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Breaking News
Dazzling in a Dark Suit
In first New Hampshire speech, Bobby Jindal impresses.
Emerging through mirrored elevator doors onto the top floor of the 100 Club, an elegant private club that overlooks the brick-and-cobblestone streets of downtown Portsmouth, N.H., was a cluster of important-looking people, mostly men. Amid the dark suits, easily lost in the movements of broader-shouldered men, was one youthful, thin male with the distinct appearance of an aide to a powerful man. One might have thought he was the assistant to whichever man accompanied the dazzling, dark brunette in the flame-red dress, were one to have noticed him at all.
As the tightly packed group made its way down the short hall to the main room, almost everyone’s attention was directed to the thin man in the middle. Those who weren’t watching him were watching the woman in the red dress, who walked beside him. In a moment it was apparent that the most striking woman in the building was with none of the taller, more imposing-looking men, but with the unassuming, almost frail one whose off-the-rack navy suit hung loosely from his frame, giving him something of the appearance of a teenage boy going to his first semi-formal dance.
The clutch of suited men was whisked into a side room, where the thin man and the woman in the red dress took a position by the window. Soon other suited men and skirt-suited women flowed in and gathered round, forming a haphazard queue facing the thin, dark-skinned couple, whom anyone could now identify as the most-VIP in the VIP reception.
Pedestrians who had passed this couple on the sidewalk minutes earlier might have noted the wife, although that is no guarantee in downtown Portsmouth, where attractive, well-dressed women float by with distracting frequency. But few would have noticed her husband strolling at her side. They might have given a glance, at best, to the man who might one day be the most recognizable, and powerful, person on the planet.
The event yesterday afternoon was a fund-raiser for John Stephen, Republican candidate for governor of New Hampshire. In attendance were 70 or so Republican donors, including several multi-millionaires of statewide, if not regional, prominence. All had come to see the man who didn’t even fill out his suit: Bobby Jindal, governor of the state of Louisiana.
In that small room, late on a cloudy Thursday afternoon, Bobby Jindal gave his first speech ever in New Hampshire, the state that, 15 months from now, will hold the first presidential primary in the 2012 election season.
In New Hampshire, retail politics is king. You cannot win the first-in-the-nation primary if you are bad at winning over small crowds of voters, if you haven’t the personality to make a room full of people think, “I like that guy.” Granite State political operatives size up candidates on how well they can work a room, tell a story, make people smile. Before yesterday, the New Hampshire scouting report on Bobby Jindal was that he was sharp as a whip, but very wonky, and policy wonks tend to lack the social skills needed to thrive in the primary. After yesterday, the scouting report is very different.
What Bobby Jindal did at the 100 Club on Thursday afternoon was to swiftly, deftly, and without the slightest hint of insincerity or effort, make a few dozen important and seasoned New Hampshire Republicans say to themselves, “I like that guy.”
Jindal warmed up the crowd with jokes about being a politician from a state famous for its corrupt politicians. But his jokes weren’t barbed or insulting. Mitt Romney jokes a lot about being a Republican from Massachusetts. The jokes work with Republican crowds that aren’t from Massachusetts, but to some they come across as insulting to his home state. They can be taken as expressing the general thought: “Can you believe the fools I have to put up with back home?” There is none of that in Jindal’s jests. They are directed at politicians, not the people who elect them. So they not only break the ice, but they instantly establish him as a political outsider, a normal person thrust into a corrupt world by the calling of public service.
From corrupt Louisiana pols, Jindal transitioned to the spendthrift Obama administration and current Democratic Congress, which he said were filled with people who refuse to balance their budgets the way American families have to do because they think the rules everyone else has to live by don’t apply to them.
With tales of federal bureaucratic incompetence during the Gulf oil spill cleanup effort, Jindal managed to pull off the very difficult trick of coming across as both reluctant hero and common-sense everyman who doesn’t know much, but knows incompetence when he sees it. He later told self-deprecating stories about his interactions with returning National Guard soldiers. In these, the soldiers and their wives always looked great, but he always came across as clumsy and even unworthy of being in the presence of these warriors.
When it came to the meat of the speech, Jindal tied the need for frugality in Washington to the need for frugality in the states and gave a five-point crash course in how Louisiana straightened out its budget and laid the foundation for expanded job growth. He didn’t just rattle off a list of his accomplishments. On each point, he said “we,” not “I,” as if he were just one part of an inter-branch government reform effort. And he tied each point to New Hampshire, noting that John Stephen has plans for similar reforms here.
He closed the sale by reminding the attendees that donating to Stephen’s campaign was helpful, but not enough. If they cared about their state, they wouldn’t just pat themselves on the back for contributing and then go home to watch the race on TV. They would vote. They would encourage their friends to vote. They would ask everyone they know to vote, and vote for Stephen.
Before Jindal arrived, the mood in the room was similar to that of a charity cocktail party. It was mostly a lukewarm mix of business and social pleasantries. By the time Jindal left, the room was practically vibrating with energy. Every person I spoke with after the event was impressed with the performance, and these are people who have weathered many primaries and met many presidents.
