuous for me to turn down something (the VP candidacy) that has not been offered to me. But I've been public in every conversation I've ever had with anybody, I've made it very clear I've got the job that I want.”
So, Bobby Jindal has the job he wants and also has said it would be “rude” to turn down a job he hasn’t been offered.
But, perhaps the gathering won’t be so social.Earlier this week right after the story broke, Melissa Sellers said in a press release, “Governor Bobby Jindal and First Lady Supriya Jindal are going to Arizona for the Memorial Day weekend to spend time with Senator John McCain and Cindy McCain at their ranch. The Governor has met with the Senator many times before and discussed the challenges facing the Gulf region as communities continue to rebuild. The Governor looks forward to joining Senator McCain and his other guests this weekend, and he values this as another opportunity to meet with a national leader, and the potential next President of the United States, to discuss issues important to the future growth of Louisiana."
However, according to a news source, a McCain campaign advisor Crystal Benton advisor said, “This is purely a social weekend,” and added “Discussion of a possible vice president is not on the agenda.”
Yet, the New York Times has a different perspective:
“Some of Mr. McCain’s associates said on Wednesday that while these would not be formal interviews, the weekend would provide Mr. McCain a chance to know some of his potential running mates in a social context. He is known as a social and gregarious candidate and senator, and his associates said personal chemistry would be a crucial consideration in his choice.”
But really, whether the visit is purely “social” or one to explain the policy issues of Louisiana, the key for Louisiana is not McCain’s motives for attending but those of Governor Jindal.Other than my own conversation with a top State Republican official, with knowledge, who described the meeting as VP talks, and the “business-oriented motivations” comments from Sellers, the main piece of evidence that strongly suggests that Jindal is “job seeking” and not just “social chatting” or bending McCain’s ear regarding Louisiana’s challenges is a statement that Clancy Dubos made on WWL—that Jindal was paying for the trip out of his own campaign funds.
Assuming the accuracy of Dubos’s statement, the question just lingers--why would Jindal be using his own campaign funds if the primary purpose for the McCain trip is not for the Governor's own political motivations?
I’m sorry for my raising the issue, but, too much is at stake in connection with this trip.Most importantly, to me, things just do not add up.
Yet, for now, I am willing to believe Governor Jindal.However, amid all the socializing, I hope the Governor can discuss those compelling needs of our state.Undoubtedly, we certainly can use all the help we can get especially from a person who could be our next President.Meanwhile, we’ll just have to hope that Governor Jindal is just seeking help for Louisiana since he already has the job he wants but just doesn’t want to say no before being asked.
Bayoubuzz Note:Early last night, I emailed Melissa Sellers asking her the following:
Clancy Dubos had mentioned on WWL that the Governor was using campaign funds for the McCain trip. Is that true or not? My deadline is 6 am Friday morning.
Trying to make something out of nothing! Jindal knows he has a very slim chance this year. But you never turn down an offer to visit a potential future president of the United States, or anyone who could help your state in the future even if he does not become president.
McCain will probably like to meet a lot of people in a social setting. And he may very well be thinking about Jindal giving an important speech at the Republican national convention. And if Jindal is chosen for that speech, and does a good job, it will benefit Louisiana immensely - and Jindal's future prospects.
But Jindal is plenty wise enough to know that any shot at higher office depends completely on how well he does as governor of Louisiana. So we had all better hope that Jindal is indeed interested in higher office: it is a great incentive to do a great job as governor. We might well have been better served if Gov. Foster had had more ambition in his second term: he might have spent more time governing and less time duck hunting and fishing.
Must have been a slow news week. Bayou Buzz is sounding more and more like talk radio: generate controversy and emotion over trivia in order to gain listeners or readers. You can do better than this. Written by chaubert
on 5/25/2008
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So, Steve, what exactly is confusing? When a group of politicians are getting together "socially" what do you expect them to talk about gardening or baseball. No, they will probably talk about policy issues both on the state and federal level.
And, if Jindal is being coy about VP spot, so what. By not denying the VP spot, Jndal has cast Louisiana in the national spotlight as a state that is turning around for the better. Do you think if he would have denied the position at the first moments of specualtion, he would have been asked to be on the Leno show or would be mentioned in the NYT and so many other publications. His actions have given our state the oppurtunity to shine a new image to the rest of the country.
