The American Spectator : Could Jindal Run for President?

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Could Jindal Run for President?

By Quin Hillyer on 10.25.11 @ 6:11AM

Landslide re-election should garner consideration.

I have made no secret of my belief that from a purely substantive standpoint (politics aside — I make no endorsements), Rick Santorum is the class of this year’s Republican presidential field. But as a hypothetical, if one were to create from scratch a near-perfect presidential candidate, one might come close to creating Bobby Jindal, who just won re-election in Louisiana this past Saturday with a phenomenal two-thirds of the vote against nine (!) opponents.

To begin with, I commend to readers an excellent feature on him by Jim Geraghty, who credits Jindal with having “shone” in a “time of testing.”

Meanwhile, politically, here’s how I would describe it. In this contest, you would want somebody fairly youthful and energetic because Barack Obama’s youth otherwise remains an advantage. You would absolutely, positively want somebody who can beat Obama like a drum on the issue of health care — and there is no elected official in America, not even Paul Ryan, who knows health-care policy better than Jindal does. He was head of Louisiana’s health department at 25, where he almost single-handedly fixed the state’s horrendous Medicaid problems. He was executive director of Bill Clinton’s Medicare commission, headed by Louisiana Democratic U.S. Sen. John Breaux and California’s Republican U.S. Rep. Bill Thomas, which garnered bipartisan support but fell victim to the politics of the Lewinsky era. He can explain “premium support” and market solutions better than anyone in the business, especially in a debate, where — unlike, perhaps, in a formal speech setting — Jindal absolutely sparkles.

You would want somebody acceptable to cultural conservatives (he’s solidly rightward on cultural issues) without the rhetoric or mannerisms that make some candidates scary to otherwise right-leaning independents who may be culturally a bit center-left (Yuppies, Bobos in Paradise, whatever you want to call them). You want somebody with a fiscal record Tea Partiers would absolutely love. (Try a rare “A” on CATO’s report card and, as Geraghty describes, a 26 percent overall cut in state spending.) You would want somebody with a good record of economic development who leads a state with better-than-average unemployment figures. You would want a record of good administrative management, and one with a spotless record on personal ethics success at pushing ethics reforms.

You would want, again, an accomplished debater. You would want somebody with at least some Washington experience (perhaps several years in Congress) but with a clearly executive background. You would want somebody of almost genius-level intelligence who nevertheless repeatedly has demonstrated a “common touch.”

You would, from a political standpoint (this should not matter, but it does), want somebody who’s not standard-issue WASP. Young voters, especially, really do think multiculturalism is a virtue. You would want somebody with some real fund-raising chops, to compete with the $700 million Obama will scare up. You would want somebody with a sunny disposition and a reputation as a problem-solver.

And, considering how dire things are likely to remain in this country through Election Day of 2012, you would want somebody who has been at his best in a crisis. Jindal has handled not one but three crises with remarkable aplomb: Hurricane Katrina, as a congressman who was almost the only public official who earned good reviews; Hurricane Gustav, as governor (discussed by Geraghty); and the BP oil spill, where he was Johnny-on-the… er, make that Bobby-on-the-spot throughout the ordeal, exuding a can-do spirit and a creative, problem-solving mien.

Every one of these descriptors fits Jindal precisely. He’s a leader who somehow maintains solid conservatism without seeming particularly partisan. He’s a governor who has overseen the almost total-takeover by Republicans of a once-purple state (all seven statewide offices and majorities in both legislative chambers are now GOP-held) without verbally bashing the other side. Oh, he can fight politically with the best of them — you must be tough to thrive in Louisiana’s infamous political swamps — but he often serves his revenge cold, as the ancient wisdom advises, and silently, outmaneuvering adversaries rather than bludgeoning them.

Critics on the right complain that Jindal is not great at returning phone calls, that his staff is absurdly arrogant, and that he has raised legislative caution to an art form rather than daring big, transformative initiatives. Nonetheless, the public probably doesn’t care much if political power players get frozen out while the governor mingles frequently with “ordinary” voters, and probably would rather see quietly effective managerial competence — even ruthlessly efficient, as the case may be — than to have their lives or their newscasts roiled by yet more political drama with nasty tinge.

Jindal already has endorsed Rick Perry for president. Party leaders still looking to recruit another candidate might want to consider convincing him to renege on that endorsement. This nomination battle is still volatile enough for one more candidate to blow into the race with hurricane force tailwinds.

About the Author

Quin Hillyer is a senior editor of The American Spectator and a senior fellow at the Center for Individual Freedom. Follow him on Twitter @QuinHillyer.

Letter to the Editor View all comments (126) | Leave a comment Leave a comment

Kitty| 10.25.11 @ 6:23AM

Why did Gov. Jindal sign into law the no-cash transactions for second hand goods?

Mike Hawk| 10.25.11 @ 6:31AM

So what??

Sean| 10.25.11 @ 11:20AM

It is a legitimate question that hasn't been answered. The law places a huge burden on businesses and restricts freedom.

RND| 10.25.11 @ 12:00PM

This does need explaining. It is known as House Bill number 195 in Louisiana. Google it if unfamiliar with it. It just passed in Louisiana for law about a week ago. So it is brand new. Prohibits cash transactions for second hand purchases/purchases at second hand stores. An exemption for pawn shops. Seems quite off the mark, dangerous (and daffy) to me.

