MyDD :: Vetting the veeps--Part II--Bobby Jindal

Vetting the veeps--Part II--Bobby Jindal

by esconded, Sat Jun 14, 2008 at 11:40:06 PM EST

The second installment of previewing potential running mates will discuss Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal. I'm alternating Democrats and Republicans, and with coverage of Republicans, it's about he (or she) can help or hurt Obama's chances.

So here's the take on Jindal:
Pros:

1. He balances the GOP ticket agewise. He's half McCain's age
and that could alleviate voter worries about McCain's age.

2. He has a already developed a "reformer" reputation, which
fits right in with McCain.

3. His hard-right social consevatism could bring back suspicious
evangelicals back to McCain. He could also increase McCain's appeal among Catholics.

4. Can he bring in Indian-American voters to turn out in larger
numbers and vote for MCCain? It's a possibility, but it would need further analysis.

Cons:

1. He's pretty much unknown outside of Louisiana, and he won't
really help carry a swing state.

2. His youthfulness could undercut McCain's experience argument.

3. His hard-right stances on social issues (especially abortion
where he is absolutely opposed with no exceptions) could drive
women voters to Obama. It could cost McCain NH, CO, WI, NM, and even PA.

Originally I feared this selection, as I thought Jindal's youthfulness would be the perfect complement to McCain. Now I think a McCain-Jindal ticket is slightly favorable to Obama, as any increase in support from social conservatives will be offset
by greater support for Obama from women, especially suburban women, where he's having some difficulty.

Tomorrow's discussion: Sen. Jim Webb.

Tags: Bobby Jindal, John McCain, vice-presidential selection process (all tags)

Permalink :: 33 Comments :: Post a Comment

Re: Vetting the veeps--Part II--Bobby Jindal (2.00 / 1)

I don't think he will pick Jindal. But the guy is one heck of a politician. He's quite smart. A Rhodes scholar. I think it would be a good choice.

formerly bookgirl

by masslib1 on Sat Jun 14, 2008 at 11:42:23 PM EST

Re: Vetting the veeps--Part II--Bobby Jindal (2.00 / 1)

His being involved in an exorcism might be an issue.

http://tpmelectioncentral.talkingpointsm emo.com/2008/06/bobby_jindals_dance_with _the_d.php

Just a thought.

Faced with the choice between changing one's mind and proving that there is no need to do so, almost everyone gets busy on the proof.

by jsfox on Sat Jun 14, 2008 at 11:49:01 PM EST

funny as hell, (2.00 / 1)

as it could turn off the moderates who are sick of seeing an ultra-religious nut in the White House. Also, lets not forget Jindal threw his own religion, Hinduism under the bus in high school so he could be President some day.

by Lakrosse on Sat Jun 14, 2008 at 11:52:08 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Vetting the veeps--Part II--Bobby Jindal (none / 0)

I don't think he would ever seriously be considered (despite the speculation), but that exorcism thing is an absolute candidacy-killer.

Let's put it this way...Bob Graham (a terrific Democrat who would've been a credit to any ticket) found himself crossed off Gore's list in 2000 when excerpts of his diary were published. The diary--really just a log of his comings and goings--showed an almost obsessive attention to detail, down to the minute. That was determined to be "too weird" for the VP slot.

So you think the GOP is going to pick a guy who claims to have performed an exorcism?? Besides being utterly bizarre, let's not forget that there are many in the evangelical wingnut base who don't like Catholics to begin with, much less ones who say they've cast out demons.

Now, aside from that, Jindal's an unaccomplished politican who's hopped from election to election out of blind ambition. And he'd simply be seen as an utterly blatant diversity-pander: "You've got Obama? Well we've got a brown guy, too!"

To borrow from Atrios, na ga happen.

by Johnny Gentle Famous Crooner on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 12:08:37 AM EST
[ Parent ]

A boon for Obama (none / 0)

as much of the racial backlash against Obama may be neutralized with Jindal on the McCain ticket. Cynical? YES. But it may help Obama a lot in blue collar areas already averse to voting for a non-white. They may be more averse to an Indian than a black, or may stay home altogether.His radical conservatism makes it easy to paint the McCain/Jindal ticket as a third Bush term. It will scare Hillary supporters and women on the ultra radical abortion stance of Jindal's being that McCain is so old he could die anyday and Jindal'd be President enough to get them back to Obama. Also, there are not enough Indian-Americans to come out and vote for him in large enough numbers to make a difference. Nothing against Indians, just saying.

