Feb 24th, 2009 at 10:30 pm
Jindal Speech
Bobby Jindal apparently believes it’s appropriate to address the citizens of the United States in a tone that suggests we’re all nine years old.
UPDATE: What’s with the attack on “something called ‘volcano monitoring’”? Volcano monitoring is where they monitor volcanos. So as to better understand, better predict, and better prepare for natural disasters. Is that so complicated? Are only hurricanes worth responding to?
145 Responses to “Jindal Speech”
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February 24th, 2009 at 10:31 pm
“Who among us believes that it’s ok to borrow money for our children”. Bwahahahahahahaha.
February 24th, 2009 at 10:32 pm
Bobby Jindal = the Cajun Indian Jimmy Carter
February 24th, 2009 at 10:32 pm
I was thinking the exact same thing! He should consider a career recording audiobooks for children. (Just don’t let him write them.)
February 24th, 2009 at 10:33 pm
Bobby Jindal, aka Kenneth from 30 rock.
February 24th, 2009 at 10:33 pm
Er, “for our children” = “from our children”. Kind of takes the fun out of it.
February 24th, 2009 at 10:34 pm
As an example of irresponsible pork, he called out “something called volcano monitoring.” I’m not sure which word was beyond the grasp of his listeners, but it’s amazing to hear the gov of La. mock disaster planning. Stunningly stupid and tone deaf.
February 24th, 2009 at 10:34 pm
He must not have received his ‘extras’ check from Slumdog Millionaire yet.
February 24th, 2009 at 10:34 pm
Guy might be brilliant, but its true he sounds like the most condescending guy in the world in this speech….
favorite part was him blasting bush’s ema guys about katrina….republicans are bozos…
February 24th, 2009 at 10:35 pm
Ditto. I’m getting a weird Al Gore vibe in the way he EMphasizes certain WORDS. Now, I’m a Gore fan. But he wasn’t one of our greatest communicators . . .
February 24th, 2009 at 10:35 pm
Send those stinkin’ volcanos back to Mexico!
February 24th, 2009 at 10:36 pm
His cadence is that of Jack McBrayer
February 24th, 2009 at 10:37 pm
If I closed my eyes, I would swear Smokey the Bear is giving this response.
February 24th, 2009 at 10:37 pm
Americans can do anything… Except use marijuana responsibly.
February 24th, 2009 at 10:37 pm
Yep! Tone of voice sounds like a bedtime story!
February 24th, 2009 at 10:37 pm
Bosch, I was thinking the same thing.
Also, if that is the silliest pork they can come up with they are hurtin’ big time.
February 24th, 2009 at 10:38 pm
and end every senTENCE.
with an upward intoNATION.
February 24th, 2009 at 10:38 pm
Bedtime stories with Bobby.
February 24th, 2009 at 10:39 pm
Fucking Democrats, trying to protect America from volcanoes! Fuck those guys!
February 24th, 2009 at 10:39 pm
“We have dangerous enemies abroad. Now is no time to dismantle the defenses that have protected us for hundreds of years.”
What the fuck????
Is he talking about Andrew Jackson’s fortifications at Chalmette Plantation?
There is something hilarious about an Indian immigrant talking with the accent of a Southern used car saleman.
February 24th, 2009 at 10:40 pm
Line of the night from George Will:
I’m not sure when men started hugging each other, but look at that–President Obama’s hugging Senator Coburn.
February 24th, 2009 at 10:41 pm
Jindal Palin is the ticket.
For Democrats.
Who can trust someone who saw value in converting from the religion which essentially asks nothing of you apart from not being an asshole to being a dyed in the wool Catholic? Now that I think of it, perhaps Bobby could not stand not being an asshole.
February 24th, 2009 at 10:42 pm
Where’s the evidence that this guy is brilliant, or in fact, has an IQ edging out of double digits?
February 24th, 2009 at 10:43 pm
Bobby Jindal makes Sarah Palin look like Winston Churchill. Good lord I hope he runs against Obama.
February 24th, 2009 at 10:43 pm
So is New Orleans after hurricane Katrina officially the Republican vision for the future of the USA now?
February 24th, 2009 at 10:43 pm
I’m not sure when men started hugging each other, but look at that–President Obama’s hugging Senator Coburn.
I’m glad George manages to avoid the ass-slapping during football season.
max
['Baseball, bowties, yeah yeah.']
