Jindal had his moment, and he blew it
If you had asked me about the worst high-profile political speech I’d ever seen, I would have said it was John McCain’s effort last June, the one with the green backdrop, cringing smile, strangely awkward crowd and the whining “my friends, that’s not change we can believe in.”
Bobby Jindal’s effort last night approached McCain. I had never heard Jindal speak on a formal occasion, and he was bad. Bad message, worse delivery. Some of the harshest reaction came from conservatives who had hopes Jindal could be the party’s standard bearer. David Brooks put it bluntly:
“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…. It’s just not where the country is, it’s not where the future of the country is. There’s an intra-Republican debate. Some people say the Republican Party lost its way because they got too moderate. Some people say they got too weird or too conservative. He thinks they got too moderate, and so he’s making that case. I think it’s insane, and I just think it’s a disaster for the party. I just think it’s unfortunate right now.”
At the Corner at the National Review, they post an email from a longtime reader:
“Jindal’s delivery was weak in this sense: he did not look like someone who could lead this country. He did not instill in me any confidence that he would or could be the standard-bearer in four or eight years, which I was looking for. I wanted him to do well. But he didn’t. … He came across as the guy you’d want to have your daughter bring home, but not the guy you’d want leading your company during tough times.
Even the far-right folks at Free Republic panned it badly:
- “After just two or three words, all I could see and hear for the remainder of Jindle’s speech was … Richard Pryor. Richard Pryor doing his white man’s voice.”
- “Face it, it was a poor performance. He may be a nice enough guy but he had a shot and he blew it.”
- “Nobody here is trying to tear Jindal down, but to deny that he dropped the ball last night is just burying our heads in the sand. Jindal needed to come out with fire in his bellow. Instead, all we got was some smoke and a few sizzles.”
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
330 comments Add your comment
DJ
February 25th, 2009
12:52 pm
To everyone on the blog… We all have a very valuable lesson to learn from politics, jobs, and the economy. It’s that life is not about money. I’m only 28 years old and have earned large sums of money in my life by working. I’ve been dirt poor and grew up in the housing projects of Atlanta, but now have a Master’s degree and investments which ultimately mean nothing to me. These things cannot love or care for me. In fact, it’s all easier to lose than gain (I’ve lost as well). Until we learn and teach ourselves and our kids these things, the back-and-forth arguing will continue. I’m sure on your death bed, the last thing you would think of is your political party or the economy. Be Happy!
caz1158
February 25th, 2009
12:53 pm
AmVet-I just felt nausea,thinking of your response. I think I’ll go listen to Chris Matthews for a more sane analysis!!!
Matthew
February 25th, 2009
12:54 pm
It was terrible.
But Jay thinking that he’s blown his chance/moment just shows that Bookman is pathetically inept when it comes to understanding national politics.
I certainly won’t take up for Jindal’s horrendous showing, but anyone who follows politics closely would recognize that Jindal is capable of much, much better (basically anyone who takes the 30 seconds to explore youtube). He’ll without a doubt have many, many more opportunities.
Audrey in Georgia
February 25th, 2009
12:54 pm
“Mayday, mayday! We’re going down!” A quote from the “Morning Joe” show. The republicans are so down and out!
Fred
February 25th, 2009
12:56 pm
The attacks on Jindal just confirm what most Conservatives already know. He hit his mark. Of course with Obama and his band of merry tax cheats at the helm, it’s not that hard. The next Congressional elections should be a interesting to say the least. By then, Obama should have the country thoroughly screwed up and the peasants should be marching on Capital Hill with torches and pitch forks. By the way, I love all the lovely racist comments by these fair minded and racially sensitive Democrats.
Mike
February 25th, 2009
12:56 pm
DJ –
Very well said, although I really believe that a lot of folks on this blog will be thinking about how much they hate people who don’t share their narrow political views on their deathbed. Sad, but true.
AmVet
February 25th, 2009
12:56 pm
Pat, that is the funniest shiite I have read in……well…. maybe forever.
Great stuff!
And it is bound to make the slobbering right-wingers go into convulsions. Oh! I see it already happened at 12:50.
Tis a good game we play here. We write about the issues of the day, using much sarcasm and irony. But also including much reason, logic, data, evidence and facts to support our irreverent conclusions.
And the emasculated faithful here piously blubber about their vast worthiness regarding race relations and other such nonsense…
OK, off yet again to pay for the bailouts and the occupation.
Pray for rain…
danjonglee
February 25th, 2009
12:57 pm
Yes. Jindal no good. We need strong leader in tough times. Like Stalin or Mao..
Dave R
February 25th, 2009
12:57 pm
Gelding, you still remain clueless.
The SS Trust Fund is virtually empty! That $2 trillion you cited is a bunch of IOU’s from all the free-spending, free-wheeling Dems and Repubs who spent it over the years to try to balance budgets (poorly).
Get a clue, Gelding!
AJC/DNC Management
February 25th, 2009
12:58 pm
Quick, someone tell Hair Plugs to call his website!
If they found the number yet, Ahahahahahahahaha.