Let's get someone from LA to better explain this for us. Please. If Gov. Jindal supported this, he's not a straight shooter that we want.

mike daniels| 10.25.11 @ 12:18PM

OH PLEASE people!!! Is there ANYONE perfect enough for you hardheads? Jesus isn't running. Politics is a give and take game. Every conservative has to give on somethings to make others happen. Look at the big picture

Sean| 10.25.11 @ 12:25PM

Problem is conservatives constantly give, but never take. I would expect a conservative to stop stupid crap like this from ever passing. Problem is about 90% of politician that claim they are conservative aren't

Impeach 'Em All| 10.25.11 @ 10:42PM

I've got a dollar bill inscribed with the words "This note is legal tender for all debts, public and private."

From whence comes this law? Do we really have to be subject to such disconnect?! Does anybody know how to be an American anymore?!!

Impeach 'Em All| 10.25.11 @ 10:48PM

Oh yeah, I just figured out there's probably a lawyer somewhere who decreed that cash is legal tender for all debts... except where prohibited.

By golly, that answers it.

Bob From District 9| 12.23.11 @ 2:11PM

The lawyers who wrote the constitution.

Bob From District 9| 12.23.11 @ 2:12PM

"I've got a dollar bill inscribed with the words "This note is legal tender for all debts, public and private."

From whence comes this law? Do we really have to be subject to such disconnect?! Does anybody know how to be an American anymore?!!"

From that evil ilumminati source, the Constitution.

Bo| 10.25.11 @ 1:34PM

Oh come on, Mike. Have you read that position paper on banana slug reimportation reform put forth by Jesus? What a RINO.

crizzyboo| 10.25.11 @ 7:09PM

HAA!!!

RND| 10.26.11 @ 12:11AM

All this banter.... C'mon folks. Someone post here a really well written, factual article that gives us a good thumb-nail sketch of what has occured with this new law in Louisiana.

The word on the street is that HB #195 bans ALL cash transactions at second hard stores (Salvation Army, Goodwill, thrift, used furniture, antiques, second-hand baby clothes, used books, auto yards, etc.)

True or untrue? And what was Governor Bobby Jindal's postion on this? Where did he stand? (He most definitely has had a position on this)

Let's get the facts on the table -- right here.

This is indeed a good benchmark for the judging of whether a governor is a good governor or not.

Paul Kane| 10.26.11 @ 1:20AM

I spend a few days outraged over this until I was set straight.

It appears the hysteria was fueled by one poorly reported local news report that misread the bill as banning cash purchases for a long list of every day items.

If you read the bill closely you'll see that the extensive list of "second-hand" items served the purpose of defining a "second-hand dealer" in the eyes of the law. This list IS NOT, as implied by the news report, a list of items for which cash purchases are banned.

Unfortunately, this issue has taken hold on many conservative/libertarian sites and could serve to damage Jindal's outstanding achievements.

Writers like Mr. Hillyer could have easily put this matter to rest instead of ignoring the reasonable concerns of multiple commenters. Thankfully a fellow commenter on another site took the time to correct these misperceptions.

Here's the full text of the bill: http://www.mygov365.com/legisl...../versions/

Kitty| 10.26.11 @ 12:27PM

Then it's up to Gov. Jindal to explain why he signed this bill. It will be good practice for when he may decide to run for the White House.

Cosmo| 10.25.11 @ 7:11AM

Endorsement of Perry shows he's not serious about illegal immigration or about saving
Social Security. And he's kind of boring...
charisma-challenged. Good governor, though

Lantern Festival | 3.4.12 @ 9:50PM

How about Clinton at the 1988 Dem Convention. One of the worst most boring speeches ever given in prime time at a convention. 4 Years later he was President. No one remembers Jindal's response to Obama's SOTU and only dead ender conservatives will hold it against him

Jack in Wi.| 10.25.11 @ 7:17AM

Let him run. I think he is a terrible speaker, but let the market decided.

Debbie Wasserwomyn Ditz| 10.25.11 @ 9:54AM

Obama is a trrible speaker without his teleprompter. I love him anyway, he's such a leader and so Cintonesque. I would not give Obama a Lewinski though.

Alan Brooks| 10.25.11 @ 10:41AM

"Debbie Wasserwomyn Ditz"

What a handle.

The Obama Timeline | 10.26.11 @ 11:59AM

I refer to her as Debbie Weisenheimer Schultz.

GreatOne| 10.25.11 @ 10:44AM

No politician on the rise has done more damage to him/herself than Jindal did with his post-State of the Union speech in 2009. Looked and sounded just like Kenneth from "30 Rock." Hasn't been heard from since. I agree with political positions and, on paper, like him better than anyone running today. But if he can't appear well on television, he's doomed.

emo| 10.25.11 @ 6:47PM

Doctor Right| 10.25.11 @ 10:57AM

"I would not give Obama a Lewinski though."

Debbie, be honest...

You wouldn't do that for ANYONE.

Eeeeeeeeewwwwwww!!!!!

Simon Templar| 10.25.11 @ 11:54AM

Jackboot, you really mean, let the crazed paulbots like myself at him and we will take him down by the end of the month, right? You could care less what the so-called market thinks about anything. The guy is not even running and he is a lousy speaker based, of course, on one speech. Just the mention of a infintile small chance of running touted by a TAS writer and we are off and running, eh? You people are a waste of space and a scourge. Join the GD democrats.

Jack in Wi.| 10.25.11 @ 2:45PM

Simon Templar: Let him run. He had a chance to hit a home run on national TV and he was an incoherent flop. Clinton flopped on national TV as the keynote speaker at 1988 convention and 4 years later he was President. The more the merrier. This is getting to be like and Our Gang commedy. It is Ron Paul or ruin.

markenoff| 10.27.11 @ 4:59AM

And Obama was a hit at the 2004 Dem convention. Speeches do not a leader make.