February 24th, 2009 at 10:43 pm
I got that bad audio book feel as well. Also, it sure was weird that he invoked Katrina and how the last republican administration completely f’ed it up. Are Newt’s retreaded talking points all they have left? Seriously, I thought this guy was their genius.
February 24th, 2009 at 10:43 pm
oh shit. guys I think he’s talkin’ bout dem secret dephences. U no, like submarines to atlatins n wut not
February 24th, 2009 at 10:44 pm
I’d just like to reflect on the remarkable acumen that Ross Douthat has in supporting terrible, foolish politicians. I mean, he really is the original Palin/Jindal fanboy.
February 24th, 2009 at 10:45 pm
Also, I’m pretty sure Bobby Jindal is actually a muppet.
February 24th, 2009 at 10:45 pm
Jindal’s comments about health care reform were absolutely ridiculous.
February 24th, 2009 at 10:45 pm
But seriously, Jindal is legit really fuckin lame.
February 24th, 2009 at 10:46 pm
I’m gonna go out on a limb and say that you don’t become a a Rhodes scholar and governor at 37 without being pretty smart….I’m not saying I’ll agree with what dude says, but everything I’ve ever read about him says he’s a sharp cookie…..no sarah palin he…
February 24th, 2009 at 10:47 pm
Jindal needed New Orleans jazz funeral music behind him to really capture the effect.
Also, I’m pretty sure no real Rhodes Scholar says “nukular.”
February 24th, 2009 at 10:48 pm
I was just waiting for him to start signing, “Won’t you be my neighbor….”
February 24th, 2009 at 10:48 pm
LOL at GOP clown show.
February 24th, 2009 at 10:49 pm
Jindal puts Obama to shame.
February 24th, 2009 at 10:50 pm
Such a clown. I’m ashamed my state elected him as governor.
And seriously, I was about ready to read “See Spot Run” after that stupid Jindal speech. Seeing Obama talk to us like we’re adults and then being treated like kids was quite a contrast.
February 24th, 2009 at 10:51 pm
“Now is no time to dismantle the defenses that have protected us for hundreds of years.”
Goddamn Obama’s trying to shut down the USS Constitution Museum!
February 24th, 2009 at 10:51 pm
Jindal certainly seems like he’d be a formidable candidate.
February 24th, 2009 at 10:51 pm
Jindal puts Obama to shame.
Adorable. Don’t stop reaching for the stars.
February 24th, 2009 at 10:52 pm
Jindal puts Obama to shame.
Because he wants to levitate via tax cuts and not magnetically.
max
['Why didn't he call for a fiscal exorcism?']
February 24th, 2009 at 10:53 pm
Republicans respond to hurricanes? Who knew…
February 24th, 2009 at 10:54 pm
Jindal certainly seems like he’d be a formidable candidate.
You guys really ARE smoking something, aren’t you?
max
['Oh. I get it. Rush is bonging his oxycodone now, isn't he?']
February 24th, 2009 at 10:54 pm
Volcano monitoring is a slippery slope to gay marriage. We must stop it now.
February 24th, 2009 at 10:55 pm
Jindal is all for that “American Spirit”! Which can do anything! Except build mag-lev trains, cause that’s just a hoax.
February 24th, 2009 at 10:56 pm
As Jindal approached the camera to begin his reply, somebody with a live mike on MSNBC groaned, “Oh God.” I cracked up.
February 24th, 2009 at 10:57 pm
The gist of Governor Jindal’s argument was “Government ruins everything. We know this because back when we ran the government, things were terrible. Vote for us.”
That message doesn’t really resonate with me.
How weird was it to mention post the Republican debacle post-Katrina as his example of government incompetence?
February 24th, 2009 at 10:58 pm
Did Jindal say that his mom was 4 months pregnant with him when she came to the U.S.? If so, I better not hear any kind of “anchor baby” talk or arguments to repeal birth-right citizenship from the republicans again…
February 24th, 2009 at 10:58 pm
Apparently David Brooks called Jindal insane on PBS. Did anyone see that? I missed it.
February 24th, 2009 at 10:58 pm
The entire population of New Orleans pissed themselves laughing when Bobby said that he done rooted out corruption from Louisiana politics. I could hear the roar of laughter all the way up here in Philly.
You couldn’t exorcise corruption from Louisiana with the fucking Pope and a voodoo priest from Haiti doing joint rites.
Jesus Christ himself would take a pass on that job.