by Lakrosse on Sat Jun 14, 2008 at 11:50:42 PM EST

Or it gives voters an out to vote Repub (1.00 / 0)

they can say see, I'm not a racist.

by catfish2 on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 12:32:35 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Or it gives voters an out to vote Repub (none / 0)

the difference is Americans know black people, and while Obama has a weird name, people will be more used to it than Piyush Jindal who is PROVEN to have been raised non-christian until he threw hinduism under the bus when he realized in high school that he wanted to be President. Also, with respect to the Indian culture, Americans know very little of it, and when the racists find out about it, they'll be running to Obama or staying home in November.

by Lakrosse on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 01:15:23 AM EST
[ Parent ]

diarist - are you going to cover sarah palin? (none / 0)

"Democracy! Bah! When I hear that I reach for my feather Boa!" Allen Ginsberg

by canadian gal on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 12:40:32 AM EST

Re: diarist - are you going to cover sarah palin? (none / 0)

I think putting Palin on the McCain ticket will be a smart move for the GOP. Not good for the democrats at all, as Palin would strengthen the GOP's chances

by colebiancardi on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 12:51:41 AM EST
[ Parent ]

i agree completely. (none / 0)

and i saw on msnbc that she is on the shortlist.

"Democracy! Bah! When I hear that I reach for my feather Boa!" Allen Ginsberg

by canadian gal on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 12:55:56 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: i agree completely. (none / 0)

I have not seen her on any short list except for MSNBC, which does not have a very strong record with accuracy this election cycle. She's getting more discussions from the right-wing blogosphere than from any "neutral" news reporting.

There seems to be more a consensus among McCain's VP picks right now than Obama's, which is probably a result of having three extra months to think about the direction he wants to go with this pick. Given McCain's seeming obsession with picking off blue states from Obama, my bet would be on your standard right-wing white male tool, such as Pawlenty or Romney.

by Blazers Edge on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 02:23:18 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: i agree completely. (none / 0)

We shall see. I think she's a very formidable opponent, but if you think Obama has very little experience, you must REALLY think Palin has very little experience. Two years as a governor, then as a mayor before that, then a couple of appointed posts. I'm also not sure she wants it. She's got five kids, one that is just a few weeks old. Honestly, she looks like she would give McCain a pretty good boost.

"Tell me about your work ethic." "Well, I don't think ethnics do no work. I mean, that's they problem, really." "Overt racial prejudice. Impressive."

by vcalzone on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 02:32:29 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: i agree completely. (none / 0)

governors look better than senators. Same with mayors. It shows they can actually "govern".

her history (and it seems she shares the ethic concerns)

Palin served two terms on the Wasilla City Council and became a two-term mayor and manager of Wasilla, one of Alaska's fastest-growing communities. She was also elected President of the Alaska Conference of Mayors.

In 2002, Palin made a failed bid to become the state's lieutenant governor, coming in second place behind Loren Leman in a four-way race. After Frank Murkowski became governor, resigning from his long-time U.S. Senate seat, Palin was considered by some to be a candidate for that job; however, Murkowski appointed his daughter, then-State Representative Lisa Murkowski.

Governor Frank Murkowski appointed Palin to serve as ethics commissioner on the state's Oil and Gas Conservation Commission which she served on during 2003-2004, but later resigned, in protest over what she perceived to be the "lack of ethics" of fellow Alaskan Republican leaders. This included the state party's chairman, Randy Ruedrich, a fellow commissioner, who was accused of doing work for the party on public time and providing a sensitive email to a lobbyist.[8] She filed formal complaints against both Ruedrich and former state Attorney General Gregg Renkes, who was eventually found not guilty.

She also served an elected term on the Valley Hospital board.
Governor Palin with Alaska's At-large U.S. Representative Don Young
Governor Palin with Alaska's At-large U.S. Representative Don Young

In 2006, Palin won the Republican primary for Governor, defeating then-Gov. Frank Murkowski; she went on to win the general election in November 2006, defeating former Governor Tony Knowles. Palin has said that education, public safety, and transportation will be three focuses of her administration.[4]

She also supports holding occasional legislative sessions outside the state capital and municipal revenue sharing to help local governments.

