Analysis: Jindal, Partisan And Predictable
LA Gov. Bobby Jindal (R) gave a partisan, predictable response this evening to Pres. Obama's call for innovative thinking, tough decision making and unity of purpose as the nation confronts a massive economic crisis.
Perhaps Jindal's task tonight was too multifaceted. He had to introduce himself to many voters who haven't yet had reason to know the 37-year-old governor. He had to cast the president -- who gave a speech this evening both stirring at times and plainly practical -- as a political actor working from a traditional Democratic playbook to increase taxes and grow government. And he had to delineate the differences between his party's vision for addressing the country's problems and the Democrats'.
And instead of reaching for something new, Jindal looked to reliable past GOP lines of attack.
"We oppose the national Democratic view that says the way to strengthen our country is to increase dependence on government," he said. "We believe the way to strengthen our country is to restrain spending in Washington, to empower individuals and small businesses to grow our economy and create jobs."
The GOP can't afford to try to define the next four years with traditional political arguments. The crisis facing the nation -- the woes afflicting the housing market and the banks, the auto companies and manufacturers -- will not be solved by doing nothing. Obama is attempting to push lawmakers and citizens to look beyong the next four years. How does the nation aim for energy independence? How do we educate our young people so they can be competitive in a global marketplace? How do we manage the health care needs of an aging boomers and younger Americans? How do we not just prepare for the war on terror but change the perceptions of our nation around the globe?
"Those of us gathered here tonight have been called to govern in extraordinary times," Obama said during a speech that prompted ovations from members on both sides of the aisle. "It is a tremendous burden, but also a great privilege - one that has been entrusted to few generations of Americans. For in our hands lies the ability to shape our world for good or for ill. I know that it is easy to lose sight of this truth - to become cynical and doubtful, consumed with the petty and the trivial."
Jindal spoke tonight of the trivial. Obama, while touching on those familiar themes and issues that echoed throughout his 20-month campaign for office, attempted to do something larger. The GOP will have to answer his call -- or find a way to inspire a different but equally proactive course of action. Given the challenges of the day, the party's small government, low taxes mantra seems stale and inadequate.
(JENNIFER SKALKA)
Jindal is a noob! Why was he delivering his speech as if he was reading to a kindergarten class? Is this really the best the Republicans can come up with? First it was Sarah Palin, now it's LeVar Burton doing Reading Rainbow!
Besides predictable and partisan , he was pedestrian, pedantic, pathetic and so condescending I wanted to wring his scrawny neck. Louisiana, you can do better!
I thought that Jindal's response was trivial!! I resent a governor who will turn down stimulus money when the state of Louisiana would benefit greatly. Shoring up levees and really rebuilding New Orleans should be Jindal's priority, not playing petty politics.
Analysis: Skalka, Partisan And Predictable.
Let me know when you've decided anything Obama does is bad, and anything a Republican does is good. Then I'll get out my mittens and mukluks quick, 'cause I'll know hell's frozen over.