Taxpayer
February 25th, 2009
12:59 pm
I don’t have to notify the IRS, Dusty. Keep up with the times. The IRS is already after 52,000 US tax cheats that worked through UBS. UBS has gotten themselves in some serious trouble here in the states and they’ve already agreed to fork over hundreds of millions in compensation to the IRS for just 300 of those tax cheats that proclaim themselves to be “Americans”. Tax cheats are scum. Don’t you agree, Dusty. BY the way, that former Republican Senator, Phil Gramm, went to work for UBS. Did you know that his wife was on the Board of Directors at Enron and that Phil Gramm pushed that legislation through in December of 2000 regarding derivatives and part of that legislation became known as the Enron loophole and it just gets better. Do you know what credit default swaps are. I didn’t think so.
Mike
February 25th, 2009
1:00 pm
AmVet -
Nice comeback to my simple question. Nice to know that you are a proud racist in addition to your many other fine qualities.
Here is another chance to demonstrate that you are capable of answering a simple question:
What makes me a “right-winger”? I’d love to know what you are talking about. And again, feel free to call me names before and after your “cogent analysis”. LOL
Mike
February 25th, 2009
1:03 pm
AmVet -
While you are at it, maybe you can explain to DB why he is a “right-winger” as he also called out the racist garbage that you refer to as “great stuff”.
steve-o
February 25th, 2009
1:04 pm
Look, the Jindal speech was truly terrible. Poor content and poorly delivered. The only real sad part about it is that the GOP has such high hopes for this guy and, much like Sarah Palin, they did not take a real good look before thrusting him into the spotlight. When will they learn? But who can blame them? They don’t really have anybody to chose from that’s any good. They are a party lost in the woods. They have no good leaders and they don’t know what to do except fold their arms and call the other side socialists. Well, I say move aside and let the party in control do its work and if you don’t like what the Dems do then you have another vote in 2010. But the very idea that the Republicans should have a seat at the table when these bills are written is laughable!!! They did not offer that to the Dems during Bush’s tenure and they won’t get it during Obama’s so long as they don’t control congress. Duh! They are the biggest bunch of crybaby losers I have ever seen.
G
February 25th, 2009
1:06 pm
Jindal is a young, dark face in a sea of older white men. That’s the only reason the Rushpublicans give a hoot about him. They think they can gain some “control” over the large segment of Americans who do not identify with old white men, just the way they used Palin to woo women.
Skill, intelligence, credentials and all the other things that define a leader have to be embodied in whoever is chosen to lead – black, yellow, brown, white, man, woman, gay or straight. And, because of who the Rushpublicans are and what they stand for, that pool of talented people with diverse backgrounds is very small indeed. Therefore, Rush- publicans are forced to look for a shill with a different face, not an exceptional person.
Just look at McCain’s choice of VP, Jindal, and their choice of Michael Steele.
caz1158
February 25th, 2009
1:06 pm
Mike-AmVet’s rants show what most of us already knew. If you Be-rate and Generaly talk down to people,it not only makes him feel good. But it also gives him the false feeling of Importance & Intelligence!
@@
February 25th, 2009
1:07 pm
AmVet:
Don’t you mean you’re off, yet again, to change your identity? I’ll say the same thing to you that I said to Midori last night (it got “pulled”) so I’ll change the wording a bit…..
Quit playing with yourself, Pat.
Mike
February 25th, 2009
1:10 pm
caz1158 –
AmVet might be talking, but he is not quite in a position to be “talking down” to anyone as his rhetoric is as low as it gets.
Pat
February 25th, 2009
1:14 pm
Mike,
Well, yes, I’m pretty familiar with the “racist venacular” that just “rolls off my tongue.” You probably, however, DON’T want to know why … too bad, you brought it up. It’s from living my entire life surrounded by die-hard racist family members in North Florida and Alabama.
Grandpa? He was a keeper. Head of the local Klan chapter in the Alabama town where he was born. Regaled the family with tales of how he once chased a group of black farmers out of a bank where they’d come to ask for a loan – he and his buds ran them to the outskirts of town with a bullwhip. He was a hero to his semi-literate friends. Oh, in his spare time, he molested me and my female cousins whenever he got the chance.
Hmm, where’d I pick up such terms? Yep, I’ve heard them, once, twice, or a few hundred times … for example, from my Republican uncle, who spent last Thanksgiving out by his fish pond, earnestly explaining to me how mad he was that Bush “ruined” the country, but he just “Can’t vote for that nigger?”
Maybe my dad, who 10 years after my sister moved in with her Japanese boyfriend, still yelled “Tora Tora Tora! whenever she walked in for a visit?
I’m saying, like it or not, plenty of Republicans – especially in the rural South – still think this way. And that a few quick, phony baloney “diversity” efforts from a party that has blatantly used racism as an electoral strategy for decades is disgusting, stupid, and will not work. I didn’t say every Republican is racist – but enough are that the strategy is suspect, as well as fundamentally flawed. It’s insincere – and it smells to heaven.