February 24th, 2009 at 11:01 pm
Jindal puts Obama to shame.
From a CBS snap poll on President Obama’s speech:
February 24th, 2009 at 11:01 pm
Jindal’s comments about health care reform were absolutely ridiculous.
They made more sense to me than anything Obama said on the issue.
February 24th, 2009 at 11:01 pm
I saw Brooks and Shields. Brooks had a shit-eating grin on his face that was so big you could see where he’s missing a bicuspid on the right.
February 24th, 2009 at 11:02 pm
Channeling my inner jindal:
Skippy can launch a thousand sheriffs in a thousand boats and save us all from the spendy Dems. I feel better having been freed of my Obamamania.
February 24th, 2009 at 11:03 pm
Wow, Dustin, I hope you’re right, cause you is gonna need a whole shitload of cognitive therapy. Or you work for a health insurance company.
February 24th, 2009 at 11:04 pm
Because he wants to levitate via tax cuts and not magnetically.
Obama doesn’t need magnets. He has Magic Obama Powers, doncha know.
February 24th, 2009 at 11:04 pm
On the “volcano monitoring,” the conference report explanatory statement states:
According to Jindal this is all for “something called ‘volcano monitoring.’” He’s lying. Par for the course, I guess.
February 24th, 2009 at 11:04 pm
I was really really hoping Jindal would bring the crazy, but instead he just up and tanks. Ah, well, at least he can go away now, since the guy gave me the creeps.
They made more sense to me than anything Obama said on the issue.
GARCON! More oxycondone to table 3 please!
max
['Would you like a complimentary syringe?']
February 24th, 2009 at 11:05 pm
Hey, Jack, you chucklehead:
From a CBS snap poll on President Obama’s speech:
Stimulus is going to help me?
Before:
62%
After:
79%
That may not be magic, but it’s pretty close!
February 24th, 2009 at 11:06 pm
Seriously though, if Jindal gets the nomination Obama’s in trouble in 2012.
February 24th, 2009 at 11:08 pm
Palin/Jindal guarantees Obama’s second term.
I live in a state with three live volcanoes. I’m glad the Democrats support monitoring what’s going on.
February 24th, 2009 at 11:10 pm
I read this and honestly read not “retreaded” but “retarded.” I guess that works, too…
February 24th, 2009 at 11:10 pm
Jindal has an impressive ignorance of history. He said ‘Now is no time to dismantle the defenses that have protected this country for hundreds of years.’ Is he aware that early in our history we mostly depended on Oceans for our defense. We had no peacetime army prior to WWII. Also Sunday he said something about the Louisiana Purchase being a peice of history from his state, when in fact Lousisiana was just a small part of it. These statements could be defended as technically accurate if you were in the mood, but I just think he is ignorant.
February 24th, 2009 at 11:12 pm
I guarantee you that Republican tax cuts are more likely to build a MagLev train from Las Vegas to Disneyland than any federal appropriations. In any case, if even a single high-speed rail line is built as a result of the paltry sum the cause has been given from this stimulus then we’ll have made some progress, even if it is along the certainly highly-trafficked route between LA and Sin City.
February 24th, 2009 at 11:12 pm
Jindal isn’t even going to run in 2012. Y’all know he’s 37, right?
February 24th, 2009 at 11:13 pm
I thought he was doing his Jack McBrayer impression.
February 24th, 2009 at 11:14 pm
Has anyone on the Intertubes made the connection Bobby Jindal = Kenneth the Page?
February 24th, 2009 at 11:16 pm
Zephyurs, check Ezra Klein/previous commenters.
February 24th, 2009 at 11:18 pm
seriously, it was better for the people of new orleans that a sherriff and his boats were there and the feds didn’t get in the way? really? those boats saved all those people did they? where were those good old americans getting the feds out of the way to invade normandy, or go to the moon? for that matter, why do all those pesky local govt police and fire keep getting in the way of private american ingenuity from supplying us with real protection! jindal, what a douche. oh wait his dad paid for his delivery on lay away, why don’t we all just get healthcare that way?
February 24th, 2009 at 11:18 pm
anonymous, tongue in cheek
February 24th, 2009 at 11:18 pm
Seriously though, if Jindal gets the nomination Obama’s in trouble in 2012.
Seriously, Jindal just blew his chance at the nomination.
February 24th, 2009 at 11:18 pm
Most of you are racists.
February 24th, 2009 at 11:18 pm
Most of you are racists.