Lastly, you and Jeff should coordinate you Jindal-bashing pieces so that you don't write the same lame articles at the same time. Written by Jindal Bashing is Getting Old
on 5/24/2008
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Steve,
You're shocked that Melissa Sellers didn't return your e-mail? Seriously?? Written by Kevin
on 5/24/2008
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Stephen, you just can't leave it along can you. Anyone that quotes The Old Gray Lady needs a new life. We all know about the stories they cook and then have to retract somewhere beyond page 12. Why not let this play itself out instead of continuing being so speculative. Your continued reporting, used lightly, doesn't solve anything except more gossip by you. As far as General Powell is concerned only two people would use him as VP, that being Clinton or Obama because he is a dove at heart pure and simple! Written by Ben
on 5/23/2008
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Colin Powell was the only intelligent person in the bush administation. He tried to warn our "arrongant little prick of a president" that war with Iraq would be a disaster and the US would be in Iraq for several years. Of course, how did "l'l prick" know about war; he was definitely more experienced at dodging the draft!! Written by swamp-irish
on 5/23/2008
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Yogi, he isn't missing nothings impotent................... It is busness az uzual hear........................ Written by
on 5/23/2008
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An incumbent President running for second term spends two years on campaign trail putting aside his full time duties as President of United States. That is perfectly acceptable and here is all the uproar of missing important buisness because Governor is spending weekend away. Written by yogi
on 5/23/2008
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Now there is a typical St. Mary Parish point of view...... sheeeshhhhhh!!!!!!!!! Written by
on 5/23/2008
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I agree with the editor, but with reservations. I have much respect for the Governor and he is just playing his "cards" and enjoying it. As a personal friend of the "Gov's" from Saint Mary Parish, I hope he is spending his own money, but it may be to the advantage of the Louisiana, either way? He may be our "ACE" in the "Hole"! Added comment on Powell-I would not elect him as a Dog Catcher, but would accept him as Mayor of New Orleans! I also hope that Big John Kennedy is our next U. S. Senator! Written by Driver
on 5/23/2008
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Yes, but Mr. Powel is still not talking................ Perhaps, like General Norman Schwarzkopf, he realizes that the 'political dice' are "loaded", and there is a great possibility of stalemate or capitulation on the horizon. There appears to be a lack of focused, energy directed, well planned plans of assault on the roots of the problems we are now faced with as a whole here in the United States. The logistical and bivouac nature of the situation are steadily becoming more skewed, degraded, lessened….This is a situation much like the Patriots, and the Giants... So put your Saints fantasies aside, because half time has come and gone...... And you are going to be saddened when the probable outcome of this game as it and its associated abstracts become full blown in our faces as it is played out..... We, as a collective whole are now on the threshold of one of those defining and pivotal points in history... And no, it has nothing to do with the Obama/Clinton window displays, or the Piyush/McCain wonderments which truly are not even an issue, being rather simply another batch of distractions for the tittering sensationalists as our attentions are being diverted and mass hypnotics sets in. It is the survival and preservation of the ideals of the American Way of life that are of issue here. The freedom to come and go as a person pleases, unhindered, unrestrained, that is what is at stake....... To pursue the hopes of security, liberty, and prosperity as are our God Given Rights. For the most part, folks just don't see the big picture, opting for 'bobble head' figurines instead..... Aside from those rights, the only other thing that God has given us is “Life”….. And how you spend it is your right, but to spend it doing wrong is simply a waste……. Written by .............STRONGCONCRETE...................
on 5/23/2008
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Why do you expect a response from Sellers? Written by Dan
on 5/23/2008
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Stephen, dear, why cannot Pi give a simple yes or no answer. The article in this morning's T-P about Pi's trying to quiet it down is a bit too much. Why even Mrs. Snellings had something to say about it and she is a Democrat, is she not. David Vitter had his two words also. However, the best is this "more emphasis on choosing someone they think they could work well with". Politicians do what they have to do to win the election regardless of how well they can work with some one. Personally, dears, we think Colin Luther Powell is still the man for the job.
Written by RhettsWife
on 5/23/2008
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I am willing to take Bobby Jindal at his word although I admit, I am confused.