Disgusted
February 25th, 2009
1:16 pm
Taxpayer: It will be a while longer before UBS releases the names of those American tax cheats. A Swiss lawyer has filed suit against UBS, claiming that the release of such names is a violation of Swiss law. Of course, the true plantiffs of the suit remain unnamed. Cowards that they are, they choose to hide behind the lawyer.
tcoach
February 25th, 2009
1:16 pm
Taxpayer, just read.
I asked very simple questions. Ones you know the answer to, only problem is you don’t want to say them because you loose credibility.
Read my post to you. The questions are in small words and everything for you. However I feel you will do as you always do and leave it unanswered, or try to change the subject. Do whatever you wish to not answer these very simplistic questions. But I assure you that you will not actually answer the question. Unless that is you wish to amend your previous statements and linking things that happen in a particular district to a particular party.
Go ahead and run, dodge, lie or change topic. But you know and I know you cannot answer this question without having to be impartial. Something you have not the character nor class, from what I have sen on here, to do.
Dave R
February 25th, 2009
1:16 pm
This is what is wrong about America right now. You people look at “personality” rather than “performance”. You fawned all over a glib, articulate, inexperienced, 1/3 term Senator from Ill., and we now have the American Idol – Youtube Presidency.
Now, we’ve all seen Hope & Change’s first few weeks, and as a “leader”, he pretty well stinks on ice. His Cabinet picks have been horrendous, his performance on policy has been ragged, and the people with money to invest are voting with their feet.
Now, we’ll see what we get after 2012, but if this performance continues and Hope & Change is re-elected, then our Republic is doomed. You can’t keep electing “personality” over “substance” and survive.
I’ll take Jindal’s and Palin’s REAL performance in office over style points any day. Or any other fiscal conservative for that matter.
caz1158
February 25th, 2009
1:17 pm
G-Believe it or not,most conservatives don’t give a Hoot about BobbyJ or Palin,Really! What we do believe in is the right message. You don’t have to be great communicator (though it does help,ie-Clinton/Obama). I believe in SUBSTANCE over style any day!!
DB, Gwinnettian
February 25th, 2009
1:17 pm
Hi, Dave R!
Sure was fun watching you get pounded yesterday on that “50% pay no taxes” lie I’d called you out on. It’s not often that Jay decides to start a brand new thread to set a bozo straight; frankly, I didn’t think you deserved the attention, but it takes all kinds.
So, ever find that more-recent-than-June 2005 cite on the Galveston REE-tarment plan I so politely requested, and about which you continue to dance?
On another topic… nah. Think I’ll let your kneejerk “Them SS trust fund dollars? They’s just Ah Oh Yews” business stew awhile; you’re bound to dig a much, much deeper hole for yourself before the day is over.
Mike
February 25th, 2009
1:18 pm
Pat –
Thanks for the insight. Apparently the apple didn’t fall far from the tree as ignorant stereotyping seems to be a big part of your psychological makeup.
Dave R
February 25th, 2009
1:19 pm
tcoach, don’t hold your breath expecting Taxpayer to answer a single question you ask of him. Cockroaches can’t stand the light. He’ll do anything BUT answer your questions, because it would prove to the world he knows nothing.
caz1158
February 25th, 2009
1:22 pm
I just read now that Obama has won American Idol,He just signed up for next years Dancin with Stars. Oh thats when he’s not saving us from ourselves. What a Guy!!!
Mike
February 25th, 2009
1:22 pm
tcoach -
Seriously, don’t bother. Folks like Taxpayer and AmVet never answer any direct questions. They are here to vent their hatred, not have a conversation. Unfortunately, that is the SOP for most regulars on this blog.
Midori
February 25th, 2009
1:25 pm
Pat,
HILARIOUS!!!
Keep em coming!!
Ed
February 25th, 2009
1:25 pm
He should have said “You Betcha!” a couple times and winked in between.
Dave R
February 25th, 2009
1:26 pm
DB, Gwinnett, you remain ignorant as usual.
Didn’t get pounded at all yesterday (unless you live in an alternate reality), and I answered your question about Galveston. Why do you insist on showing the world you are an ignorant hick?
To review: There is no more recent review of the Galveston private retirement fund performance, because it’s performance hasn’t changed since 2005. Still paying out more than SS, still investing in safe bonds, still giving back to the survivors hundreds of thousands of dollars instead of $265 for SS.
And your lib buddy Gelding cites an IRS opinion that says the Galveston plan wouldn’t work nationally! The IRS! What losers you guys are!
caz1158
February 25th, 2009
1:26 pm
Mike- Taxpayer & AmVet don’t mind responding,it’s just they have to do it between flippin burgers. Livin off min/wage is tough u know.
JJ
February 25th, 2009
1:29 pm
Liberals are unbelievably stupid. You criticize Jindal for his awkwardness but yet you capitulate on and on about the vapid response from Obama about the state of our country. It’s obvious that when it comes to the issues you prefer style over substance. Weak minded thinkers like you ought to take a moment and really listen to Jindal’s speech. Here is a man who believes in the individual, while your guy believes in the government. It is truly sad to see the display of public begging for government help. If we are to be led in the future by this nation of whiners we are doomed.