February 24th, 2009 at 11:19 pm
Zephyurs,
Also talkingpointsmemo and Andrew Sullivan.
February 24th, 2009 at 11:20 pm
And you only have to be 35 to be President.
February 24th, 2009 at 11:21 pm
Seriously though, if Jindal gets the nomination Obama’s in trouble in 2012.
I’m sure Obama is trembling at the mere thought of debating Governor “I recite the Republican platform from 1980 in a tone of voice best suited for reading “My Pet Goat” to a room full of special-needs children” Jindal.
February 24th, 2009 at 11:21 pm
neil: Southerners are not a race (yet ;-p).
February 24th, 2009 at 11:23 pm
And you only have to be 35 to be President.
Yeah, I know. But Jindal will have plenty of chances to run when he won’t be facing an incumbent president.
Also, he’s going to have to step up his game a thousand-fold before taking on Huckabee, let alone Obama.
February 24th, 2009 at 11:24 pm
What kind of Catholic can Jindal be? The exorcism stuff is just immaturity, which he would have gone through at age ten if he’d been a cradle Catholic, but the line about “our military can do anything” is simply blasphemous.
First speech I’ve ever heard where editing by the pope would have improved it.
February 24th, 2009 at 11:25 pm
Re Ty Lookwell at 46: “As Jindal approached the camera to begin his reply, somebody with a live mike on MSNBC groaned, “Oh God.” I cracked up.”
——————-
My guess is that it was that evil little fucker, Keith Olbermann:
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2009/02/msnbc_oh_god.html
Of course, he may have been getting a blowjob under the desk instead of making a critical comment re Jindal. Or maybe both.
February 24th, 2009 at 11:27 pm
Is it just me, or does Jindal also suffer from having a really bad botox job. Only his eyes and lips move.
February 24th, 2009 at 11:31 pm
My first reaction was, ‘what’s Brooke Shields doing commenting on a speech?’
I’ll have to watch the speeches when I get home.
February 24th, 2009 at 11:42 pm
Doesn’t really make sense that Olbermann would mutter that right after leading into the response. Maybe if Jindal had come out waving a little American flag, or something.
February 24th, 2009 at 11:44 pm
I listened to Bobby Boy in the car on the way home. I was shocked at how overly rehearsed/fake enthusiastic/downright southern stupid he sounded; like a bad impersonation of an exceptionally empty headed radio evangelist. OMG, this is the best the Repubs have to offer? This is the whiz kid?
Bitch please.
February 24th, 2009 at 11:50 pm
That was just bloody awful. I am no longer remotely intimidated by the prospect of a Bobby Jindal presidential campaign, ever.
So, how do you end up getting picked to follow a Barack Obama speech? Lose a bet?
February 24th, 2009 at 11:54 pm
When I read this post I thought Matt was exaggerating. Then I watched some of Jindal’s speech, and I realized that he was — I don’t even speak to my two-year-old this way.
February 24th, 2009 at 11:55 pm
I am a Louisianian – I am African-American – I am a centrist.
I voted for Obama… and voted for whomever was running against Bobby Jindal…. I vote for whomever is closer in-line with my thinking at the time – I have voted Republican, but most of the time I vote left of center – because many times right of center is just crazy!
I did not dislike Sarah Palin – she made me laugh, so I could have liked her — just as I liked Edwin Edwards…he made me whoop and holler at times…
I don’t expect Obama to do any miracles… and I was hesitant about voting for him – but I had to vote; and McCain and Palin and their Howdy Doody Act was a bit much!!!!
But, please and I ask God to forgive me — but, Bobby Jindal’s “speech” was borderline RETARDED!!!!!
Are you f-ing kidding me?
Republicans are stuck on stupid!!!! Micheal Steele and Bobby Jindal – …?????
America let’s do our part to make Our country great… it will not be easy – but let’s do it… the plan ain’t perfect; nothing is, but let’s see if we can get America back to Greatness…. Republicans can never ever be allowed to be in control again….
Bobby Jindal, huh?
Let’s Go USA!!!!!
February 25th, 2009 at 12:02 am
In the alternate universe the cornerites of course think Jindal is the awesome.
KJ Lopez was really pumped that Jindal left Rachel Maddow speechless,
Uh Kathryn, she was speechless because she couldn’t believe a national politician was that horrible.
