Bobby Jindal Takes A Beating (CBS cites Juan Williams & Nina Easton as Gov's "brethren")

CBS News ^ | February 26, 2009 | Brian Montopoli

[presidio9]

The big story Tuesday night, of course, was Barack Obama’s address to a joint session of Congress. But almost as interesting to political junkies was what came immediately afterward: The response from Bobby Jindal, the Louisiana Governor being pushed as the new face of the Republican Party and a leading contender for the party’s presidential nomination in 2012.

What was meant to be a coming out celebration on the national stage, however, turned to something far different for Jindal: The governor, who has been well received in other public forums, was almost universally panned. And an address that was expected to generate momentum for a possible 2012 run instead resulted in questions about whether the 37-year-old governor is really ready for prime time.

Many of the most stinging barbs came from Jindal’s ideological brethren. Consider these comments from a Fox News panel right after the speech:

“This was not Bobby Jindal’s greatest oratorical moment.”

“The delivery was not exactly terrific.”

“I think he had a really poor performance tonight…it just came off as amateurish.”

“Even the tempo in which he spoke seemed like sing-song, and he was telling stories that seemed very simplistic, and almost childish.”

“He tried the best he could.”

Then there was the response from center-right New York Times columnist David Brooks, who said this:

To come up at this moment in history with a stale, government-is-the-problem, we can’t trust the federal government – it’s just a disaster for the Republican Party. The country is in a panic now. They may not like the way the Democrats have passed the stimulus bill, but the idea that government is going to have no role, that the federal government has no role in this, in a moment when only the federal government is big enough to actually do stuff – to just ignore all that, and just say government is a problem, corruption, earmarks, wasteful spending, it’s just a form of nihilism. It’s just not where the country is. It’s not where the future of the country is.

…I think it’s insane. I just think it’s a disaster for the party. And while one might not expect much support for a Republican response from liberals like MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow, the unvarnished disdain from the left that greeted Jindal’s effort went far beyond the usual criticism.

Here’s Maddow: “Honestly, the Republican response to Barack Obama’s first State Of The Union was to invoke government failure during Katrina as a model for how to move forward as a country. I know that I am paid to talk for a living, I am incapable of doing what I am paid to do right now. I am absolutely stunned.”

Her MSNBC colleague Chris Matthews was more direct in his assessment of Jindal as he emerged to give the speech: “Oh, God.”

State Of The Union responses often fall flat – the speaker is following the grand spectacle of a dramatic speech to Congress, punctuated by applause and standing ovations, with an awkward, audience-free address directly to a camera – but the strength of the negative response to Jindal’s effort is almost unprecedented.

(More often then not, these responses are endured and quickly forgotten. Remember commerce secretary nominee Gary Locke’s 2003 effort? Didn’t think so.)

As Republican political strategist David Johnson pointed out in the New York Times today, Jindal was to some extent the victim of high expectations, since Republicans are desperately “looking for a voice to lead them out of the wilderness.”

Nonetheless, he admitted, “it was a flop.”

(AP)The Louisiana governor even managed to anger a seldom-heard lobby: The volcano-adjacent. Jindal identified a $140 million appropriation for volcano monitoring as an example of wasteful spending in the Obama-backed stimulus package, prompting Royce Pollard, the mayor of Vancouver, Washington, to point out that the people of his town take volcano monitoring quite seriously.

"Does the governor have a volcano in his backyard?" Pollard asked. "We have one that's very active, and it still rumbles and spits and coughs very frequently."

Jindal still has one prominent defender: Conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh, who said, the day after the speech, “I love Bobby Jindal, and that did not change after last night.” (He did acknowledge, however, that “I never heard the media, both sides, conservative and liberal, dump on a response like they did last night.”)

Criticism of the governor has even seeped into pop culture: Following Jindal’s speech, a number of people took to the internet to proclaim the similarity between Jindal and Kenneth The Page from the NBC sitcom “30 Rock.” And now “Kenneth” has responded, saying Jindal “sounds like a real goober…natorial representative.”