DB, Gwinnettian
February 25th, 2009
1:29 pm
“The IRS! What losers you guys are!”
you do realize that you were offering the IRS as a rock-solid source of your information about the “50% pay no taxes” lie yesterday, yes?
Dave, you’ve mastered the art of claiming victory with every post. It’s a swell form of trollish performance art. “Game, set, match!”
But nobody actually, you know, believes you.
DAG
February 25th, 2009
1:31 pm
I resent the comment from G. Blanston stating that Louisiana is a despetrately poor, uneducated, under-employed and backward state. Unless this refers to yourself, I think you should appologize to those fellow Americans that treasures their culture there. I am proud to say I am from Louisiana, am very educated and very much employed and am not backwards.
J David Raiteri
February 25th, 2009
1:31 pm
Governor Jindal….I would feel it a complement to be criticized by the likes of AJC Socialist, J. Bookman & a pseudo-Conservative David Brooks…UGA coach Richt would not let Florida’s head coach select Georgia’s QB.,…Bookman can go fly a kite..literally
Dave R
February 25th, 2009
1:43 pm
DB, continue to wallow in ignorance.
The IRS certainly has a handle on their own figures. Monkeys with calculators can do that. That, at least, is something the IRS is capable of doing.
What they are NOT capable of doing is an OBJECTIVE ANALYSIS of a private retirement plan that would put them out of business. Even you could figure THAT one out.
Got anything else, sport?
steve-o
February 25th, 2009
1:45 pm
Dave, Palin cannot think her way out of a paper bag. You may be impressed with her, but I doubt it is her intelligence that impresses you. I am sure what you love is her conservative values and I would respect you more if you would just come out and say that. You Republicans have made it clear for years that intellect does not impress you, but god-fearing, right-wing radicalism really melts your butter. What kills me is how pathetic the GOP attempts at vote getting are: pick a woman as VP running mate to try to win the women voters who supported Hillary; pick a black man to head the party and maybe win some black votes; pick another brown-faced man as potential heir-apparant and maybe win some more minority votes. Nevermind that none of these people has the skill or intellect to wet the end of a dipstick. You may not like Obama’s politics but he is far from stupid and he has way too much substance to him to be dubbed the American Idol president. Your criticisms are weak and unfounded and your praise of Steel, Palin and Jindal is unconvincing. Go ahead run them, put them on the ballot if you think they are so great. I will sleep well knowing this is the best you have to offer.
luangtom
February 25th, 2009
1:45 pm
Well….at least the Republican response did not have teleprompters telling them when to clap and stand like the Obamaladen speech had…….
caz1158
February 25th, 2009
1:47 pm
Dave-Be carefull of the use of Monkey’s!!!! You know were that will lead our friends on the left.
LMFAO
February 25th, 2009
1:48 pm
The same people who think Jinal and Palin are a good idea for the next big election are the same people who think people only voted for Obama because he is black or only voted for Hillary Clinton because she is a woman. They just don’t get it and until they do get it they will continue to lose.
Taxpayer
February 25th, 2009
1:51 pm
Can you hear that sizzle, caz1158. It’s the sound of fresh meat on the grill. It’s Republican meat being cooked up. They eat their own, dontcha know. Ready for another one. Watch closely ’cause I’m fixin’ to flip you another one.
caz1158
February 25th, 2009
1:51 pm
Luangtom-Did’nt you see Obama & Pelosi pushing buttons to reward the animals with nuts everytime they wanted them to stand and applaud. Very convincing except for the mess the Dems left!!!
SOUTHERN ATL
February 25th, 2009
1:53 pm
This was my first time hearing Jindal speak and I must say that I was not impressed….I give the speech and the struggling Republican Party two thumbs down!!! Everyone keeps elaborating on the pork that is in the stimulus bill…well, I have not been up on the blogging lately but does anyone have any idea on how OUR COUNTRY will benefit for the number of years that we have spent in Iraq? I have never seen any documentation on what this nation will gain from the resources that was put into this war….Is there a website that can provide this information? I would rather spend MY portion of MY tax dollars helping my fellow Americans that are unemployed and loosing their homes than to spend on a war with no measureable gains!!!
Taxpayer
February 25th, 2009
1:55 pm
tcoach,
if your questions are so simplistic, then by all means answer them.
By the way, if you kids expect me to keep playing with you, you’ll need to move up to the next thread.
tcoach
February 25th, 2009
1:56 pm
Claiming that republicans or democrats decide who to give speeches to or run for office based on their race says way more about the posters racial views than anything. It also goes a very long way to discredit and actually discriminate against those of which you speak. You are essentially saying that this person only got their job because of teh color of their skin. Sound familiar?