In the next few weeks, these people will meet other Republicans at campaign events, and they will tell of the great speech Bobby Jindal gave in Portsmouth. They will speak of how funny he was. They will speak of how charming he was. They will speak of how well he listened and how warm his eyes were. Many of them will make sure they are in the room the next time Bobby Jindal comes to New Hampshire to speak. And because of them, that crowd is going to be bigger than the first. If Jindal can keep that trend going, his future will be bright indeed.
About the Author
Andrew Cline is editorial page editor of the New Hampshire Union Leader. His Twitter ID is @Drewhampshire.
Letter to the Editor View all comments (122) | Leave a comment
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Nelson H.| 10.15.10 @ 6:42AM
Easily the worst endorsement of a candidate I have ever read. I translate this to read "the guy is so short and thin he is practically a waif, and he will not physically size up against national competition, but at least he's nerd-smart and will appeal to the few people who look beyond the surface." Hey, I *like* Jindal. He probably has the highest IQ of anyone who will be running from our side. But what kind of an endorsement is this, stressing that he looks like a teenager, somebody's aide? Give me a break.
Alan Brooks| 10.15.10 @ 9:05AM
Cap'n, get with it, metrosexual is In.
Go with the program. That is an order.
Steve A| 10.15.10 @ 9:23AM
Has there ever been a more effeminate, less physically imposing, weak armed (see tossing out the first pitch), wuss in the Oval office than the current occupant?? Oh, that's right, perhaps Carter could give him a run for his $$.
Margie| 10.15.10 @ 1:40PM
You zung him good. Or should that be zinged.. well in any case, very well said.
Though I thought the first few paragraphs read like something out of Vanity Fair mag. I ending up appreciating it.
I heard Bobby Jindal speak once and I knew he was absolutely fabulous. If he ever ran for President he would not only get my full support but my zealous 100% over the top non stop irritating and agitating preaching to the general public of his worthiness.
So there. :^)
Madge| 10.15.10 @ 3:04PM
Ah haaa %$ I kaut yu Marrgi, misspeling a werd, it iss selled zing, not zung. Haa
Occam's Tool| 10.15.10 @ 5:54PM
The guy has solid executive experience, he has a beautiful contrast to Obama in his handling of a real environmental crisis, and he can genuinely think.
Quite Frankly, the best President of the 1st half of the 20th Century was a guy in a wheelchair. I don't care what he looks like: I care what he thinks like!
Wesinmt| 10.15.10 @ 9:59PM
Are you F**&^*ing kidding??? If you are referring to FDR, he was a train wreck who's sole goal was to consolidate democratic and goverment control over the country and who's policies kept us in a depression far longer than neccessary. He is the reason for presidential term limits. Give me an Effin' break!
PCC| 10.18.10 @ 5:40AM
Apart from leading the world to victory over fascist tyranny, FDR was a big disappointment.
Tim*| 10.16.10 @ 7:38AM
FDR was a Ruling Class Elitist wedded to Keynesian Big Government Horseshit Economics .
Alan Brooks| 10.16.10 @ 8:50PM
So were both Bushes.
SeattleBruce| 10.17.10 @ 3:01AM
W disproves your claim. He cut taxes to spur the economy.
Michael Handley| 10.17.10 @ 4:58AM
If what you say about the Bushes is true then you just made the case for voting for a Tea Party backed candidate for President. In that case I agree with you....
Alan Brooks| 10.17.10 @ 11:05PM
You mean Palin, correct? she is Joan d 'Arc, Mother Mary, and Demi Moore all in one.
One-Stop shopping.
Dirty Harry| 10.19.10 @ 4:14PM
uh....hmm...wasn't FDR the only president in the 1st half of the 20th century. Not much competition and really that isn't saying much but REALLY? are you serious?? (ala John McEnroe)
Rev. Jesse Jackson| 10.15.10 @ 4:11PM
Alan Brooks,
Go back to yesterday's special report, "Internet Freedom Under Siege", where you said that, "God is a woman and Jesus is his daughter." I have a rebuttal there waiting for you.
Mike| 10.15.10 @ 11:41AM
This artical belongs in People Magazine.
Our ideas as conservatives are solid, we need a messenger with conviction and articulates above the fluff level. That reaches people. Why not look at Gov Jindal through that prism instead. Your ideas and communication should overshadow your appearance.
Alan Brooks| 10.16.10 @ 8:47PM
Joking aside, naturally you don't have to like metrosexuals; all I care about, IMO the #1 political priority, is putting as much pressure on the GOP so the likelihood of their electing another Bush-type in 2016 is lessened.
Then if a guy bored with his oil company and baseball team wants to be a second-rate politician, he might think twice.
SeattleBruce| 10.17.10 @ 3:04AM
"wants to be a second-rate politician"
I'm sure you'll run, right Alan? Sooo easy to be an armchair QB.
Eddia| 10.17.10 @ 10:52PM
You Are not very inteligent You must be a Democrat.