February 25th, 2009 at 12:10 am
When Jindal held press conferences for Hurricane Gustav last year, he sounded pretty clued, sharp and coherent.
Tonight, he sounded like a cross between Kenneth Parcell and Sarah Palin, thus showing that Tina Fey is the GOP’s ultimate nemesis. Or perhaps that the response to a SoTU (or sort-U) is a poison chalice.
February 25th, 2009 at 12:11 am
Seriously, is this how the guy sounded when he was campaigning for governor? I tuned in to hear the Boy Wonder and was astounded to find Infomercial Guy (the kinda tone they mock on Family Guy).
I know presidential rebuttals are generally lame but do they all sound like this?
February 25th, 2009 at 12:28 am
anybody would be an idiot to speak right after Obama on a night like tonight, knowing his popularity, charisma, intelligence, and ability to speak to us like we’re adults. But to put Jindal out there as the GOP version of Obama, what a mistake. He looked so wishy washy and his patronizing tone like he was speaking to special ed fourth graders. Well, let’s just say, I don’t think he’ll be winning the GOP primary in 2012 if he doesn’t grow and change considerably. I was so offended by his tone after being treated like an adult that I couldn’t listen.
February 25th, 2009 at 12:34 am
ps I had the exact same thought abaout the volcano monitoring. and hurricanes.
February 25th, 2009 at 12:53 am
As a close neighbor of Mt St Helens and several other volcanoes, I like volcano monitoring.
Hurricane monitoring? Who cares?
February 25th, 2009 at 1:10 am
Because it’s better to be Rapture Ready and let the volcano catch you completely by surprise. Godless barbarians.
February 25th, 2009 at 1:19 am
Well I’m glad I wasn’t the only one who thought Jindal sounded like he was talking to children. That said, there’s something refreshing about a politician using an openly patronizing tone when they’re feeding us shit. As opposed to Obama, who told us tonight we *need* to save the American auto industry in his Very Serious Adult voice.
February 25th, 2009 at 1:23 am
The problems of the nation can be summarized in three words:
Republicans Are Dolts.
Jindal is just the latest, trendiest dolt (slated for disappearance after tonights rebuttal debacle), following in the fine Grand Old Party tradition of such mental giants as Reagan, W, & Sarah Palin.
tinare (#49), I did see David Brooks on PBS tonight and he did call Jindal insane for advocating Goldwater-style minimal government at a time when pretty much everyone recognizes the need for massive government intervention to stabilize markets and restructure the economy. The point Brooks was making is how completely out of step Republican economic thought is with the thinking of mainstream Americans. He said it’s a ticket to permanent minority status, and I agree. That Jindal is considered their best and brightest is truly firghtening!
February 25th, 2009 at 1:24 am
Seriously though, if Jindal gets the nomination Obama’s in trouble in 2012.
Seriously though, if you guys are going to head out into spin alley and lie, you probably shouldn’t expect anybody to believe a fucking word you say. To actually have a spinner spewing bullshit work to influence people, the spinner must have some remote acquaintance with reality. I am really sad that Jindal did not bring the crazy; at least then you could argue that had secured the raving loon vote.
max
['As it stands, Jindal the all the votes of people who hate black people and like cornpone Hindu dudes. Both of them.']
February 25th, 2009 at 1:45 am
I’m back
I’m back in the saddle again
I’m back
I’m back in the saddle again
February 25th, 2009 at 2:08 am
That was certainly an unimpressive performance by Jindal, but I wouldn’t underestimate his potential. The man is a Rhodes Scholar and has had a meteoric political career so far. He does need to start acting smarter and distancing himself from some of the more dogmatic anti-government rhetoric of Republican Congressional leaders though. He has some time to figure that out.
February 25th, 2009 at 2:21 am
Kris Kristoferson is also a Rhodes Scholar, I’m just sayin’…
There is one problem with your recommendation, Jindal is apparently a true believer in the anti government far right stuff.
February 25th, 2009 at 2:43 am
“Jindal is apparently a true believer in the anti government far right stuff.”
Do some research on his bio. Jindal’s got a track record of being an effective technocrat. He’s got time to reposition himself as an “effective government” conservative instead of following folks like Eric Cantor into the tall grass.
February 25th, 2009 at 3:53 am
Jindal’s almost certainly plenty smart. But you have to dumb it down big-time if you hope to get the Republican nomination for any office above dog-catcher. And that goes double for outsiders like Jindal or Mitt Romney.