Redstateboy| 10.25.11 @ 3:43PM

Jack... you're a Bananahead.. I've been a fan of Bobby Jindal since first hearing of him.
No One can command facts and cite Stats like Jindal - He's a machine! Yeah!! He's reserved, he's not a Chandelier swinger - so the Frig! What?!! He's a good family man, a fine leader and an excellent Conservative Republican and when the Republican field was still formulating.. I so wanted Jindal to run for President. Jindal is soooooo far above that Moron now in the White House in every way.. it wouldn't even have been fair.

markenoff| 10.27.11 @ 5:18AM

Jindal torpedoed any possibility of ever being President when he said the US has 57 states, opined that Austrians speak the language Austrian, mispronounced "Corpsman" as "Corpseman" and termed the contintental railroad the "intercontinental" railroad. The American people would never elect someone who made such elementary mistakes to the Presidency. Unless, of course, they were an unrepentant Marxist, community organizer and appealed to hope and change. Jindal needs to go back and make his bones as a community organizer before he aspires to being President. After all, in any give year there are at least 50 (maybe 57?) state govenors but how many have the experience of actually organizing a commnity?

Buck Ofama| 10.25.11 @ 1:37PM

YO CRAKUH HE DUN DAT CUZ WE AYNT GOT NO MUNY...............NO MUH SAYN?????

WARE MY GUMINT CHEK????????

Steve in Pittsburgh| 10.25.11 @ 6:32AM

I have like him for president ever since his response to Obummer's first State of the Union speech, in January of 2009.

Mimi| 10.25.11 @ 6:52AM

During the B P oil spill.... I liked his roll -up-the -sleeve type...hands on working for the people! The contrast between him and Obama was striking.
He should have a very bright future!

RND| 10.26.11 @ 12:19AM

Yes, Mimi. But what governor would not have been out there doing that? I mean, the oil industry is key to the state of Louisiana. I think 45 out of 50 US state governors would have been giving the White House and EPA flak over the obvious mismanagement (and stupid statements) eminating from Washington, D.C. at the time.

That was a very easy moment in time for a US state governor to "shine."

The bigger question is: Are they drilling right now off the Louisiana coast? (I don't know; my understanding is that drilling for oil has NOT resumed)

Again, with the (limited?) info I have and where I sit I cannot know for sure, my understanding is drilling has not commenced post BP oil disaster.

If drilling has not resumed, why has Governor Jindal gone soft and silent on this? Why is he not making this issue front and center for the American people (and his very own people)?

John Daniel| 10.25.11 @ 7:10AM

He's exactly what this nation needs.

Old Soldier| 10.25.11 @ 7:22AM

Isn't that about the same support Gary Johnson received when he was reelected in New Mexico?

I think Jindal would make a good VP, it's way too late for him to run.

Dick Nome| 10.25.11 @ 9:56AM

No VP. Why do you want to sacrifice his future that way. VP is the end of the road.

Old Soldier| 10.25.11 @ 2:40PM

Seemed to work out for HW Bush, Ford, Nixon, Johnson, Truman, Coolidge, and Roosevelt.

Mike Hawk| 10.25.11 @ 6:14PM

Bush 41 was the only one elected to succeed the President he served under (and the sole one in 200 years). Nixon was elected 8 years after but resigned for Ford. Ford was never elected. The others assumed office when the President died. Your argument is not valid. IF you elect someone to the Veep office with the idea he would make a good POTUS, you are esentailly hoping the President you elected expires.

RND | 10.26.11 @ 12:28AM

No disagreement, Mike. None. But Old Soldier and others who might look favorably on Bobby Jindal as a suitable man to hold the Vice President office are not off base. Certainly not in year 2011.

Bobby Jindal is still an incredibly young man. Good for him on all that he has done already in this juncture of his life.

Haven't various folk often stated that the VP -- in various administrations over the decades, in history -- is often the most underutilitzed man in the very center of an administration?

A real savvy and intelligent president might give a big free reign (and lots of assignments) to a very capable, energetic, go-to VP who handles all the responsibility well.

I'll never be a president. But if I were, my VP would not be there to do ribbon cutting ceremonies or attend state funerals that did not interest me.

My VP would be the best and brightest mature soul in the land and I'd demand MUCH of him. I would make certain he would do much good to right the ills of our nation.

Eight years or 12 years from now Bobby Jindal will still be a man well in the prime of life. There is no hurry for him. If he is truly a good man, he could do our nation a lot of good as a VP some time in the next decade or so (provided a president is smart enough to cut him loose and let him rampage to fix, reverse, and restore).

Old Soldier| 10.26.11 @ 12:26PM

I would be shocked if we had a Presidential assassination in this era of hyper-security. But - old guys die. Harding and FDR die of illness. Wilson should have resigned with his illness and would be forced to these days.

Wordmonger| 10.25.11 @ 8:04AM

Of course Bobby Jindal could run for president, he meets all the qualifications. Perhaps Mr. Hillyer should be asking if Bobby Jindal should be running for president. If Governor Jindal wanted to run, I am sure he would.

NedB| 10.25.11 @ 8:10AM

Jindal won't run in this cycle. 2016 maybe, 2020 definitely

LarryK| 10.25.11 @ 8:31AM

Ned,

Do you really believe that we will still be a country and have elections in 2020?