Alan Brooks| 10.17.10 @ 11:10PM
"I'm sure you'll run, right Alan? Sooo easy to be an armchair QB"
Noted: you left out any mention of yourself, as if "Bruce" is merely an American Spectator, and not an American participant. But I will keep saying it until doomsday:
"Run Better Candidates And Then You Will Win."
You can't keep fobbing off the same old same old-- it wont sell anymore. Jig is up. Game over.
GOT IT?
Old Joe| 10.15.10 @ 6:49AM
Yes, Governor Bobby is impressive, and we folks here in Louisiana are darn proud of him and the job he has done with our state. I only wish the voters would have had enough smarts to elect him the first time he ran since that would have had him in place when Katrina hit.
POST*TENEBRAS*LUX| 10.15.10 @ 12:25PM
I totally agree Old Joe. Governor Jindal is a shining light to our State after we had been beaten down by "Moma" Blanco. He doesn't ask for what he doesn't give and I would put him on the same level as the President of Chile in an emergency!
NH- Live Free or Don't| 10.15.10 @ 7:43AM
Well, this 'endorsement' makes extremely clear why the Union Leader has sunk to being a liberal leaning rag. Cline's writing is usually adequate, his management of the UL editorial page leaves a lot to be desired. This column is an insult to Jindal.
And the line "attractive, well-dressed women float by," does Cline live in a cow pasture?
A.M. Mallett| 10.15.10 @ 3:49PM
... only of you consider sprouting mushrooms to be living.
Proud Mormon| 10.15.10 @ 8:04AM
Romney will mop up the floor with Jindal in the New Hampshire primary and demolish Sarah Palin in the Iowa caucus. Native son DeMint will have a hard time beating Mitt in the Palmetto State.
ggoblue| 10.15.10 @ 8:54AM
hey i'm from mitts home state but i have to say, i think you're dreaming. jmo.
gypsy| 10.15.10 @ 12:06PM
Romney is the life sized Ken Doll of GOP politics: completely plastic, with no balls whatsoever. The first drubbing he took from McCain, he dropped out of the race like a coward. By comparison, Hillary Clinton slugged it out with Obama all the way to the convention.
If you really believe in what you stand for, you fight on, you don't wuss out.
Beboper| 10.17.10 @ 7:37AM
The 'completely plastic' Romney. Well said! He's so republican establishment, his aides put together a conference call with party inside honchos in order to get his next speech approved.
We've learned an awful lot about the party that talks the talk but sneers and scorns those who insist they walk the walk.
As witnessed by MA's RomneyCare, which he defends, Mitt is little more than Obozo-white.
Simply because he's dutifully played the subservient role, Romney, no doubt, feels he's earned the next nomination just like Ford, Dole, McCain and a long list of other dull GOP loser/creeps before him.
Not this time, Mitt.
Ryan| 10.15.10 @ 9:02AM
So why should I support him over the others? He was the governor of Massachusetts - which requires a certain amount of liberalism; he's a mormon, with all its historical innaccuracies; and he's a yankee.
No thanks.
MassInsurrection| 10.15.10 @ 10:40PM
Romney...heh...
I am in MA, and I am no fan of Mit's. While he was the better choice, he instituded Romney care up here (bout 5 years ago)...WILLFULLY...which has sent our HC costs up and up, and made it illegal to be without health insurance. (It is what we all call ObamaCare now.) That in and of itself, demonstrated to me his disregard for the self determination of the citizen. (It's) The single biggest (and most damning) attack.
(now it's "not illegal, to be an illegal in MA", but it is sure as hell is Illegal to not have Health insurance)
Romney is part of the problem (imho)
I'd consider Bobby (easily), and almost without any thought, if it came down to him and Romney. I'd consider a toe jam before I'd consider Romney.
Ole Sarge| 10.15.10 @ 9:47AM
RINO's aren't in, so Bobby won't have a problem with romney.
Nancy in NC| 10.15.10 @ 2:39PM
If we run another RHINO, we (the GOP) and the Republic are done...stick a fork into to us.
In fact, the crew we are trying to send to DC best be paying attention to the voters. We have had it with the corruption, sell outs and waffling that the GOP has engaged in the past. Nothing end on Nov. 3 for this Republican. I'm watching all of them like a hawk, and taking notes.
Jim DeMint is closest to what the members of the Tea Parties believe...constitutional smaller government. Jindal doesn't sound bad. Mitt Romney...forget it. And Palin is too devisive. I don't want another laughing stock for a President. She's got lots of time to grow up and learn...we don't need the distraction and baggage she will bring with her, IHMO.
The GOP has several excellent choices. I hope and pray the elitist in the GOP won't do something stupid...again.
Bob| 10.15.10 @ 3:28PM
You are wrong Tar Heel, Mitt Romney will steam roll this pathetic bunch. It's economics stupid four square and Mitt has the issue, message and the experience to carry him to the WH.
idalily| 10.15.10 @ 5:28PM
Romney? NO, NO, NO. And NO.
SeattleBruce| 10.17.10 @ 3:11AM
"Mitt Romney will steam roll this pathetic bunch."