Holly Smith
February 25th, 2009
1:57 pm
His speech sounded like it was written by fifth graders, and his delivery was nothing short of wooden. He may be “scary smart” as I read yesterday, but you sure couldn’t tell it. Perhaps there is a charisma class he can attend…anyone know of one?
steve-o
February 25th, 2009
2:01 pm
I stand by my assessment of Republicans’ attempt at vote-getting. They have never made in-roads with minorities and more women vote Democratic than Republican. So, yes, they are trying to get some of those votes. Absolutely. You don’t like my assessment then too bad. But it is not racist or sexist to suggest as I did. So cry me another river because that one doesn’t do it for me.
caz1158
February 25th, 2009
2:01 pm
Holly Smith-Style over Substance?? Always thought it was the other way arround,silly me. But I guess Clinton now Obama have proved that.
steve-o
February 25th, 2009
2:03 pm
Jindal may be smart, in fact I am sure he is, but that does not mean he will be a good speaker, a good leader or a good politician. The Republicans just can’t figure it out. Or better yet, they have nobody better.
Audrey in Georgia
February 25th, 2009
2:05 pm
Pat, I love your comments! You are so cool!!!
LMFAO
February 25th, 2009
2:07 pm
After reading this blog today it is clear to my why the GOP can only win the deep south Bible Belt states and the crazy square states. Because that is where the highest concentration of idiots with their heads up their butts live. Enjoy being a party of the marginal lunatic fringe. I know I will enjoy it!
G
February 25th, 2009
2:10 pm
The problem with Jindal, as with other Rushpublicans, is that they simply don’t get it.
They talk down to the American people like we are children, incapable of understanding the world around us, of making decisions when given the facts.
Government is not the problem. Government can do good things, but you have to have people running the government who believe that, as most Democrats do.
When you put people in charge who believe in the mission, who believe in a government of, by and for the people, who have experience and talent in their field and are not just someone appointed as a political favor, then things can work.
The problems we face now are a direct result of 8 years of Rushpublican incompetence.
Thank God the adults are back in charge.
LMFAO
February 25th, 2009
2:12 pm
I like Jindal’s real first name much better. Piyush Jindal has a much better ring to it. Besides he took Bobby from Bobby Brady on the Brady Bunch. Not a good idea. Just sayin’.
caz1158
February 25th, 2009
2:14 pm
LMFAO-I’m guessing from your comments you don’t live in the south.Otherwise I guess you would have to include yourself in that highly intelligent rant!!!
MikeB
February 25th, 2009
2:15 pm
Wow…Wow…Wow. If I were a Republican, I’d shoot myself.
caz1158
February 25th, 2009
2:16 pm
LMFAO-And I’m guessin takin HUSSEIN was??? Just sayin
LMFAO
February 25th, 2009
2:16 pm
Oh, I do live in the south which is how I know my statements to be true. I didn’t say we ALL had our head’s up our butts, I just said we have the highest concentration of that type. But I am sure you went to some Christian Academy so words are confusing and scary. It’s okay.
Dave R
February 25th, 2009
2:16 pm
steve-o, you may not think Palin can think her way out of a paper bag, but she IS a SUCCESSFUL governor of a state – something ol’ Hope & Change never was, and he has shown no ability thus far to be a competent executive. I like the fact that she is a FISCAL conservative. I don’t give a damn about her social values.
And I never said that she or Jindal were the best the GOP could offer – I just said I appreciate their substance over Hope & Change’s style.
And just so you don’t confuse me with some others on this site, I never voted for Bush, Clinton, Obama or McCain. I don’t vote for people who will take away my rights in order to help those who can’t or won’t help themselves.
steve-o
February 25th, 2009
2:18 pm
Dave, you keep saying Obama has no substance. Back that up! Just saying it over and over is unconvincing. Elaborate, please.
caz1158
February 25th, 2009
2:20 pm
LMFOA-What flavor is that Kool-Aid the libs are servin today? Cause it sure sounds like you drank the whole pitcher!!!
Mindless Sheep
February 25th, 2009
2:21 pm
*Government is not the problem. Government can do good things….*
Besides the military and perhaps the interstate highway system, what has the government done that is exceptional–that is better than the private sector? The answer is nothing.
If you really believe a government bureaucrat knows how to spend your money better than you do, you are a sad case my friend. You are the dependent, helpless sort these politicians depend on. A sheep, you are.
caz1158
February 25th, 2009
2:23 pm
Steve-O,after last night I must agree with you in regards to substance. But How much further in debt is all that substance going to put us????
LMFAO
February 25th, 2009
2:23 pm
Oh, HaHa! The kool-aid drinker calling ME a kool-aid drinker. HILARIOUS!!
caz1158
February 25th, 2009
2:24 pm
MINDLESS SHEEP-EXCELLENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jindal's missed opportunity - Reporters - NewsSpotz
February 25th, 2009
2:26 pm
[...] Congress and Mr Jindal gets a flat TV backdrop – but there was more as well, as unkind reviewers have been queuing up to point [...]
Because It Matters
February 25th, 2009
2:26 pm
Reading the comments by Republicans on this blog, it strikes me how angry, racist, resentful, and dark hearted you people really are. Every stereotype about Republicans verified right here in their own mean words.I feel sorry for you, it takes alot of energy to carry around all that spitefulness, but by golly, that’s what y’all do. One spiteful comment after another, repeat the same stuff over and over no matter how false it may be.