Cam O. Milety| 10.25.11 @ 11:47AM

Yes, LarryK, no matter what happens in this election we will still be a country in 2020. We will still be a GREAT country in 2020. Americans (not all, apparently not you, but most) will be strong and resilient in 2020. And yes, will have elections in 2020.

Don't let your Obama Derangement Syndrome cause you to forget who we are. Feel free to leave if you don't want to be part of it.

Gregg| 10.25.11 @ 8:25AM

You would want someone Constitutionally qualified, which Jindal is not. He's, of course, a U.S. Citizen, but NOT a Natural Born Citizen, as required by the Constitution. His parents were NOT U.S. Citizens AT THE TIME of his birth. Read up on it already. Rubio's not qualified either.

Old Soldier| 10.25.11 @ 8:45AM

Were George Washington's parents U.S. citizens?

Brubaker| 10.25.11 @ 10:14AM

"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...."

George Washington was a citizen of the United States at the time of adoption of the Constitution and was, therefore, eligible under that clause. The citizenship of his parents was irrelevant.

Since no person living today was alive at the time the Constitution was adopted, that clause is no longer pertinent.

Mike Hawk| 10.25.11 @ 8:57AM

Their parents were legal residents and both were born in the US, moron. (unlike a certain POTUS whose origins are uncertain) Last I knew that qualifies both Jindal and Rubio as being natural born citizens. (confirmed by an immigration lawyer I've known since HS.)

9thID| 10.25.11 @ 9:56AM

Gregg is right of course, but some like the end justifies the means game when it comes to the Constitution and rule of law. Minor v. Happersett settled this issue for me that both Rubio and Jindal cannot be president. Let's hope more of the Hillyer RINO establishment crowd gets onboard the Constitutional train as it is leaving the station...

Moe Blotz| 10.25.11 @ 11:36AM

So how does an 1872 lawsuit concerning women's suffrage apply to establishing citizenship for potential presidential candidates?

NeilBJ| 10.26.11 @ 11:55AM

In Minor v. Happersett, the Court first had to establish that Mrs. Minor was a citizen. The Court construed Aritcle II, Section 1, Clause 5 as follows:

"The Constitution does not, in words, say who shall be natural-born citizens. Resort must be had elsewhere to ascertain that. At common-law, with the nomenclature of which the framers of the Constitution were familiar, it was never doubted that all children born in a country of parents who were its citizens became themselves, upon their birth, citizens also. These were natives, or natural-born citizens, as distinguished from aliens or foreigners."

This was not an obiter dictum. This defintion was essential for establishing the fact that Mrs. Minor, who was a natural born citizen, was a member of the class "citizen." The Court then considered that it had the authority to rule on whether Mrs. Minor, under the U.S. Constitution, had the right to vote.

If the definition were merely explanatory it could be removed, but its removal would leave the Court with no way to confirm Mrs. Minor's citizenship. Therefore, the definition was essential and becomes precedent for all lower courts to follow.

Since neither Obama, Jindal, nor Rubio were born to two citizen parents, none is eligible to be president.

9thID| 10.25.11 @ 9:56AM

VBMax| 10.25.11 @ 10:31AM

Before you start calling people morons on this issue, you ought to seriously educate yourself about it. You haven't a clue.

Moe Blotz| 10.25.11 @ 11:26AM

Your parents do not have to be citizens of the US for their offspring to be born citizens. The constitution says"All persons born or naturalised in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction thereof are citizens of the United States and of the state wherein they reside." If your parents are legal immigrants and you are born here, you are a natural born US citizen. Your parents will be naturalised later. Governor Jindal and Senator Rubio qualify. Mike is correct and no doubt has read The Constitution of the United States of America.

VBMax| 10.25.11 @ 12:13PM

No, you've mixed up the difference between "native born" and "natural born". Natural born means parents were citizens at the time of birth.

Dick Nome| 10.25.11 @ 1:21PM

That's not what the Federal statute says.

Moe Blotz| 10.25.11 @ 1:28PM

Where did you get that definition? Natural born makes one a native of the state/country/region. Native born=natural born.

bill glass| 10.25.11 @ 4:56PM

Vattel's The Law of Nations.

emo| 10.25.11 @ 6:53PM

Obviously youre a Freeper

Le Petomaine| 10.25.11 @ 8:15PM

Freep, triple flutter blast, fizz, fuzz, sizzler, trill blow, flooper, fudgy phart, all forgotten terms after the demise of international crepitation competition.

Mike Hawk| 10.25.11 @ 1:29PM

I suggest you know-it-alls go read US Code Title 8 Section 1401. Marco Rubio and Bobby Jindal are natural born citizens according to Federal Statute.

emo| 10.25.11 @ 6:50PM

Both Rubio and Jindal are Natural Born Citizens as they were born in the US. Their parents citizenship is not relevant. I see that TAS might soon be in danger of turning into that cesspool of colossal ignorance known as FreeRepublic

Timothy L. Pennell| 10.25.11 @ 8:26AM

Why is everybody always looking for someone better? Is it the "Grass is always greener" metaphor?
I could beat this Far Left, Hippie Wannabe, Marxist POS, with my Dirty Socks. Are you kidding me? He's got NOTHING to run on.
ZERO.
Blaming everybody else, for what has happened for the last 3 years of His Administration, is not a Winning Plan, and Ezra Klein and his "JournOlists" can only collaborate to Control the Content of the News, for so long.
Everything that should be UP, is DOWN. Everything you want to be DOWN, is UP. And Golden Boy's got nothing, but the same old tired, tried and true FAILURES from the Left's Keynesian book of Economic Fairy Tails.
He has been exposed. There are no more fainting crowds. No more crowds, period. And he only know, what he knows. What's in his DNA. And what he knows is: Tax and Spend. What he knows is: Cut Defence. What he knows is: Occupy Wall Street. Lie. Vilify. Agitate. Disrupt. Then, Burn it all to the Ground.
Are you telling me that OUR GUYS can't beat THAT?
I'm sending you my SOCKS, right now, in the mail.