Mitt's a pro-abortion, RINO.
http://prolifeprofiles.com/romney
How in the world will he excite or even rally the Conservative base of the GOP?
NEXT!
audax| 10.17.10 @ 12:51PM
Please help me out, if R-I-N-O means:
R = Republican
I = In
N = Name
O= Only
What does RHINO mean???? Because Whore doesn't start with an H.
Brian Richard Allen | 10.15.10 @ 12:38PM
.... Romney will mop up the floor with Jindal in the New Hampshire primary and demolish Sarah Palin in the Iowa caucus ....
As Mr Romney's Obama-Care Lite bankrupts Taxechussetts and Sayiid Buraq Hussayn's Romney-Care Heavy contributes to the attempted creation the National Socialist Fascist States of Amerika, Mr Romney will continue to draw crowds to his Salt Lake City Denny's franchise while President-Elect Sarah Louise Ronald Wilson Reagan Heath Palin will, on the way to winning 75% of the Electoral College, sweep both New Hampshire and Iowa.
RCV| 10.15.10 @ 12:53PM
Romney ran the most pathetic campaign last time around, and there is no reason to think he'll do any better this time. You are letting your faith get in the way of objectivity.
idalily| 10.15.10 @ 5:30PM
OMG, hails and hosannas, I actually agree with RCV. Bipartisan agreement IS possible. Wow.
Oh, and Romney is a dud. All flash, no substance.
Nelson H.| 10.15.10 @ 6:12PM
Romney, flash?! Flash, you say? Romney and flash are two words that do not go together.
RCV| 10.15.10 @ 7:57PM
It is amazing, idalily. But the fact is that anyone who believes in ideals and ideas, no matter what they are, would find Romney vacuous - he has utterly no commitment to anything, much like his Dad. All smile and handshake.
Spartan| 10.17.10 @ 10:47AM
Down with all blue. RCV recognizes himself in Romney. Go Hawkeyes.
RCV| 10.17.10 @ 3:07PM
As they say in Ann Arbor, "MSU: Because high school was so much fun the first time around."
Spartan| 10.17.10 @ 7:40PM
Blue is overrated in every way. It is the GED of the Big Ten.
A.M. Mallett| 10.15.10 @ 3:51PM
Mitt is a great businessman but he comes across as plastic, politically speaking.
readyfornov| 10.15.10 @ 3:53PM
No, disrespect to Mormon but you can keep Romney. I wouldn't vote him at all if he were the choice to run. But I would vote for either Sarah or Demint
Nelson H.| 10.15.10 @ 6:19PM
Palin - because it would be so undescribably delicious to drive the Left utterly out of its mind, and to have Todd as her press secretary.
Christie - not a Tea Party guy, but exactly the type of person we need to steer us through a major economic crisis. Fearless.
Romney - solid businessman, bright guy, but too skilled in the tradecraft of politics for my taste. He is out of tune with the times. He might have been great in the 1990s.
Jindal - a natural guy to put in the cabinet; his mastery of policy detail would be invaluable.
lcaton| 10.19.10 @ 12:56AM
Not to vote against ANY final candidate running against Obama is a vote FOR Obama. Can you live with that and the final defeat of our republic? Hey, I (along with countless conservatives) hated to see McCain as our candidate, but in retrospect, even he would have been less sinister and harmful to our beloved country. Obama must be removed from the white house at all costs if America is to survive.
Howard| 10.15.10 @ 8:04AM
Boy, you guys are a tough crowd. I thought the article was fair. Jindal is not a physically impressive man, but, he is a great leader, and a person to keep an eye on. Lay off the writer!
DonDuke | 10.15.10 @ 9:29AM
Damn! I agree Howard. The author may be a lefty but I read this as more of descriptive prose rather than mataphore. But maybe I'm just too dense to see it? LOL... anyway, this guy Jindal has impressed me every time I have had occasion to see/hear him. I especially loved the way he dealt with Premier Obama during the BP mess... really laid him low. Thought Obama was going to puke. Anyway, I'll be interested in following Jindal as he progresses through this election gauntlet.
Margie| 10.15.10 @ 1:46PM
"Premier Obama."
Good one. That about Sums him up.
Madge| 10.15.10 @ 3:07PM
Margi, is soeeled "permier" nott premier. da
SeattleBruce| 10.17.10 @ 3:17AM
"Anyway, I'll be interested in following Jindal as he progresses through this election gauntlet."
Yes, this seems to be a good second act for Bobby after his lackluster response speech after Obummer's state of the union...
Cogito Ergo Sum Conservativum| 10.15.10 @ 11:25AM
I'm glad you said that Howard. I was reading the posts and thinking the same thing. I have been watching Jindal for a couple of years and I have been impressed with him so far. We need a real conservative in 2012, not a compromise candidate. We must present a real and clear message on how our candidate is the opposite of the extreme leftist Obama adminstration.
Ryan| 10.15.10 @ 8:30AM
I like Bobby, but I think that he's more of a policy wonk than apt politician - he's made many VERY good policy decisions in Louisiana, but I think that he's not worked all that well at times with the legislature and has done some things that were more about him than the Louisiana people.
