(Cross posted at E Pluribus Unum)
Jim Brown posted a diary over at Daily Kingfish wherein he lays out the case that Bobby Jindal's chances for the VP spot are alive and well.
That might be, but I think that's bad news for the Republicans. Here's why:
First of all, Jim: please provide the link to the article in The Nation that you mention. I'd like to read what qualifies as "accolades" for Jindal in that venerable magazine.
Next, Jindal helps McCain in Ohio vs. Obama-Strickland? Yawn. Refresh my memory -- did the poll occur before or after Strickland removed himself from consideration? Does it matter? How about Obama-Edwards? or any number of other non-Ohio politicians? How does the match-up look then?
Third, Jindal is largely unknown and undefined throughout the country. Once he steps on to the national stage, will he be able to survive the withering gaze of the traditional media? [cough -- exorcist -- cough]
Fourth, any VP candidate of McCain's is going to be viewed in a unique way because -- in the back of everyone's mind -- the specter of McCain's age (translation: death in office) is pretty stark. In other words, people will evaluate McCain's VP as the next president of the United States. Can Jindal survive the scrutiny?
Fifth, politics is 70% how you look, 20% how you sound, 10% what you say. That said...ever watch Jindal on TV with the sound off? Try it some time. We're used to him here. Around the country? Not so much.
Sixth, did I mention we'd be electing a future president who participated in at least one exorcism? Right. And you thought Rev. Wright was a scourge.
Seventh, Jindal makes McCain look even older, if such a thing is possible. If, as Jim says, "older people love youth in others," doesn't that hurt McCain?
Eighth, conservatives love him? That's reason enough to destroy his chances right there. Reaganism: been there, done that. Why are we listening to anything Newt Gingrich has to say on the matter. Next thing you know, Phil Gramm will be pulling the strings in the McCain campaign. Oh, wait...
I could go on and on.
Bottom line: I welcome a Jindal candidacy. His tenure in the governor's mansion is so short that he is vulnerable to having the highlights skipped over rather quickly. Then it's on to all sorts of gut-wrenching stuff.
Listen up: issues do NOT move voters. Emotions move voters. And when it comes to Bobby Jindal there's plenty there to scare the bejeesus out of people. Sorry to have to put it that way, but it is what it is.