Republicans were given the keys to the federal government and many state governments and with rare exception, failed.Failed miserably too. Look at our fair state since they took over, pure failure and getting worse. At the national level, Bush doubled the national debt and enacted deregulation that helped bring about the financial crisis.
Instead of being disrespectful of the President, you should be saying your apologies for how you messed things up. But instead you resort to calling names like “socialist”, or you talk in racial code. That may make you feel good about yourselves, to repeat that stuff over and over, but the country has had enough of it. You have p**sed offed so many Americans and you continue to do so with your negative message.
The Republican Party isn’t dead, but it is on it’s way to being a permanent minority party. It will dominate in about 10-12 mostly small states or where there are few minorities. But that’s about it.
It’s hard to cast a vote for a Republican and maintain your dignity. So many angry, bitter, hypocritical, cruel, resentful, disrespectful, fake patriotic, people. You Republicans that like to comment on the AJC do nothing but demonstrate that your are devoid of any fresh ideas or in possession of basic civility and respect for all Americans. It’s not enough to just disagree with people, you have to then try to dehumanize them by exaggerating differences to an extreme degree.
Governor Piyush Jindal(his real name), an admitted “anchor baby” as Republicans like to say, tried to be perky, but came across as an eager-beaver. Like almost evey Republican, he lied, lied, lied. When a Republican says they “trust the people ….” what they really mean is they trust the corporations and rich people because that is who benefits from their tax cut, vodoo economics.This stunt about not taking stimulus money is all the proff you’ll ever need to understand that Republicans don’t care about working people and if you get laid off after then you suddenly become a lazy bum who wants a handout!
The day of reckoning is coming for Republicans in Georgia.2010 and 2012 will not be kind to your party unless you change your ways.
caz1158
February 25th, 2009
2:27 pm
LMFAO-If your buyin what American Idol Prez is spewin, than yes you’re drinkin the Kool-aid!!!
Tish
February 25th, 2009
2:27 pm
I watched only the beginning of Jindal’s speech. He was condescending and insincere like a used car salesman in those do it yourself tv ads. Even his intro about how his mom and dad couldn’t afford to pay for his birth but the nice doc let them pay by installments just left me gasping at his naivety. Surely it would be better that his mom and dad didn’t need to worry about paying for the birth care because it SHOULD BE A RIGHT for all citizens just as we all pay taxes to send ALL of our kids to school. Poor Bobby–he was just too painful to watch!
steve-o
February 25th, 2009
2:28 pm
I have one question for you, ca1158, were you uncomfortable when Bush ballooned the debt to 4 trillion dollars? Were you on the AJC blogs griping when that happened? I agree with you the debt is staggering and worrisome but we have to do something to get out of this mess and if we just fold our arms and do nothing then we are finished. We may be finished anyway, we have to face that, but we have to try. It seems to me the Republicans were happy to spend trillions getting us into this mess and don’t want to spend a fricking dime to get us out of it. THAT is what really bothers me.
AmVet
February 25th, 2009
2:29 pm
Pat, virtually everyone here in the Moron Belt has similar stories, I’m sure.
Man, together we have really poked the humiliated neo-con hornet’s nest today, eh?
What a hoot!
Mike and now his cuz, caz, will hang on my every post and every word. And yours likely as well.
Guaranteed. They simply cannot help themselves. Our words have that much power over them. While their off-topic nonsense is, of course, immaterial and goes unread…
Back out again, for more burger flipping, cuz…
LH
February 25th, 2009
2:30 pm
It was awful…It sounded like he was talking to a room of first graders.
gee
February 25th, 2009
2:31 pm
To Observer
One thing I cannot stand about white folks especailly the Gold ol’ boys (not all of them). No matter what a blackman does whether he is clean as a whistle, educated as Einstien you still have a problem. our idiot-in-chief. who is the idiot in chief are you talking about george Bush.
Obama has done everything. He is educated had no sliver spoon in his mouth no daddy to wipe his behind like alot of white boys I know and still yet you cannot show some respect. but let that be cynthia mckinney or Al sharpton to make a comment oh you want to lynch them for being unpatriotic.
Climb back into that ingnorant unintelligent hole you appeared from and stay there forever.
caz1158
February 25th, 2009
2:31 pm
Because it matters-this mess we’re in just came about in the last eight years???? Talk about blinders being on-come on!!!! You seem like a somewhat intelligent person. If you had said that as nation we f**ked up!!All of us,politicians,media,&citzens then i would agree with you.
Mindless Sheep
February 25th, 2009
2:33 pm
Obama has no substance:
He never managed a private business.
He never held an executive position at a private business.
He never held an executive position (or any management position) at any governmental entity. Yet he now manages the largest enterprise in the world.
He has no business training.
He was Harvard Law school editor but apparently never published any scholarly articles.
He precedes his lofty words with actions that belie these words: Examples: He spends a couple of trillion dollars just prior to talking about the importance of fiscal responsibility. He spoke about his disdain for legislation with earmarks just prior to signing a bill with more than 9,000 earmarks. He said all substance legislation would be available for inspection on the Internet for 5 days prior to a vote but hasn’t delivered on this promise.