February 25th, 2009 at 4:28 am
Mount Shasta, California, has erupted at least 10 times in the past 3,400 years and at least 3 times in the past 750 years.
Volcanoes of the United States [USGS]
Goodbye Hawaii, Alaska, Western US…
Tone effing deaf, Jindal…not to mention tidal waves generated by underwater eruptions…brilliant!
February 25th, 2009 at 4:30 am
Kris Kristoferson is also a Rhodes Scholar, I’m just sayin
And a US Army Ranger. Your point?
February 25th, 2009 at 5:27 am
And remember that Jindal is the “smart” Republican.
As bad as Jindal was can anyone imagine Palin, Boehner, Cantor, McConnell, or Steele giving the response?
Who is the GOP nominee going to be in 2012? A more relevant question is will there BE a GOP in 2012. The RNC wants to kick Snowe, Specter, and Crist out of the Party. The only people clamoring to join the GOP are failed CEOs like Whitman and Fiorina.
The time of the Whigs has come round at last.
February 25th, 2009 at 6:23 am
Also, I’m pretty sure no real Rhodes Scholar says “nukular.” – David B.
I dunno. A very prominant scientist in the field of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance refers to it as “Nukular Magnetic Resonance”. But then again, he also at conferences will “aks” a question of the speaker. And he grew up in the projects — so he has somewhat of an excuse.
I am not sure, though, what’s up with the Forest Gump way of speaking from either Jindal or Gore … I thought that way of speaking was more specific to certain parts of GA and to those in FL who are actual Southrons.
“Hi my name is Forest Gump, but people just call me Forest Gump”.
February 25th, 2009 at 6:36 am
Thanks Scott (@#97), I was curious about the context. I wondered if maybe it was in connection with referencing Katrina.
February 25th, 2009 at 6:53 am
Last night’s lesson for Sarah Palin.
See Sarah? You aren’t the only idiot in the Republican ranks. And they said this guy was some sort of genius. Well, the genius just obliterated that myth. If you keep your mouth shut for a little longer Sarah, who is to say how many more of your competitors will publically destroy themselves?
Seriously, the fact that this guy is considered the Republican’s big intellectual gun, and Palin is considered to be a retard, shows just how sexist Republicans are.
Because they’re both retards. And if Jindal had been a woman? Everyone would have already know it.
February 25th, 2009 at 7:01 am
Kris Kristoferson is also a Rhodes Scholar, I’m just sayin
Not only that, but he was also busted flat in Baton Rouge.
February 25th, 2009 at 7:07 am
My grandmother watched it, and she told me that she thought Gov. Jindal’s style reminded her of a vlogger by the name of BumpityBoo.
February 25th, 2009 at 7:14 am
Bobby Jindal apparently believes it’s appropriate to address the citizens of the United States in a tone that suggests we’re all nine years old.
Isn’t that about the right level of the Republican base?
February 25th, 2009 at 8:20 am
Kris Kristoferson is also a Rhodes Scholar, I’m just sayin
Not only that, but he was also busted flat in Baton Rouge.
WHILE WAITIN’ FOR A TRAIN!
timely HSR service would have prevented that!
February 25th, 2009 at 8:47 am
what, have you never heard tell of the Hill Witch ? you don’t want to mess with her, or even just “monitor” her. stay clear of the Hill Witch! and eat your vegetables.
February 25th, 2009 at 8:59 am
ringrid Says:
February 24th, 2009 at 11:08 pm
I live in a state with three live volcanoes. I’m glad the Democrats support monitoring what’s going on.
Well, if it weren’t for the federal government subsidizing
flood insurancevolcano monitoring and other incentives for risky behavior, the free market would encourage people to move out offloodplainseverywhere west of the continental divide, and the problem would solve itself./George Will
DaveinHackensack Says:
February 25th, 2009 at 2:08 am
The man is a Rhodes Scholar and has had a meteoric political career so far.
Meteors fall.
February 25th, 2009 at 9:40 am
“Isn’t that about the right level of the Republican base?”
And the Democratic base is so much smarter that Democrats worry they’ll be too stupid to figure out how to get photo IDs. Ask yourself this: if you had to pass a 4th grade literacy test to vote, which party would lose more voters?
February 25th, 2009 at 9:44 am
I think you all are on the wrong track.
Jindal’s apparent epic fail was a clever ruse to get democrats to lower their guard and dismiss him as “no threat”.