Marsha| 10.15.10 @ 8:47AM
The dazzling personality has not worked for America. The lovely suits and creased pants have not helped. We need someone with Jindal's skill and he can wear plaid shirts and bermuda shorts if he can turn this mess around.
SeattleBruce| 10.17.10 @ 3:19AM
"We need someone with Jindal's skill and he can wear plaid shirts and bermuda shorts if he can turn this mess around."
Right!
ggoblue| 10.15.10 @ 8:48AM
he might not be physically impressive, but does it matter? the porch puppy in the white house bowled 37...
i'm thinkin bobby can top that with a hundred to spare. enough to change the subject to policy and accomplishments.
we need a leader for 2012. this may be the guy.
Margie| 10.15.10 @ 1:51PM
Cool post. Yep, it's like Chris Christie, don't rush him, right? Let him be Gov. for awhile. And like Sarah, he's going around supporting conservative candidates, can't get better than that.
"..Prepare ye the way."
Harry the Horrible| 10.15.10 @ 9:06AM
I'll support Jindal when the police under his authority bring the thugs who assaulted his aides to justice. Despite video footage, the Democrat thugs were never apprehended.
If Jindal can't or won't take care of his people, he isn't worth a d@mn.
A.M. mallett| 10.15.10 @ 3:52PM
The NOPD is not under his authority. Start supporting him.
Harry the Horrible| 10.18.10 @ 9:27AM
Maybe not, but his office has resources and the means to apply pressure to "Chocolate City."
There are no signs he has used these resources or applied such pressure.
He's a wimp.
Harry the Horrible| 10.18.10 @ 9:27AM
Maybe not, but his office has resources and the means to apply pressure to "Chocolate City."
There are no signs he has used these resources or applied such pressure.
He's a wimp.
SeattleBruce| 10.17.10 @ 3:24AM
"I'll support Jindal when the police under his authority bring the thugs who assaulted his aides to justice. Despite video footage, the Democrat thugs were never apprehended."
What happened to his aides was awful - and I didn't think he was adament enough about it publicly. Made one brief statement I think. I recall being surprised about that at the time.
But generally he has done a good job.
Steve A| 10.15.10 @ 9:29AM
Harry, The only thing not worth a d@mn is your idiotic argument. Jindal's aides get mugged leaving a fundraiser by unknown assailants in the French Quarter who stomped them & stole the woman's purse. Welcome to freakin New Orleans my friend. I lived there for 10 years & you can probably narrow down the suspects to about 90% of the thugs walking the street down there if you go a block off Bourbon after hrs. Idiot.
SeattleBruce| 10.17.10 @ 3:26AM
"Jindal's aides get mugged leaving a fundraiser by unknown assailants in the French "
Suspicious how in the exact same area were anarchist protesters against the GOP. Hmmm...
Stan Redmond| 10.15.10 @ 9:47AM
The last thing I thought when Jindal was on fire blasting 'another' meeting with nameless Obama officials while the BP oil well was leaking was he's a wimpy guy.
MoeBlotz| 10.15.10 @ 10:24AM
The point of describing Governor Jindall as a skinny guy in a dark suit who pales in comparison to his wife alludes to the fact that he looks like any other citizen and blends in with the crowd. You realise when the governor speaks that he stands out.
Art2Sec1Claus5| 10.15.10 @ 11:26AM
Sorry Gents, but Governor Jindal is ineligible to serve as President of the United States as his parents were not US citizens at the time of his birth. Vattel 's "Law of Nations," which was required reading during the Constitutional Convention, defines a "natural born citizen" as one born on the soil by parents who are citizens. We are a nation of laws rather than men.
gypsy| 10.15.10 @ 12:23PM
Then who will the Dems have as a candidate?
RCV| 10.15.10 @ 12:56PM
Sorry, but we've been over this ground before. The courts have rejected your interpretation of "natural born". Jindall was born in the US and became a citizen by reason of birth, not naturalization. Under settled case law, he is a natural born citizen.
NeilBJ| 10.15.10 @ 2:22PM
Governor Jindal may have been a citizen at birth by virtue of his birth on U. S. soil but he cannot be a natural born citizen according to the putative definition.
I hope you are not equating "citizen" to "natural born citizen". The Constitution does distinguish between these two categories of citizenship. Only the president must be a natural born citizen.
By the putative definition of "natural born citizen" -- born on U.S. soil to parents who are both U.S. citizens -- neither Jindal nor Obama are natural born citizens.
This definition has not been adjudicated in court.
Mario Apuzzo, who is representing Charles Kerchner, has just petitioned the Supreme Court to issue a writ of certiorari to hear their case challenging Obama's eligibility.
Art2Sec1Claus5| 10.15.10 @ 4:49PM
To what "settled case law" are you referring? The SCOTUS has NOT defined the term "natural born citizen." They have determined that if one is born in the country they are a "citizen," but to my knowledge, they have NOT said they are a NBC.