Mike Hawk| 10.25.11 @ 8:59AM

Close the deal, throw in your old jockstrap.

Timothy L. Pennell| 10.25.11 @ 9:47AM

I already mailed it to Alan Brooks.

emilio lizardo, PhD| 10.25.11 @ 10:31AM

that, sadly enough, is exactly what I am telling you. He has a unified Democrat party and the media in the tank. His reelection is assured, along with the continued destruction of this country

Cam O. Milety| 10.25.11 @ 11:51AM

I'm getting sick and tired of this kind of America-hating comment. First, Obama has nothing resembling a unified party behind him. His popularity even among Democrats is at an all-time low. His election is not reassured. But even if he were reelected he will not destroy the country. You underestimate America like some pansy-ass lefty, and if you think this country is no longer great then feel free to go somewhere better.

emilio lizardo, PhD| 10.25.11 @ 4:32PM

gladly place a bet with you. And if you dont think BHO will have a united Democrat party behind him in 2012, then you are a moron in addition to a goose-stepper

TrueBlue| 10.25.11 @ 5:15PM

He can't even get his so-called "American Jobs Act" passed the Democrat controlled Senate. That's not a unified party in the slightest.

Doctor Right| 10.25.11 @ 9:19AM

I was surprised that Jindal stayed-out of the 2012 election. He's an excellent Governor, and he'd be a great candidate.

And he'd probably win New Jersey, too...

Mike Hawk| 10.25.11 @ 1:40PM

Everbody doen't necessarily want to be President.

Frank Drackman| 10.25.11 @ 9:30AM

TOP 10 REASONS BOBBY JINDAL HAS LESS CHANCE OF BECOMING PRESIDENT THAN ANTHONY WEINER BECOMING PRESIDENT OF IRAN...

10: He's got Jimmy Carter Lips.
9: 44 Presidents so far, and not 1 from Pelican Land...
8: His state has a Pelican for state bird.
7: Creepy amalgam of Indian(7-11 kind) ancestry and southern accent.
6: ill advised High School Class President Campaign promise to "Tax the Untouchables back to the Stone Age"
to be continued...

Drunken Sailor| 10.25.11 @ 9:44AM

Way to go Alan. (sarcasam off)

JimH| 10.25.11 @ 10:10AM

I like Jindal. He is not a great politician, but he is an excellent executive, though should he run we would hear new rounds of jokes. If he ever appears to pander to anyone he will be accused of trying to curry favor.

LC JB | 10.25.11 @ 11:56AM

buuuwaaaahaaaaa 'curry' favor. Nice One !

LC JB | 10.25.11 @ 11:57AM

buuuwaaaahaaaaa 'curry' favor. Nice One !

emilio lizardo, PhD| 10.25.11 @ 10:27AM

the never ending clamor for a savior to arise from the ranks just shows how pathetic this years crop of "viable" GOP candidates is. If only Sarah Palin would run. Oh if only Chris Christie would run. If only Rubio would run. And now Bobby Jindal for chrissake. Not saying that any of the above, excepting Palin, wouldnt be better than BHO, but the time has come to face the inevitably of the ghastly Romney candidacy, and prepare to survive the continued devastation of the flailing BHO administration. Four more years y'all.

Old Joe| 10.25.11 @ 10:41AM

I have been here in Louisiana for 34 years and Jindal is the best governor we have had since I arrived. When I moved here this was a solid Democrat state with only one Parrish (County) leaning Republican. Now Every Louisiana Representative in Congress except one (a black from a solid black district) is Republican as is one of our Senators. We moved this way because young energetic, intelligent Republicans like Jindal began leading the way.

We here in Louisiana don’t want Jindal to run for President. We want him to finish the job of correcting 120 years of Democrat corruption and stupidity in Louisiana. After the next 4 years he can start fixing America.

Conserdude| 10.25.11 @ 11:18AM

Someday, Jindal may be president. He's got plenty of time. As for Rick Santorum, he's great on all the issues but does not comport himself well, that is, he is not relaxed and likable as a candidate. And, for his surreal boasting of winning in a swing state like Pennsylvania, he omits that he got buried in an 18-point landslide his last time running. While 2006 was a bad GOP year, that doesn't come close to explaining such a large gap.

arc| 10.26.11 @ 12:35AM

Maybe ACORN "influenced" about 7-8% of that gap.

Isn't Pennsylvania rated third in the nation in the category of "easiest states to commit voter fraud."

Simon Templar| 10.25.11 @ 11:46AM

No. Within a month of announcing his candidacy, you would have him finished. The conservative talking heads would throw him overboard as they would by then be licking the boots of the MSM and echoing their smears, lies, and inferences.
Let us not forget our Trojan horse liberalatarians; they would have him painted as the next neocon who was unfit to even tie the shoes of Ron Paul, their messiah.
You then wonder why no one wants to run.....

Who Knows?| 10.25.11 @ 11:52AM

The entire Bobby Jindal phenomenon exemplifies the way things MUST work in the political-economic realm.