In July 2007, Palin was heralded in the media as being the most popular governor in the United States, with an approval rating often in the 90s.[9] An August 2007 poll had her approval rating at 84 percent, with five percent disapproving.[10]

A May 2008 poll showed her continuing to maintain her approval ratings in the mid 80s, the highest of any elected official in American politics.

from wiki

by colebiancardi on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 09:09:33 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: i agree completely. (none / 0)

No, I know. But she still doesn't even have a third of a term yet. To jump from 2 years as governor of one of America's least-managed and most corrupt states (though she does seem to be trying to change that) to President is still pretty mind-numbing.

Obama went to Harvard Law School, he became the first black President of the Harvard Law Review, he taught constitutional law, he served multiple terms in the state senate and 2/3 of his term in the US senate. He IS miles more qualified by comparison, and it definitely gives Obama an opening in terms of whether he's experienced.

"Tell me about your work ethic." "Well, I don't think ethnics do no work. I mean, that's they problem, really." "Overt racial prejudice. Impressive."

by vcalzone on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 09:23:40 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: i agree completely. (none / 0)

also, her having 5 kids may not be an issue. Who knows - maybe her husband is Mr Mom - that would be a boost for women voters looking at the GOP ticket.

Of course, there are many things I dislike about her platform, but she appears to be a strong candidate with very high positives.

by colebiancardi on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 09:11:41 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: diarist - are you going to cover sarah palin? (none / 0)

So Clinton supporters keep saying that a woman VP that isn't Clinton would just be Obama pandering to women.

Isn't it even more obviously pandering if McCain puts Palin or any other woman on the repub ticket?

McCain = bad Obama = good

by CAchemist on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 02:18:41 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: diarist - are you going to cover sarah palin? (none / 0)

McCain is expected to pander.

"Tell me about your work ethic." "Well, I don't think ethnics do no work. I mean, that's they problem, really." "Overt racial prejudice. Impressive."

by vcalzone on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 02:33:20 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: diarist - are you going to cover sarah palin? (none / 0)

But if it is clearly pandering why would it help him?

It is the same reason why I don't understand McCain conference calling and meeting with PUMA. Even if they hate Obama and the DNC, they must know McCain is using them and does not and will never have their political ideals in mind when making any decisions.

McCain = bad Obama = good

by CAchemist on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 02:36:34 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: diarist - are you going to cover sarah palin? (none / 0)

Because their campaign is based in emotion. Perhaps it started out as something logical, but it's beyond that at this point. For both sides, as we have seen demonstrated many times. Honestly, I think they want the Democrats to make some sort of grand gesture or do something to prove that they want their vote. The more I think about it, the more I think Clinton might be the best way to go. And if she is, it needs to happen before McCain might decide to pick Palin.

"Tell me about your work ethic." "Well, I don't think ethnics do no work. I mean, that's they problem, really." "Overt racial prejudice. Impressive."

by vcalzone on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 02:54:07 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: diarist - are you going to cover sarah palin? (none / 0)

nope - because the GOP didn't have a woman run for president this year.

big difference.

by colebiancardi on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 09:12:28 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Vetting the veeps--Part II--Bobby Jindal (none / 0)

Jindal is a pretty decent guy by all accounts, and a fairly honest Republican. He's not gonna get picked this time, but this one we need to watch.

We will be hearing from him in the future.

by Reaper0Bot0 on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 12:46:27 AM EST

Re: Vetting the veeps--Part II--Bobby Jindal (2.00 / 1)

a pretty decent guy who performed an exorcism

a pretty decent guy who believes abortion should be illegal without exceptions

ENOUGH!

by JDF on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 12:56:31 AM EST
[ Parent ]

so you can say these nice things about Jindal, (none / 0)

but couldn't find anything nice to say about the Clintons, Bill being the only two term Democrat since FDR?

Also, why would we want to hear from Jindal, an ultra radical, embryo-loving, science-hating gay-bashing, Democrat trashing, war-mongering exorcising redneck hick conservative Republican who can't tell the difference between the truth and a lie?

by Lakrosse on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 01:12:37 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: so you can say these nice things about Jindal, (none / 0)

I didn't say you should want to, only that you were going to.

The Republicans don't have very many engaging speakers like that. We need to watch him because we're going to have to run against him at some point.

Someone can be a decent human being whilst still being batshit insane.

I can like certain aspects of Bobby Jindal whilst still thinking he'd be a trainwreck of a president or vice president.