His heroes are people who hate capitalism and his work history was devoted to organizing people to extort “benefits” from government, businesses, and productive citizens.
Obama appointed people for cabinet positions who were like him: corrupt. They were supposedly the smartest people in the world but didn’t pay their taxes and broke the law quite a number of times. People with integrity don’t do that.
Since he had no record of accomplishment, we turned to judging him by the company he keeps. Some are criminals–in jail–while others should be. Others, such as his long-time pastor, profess to spread the Gospel while their deeds show otherwise.
This man is morally bankrupt–evidenced by his low regard for human life.
The Dow is down 1,000 points since his taking office. The markets know that he is bad for the economy and thus bad for the country. Government is too big and Obama is making it bigger every day. Already he announced 350,000 new government jobs.
Is this specific enough for you or should I just refer to him as “Hitler” or a “Nazi” like leftists are wont to do?
d dog
February 25th, 2009
2:33 pm
For the first time in my lifetime, I am hoping the GOP begins to get their act together. Their total lameness is hurting our country.
GodHatesTrash, Superstar
February 25th, 2009
2:36 pm
Well, Mikey. Republican or not, I think that would be an excellent use of your Second Amendment rights.
Go for it!
caz1158
February 25th, 2009
2:39 pm
Steve-O- I agree with the premise about doing something to clean up the mess that all created (left/right) but I just though it was jammed down all’s throats very quickly. Something of this magnitude should have more people involved. Virtualy no one from the right was involved or that matter even asked to particapate. How will we ever join hands on anything until we at least attempt to include all. The token few thrown in were basicaly there for eye candy. You can’t say there would’nt have been any good idea’s put forth. Then at least Pres Obama could have said honestly they joined both sides of the aisle.
Mindless Sheep
February 25th, 2009
2:39 pm
What up Gee?
Questions:
What is a “sliver spoon”?
What is “alot”?
What is “ingnorant” (never mind, you’ve answered that one)?
What is “blackman”? Is that similar to “Batman”?
Who is “Einstien”?
Go back to where you stay and polish those twenty-fos.
AmVet
February 25th, 2009
2:40 pm
d dog. I think there are a lot of us who would agree.
IMHO, the great hope for this country does not lie in the Democratic Party. But the GOP has been so abysmal for so long (forty years and counting) it is hard to get one’s hope up.
The scariest thought of all is that the knuckle-draggers, chickenhawks and assorted flat-earthers and misfits here may actually be fairly representative of this hijacked and regional Republiconned Party..
steve-o
February 25th, 2009
2:42 pm
When Bush took office the national debt was 5 trillion. He ballooned it almost another 4 trillion. The national debt grew by over 54% under Bush. No this did not start with Bush and yes we all bear responsibility, but my point is I did not hear the Neo-cons crowing about the debt during the Bush years. He made the problem FAR worse and now we have to do something. Your party’s suggestion that we do nothing just doesn’t help me.
Dave R
February 25th, 2009
2:44 pm
Thank you mindless sheep for saving me some typing.
Let me add, however, that he also spent precious little time in the Illinois State Senate, where he authored no bills of any substance, and spent precious little time in the United States Senate, where he authored no bills of any substance.
And have you ever REALLY heard what he says when he isn’t on a teleprompter? Try reading a transcript of any interview he had to do. He sure can talk, but he never really says anything. Read a transcript without basking in the glow of his countenance. It’ll open your eyes.
He’s an empty sit running the most powerful nation in the history of the world. The American Idol – Youtube President (maybe I’ll write a book by that title).
julio quintana
February 25th, 2009
2:45 pm
let me propose that Jay seel a real job, get out in the real world and learn what it takes to earn a living. sitting next to Cynthia Tucker, and Mike have drained him any common sense.
GodHatesTrash, Superstar
February 25th, 2009
2:45 pm
Pat and AmVet, well put.
caz1158
February 25th, 2009
2:47 pm
Steve-o- I dont think my party is saying lets not do anything. I believe what they are saying you can’t tax/spend your way out of it totally. Whats wrong with getting all involved with a solution. And I know for a fact all the pundits I listen/read were not happy with the Bush spending either as was I.
Ray
February 25th, 2009
2:51 pm
You may not like Jindal’s rebuttal words or his delivery, but in five years when you are paying the highest income and other federal taxes in support of the Democrat giveaway agenda you’ll remember what he had to say. This economy was in pretty good shape until two years ago when the Dems took control. All they want to do is redistribute the wealth. The dummies they represent always want someone to HELP them, but never want to help themselves. This nation is run by socialists and the incentive to work hard, save and pass something on to our kids has just been dashed by a multi-trillion dollar Democrat give away. Pretty soon there will not be anything left to give away.