Louisiana, along with Mississippi, has long been shown to be ranked at or near the bottom of all “enlightened” kinds of economic, AND especially, political realms. You know—Huey Long, terrible educational achievement, etc etc etc.

So, the Pelican state reached bottom, and only such a fact even ALLOWED someone as “radical” (compared to the Louisiana norm) to become governor.

The collective 50 states is an entirely different matter, but Obama, Pelosi and Reid, and their minions, have indeed done their darnedest to bring the USA to the bottom as well. Therefore, someone with “radical” abilities like a Jindal SHOULD be able to become president.

But, seriously, folks---as one ponders what has happened in the USA right up to the present, isn’t it becoming easy to finally understand how the Great Depression lasted so long?

Here’s the deal, IMHO---there is the situation AND the perception of the situation. It’s the latter that matters, when it comes to choosing leaders. What is the perception of it all, NOW?

CONFUSION!

It still hasn’t sunk into the majority of American’s consciousness how dire things are. The “soft bigotry of low expectations” is running rampant, especially in the GOP presidential selection process.

Bottom line---the perception that the country is bottoming out, a la Louisiana, is still in the future.

Romney is correctly pegged as a flip flopper. Well, he’s the epitome of the CONFUSION candidate, and about the best America can hope for, in 2012.

I hate to say it, but it looks to me like good old boy Mitt, despite Romneycare, could be the last, best hope for us to at least somewhat slow down the collapse into the political-economical abyss that Obama, et al ARE choosing.

But—what a Mensch: Bobby Jindal!

albert constantine jr| 10.25.11 @ 6:53PM

I remember the Republican National Committee adds in 1992, with the windmill and dust bowl b&w sepia feel, going through how Clinton as governor took Arkansas from 47 to 50 in child mortality, or other such stats. That sure kept old Bubba from being elected.

albert constantine jr| 10.25.11 @ 6:53PM

should be ads, not adds

Big Easy| 10.25.11 @ 11:53AM

Sorry, but Gov. Jindal is not qualified to be President as he is NOT a Natural Born Citizen - just like obama.

Gov. Jindal would be a great President, but he is not qualified, just like obama and Sen. Rubio.
Jerry

Cam O. Milety| 10.25.11 @ 12:05PM

One positive thing about Jindal running would be that it would help rid the GOP of the moronic birthers, who can then go back to worrying about contrails and disproving the moon landings.

Mike Hawk| 10.25.11 @ 2:18PM

Niether of you klutzes knows anything of what you talk about.

9thID| 10.25.11 @ 3:07PM

Big - You'll have a tough run talking up the Constitution and legal precedent on this thread with the RINOs that gave us Obama and are intent upon foisting another McCain redux upon us...

DRed| 10.25.11 @ 12:06PM

His real name isn't even Bobby. What else is he trying to hide?

Billybob| 10.25.11 @ 2:19PM

Maybe Bubba would be better.

Casey Abell| 10.25.11 @ 12:43PM

Quin can read the Real Clear Politics numbers. He knows that the only guy hanging with Romney in the GOP nomination polls right now is Cain. And even Quin has enough clue to understand that Cain would be a disaster in the general election. Can you say Christine O'Donnell? (Robert Stacy McCain actually brought up the horrible memory, apparently thinking it would somehow help the case for Cain. Yeah, sure.)

Since Quin can't possibly abide Romney, he's flailing about about for another candidate. If it wasn't Jindal it would be somebody else. Bill Kristol is in a similar bind, and he's pounding that tattered drum for some other candidate, any other candidate.

martin j smith| 10.25.11 @ 3:22PM

This is stupid. Jindal is not running for 2012--so lets focus on winning 2012 then maybe we can think about Jindal for something how about Gov ?

Hillyer lets find a winner from the lot that we have and that would be someone who will roll back the entire Obama agenda. That would probably eliminate Romney along with Huntsman and Ron Paul.

bill glass| 10.25.11 @ 4:31PM

It's true, he's not natural born. All the self-appointed elites and dime-a-dozen pundits are deliberately ignoring this issue because Obama is black, and they hope it goes away...BUT IT'S RIGHT THERE IN THE CONSTITUTION!

TrueBlue| 10.25.11 @ 5:27PM

How is he any less natural born than all the kids of illegal immigrants (of which is parents are LEGAL immigrants) in this country that are used as anchor babies? Not saying he should run, but he was born in this country.

emo| 10.25.11 @ 6:57PM

Find the clause in the constitution that says in order to be a Natural Born Citizen both parents must be citizens at your birth...FIND IT. What Freepers do is they claim the Founders were influenced by Vattel. Of course even if true the 14th amendment would void any suggestion that one born in the US to non-citizen parents is any less of a citizen

BTW wasnt Michael Dukakis' parents immigrants?

AttilasDaughter| 10.25.11 @ 9:25PM

Minor vs. Happersett

JimW9| 10.25.11 @ 5:08PM

Rick Santorum the "class of the field"?

Really??!! Santorum is an ill-tempered, short-fused attack dog. His greatest strength is his amazing ability to annoy anyone in record time!

Also, it is a sad commentary on our media - especially conservative media - that there is such confusion regarding the definition of "natural born" citizen.

I am no expert by any means, but it appears that natural born means your parents were born in the US. Why can't we have a discussion by constitutional experts - on this site - to settle this monumental question?