Would I ever vote for him? Not on your life.

by Reaper0Bot0 on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 10:37:46 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Vetting the veeps--Part II--Bobby Jindal (none / 0)

No. WAY. Jindal is an opportunist and a nutcase. We need him near the White House like we need a hole in our head.

"Tell me about your work ethic." "Well, I don't think ethnics do no work. I mean, that's they problem, really." "Overt racial prejudice. Impressive."

by vcalzone on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 02:01:45 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Vetting the veeps--Part II--Bobby Jindal (1.00 / 1)

Senator mccain announces his veep

"barack huessien obama is too young, inexperienced, naive and foolish to be president. and he gets mad when people mention his middle name, he can't be prez. oh, but you know who will be one frail heart beat away from the presidency? an even younger guy with 2 terms in congress and a few months as governor, without any foreign policy experience. oh and he's indian. the dot kind not the (imitates the battle cry the old cartoon indians used to do) kind. oh, and his real name is Piyush or something like that, BUT DON'T CALL HIM THAT OR I'KLL RIP YOUR HEAD OFF!!!!!!!!! call obama huessieny cakes for all i care, but DON'T call bobby piyush. he's sensitive. there is too a difference... i just haven't though of it yet. thank you my friends, and LIVE FROM NEW YORK, IT'S SATURDAY NIGHT!"

"Katie, i'd like to use one of my lifelines, i'd like to phone a friend." "governor Palin"

by Doug Tuttle on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 01:08:54 AM EST

Re: Vetting the veeps--Part II--Bobby Jindal (none / 0)

I think Jindal has it to be a decent administrator. Seriously, it's Louisiana. Democrats and Republicans have both fucked up that state. It can't take much to be some kind of improvement. All the accounts I hear about him first hand confirm his work ethic and intelligence.

But it's a pity that I also know that this guy is unacceptable at the national stage. He has some dumbass fundamentalist views. He is really quite extremist in his beliefs. It boggles the mind how a smart guy ca believe in such dumb stuff. If he is selected, it will only be to help McCain reach out to the religious looneys.

As far as the Indian vote, don't count on it. Go to sepiamutiny.com and do a search on Jindal articles. Jindal's conversion to a fundamentalist brand of Christianity combined with his renoucning of his given first name has turned off a lot of Indians. But there are also Indians who feel proud of this accomplishments at such a young age.

I will say one thing. It does bother me that he changed his name. But I think what Lousiana democrats do in needling him with his real first name instead of just using Bobby as the name to refer to him has not been well received by some in the local Indian community. They feel it is a way to remind voters about his foreign name no different from people who insist on referring to Barack using Hussein or Barry.

by Pravin on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 02:41:13 AM EST

Re: Vetting the veeps--Part II--Bobby Jindal (none / 0)

Call this cynical of me, but I just don't see McCain putting Gov. Jindal on the ticket and giving up the racist vote. I've seen statistics that as many as 20% say they would never vote for a black man. McCain isn't going to jeopardize winning those votes. Jindal isn't African-American, but I still think he would be considered too "exotic" (to use Pat Buchanan's word.)

by JackieinCA on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 03:27:17 AM EST

Re: Vetting the veeps-- (none / 0)

What do you think of Christine Todd Whitman?

by moevaughn on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 08:32:03 AM EST

Re: Vetting the veeps-- (none / 0)

Christine would never go on a McCain ticket. She left the Bush admin due to her disgust over their tactics and probably is considered a pariah in the GOP right now.

by colebiancardi on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 09:14:22 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Vetting the veeps-- (none / 0)

Wouldn't that be good for McCain distancing himself from low-approval Bush? attract more Indpendents. And she's strong on environment -- a really hot issue right now. And she's a woman!

by moevaughn on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 10:14:38 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Vetting the veeps-- (none / 0)

overall, yes, I think it would be good. However, the GOP doesn't want a person who has attacked the GOP as she did, I would think.

that said, McCain is already loathed by his own - hate radio can't stand him. They are not promoting him unless he puts Mitt on the ticket (ye gads...talk about clueless, that would be Mitt)

Whitman would be equally slammed by hate radio.

by colebiancardi on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 10:18:42 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Bobby Jindal (none / 0)

He holds a degree in biology ... and yet he's still an ardent Intelligent Design guy.

Yep, sounds like he's a perfect Republican.

by Collideascope on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 09:34:09 AM EST

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