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TechnographVice President Jindal?
By Sujay Kumar
Posted: 5/30/08 Section: Opinion Columns
Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal is a first-generation Indian-American. When he went to college, his dad told him he could be any kind of doctor. Piyush's - err, Bobby's - parents speak with accents. And yes, chances are he does like curry.
Jindal has been hailed as the future of the conservative movement and the next Ronald Reagan. John McCain has praised him as personally engaging and intellectually impressive.
Last weekend, Jindal was invited to McCain's Arizona ranch along with Florida Gov. Charlie Crist and Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, fueling speculation about McCain's finalists for "American Vice President," the spot for his number two man this November.
Since February, rumors have been swirling about McCain choosing Jindal for the vice presidential nomination. Whether a McCain-Jindal ticket will translate into Indian voters jumping aboard the Republican Jindal-train, may not be so easy to predict.
Political pundits have said that Jindal may be the perfect running mate for McCain. Jindal's strong conservative views appeal to the far right who may not gel with McCain's moderate stances. His religious awakening and conversion from Hinduism to Catholicism as a teen call to the Religious Right.
At 36, Jindal is a shot of fresh, young air to the prehistoric McCain campaign. And in an election that may pit McCain against the African-American Barack Obama, an Indian-American vice presidential candidate may counter the diversity blow.
But can Jindal corral the Indian-American voters?
There's nothing that makes Indian people happier than seeing one of our own in the spotlight. We go berserk at the sight of an Indian in the audience of "American Idol" or "The Price Is Right."
But when you think of a famous mainstream Indian, who immediately comes to mind? Uhhh, that famous musician with the drums, what's his name Ravi something, Ravi Baichwal? Isn't there some lady running Pepsi right now? Oh, I know! That girl on ER, no not John Stamos. Kumar from White Castle, they're all on the tip of my tongue - Kal Penn!
Jindal has been hailed as the future of the conservative movement and the next Ronald Reagan. John McCain has praised him as personally engaging and intellectually impressive.
Last weekend, Jindal was invited to McCain's Arizona ranch along with Florida Gov. Charlie Crist and Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, fueling speculation about McCain's finalists for "American Vice President," the spot for his number two man this November.
Since February, rumors have been swirling about McCain choosing Jindal for the vice presidential nomination. Whether a McCain-Jindal ticket will translate into Indian voters jumping aboard the Republican Jindal-train, may not be so easy to predict.
Political pundits have said that Jindal may be the perfect running mate for McCain. Jindal's strong conservative views appeal to the far right who may not gel with McCain's moderate stances. His religious awakening and conversion from Hinduism to Catholicism as a teen call to the Religious Right.
At 36, Jindal is a shot of fresh, young air to the prehistoric McCain campaign. And in an election that may pit McCain against the African-American Barack Obama, an Indian-American vice presidential candidate may counter the diversity blow.
But can Jindal corral the Indian-American voters?
There's nothing that makes Indian people happier than seeing one of our own in the spotlight. We go berserk at the sight of an Indian in the audience of "American Idol" or "The Price Is Right."
But when you think of a famous mainstream Indian, who immediately comes to mind? Uhhh, that famous musician with the drums, what's his name Ravi something, Ravi Baichwal? Isn't there some lady running Pepsi right now? Oh, I know! That girl on ER, no not John Stamos. Kumar from White Castle, they're all on the tip of my tongue - Kal Penn!
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Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Ted
posted 5/30/08 @ 5:45 PM CST
There?s been noted buzz of late on rising GOP star Louisiana Gov Bobby Jindal as a McCain prospective Veep. Certainly Jindal is more than very good, However, I believe there?s some ?strategerie? going on here. (Continued…)
tas
posted 5/31/08 @ 12:09 AM CST
Jindal has a heftier and more impressive resume than Palin.
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