Doesn't American Spectator care that the constitution be followed? Can't experts definitively settle this once and for all?

arc| 10.26.11 @ 12:48AM

Jim,
I do not know what your experience(s) with Rick Santorum have been, but mine have all been positive. Very positive, in fact. He's a good man. And still a young man. Believe me, no matter what occurs, he's not peaked in his thinking, smarts, and capabilities.

He's a sane voice and a man that understands the very fundamentals of all the big issues.

Is he perfect? No. Is he the ideal telegenic man with the wit and humor of Ronald Reagan? No. He didn't spend years in radio and television perfecting what actors do.

We should be glad he's in the race. You should be glad he's on the team.

Please, I have no idea what your hangups are with the man. Spend time with him. Read up on him. Read what's he's penned at his web site. See the short video clips of the last four months. I think if you invest (give or take) 30 minutes of your day for the next two weeks becoming acqainted with Rick Santorum, you'll see a man you very much like and respect.

wayne long| 10.25.11 @ 7:16PM

Bill : 100 % agree. You are correct - There's no way that the founders would put it in there if there was any other way to insure the loyalty of our top office holder. Clearly this was what they had in mind. It doesn't appear anywhere else except for the president's eligibility. Just burying your heads in the sand won't make it go away.

Tassie| 10.25.11 @ 8:49PM

Bobby for President !!!

Ilpalazzo| 10.25.11 @ 9:04PM

Say, why not let every card-carrying member of the Republican party run for President in 2012? It'll be a ballot with thousands of names to choose from. Of course, that makes it easy for Obama to win.. Seriously, Republicans, get your act together and stop pandering like it's American Idol!

Steve in Louisiana | 10.25.11 @ 9:20PM

Despite Jindal winning a landslide reelection the other choices were all unknowns with little or no money. Jindal is not as popular as one might think and especially after he threw his support behind John Alario for Senate President despite the Republican party accusing Alario of criminal corruption, conspiracy, and coercion in 2007. http://thedeadpelican.com/2011/BOBBYALARIO2.HTMl

Quinn, you should really get in touch with Louisiana Conservative radio personality Moon Griffon on Jindal's shortcomings.

I can promise you this, the majority of the Tea Party's in Louisiana will speak out loudly against him should he decide to run. I am a former board member of the Southwest Louisiana Tea Party (www.swlateaparty.com) and we do not support him.

RND| 10.26.11 @ 12:55AM

Steve, okay, you're from Louisiana? Would you please take the time to educate those of us outside your state on what transpired recently with LA House Bill 195? Please see the posts right at the top of this column of reader responses. Yes, a few of the comments there are pure gibberish. At that tail end of those 5-6 comments, give us some news links and solid, red meat information on what that law proscribes, what it means for the good people of Louisiana, and where Governor Jindal stands on the new law.

Okay? Thank you. This would be a true service to the rest of us here. It will aid this disuccion on the merits or lack thereof for the governor. It also helps us focus on brass tacks. It is one thing to say one is a conservative. It is in the doing. The deeds tell the truth.

Look forward to seeing your post.

AttilasDaughter| 10.25.11 @ 9:22PM

Bobby Jindal's parents were citizen of India at the time of his birth. They naturalized later.
That makes him ineligible under the constitution.

POST American| 10.25.11 @ 11:08PM

----Apparently, due to birth issues,
Jindal does NOT qualify.

BTW ---speaking of candidates generally---

"When you're given candidates,
for anything, you have GOT to
KNOW who these people are?
----NOT just WHO they're related
to (ie Clinton's a Rockefeller----!!!)
---but exactly WHO they've been
involved with? ---WHO 'brought them
in'? (ie Rockefeller and Kissinger brought
in OBAMA) ? -----WHO funded them?
And, maybe even MORE important,
WHAT organizations they belong to?
Understand, if they've been a Rhodes
Scholar, joined the CFR, worked for the
foundations or NGOs or U.N. ---they've
already signed and sworn allegiance to
WORLD GOVERN--ANTS. ---They have
ALREADY betrayed your sovereignty.
They have ALREADY committed TREASON.
-----You are putting your lives in their hands.
-----YOU MUST KNOW. ---YOU MUST."
-ALAN WATT
(superb online coverage)

Perhaps a town hall sort of affair
where they're examined, hand on Bible,
under oath.

NO MORE time for BS kiddies-------------------------

----------------DEMAND TO KNOW-------------------

Tim the Enchanter| 10.26.11 @ 8:32AM

Huh?

Pastor emeritus Nathan Bickel | 10.26.11 @ 1:53AM

I'm surprised that a commentary such as this could be offered here at Spectator.

Gov. Jindal would be the worst type of presidential candidate for 2 major reasons:

1) He is a local & regional celebrity. He is not a national candidate. He does not possess the both the literal stature or nationwide appeal that it takes to win on a national ballot.

2) Jindal is not a natural born citizen, thus, disqualifying him for the Constitutional requirement of US president. To continue to salivate on Jindal and Rubio, will only further alienate longtime GOP Conservative (Constitutional) voters, such as myself to even consider voting Republican.

Furthermore, it is offensive to make a mockery out of our Constitutional Republic by portraying such unconstitutionally qualified persons, such as Jindal to run for US chief executive. "Birthers" and Constitutionalists are tired of the BS political correctness that would foist candidates who do not qualify.