It remains to be seen to what degree the fallout from Jindal’s response will impact his standing among Republicans. But as Sarah Palin can tell you, getting mocked by a “30 Rock” cast member probably isn’t going to help.

[presidio9]

Brian Montopoli (left) with friend.

I am beyond expecting anything but fake but accurate reporting from CBS News. For that matter, why would it even be news that Rachael Maddow and Chris Matthews didn't love a Republican resonse to President Obama. But it annoys me to see a journalist pretty much accuse someone of incompetance, without doing enough of his job to know that Williams (a super smart guy and close friend of Justice Thomas) is the Fox's in house black liberal, and Nina Easton wrote a sympathetic biography of John Kerry. The first Fox quote supplied was taken out of context from Brit Hume. The second one was taken out of context from Easton, and she was mostly charitable to Jindal. The rest were from Williams, and I agree that he hated the speech, as expected.

[skeeter]

Leftists are children. Vapid and nasty.

[gondramB]

Jindal did not deliver a good speech even though he had a decent written speech. I understand Repubs being a bit bummed.

But why is the liberal press tripping over themselves to criticize the speech? Perhaps they are scared of him in spite of an off day. And maybe we should not write him off for a bad day either.

[presidio9]

Leftists are children. Vapid and nasty.

They know they have to destroy this guy quickly, because he's much more dangerous to Obama than someone like Palin. This has been their response to every major Republican political figure since Nixon.

[joesbucks]

It wasn't just leftists. It was folks who would have loved a Jindal slam dunk. They didn't get it. And Rush was simply saying what he said to get press. He got it.

I too was expecting something very Reaganesque. It didn't happen. And that's too bad.

[editor-surveyor]

Lovely couple; who do the kids look like?

[pointsal]

Face it. Nina Easton and her hubby are in the bag for the Mittster. She should declare herself as unreservedly biased. Nina is just another big-haired blond talking head.

[skeeter]

Thats why I believe the GOP should target the media before the democrat party.

Its the media that make the buffoons and clowns in the democrat party look competent. Their party would immediately collapse without the cover.

[Canedawg]

I’ve come to realize that the MSM’s preoccupation with Jindal’s delivery is a smokescreen for not spending any time criticizing and analyzing the substance of Zeros’s speech.

[editor-surveyor]

Jindal is a Rhodesian, and needs to be written off completely until he supplies some bonafide evidence to counter that ugly mark.

His speech indicates his ability to function under fire, not anything anout his politics, and thus is also a huge negative in his column.

[presidio9]

If Obama’s cronies have their way, there will no longer be a conservative media with which to attack the (liberal) mainstream media.

[editor-surveyor]

"They know they have to destroy this guy quickly, because he's much more dangerous to Obama than someone like Palin."

That bit of comic relief will at least make the evening a jovial one!

[mkcc30]

Absolutely in ANY war the first target is communications.

[presidio9]

Jindal is a Rhodesian, and needs to be written off completely until he supplies some bonafide evidence to counter that ugly mark.

Sorry, too cryptic. Was it a referrence to Bill Clinton?

[NickFlooding]

This is all MSM spin continuing what they did in the campaign. Jindal did a great job and they wont color my personal thoughts. They can say what they want me to believe but I'll believe the truth anyway.

[mkcc30]

The time is just about past for words and speeches.

[italianquaker]

It suits there purpose in order to deflect attention from odumbos lies or ignorance about the invention of automobiles

[presidio9]

That bit of comic relief will at least make the evening a jovial one!

In your mind Sarah Palin is the greater threat to Obama. What's your evidence?

[editor-surveyor]

Too cryptic for you?

A plain statement for those that understand history, and globalist politics.

[gondramB]

>>Jindal is a Rhodesian, and needs to be written off completely until he supplies some bonafide evidence to counter that ugly mark.<<

Is he? I’m reasonably sure I read he was born in Louisiana.

>>His speech indicates his ability to function under fire, not anything anout his politics, and thus is also a huge negative in his column.
<<

Agreed.

But I do find it interesting how intent on the speech the MSM is to jump on the speech. During the Clinton admin, did they ever give a darn about the Republican response?