RCV| 10.15.10 @ 5:02PM
The extensive discussion of the subject of citizenship in US v. Wong King Ark, 169 US 649 (1898) in my view settles the issue. The fact that one is a citizen instantly upon birth, and not by reason of naturalization, can mean nothing other than that one is a "natural born citizen" i.e. a person naturally born into citizenship.
RCV| 10.15.10 @ 5:05PM
sorry, Wong Kim Ark
Donald| 10.15.10 @ 7:11PM
I'm picturing a Chinese restaurant in the shape of Noah's ark. You can get 2 of everything for the price of one.
RCV| 10.15.10 @ 7:20PM
...and you're still hungry thirty minutes later
SeattleBruce| 10.17.10 @ 3:29AM
"Under settled case law, he is a natural born citizen."
Actually the SCOTUS hardly has settled law on this matter. They need to address this. Would have been GREAT if they would have clarified this before Obummer's debacle as his Father was Kenyan, regardless of where he was born.
Cogito Ergo Sum Conservativum| 10.15.10 @ 12:58PM
Article 2, Section 1, Clause 4 and 5:
Clause 4: No person except a natural born Citizen, or a Citizen of the United States, at the time of the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the Office of President; neither shall any Person be eligible to that Office who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty-five Years, and been fourteen Years a Resident within the United States.
Clause 5: The President shall, at stated Times, receive for his Services, a Compensation, which shall neither be increased nor diminished during the Period for which he shall have been elected, and he shall not receive within that Period any other Emolument from the United States, or any of them.
Were you referring to clause 4? If so, I do not read the definition you gave, and my paste is directly from the Constitution. Is it something you made up? Your personal definition is not a law. If your standard was met, the current occupant of the White House is ineligible. He may weel be ineligible anyway, as he has never released his actual long form raised seal birth certificate. You know, the form required of nearly everyone who seeks a job in the US.
Jindal is qualified. Get over it.
Cogito Ergo Sum Conservativum| 10.15.10 @ 1:05PM
My mistake.
I passed over the original clause 4 since it has been superceded and I didn't count it. You were referring to clause 5 when determining citizenship. Other than the misnumbered aspect I stand by my previous comments.
Art2Sec1Clause(4or5)| 10.15.10 @ 4:38PM
Mr. Obama has admitted he was a dual citizen at birth. Fully 1/3 of the Federal Government's power is under the control of a single individual, the President of the United States. The framers thought it reasonable, therefore, to ensure as best they could, that the President would owe his/her allegiance ONLY to the USA. They did this through the "natural born citizen" requirement. All other offices only require their occupants to be citizens. Dual citizens at birth owe(d) allegiance to at least 2 different countries and are therefore ineligible to serve as President. What is true for Jindal is also true for Obama and I believe the SCOTUS would agree if the argument were ever to be heard on the merits.
Cogito Ergo Sum Conservativum| 10.15.10 @ 8:27PM
I don't see that definition in the Constitution, however, I am not a lawyer. And I do not play one on TV, so I would like to see a quick review and determination by the SCOTUS.
My biggest immediate concern would not be that Obama would be removed - he has done so much damage already it would be a blessing. However, Biden is so completely inept, who knows what he would do. If the SCOTUS ruled Jindal ineligible, so be it. As long as the standard is enforced equally. No pass for Obama and enforcement for Jindal.
SeattleBruce| 10.17.10 @ 3:34AM
"What is true for Jindal is also true for Obama and I believe the SCOTUS would agree if the argument were ever to be heard on the merits."
WHY hasn't the SCOTUS taken this up? The powers that be protected our historic, first black prez. But they need to settle this. Maybe if Obummer loses in 2012, they will finally take it up.
It's just disrespect for the USC to not concern ourselves with the qualifications of POTUS laid out there.
RCV| 10.17.10 @ 3:01PM
The Supreme Court can't just "take up" issues of interest to them, nor can they render advisory opinions. There must be a real "case or controversy" that has been presented to them through the normal judicial processes. Thus, it is highly unlikely the issue could come up after President Obama leaves office. (It is also highly unlikely the issue will come before them while he is in office.)
Tondaleo| 10.15.10 @ 1:16PM
Speaking of New Orleans...A traveler takes his seat on an airplane bound for New Orleans, and he finds himself sitting next to a guy who is obviously VERY nervous.
The first guy says, "I see you are nervous; is this your first airplane ride?"
The nervous guy says, "No, I'm moving to New Orleans and I've heard the crime rate is so terrible there that I fear for my safety!"
The first guy says, "Not to worry, I've lived and worked there for years, and I have had no problems."
"Really?" says the nervous guy, "That's good to hear. What type of work do you do in New Orleans?"
The first guy say, "I'm a tail gunner on a Budweiser truck."
My cryin eyes| 10.16.10 @ 10:17AM
Love it. After all the heavy stuff - you. Thanks.
cr | 10.15.10 @ 2:09PM
get over yourselves
smart funny warm eyes (portal to the soul)
getting fiscal house in order is what is all about
and leave them talking about you when you leave
until the next time....
