Yesterday, John McCain kicked off his general election campaign in Kenner, Louisiana with two speeches before an enthusiastic crowd. The venue was so small and the line was so long at the PontchartainCenter that McCain spoke twice so everyone could have a chance to hear him and shake his hand. Both times McCain was introduced by one of his favorite politicians, Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal.
Jindal used the opportunity to tout his accomplishments as Governor of Louisiana. It was also another chance for Jindal to be featured on national television. In recent weeks, Jindal has been highlighted on national television and radio shows and he addressed the National Press Club. Just today, Jindal was a guest on CNN, while the other day Fox News interviewed him.
Why all of the interest in Jindal? Obviously he is on the “short list” for the GOP vice presidential nomination. He also stands out in a party that is dominated by older white males. Jindal would be quite a contrast to McCain if selected as the vice presidential nominee. Jindal is half of McCain’s age, is an ethnic minority and is hailed as a conservative, in opposition to the maverick moderate, John McCain. More importantly, there is obviously a comfort level between McCain and Jindal. In recent weeks, the two have been together several times, including a high profile barbeque at the McCain compound over the Memorial Day weekend.
McCain likes Jindal for a number of reasons. At only 36 years of age, Jindal represents the future of the GOP. He is young, bright and talented. He is also an ethnic minority who appeals to conservatives, while McCain is having real problems motivating conservatives to vote for him.
Although Charlie Crist, the Governor of Florida, is a potential vice presidential selection, he is a white male with gray hair, just like McCain. The two of them look too similar, while Jindal obviously looks different. With a more diverse population, Jindal would be a better fit for a party that needs to attract younger voters and minority voters. Jindal would hold his own intellectually in a debate and would represent the party admirably in the fall election.
The major negative for the Republican Party is that Jindal would have to vacate his position of Governor if elected and a Democrat, Lt. Governor Mitch Landrieu would assume the state’s top job. According to one Louisiana Republican leader, “McCain loves Jindal. He wants to choose him, but the only problem is that a Democrat (Mitch Landrieu) would take his job.” Despite that problem, don’t be surprised to see a McCain/Jindal ticket take on Obama/Clinton this fall. It will be a history making race for a number of reasons. If these are the four individuals on the two national tickets, only one would be a white male. It shows how the country is changing and how our political environment is changing as well.
Jeff Crouere is a native of New Orleans, LA and he is the host of a Louisiana based program, “Ringside Politics,” which airs at 7:30 p.m. Fri. and 10:00 p.m. Sun. on WLAE-TV 32, a PBS station, and 7 till 11 a.m. weekdays on WGSO 990 AM in New Orleans and the Northshore. For more information, visit his web site at www.ringsidepolitics.com. E-mail him at jeff@ringsidepolitics.com.
Birds of a feather flock together. Jindal flip flops as much as mccain does, so they will be a perfect team. Written by Diaperman
on 6/28/2008
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Bobby Jindal is not just an ideal candidate for McCain, he is the ONLY good candidate for McCain. And he is well suited for a rigorous camapign, which is what he will face. Young, articulate, knowledgeable and ethical, Bobby Jindal is what is needed! Written by Nancy
on 6/28/2008
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Jindal doesn't represent the future of the party, he represents the current party. The I do things my way but call you out when you do things the same way approach. The Karl Rove brand of politics with Timmy "homeschool" Teepell (who could just be called mini karl) in the drivers seat and Melissa "dont insult my man or ill remove you from my list" sellers. If this is the future of the party, I actually feel sorry for Republicans. Written by Dan
on 6/4/2008
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The major negative is that if McCain selects Jindal as his running mate then Jindal would be a heartbeat away from the presidency -- and however "talented" Jindal's ardent admirers seem to think he is he still is not in any way ready to assume the presidency, period. Less than six months as governor and before that, less than two full terms as a congressman and before that strictly appointed office and mainly working for Mike Foster at that is all he has to show. Also, I would bet the house that if Jindal were not such an avowed conservative he would not be so talented but would rather be regarded by the types who seem to love him now as some kind of "pointy-headed bureaucrat." If anything, Jindal both as governor and as a gubernatorial candidate has shown himself to be fairly un-talented at dealing with the media and as a speaker he's really boring. Written by Richard P.
on 6/4/2008
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What does the Indian - American population have to do with any kind of considerations? Written by ..Eskimo - American???? Hmmmmm, catchy.....
on 6/4/2008
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Top 4 reasons why Mc Cain is not going to pick Jindal. #4) The Indian-American vote represents .01% of our population. #3) Jinal has as much experience in being a political leader as Obama. #2) McCain already has Louisiana locked up. AND the #1 reason McCain is NOT going to pick Jindal is Mitch Landrieu would then become governor. Written by Very thankful for Bobby
on 6/4/2008
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Uhhhhhhhhhhhh,,,,,,,,, what is it that Piyush has accomplished? I think McCain needs to give Piyush the GW treatment and hold him at arms length............. Pi is only a 20 + percenter anyways, so what would the loss be?????? Written by It's all in the numbers...........................
on 6/4/2008
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Yesterday, John McCain kicked off his general election campaign in 