[editor-surveyor]

Sarah is a real conservative, a quicker thinker, and a solid Christian; all necessary qualities for a meaningful victory.

[presidio9]

A plain statement for those that understand history, and globalist politics.

Let's just say I know nothing about about history or globalist politics. Two or three sentences should suffice, oh great one.

[Protect the Bill of Rights]

You mean he is from Zimbabwe?
:-)

[editor-surveyor]

" During the Clinton admin, did they ever give a darn about the Republican response?"

Is a 'response' from a Gingrich or a Lott worth getting one's panties in a bunch?

[editor-surveyor]

Who was Rhodesia named after?

[Twinkie]

When the leftists in the media attack any Republican, I know they’re worried and will stop at nothing to beat the “failure” drum, ‘cause they gotta prop “O” up. He’s too BIG to fail, dont’cha know? They must berate Governor Palin, and they must berate Governor Jindal. Their man can’t take care of himself, and he must be shored up. Tearing down any Republican is supposed to build the Obamassiah up. MSM is going to get a big old dose of IGNORING from me, for one, and so is Obama.

[editor-surveyor]

One sentence should do for this one:
Rhodes Scholars are chosen for their visible capitulation to Global Socialism.

[Protect the Bill of Rights]

Cecil Rhodes, of course.

[tbpiper]

...would have loved a Jindal slam dunk. They didn't get it. I too was expecting something very Reaganesque.

Those who were expecting Jindal to upstage Obama on Obama's home turf (soaring [but empty] rhetoric) just like to have their ears tickled. It's to be expected of the media and the Obama peasantry, but it is very unseemly from alleged conservatives.

Rush was simply saying what he said to get press.

This statement is a classic example of being "dead wrong". Rush doesn't need the 'press'.

[bray]

Racists. Just don’t like Indians.
He gave a brilliant speech and being Indian means he has to be destroyed by the Dems. They never have stopped lynching minorities, its in the blood.

Pray for America

[FFranco]

Can’t anyone remember Ronald Reagan’s eleventh commandment? Conservatives/Republicans need to stick together. Never criticize another conservative in public.

[cookcounty]

The new Palin.

Did CBS say anything about yesterday’s lie by Biden that Louisiana has very bad emp;oyment numbers?

According to the Labor Department, Louisiana was THE ONLY state that had job growth last month.

[vpintheak]

If the butt pirates in the press hate you, you know you did a pretty good job. Everyone with a dose a sanity knows that the MSM has lost it.

[presidio9]

Again, I’m not following you. Jindal has a solid conservative record, he is a devout Christian, and if you think Palin is the quicker thinker that’s fine, but only an idiot would suggest that Jindal was slow. As far as I can tell, he seems to have all your necessary qualities as well. I’m a huge fan of Sarah Palin. My point was that perhaps the liberals are seeing Jindal as the bigger threat now.

[LibLieSlayer]

No, the dims NEVER quit beating repubics whenever the chance arises... repubics are too busy kissing hussein’s arse to be bothered with anything but the high road and bi partisan arse whuppins!

LLS

[presidio9]

Rhodes Scholars are chosen for their visible capitulation to Global Socialism.

Please. Jindal was chosen for being he son if Indian immigrants in Louisiana. The committee just assumed someone like that would be a flaming liberal.

[LibLieSlayer]

AMEN!!!

LLS

[editor-surveyor]

I don’t see the fuss that you’re talking about.
Palin got more guff from the media and the RINOs in one hour than Jindal has gotten in total.

Any negatives they are throwing his way now is to inoculate themselves for the future, when they’ll give him a nod and a wink.

[LibLieSlayer]

Rush is the ONLY TRUTHFULL PRESS in the Untied States today. All others in Conservative talk radio serve in his court.

LLS

[LibLieSlayer]

Then tell the *%&^%*&&*$ repubic leadership to quit calling us racists, Neanderthals... southern bible thumpers... red necks... hicks... bitter clingers... those flyover people... and my all time favorite... “those common people”. No, these are different times and we are at war with all liberals... repubic and rat alike. Ronnie would be too!