Padoux| 10.15.10 @ 2:25PM
As a life long Louisianian until recently, I can say Jindal is no wuss. During Gustav he cracked the whip and lit fires when need be. As an evacuee during the storm it was good to see we had a take charge leader at the helm.
Julie| 10.15.10 @ 3:24PM
Maharaja Jindal doesn't have a prayer, Snotty Sarah won't make it pass NH, PepperMint will lose SC and Governor Crisco is too fat. My beloved Mitt will wipe them all out early in 2012 and will be sworn in as our 45th President on 1/20/2013.
Ryan| 10.15.10 @ 4:21PM
How does that convince me to vote for Mitt?
Check Ryan| 10.16.10 @ 10:19AM
In a nutshell . . .
Martin Treptow| 10.15.10 @ 4:29PM
I really like Gov. Romney, but he's toast. Championed a version of socialized medicine when he was Gov. and it's starting to show signs of... sucking.
Please make another selection.
Cheers!
Oldefarte| 10.15.10 @ 4:31PM
From one who spent 25 years in that state, Jindal is a godsend, compared to the typical MORONS [Blanco, Landrieu's, Melancon, Blanco, Nagin, Jefferson,etc].....and not getting into a PEE-PEEING contest over whether he's better than Romney, Palin, DeMint,etc; the American taxpayer-voters would [or should] get down on their all four's and kiss the ground if we had someone like him at 1600 instead of EL CHOSEN ONE running this country right now!!!!!!!!!!
Chuck| 10.15.10 @ 4:54PM
I've noticed in recent months when a potential Republican Presidential candidate other than Romney is touted by this website the Romney forces swoop in strafing and bombing. I disagree with their assumptions but I do admire their steadfastness.
Trucker Bob| 10.15.10 @ 6:25PM
I drive a truck for a living in the Midwest and times are very tough therefore I'm supporting Romney for president in the Iowa caucus and so are many of my colleagues and friends. Romney is the only candidate with the business expertise to get us out of this mess.
Trucker Pete| 10.16.10 @ 10:20AM
I, too, drive a truck - but that has nothing to do with Romney.
Radegunda| 10.15.10 @ 11:43PM
The "we" rather than "I" is an important detail, a contrast with the present occupant of the White House.
My father told a story about when he chided a small-time local official (with big pretensions) by saying, "Your problem is that you can't say 'we.'" A couple of years later, the man sought out my father to thank him.
CJohnson| 10.15.10 @ 11:59PM
Rubio + Jindal = Balance In 2012
Tim*| 10.16.10 @ 7:43AM
We Tea Party Rebels are urging Our Kingmaker Jim DeMint to run for The Presidency in 2012.
He's Tanned, Rested & Ready .
The Tea Party Rebellion Escalates.
Rise Up !
RCV| 10.17.10 @ 3:05PM
This is a paid, planted and repetitive blurb by the DeMented for President campaign.
Happy ExMass | 10.16.10 @ 8:38AM
We own a manufacturing company whose primary purpose is to turn a profit, not create jobs or offer social benefits. Yes, we do care about the people who work for us but, as Romney's healthcare plan began to assume the force of law we did the only sensible thing, move everything from Massachusetts to Georgia. Those who stayed behind are still enduring the tough times that are attendant with a fiscally irresponsible government.
Romney certainly looked like the TV version of a dynamic executive but there's more to governing a complex state bureaucracy than looking like the chief executive from Central Casting.
Like Romney, many of us are businessmen and that does not qualify us for higher office. The reason is that businesses are more autocratic and do not need to seek the diluting compromises that are inherent in governments. If the CEO deems that everyone must wear a red and yellow shirt in order to flip burgers, everyone wears the shirt or ships out. Translating the successful operation of a corporation to government is an invidious comparison.
Romney (or any other person in public service) should be judged solely on what they accomplished while in office, not in private business, the military or as an astronaut. Reagan's actions as a governor were better indications of what to expect when he became president than looking to his performance in Bedtime For Bonzo.
ReExMass| 10.16.10 @ 10:23AM
More folks who support anybody should read your last paragraph.
TURK| 10.16.10 @ 9:47AM
ON ROMNEY
1 Anyone that can function as Gov of Mass is suspect
2 His old man screwed us all in 1963 when he joined the rino's in seeing that any chance Goldwater had of defeating Johnson failed. (You know who Johnson was: defeat in Viet Nam;billions on the GREAT society) Romney's old man just loved Johnson! Like father like son. Let's stop talking about Romney!
Chuck| 10.16.10 @ 10:52AM
Romney is perceived as having the economic credentials. True or not this gives him a leg up on all GOP presidential contenders making him formidable in the coming primary fight. If he wins both Iowa and NH he's got it. Sarah Palin/Tea Party movement are his main opposition beyond that also rans.
RCV| 10.17.10 @ 3:04PM
Chuck - He failed to win in either Iowa or New Hampshire last round, when he had far less substantial competition and when the GOP electorate was far less enamored with the Tea Party movement. The odds are thus even lower for 2012.