The plan was hatched at a meeting between Bobby, Sarah, Joe (the plumber) and Carl Rove held at a secret location believed to be in Alaska.
With the democrats ignoring them (tied down solving republican created problems) the chosen ones will polish their stuff and come out with all guns blazing in 2011. Beware Dems, Bobby is playin’ you…
February 25th, 2009 at 10:09 am
And the Democratic base is so much smarter that Democrats worry they’ll be too stupid to figure out how to get photo IDs
Hmmm…OK, but I’d counter that the Democratic base doesn’t *choose* to be aggressively and proudly stupid and, hence, would prefer politicians who don’t talk to them as if they’re stupid.
After all, W apparently did better at Yale than Kerry but, to his credit, he never let a single glimmer of intelligence ever color his performance of president. And the Republican base will cherish him forever for it.
February 25th, 2009 at 10:11 am
hmmm… which party nominated a semi-literate redneck for VP, and has raised a tax-dodging unlicensed plumber to the level of economic and foreign-policy expert ? i forget.
February 25th, 2009 at 10:12 am
“Hmmm…OK, but I’d counter that the Democratic base doesn’t *choose* to be aggressively and proudly stupid…”
That’s why they elect embarrassments like Marion Barry and Sharpe James, multiple times?
February 25th, 2009 at 10:13 am
As bad as Jindal’s speech was, let’s not drink our own kool-aid. The man is no Sarah Palin. The decision to send the governor of Louisiana out to attack Democrats for disaster planning has to rank as one of the dumbest political moves of all time. But that’s tone-deafness. He’s also a terrible public speaker. And he’s a doctrinaire movement conservative, and a religious fundamentalist. So that’s a nice, long list of reasons he’d be a disaster as a president.
But he’s not stupid. Sarah plain is stupid in spades. But I’ve seen Bobby Jindal on TV quite a lot, and while his politics are rank and he’d sell out his integrity for movement chits in the bat of an eye, he knows the details of policy and seems deeply informed of the issues.
I’m not defending the guy really, but don’t let the political hackery and terrible delivery allow you to underestimate his intelligence. Let the conservatives delude themselves – not us.
February 25th, 2009 at 10:16 am
Oh my gosh –that’s exactly what I said to my husband last night when we were watching Jindal’s speech. My husband said first, “I feel like I’m watching an infomercial.” Then I responded, “I feel like I’m being talked to like I’m a kid in Sunday School…”
February 25th, 2009 at 10:29 am
The man is a Rhodes Scholar and has had a meteoric political career so far.
I think we just witnessed the formation of the impact crater.
February 25th, 2009 at 11:23 am
DTM: Is there some entrenched GOP prep machine gone horribly wrong which is destroying the potential of the GOP’s young politicians? I really don’t know.
Yup. It is generally known as Movement Conservativism.
Reagan popularized it. After he came down with Alzheimers, it became de rigeur for all members of the GOP to be at least as brain-dead as their idol, so now the equivalent of a do-it-to-yourself lobotomy is required of all Republican candidates for high office.
The only difference between a gooper and a traditional zombie, is that they stumble around calling for “Tax Cuts!” instead of “Brains!”
February 25th, 2009 at 11:24 am
The other reason volcano monitoring is important is because it can really foul up an airplane’s engines. Considering the number of flights to Asia that fly over the numerous Alaskan volcanoes, along with the number of small aircraft pilots flying in the same area, volcano monitoring is actually important to safe transportation.
For example, see here: http://www.avo.alaska.edu/
February 25th, 2009 at 12:11 pm
BUT FOR the Louisianans who didn’t vote for Mr. Jindal, after his speech last night I would argue that we as a country should demand that either Louisiana impeaches Jindal or they as a state payback every dime we gave them as post Katrina federal aid.
Then again if Louisianans aren’t forced to face the consequences of their electoral choices they will only continue to elect republicans like Mr. Jindal.
February 25th, 2009 at 12:25 pm
Jindal’s got a track record of being an effective technocrat.
DaveInHackensack, I think we’ve come up with firm evidence that getting anywhere within the national Republican party requires a rising star to “check his brain at the door.”
At best, when the Republican party forms its version of the DLC in the wake of 1 or two more national defeats, Jindal will become, like Scoop Jackson is for conservative Dems, more of a legendary figure of “what could have been” and what the republican party should strive to be like.