Finally, if the GOP is ever to survive as a viable alternative, they had better stuff their unconstitutional activities. It won't wash anymore with genuine Conservatives:

"Shame on Obama’s Republican / Conservative / Independent Pawns:"
http://freedomtorch.com/blogs/.....ublican-co

"Why some Conservatives will not vote for the 2012 GOP nominee:"
http://freedomtorch.com/blogs/.....s-will-not

wodiej| 10.26.11 @ 7:09AM

Agreed and as such, Rubio is not constitutionally eligible either.

wodiej| 10.26.11 @ 7:10AM

Jindal is not running for President so why even talk about it? Don't we have enough to do getting Obama out of office?

The Obama Timeline | 10.26.11 @ 8:13AM

One more time... Obama, Marco Rubio, and Bobby Jindal are NOT natural born citizens. None of the three can legally serve as president or vice president.

The terms "citizen," "native born," and "natural born" are not equivalent. Native born means nothing more than born on U.S. soil. Natural born means born on U.S. soil to two U.S. citizen parents. The wording of Article II, Section 1, Clause 5 of the U.S Constitution makes no sense if natural born means the same thing as native born, and the "grandfather clause" of the requirement would serve no purpose. (Those who point to the 14th Amendment should be reminded that is has nothing to do with the term natural born citizen and does not even mention it.)

Absent a Supreme Court ruling on the issue (which Obama has been fighting for more than two years), it must be resolved by historical documents:

On the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives in 1862, Congressman John Bingham—the “father of the 14th Amendment”—stated, “All from other lands, who by the terms of [congressional] laws and a compliance with their provisions become naturalized, are adopted citizens of the United States; all other persons born within the Republic, of parents owing allegiance to no other sovereignty, are natural born citizens. Gentleman can find no exception to this statement touching natural-born citizens except what is said in the Constitution relating to Indians.” In 1866 Bingham stated, “Every human being born within the jurisdiction of the United States of parents not owing allegiance to any foreign sovereignty is, in the language of your Constitution itself, a natural born citizen.” Bingham’s definition was never disputed by other Congressmen. (Obama supporters—including attorneys filing briefs with the U.S. Supreme Court—have omitted the words “of parents” when quoting Bingham’s statement, in a shameful and intentional effort to mislead.)

In Minor v. Happersett (1875) Chief Justice of the Supreme Court C. J. Waite wrote, “The Constitution does not, in words, say who shall be natural-born citizens. Resort must be had elsewhere to ascertain that. At common-law, with the nomenclature of which the framers of the Constitution were familiar, it was never doubted that all children born in a country of parents who were its citizens became themselves, upon their birth, citizens also. These were natives, or natural-born citizens, as distinguished from aliens or foreigners. Some authorities go further and include as citizens children born within the jurisdiction without reference to the citizenship of their parents. As to this class there have been doubts, but never as to the first.”

If Rubio or Jindal are chosen as the GOP's presidential or vice presidential candidate lawsuits will fly. Count on it. (Granted, the courts are too cowardly to hear the cases, but the law is the law.) The GOP needs to defeat Obama, not be embroiled in controversy. If it wants controversy - and respect from law-abiding citizens - it can challenge Obama right now.

VBMax| 10.26.11 @ 10:26AM

Good summation. My view is that progressives are promoting the candidacies of Rubio and Jindal in order to legitimize the unlawful candidacy and election of Obama.

9thID| 10.26.11 @ 11:03AM

Short of willful and criminal ignorance of the Constitution and legal precedent on our side, I have to agree...

RND| 10.27.11 @ 12:17AM

The Obama Timeline, good post. Interesting post.

Are there members of the Supreme Court all juiced up about President Obama's qualifications? If so, I have not heard of this. And if so, why do they (as a seperate Constitutional p0wer) need a "mother may I" permission slip to ascertain and judge Obama's legitimacy?

Don't our civics books tell us that the Constitution empowers each of the three branches to act independently of the other two?

I understand that Obama supporters would try to thwart any such "checking" or hearings done by the Supreme Court. But trying and being able to halt an inquiry are completely different things.

POST American| 10.27.11 @ 12:03AM

---------------------FINAL WORD-----------------------

----------------DEMAND TO KNOW-------------------

----------ROT-child/ Rockefeller n' SCUZZ----------

-----------------DEMAND TO KNOW------------------

Abu Nudnik| 10.30.11 @ 12:52PM

No one even understands what you're asking. So how can anyone answer?

The Obama Timeline | 10.27.11 @ 6:16PM

As much as I like, admire, and respect Jindal, he is ineligible to serve as president or vice-president. Like Obama and Marco Rubio, Jindal is not a natural born citizen. He is only native born.

Absent a Supreme Court ruling on the issue (which Obama has been fighting for more than two years), it must be resolved by historical documents:

Abu Nudnik| 10.30.11 @ 12:54PM

And he explains his abandonment of the Louisiana voter how? Remember how Palin was savaged for something similar?

BTW: If you'd told me he won by 2/3 over ONE candidate I'd be impressed. Over 9 of them is self-explanatory.

pellet press | 11.25.11 @ 2:50AM

Not if you use nukes and spare not the enemy civilians....worked for us in WWII....

Bob From District 9| 12.23.11 @ 2:10PM

Excellent, the first anchor baby president. Historical.

"He was executive director of Bill Clinton's Medicare commission, headed by Louisiana Democratic U.S. Sen. John Breaux and California's Republican U.S. Rep. Bill Thomas, which garnered bipartisan support but fell victim to the politics of the Lewinsky era. "

At last you admit the republican personal attack politics did real damage to this country.

Strawberry Dices | 1.19.12 @ 10:00PM

And now we have the absurd spectacle of American corporations that will only consider for employment people who already are working--the unemployed need not apply.

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