Ringside Politics With A Punch

Yesterday, John McCain kicked off his general election campaign in Kenner , Louisiana with two speeches before an enthusiastic crowd. The venue was so small and the line was so long at the Pontchartain Center that McCain spoke twice so everyone could have a chance to hear him and shake his hand. Both times McCain was introduced by one of his favorite politicians, Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal.

Jindal used the opportunity to tout his accomplishments as Governor of Louisiana. It was also another chance for Jindal to be featured on national television. In recent weeks, Jindal has been highlighted on national television and radio shows and he addressed the National Press Club. Just today, Jindal was a guest on CNN, while the other day Fox News interviewed him.

Why all of the interest in Jindal? Obviously he is on the “short list” for the GOP vice presidential nomination. He also stands out in a party that is dominated by older white males. Jindal would be quite a contrast to McCain if selected as the vice presidential nominee. Jindal is half of McCain’s age, is an ethnic minority and is hailed as a conservative, in opposition to the maverick moderate, John McCain. More importantly, there is obviously a comfort level between McCain and Jindal. In recent weeks, the two have been together several times, including a high profile barbeque at the McCain compound over the Memorial Day weekend.

McCain likes Jindal for a number of reasons. At only 36 years of age, Jindal represents the future of the GOP. He is young, bright and talented. He is also an ethnic minority who appeals to conservatives, while McCain is having real problems motivating conservatives to vote for him.

Although Charlie Crist, the Governor of Florida, is a potential vice presidential selection, he is a white male with gray hair, just like McCain. The two of them look too similar, while Jindal obviously looks different. With a more diverse population, Jindal would be a better fit for a party that needs to attract younger voters and minority voters. Jindal would hold his own intellectually in a debate and would represent the party admirably in the fall election.

The major negative for the Republican Party is that Jindal would have to vacate his position of Governor if elected and a Democrat, Lt. Governor Mitch Landrieu would assume the state’s top job. According to one Louisiana Republican leader, “McCain loves Jindal. He wants to choose him, but the only problem is that a Democrat (Mitch Landrieu) would take his job.” Despite that problem, don’t be surprised to see a McCain/Jindal ticket take on Obama/Clinton this fall. It will be a history making race for a number of reasons. If these are the four individuals on the two national tickets, only one would be a white male. It shows how the country is changing and how our political environment is changing as well.