LLS

[Swordfished]

To come up at this moment in history with a stale, government-is-the-problem, we can’t trust the federal government – it’s just a disaster for the Republican Party. The country is in a panic now. They may not like the way the Democrats have passed the stimulus bill, but the idea that government is going to have no role, that the federal government has no role in this, in a moment when only the federal government is big enough to actually do stuff – to just ignore all that, and just say government is a problem, corruption, earmarks, wasteful spending, it’s just a form of nihilism. It’s just not where the country is. It’s not where the future of the country is.

The Republican Party is two-faced. One side talks like a watered down version of Ron Paul's fantasy of eliminating the Dept. of Education. The other side grows government like there's no tomorrow.

Reducing the size of government will never happen, so supporters don't ever have to worry about making it work. And, they have an everlasting cause to beat to death.

[presidio9]

Palin got more guff from the media and the RINOs in one hour than Jindal has gotten in total. Any negatives they are throwing his way now is to inoculate themselves for the future, when they’ll give him a nod and a wink.

Um, I don't remember suggesting the media did not attack Palin. As a matter of fact I'm not sure why you have a problem with anything I've said. Can it really be because you think there is some sort of Rhodesian conspiracy? Did you know Jindal succeeded a Republican Rhodes scholar in the House? Creepy.

Listen, if you want to continue thinking crazy thoughts, thats fine with me. All I ask is that you clarify your postings to the point that a normal person can understand what your trying to say. I have no interest in arguing with crazy persons. If you have problems with Jindal, you need to specify, not insult me. Insulting me is irrelevant.

[editor-surveyor]

Explain how I insulted you.

[editor-surveyor]

"Rush is the ONLY TRUTHFULL PRESS in the Untied States today"

I wouldn't call Rush "press." - He's more along the line of lively commentary, and analysis.

[hoosier hick]

Do I need to point out that Richard Lugar is a Rhodes scholar (or is it self-evident)?

hh

[WildcatClan]

Four years out, I just do not get the divisions among Conservatives over these candidates, whom if they even run, will not likely win the nomination. Remember Condi vs. Hillary or Rudy vs. Hillary? I am keeping my powder dry and concentrating my efforts on 2010. Everyone acts as though it is either/or, Bobby or Sarah. Jindal has said he is not running and I think Palin is more popularity than anything else.

I do not believe her to be near ready for primetime, on the national scene. Below are just a few things that I oppose and some I merely question. Her view on illegal immigration is the one that I vehemently oppose as she is attempting to re-package Shamnesty. :

Predatory lenders got us into the housing crisis. (Oct 2008)

Taxpayers cannot be looked to as Wall Street bailout. (Sep 2008)

Smoked marijuana when it was legal under Alaska law. (Aug 2006)

Support charters & home schools; not private school vouchers. (Oct 2006)

Took no action on Alaska’s “sanctuary cities”. (Sep 2006)

I do support capping carbon emissions. (Oct 2008)

Fund cellulosic biofuel research in Farm Bill. (Oct 2007)

Only a very small percent of Islamic believers are extreme. (Sep 2008)

Supports a path to citizenship, but no amnesty for illegals. (Oct 2008)

[editor-surveyor]

"Can it really be because you think there is some sort of Rhodesian conspiracy?"

Cecil Rhodes made no veiled statements WRT his agenda; why would you doubt him, or the trust that he placed in charge? When its that far out in the open, is it a conspiracy?

[Ted Grant]

But why is the liberal press tripping over themselves to criticize the speech?

Because he was promoted as the GOP's next big thing and just didn't come across very well.

[o2bfree]

At least Sarah isn’t getting savaged anymore while Bobby is taking this beating.... this whole thing is sick really. Neither of them deserve the treatment they’re getting.

Jindal was fine. His response was much better than the joint Pelosi-Reid response from a few years ago. This is the first year that TV commentators even cared to critique the GOP response that I can remember.

[joesbucks]

If Rush doens’t need the press, then why does he employ the PR newswire?