OLDRAY| 10.16.10 @ 1:54PM
To this 86 year old grandfather ,businessman,once soldier, later war correspondent always lover of this country (at the moment) it looks like a great ticket for 2012 would be Palin & Rubio.
kdog| 10.16.10 @ 2:04PM
Im glad to see that some of you have thought the eligibility issue important enough to bring it up. It absolutely needs to be resolved. BTW, has anyone wondered about Romney's eligibility? From Wikepidia, it appears that Mitt's dad, George Romney, was born in Mexico (ie. not a US citizen). Did he become a US citizen before Mitt was born?
RCV| 10.17.10 @ 2:58PM
George was a US citizen at birth. He was born to an American couple, both citizens, who were in Mexico temporarily on their Mormon mission.
Tom in Michigan| 10.17.10 @ 4:27PM
You are wrong about Romney.
Children born of US citizens are automatically granted citizenship in the following cases:
1.Both parents were U.S. citizens at the time of the child's birth
2.At least one parent lived in the United States prior to the child's birth.
In any event, Mitt was born right here in Dee-troit so, regardless of his parent's citizenship status; he's a citizen.
Gretchen| 10.17.10 @ 4:55PM
My mother was born in Mexico of American parents in 1907. Her birth was registered at the US Consulate in Torreon. Shortly after her birth my grandparents moved to (Czarest) Russia. (Grandfather designed and built smelters and mills to process metal ores.) There NEVER was a question about her citizenship. If Mitt's parents were US citizens and his birth was registered with the Embassy or Consulalte there should be no problem with his citizenship.
Jawja Dawg| 10.16.10 @ 9:33PM
Well we can be assured of one thing and that is if we intend to put a conservative Republican in the
White House to deal with all the problems that boy blunder has created," that wont be Romney."
There is no one on the present radar who can and will do what is needed to bring America back to the living and breathing and best hope for all the
world except maybe Congressman Paul Ryan and
he maybe untouchable as a candidate for POTUS..
Governor Palin and Romney and many others has
what it takes to be part of a real good team for the
right person...My question is " who is the right person at this time...I know my opinion and a buck fifty might buy a cup of joe, i'm just saying
who can fill someone's shoes like a Ronald Reagan
and not be a Ronald Ragan but be himself.....
somnolence| 10.16.10 @ 11:47PM
It will be Palin/Demint entering the White House after they are officially sworn in on January 20, 2013.
SeattleBruce| 10.17.10 @ 3:35AM
I like that vision!
buckeyeman| 10.17.10 @ 1:58PM
The crushing takeaway for me after reading these posts is that there is NOT ONE identifiable potential winner for the next presidential election. I know that there are two years left to go but I'm getting depressed that I can't think of anyone whose candidacy I could get excited about. I hope something congeals soon. The standard Republican approach of "we can do socialism better than those wascally democrats" just won't do. We need a leader who can begin to undo 100 years of socialism, not just Hussein's accelerated two year putsch. At least half the country doesn't want it undone. It will take a leader that I don't think has emerged yet.
John J. pilato,Sr| 10.17.10 @ 2:45PM
Gov. Jindal is the future of the Republican Party. There are others( Paul Ryan-who says he won't run, etc.). He has a vision, experience in education,running a state, Congress,dealing with a crisis and the list continues on. He IS the next Reagan; he remembers his roots and identifies with real people. That's what Republicans want, not left over retreads who's day is past. Sign me up gov. if you decide to run !!
Tom in Michigan| 10.17.10 @ 4:23PM
If Bobby gets to be President; do we get to call all his inevitable "leftist" critics "racists?"
I know, I know; some bright spark will chime in with "Indian is not a 'race' " but, then neither is "Muslim."
Gretchen| 10.17.10 @ 5:04PM
Bobby is great, and I hope he runs -- BUT we have already elected someone of exotic name and dusky mein That, in and of itself, SHOULDNT be a problem but a "been there, done that" attitude might well be. I hope that by 2012 that attitude will be on "the ash-heap of history" -- where it belongs!
Steve B | 10.17.10 @ 10:24PM
I'm impressed by Jindal and would love to see him run - someday.
But right now in a world in which North Korea would sell nukes to anybody for a shipment of rice, and Iran is about to go nuclear - John Bolton.
From Louisiana| 10.18.10 @ 9:49AM
Please send our dear Guv back to Louisiana. He hasn't done much in line with keeping his campaign promises. He says alot but doen't do much. He is a good person and handles hurricanes and oil spills well, but when it comes to the business of the State? The jury is still out. He runs around endorsing candidates in every state, but won't endorse anyone running in Louisiana. Not much of a leader. He is smart, I'll give him that, but until he pursues his campaign platform with the same fever he attacks the out of state campaigning...I will not vote for him as govenor again much less President. It's time to put up or shut up Bobby. Take a lesson from Christie in New Jersey.
WGMOW| 10.18.10 @ 4:33PM
Bobby Jindahl is a hot ticket, knows his stuff and will be going places over the next decade. I don't think he's presidential material - not justyet, anyway. Now, how about General Petraeus? What do we have to do to get him to run?