Vice President Bobby Jindal?

By Elizabeth Weber Levy

Friday, February 8, 2008, I nearly fainted while listening to Rush Limbaugh's radio program. What caused the near swoon was a conversation Rush had with a caller, Kelly in Denver, about possibilities for a vice presidential candidate on a McCain ticket. Several names were mentioned, in the course of the conversation, then the thunderclap:

"Bobby Jindal. I did an interview with Bobby Jindal. He is the next Ronald Reagan, if he doesn't change. Bobby Jindal, the new governor of Louisiana is the next Ronald Reagan."

All that was thrilling to hear, -- and, knowing Governor Jindal well, I heartily agree -- but Bobby Jindal hasn't yet been governor for a month. Rush, I love ya, honey, but could we please hang onto Bobby for at least one term? True, he's a stunning whiz kid and, very likely, will accomplish a great deal in eight or nine months, but please. Is four years of sorely needed leadership for a state that has an annoying and alarming propensity for drowning, figuratively and literally, too much to ask? Please don't suggest we give him up, yet. Please!

Nevertheless, even typically cynical, albeit respected, Louisiana political analyst, John Maginnis, believes that Governor Jindal's performance, beginning with the current Special Legislative Session regarding much needed ethics reform, will draw national attention:

"As difficult as this ethics session will be, the issues to follow will be tougher, from transportation funding to the reinvention of public healthcare. How well Jindal fares will be a matter of national interest, though it's reasonable to predict that his job for the next year will be more challenging than that of the next vice president of the United States."

Could it be that Maginnis agrees, however obliquely, that Louisiana needs Governor Jindal more than the country does, at this point? His interesting challenge comparison makes me wonder.