I’m convinced Jindal is a smart guy who’s engaged with policy issues, but I’m also convinced that the Republican party won’t let him be that guy if he wants to win any presidential primaries.
February 25th, 2009 at 12:47 pm
Hey, wow, a conservative approvingly brought up the idea of a literacy test as an argument against an African-American President’s supporters. Imagine that.
February 25th, 2009 at 1:03 pm
You guys have this totally wrong. Only Ceiling Cat can decide when volcanoes will blow, so what’s the point of monitoring them?
Jeez.
February 25th, 2009 at 1:06 pm
“I feel like I’m being talked to like I’m a kid in Sunday School…”
And Bush for eight years mumbled to the country like we were all as dull-witted and incurious as he was. “People gotta unnerstan’…it’s hard work”.
That’s the Repig authoritarian model of governance – you little children shut up and do as you’re told while we cut deals with the big boys.
February 25th, 2009 at 1:12 pm
Volcano monitoring interferes with the will of Our Lord Republican Jesus.
If He wants to destroy Murka with a volcano over stem-cell research and gay marriage, it would be sacrelige to use the Devil’s Tool “science” to anticipate or avoid such destruction.
February 25th, 2009 at 1:50 pm
Wasn’t it great when all those local sheriffs and concerned citizens lined up on the bridge across the Mississippi and fired warning shots at the locals trying to escape New Orleans? Man, that is the kind of can-do American spirit that makes big government unnecessary! They put all of those Marine and Coast Guard helicopter rescuers back in their place!
February 25th, 2009 at 2:03 pm
What do you guys think about what Chris Matthews (sources say it’s him) disparagingly uttered under his breath, live, as Jindal walked to the mike?
MSNBC screws up, reacts to Bobby Jindal by saying, Oh God
Professional huh? Bummer, no tingle up his unbiased leg.
February 25th, 2009 at 2:05 pm
The first image I got listening to Jindal was Kenneth the Page from 30 Rock. It’s uncanny!
February 25th, 2009 at 2:47 pm
>What’s with the attack on “something called ‘volcano monitoring’”?
If there had been monitoring equipment in the Indian Ocean, like what Hawaii has, the Boxing Day Tsunami may not have killed as many people.
From what I recall Hawaii’s seismic equipment – y’know for monitoring volcanoes – registered the undersea earthquake well before the resulting wave hit any land.
February 25th, 2009 at 4:35 pm
There are no volcanoes in Louisiana, so what should Jindal know and why should he care? Taxes bad. Government bad. Public schools bad. Collaboration, compassion, innovation bad, bad and bad. Bring back 1980!
Jindal’s sanctimonious, hectoring, empty sermon should be time-capsuled so that future scholars may access it as the perfect example of how the GOP became an angry permanent minority.
February 25th, 2009 at 6:27 pm
For those of us who live in Washington state, this has a different meaning. This is a date that nobody who was alive and lived around here will ever forget.
May 18th 1980 Mt. St. Helens erupts.
Nuff said.
February 25th, 2009 at 8:08 pm
How come everyone is afraid to admit that Jindal sounded like a lunatic? His speech pattern was psychotic, and gave me the heebie-jeebies. It amazes me that no one admits that he sounded like he had checked in at the funny farm. He was one fry short of a happy meal. His freakish tone sent goose-bumps up my back, and shivers down my spine, like a crazy version of Mr. Rogers. Can we all please admit that the man, for all his intelligence, is a loose cannon? Why can’t the press admit this?
February 26th, 2009 at 1:14 pm
All of you jackasses are so concerned about the delivery of the message rather than the message itself.
Obama is so eloquent in the delivery of his message that Americans cant pay for their food, shelter, and healthcare without the help of the government.
If all of you geniuses were as smart as you thought you would realize that the democratic platform is based on making as many people as dependant on the government as they can.
Great message. A-holes!!
February 27th, 2009 at 11:57 pm
I am from Louisiana. With that said…this has been very embrassing for me. JIndal is so mechanical and pre-programed. He just to phony
March 1st, 2009 at 5:19 pm
# Mark Says:
February 25th, 2009 at 2:03 pm
What do you guys think about what Chris Matthews (sources say it’s him) disparagingly uttered under his breath, live, as Jindal walked to the mike?
MSNBC screws up, reacts to Bobby Jindal by saying, Oh God
Professional huh? Bummer, no tingle up his unbiased leg.
************
He reacted like that before Jindal started talking? Forget “professional,” the man’s prescient.