Thanks Jay
February 25th, 2009
2:55 pm
After watching stocks respond to Obama’s speech last night with another “Obama speaks, we listen, the market sells” dive-bomb, I needed a laugh. As always Jay, you and the rest of the idiots on here came through for me in a big way.
bobb
February 25th, 2009
2:56 pm
Bush spent money to keep us free? Nobody was threatening our freedom except Bush. He ignored The Constituion, spied on US citiznes illegally, detained poeple illegally–nee I say more? His money was spen making his oil friends rich!
bobb
February 25th, 2009
2:57 pm
Typed to fast in my fury… Bush spent money to keep us free? Nobody threatened our freedom except Bush. He ignored The Constitution, spied on US citizens illegally, detained people illegally–need I say more? His money was spent making his oil friends rich!
d dog
February 25th, 2009
2:58 pm
If the roles were reversed and the Dems were the ones who had just drove the country into the ditch, at minimum, there would be a wait-and-see attitude towards the new president by the Democrats. It is statling how angry the Republicans are towards a brand new president. They must feel so ashamed of Bush’s total failure that they are besides themselves with guilt, anger, frustration, etc.
Michael
February 25th, 2009
2:59 pm
I love how how Republicans keep talking about their “values”. Supposedly this is small government, fiscal responsibility, etc… We saw how you cheered on that idiot Bush for 8 years while he violated every one of your so called “values” Why should anyone believe you now? Face it, the GOP is morally and intellectually bankrupt, you might as well disband!
bobb
February 25th, 2009
3:00 pm
What the Republicans are really ashamed of is that the re-elected Bush. Their bashing is just a way of trying to deflect guilt.
G
February 25th, 2009
3:02 pm
The problem with Jindal, as with other Rushpublicans, is that they simply don’t get it.
They talk down to the American people like we are children, incapable of understanding the world around us, of making decisions when given the facts.
Government is not the problem. Government can do good things, but you have to have people running the government who believe that, as most Democrats do.
When you put people in charge who believe in the mission, who believe in a government of, by and for the people, who have experience and talent in their field and are not just someone appointed as a political favor, then things can work.
The problems we face now are a direct result of 8 years of Rushpublican incompetence.
Thank God the adults are back in charge.
bobb
February 25th, 2009
3:02 pm
Dave R. Nothing is funnier than listening to a Republican call someone a sheep. Your’s is the party of sheep.
d dog
February 25th, 2009
3:04 pm
Ray wrote: This economy was in pretty good shape until two years ago when the Dems took control.
d dog responded: Ray is the kind of guy that would have given W another 4 years…scarey!
Stephen
February 25th, 2009
3:04 pm
Maybe I’m missing something but isn’t Jindal’s state (Louisiana) at the bottom of most measures that deal with the quality of life for the state’s population (e.g., income, education, housing, jobs, crime, etc.). Taking a stance to turn down Federal funding is cool when you’re a millionaire but it doesn’t do much for those people in his State. Sometimes you have to have an effective foundation in order to rebuild. If the people have limited or no resources to rebuild that foundation, how can the situation improve?
RCH
February 25th, 2009
3:12 pm
As a nation, we better quit worrying about how something is said and be concerned about what is said!
Josh
February 25th, 2009
3:21 pm
Your headline blew it Bookman. You are an idiot. When is the last time you read the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence? I did not even read your article because your headline is wrong. Get your head out of the sand.
Because It Matters
February 25th, 2009
3:27 pm
caz1158, I said Republicans because you ran the go9vernment from 2001-2007. During that time , we saw the debt double, housing crash, etc…
Y’all love to cast blame and tell others to accept responsibility for their behavior and choices in life, well time to practice what you preach. Accept that you had control of Congress and had a Republican President, and the country was in much worse shape than when he took office. Now that’s the bottom line indisputable fact. Wasn’t it Regan who asked the “are you better off?” question?
Yes, some things Clinton did , did not help working people, but the fact of the matter is, things went well for working people during his time and he left the country in better shape than he found it. There were plenty of jobs and a surplus.
In fact, despite all the rhetoric, the economy and the stock market does better under the Democrats. It’s real easy to look up.
But caz1158, the Republican’s biggest problem is how spiteful you are. You play into the worst in people, selfishness, greed, racial resentment and using racial code. In fact, for all the hollering about “socialism”, Republicans are just a tick away from being fascists, in fact, you could make a good argument that they are already.
I wonder if any Republican can make an intellectually honest argument?One free of talking points, a booget people(black people,latinos, asians, native americans, gay people, welfare queens, illegal aliens, college educated people, latte drinker,volvo drivers people who live on the upper East Coast, the entire West Coast, etc… The list goes on and on.
The Republican Party is an angry, bitter bunch who use sophomoric taunts and believe that any one who does look, think, or worship like them isn’t really American and is not deserving of basic respect and civility.
Republicans are just awful people. Read the comments and tell me these are people you want to be around, much less have your children exposed to? I’m not for political correctness, but you guys are cruel, horrible, bitter, hypocritical people. That’s based on your comments here and your performance while in charge of government.
You say you hate the government, but in the U.S. ..we…the people are the government! We put those people into office and so we can’t talk about “the government” as if we are somehow divorced from it. Republicans say they don’t really believe in government except for a few things. Well, ok. Thing is, there are times when we must act in our collective interest rather than focus solely on our individual interests, Republicans don’t know how to do this, it isn’t in their nature. We are in such a time, and your policies put us there. You don’t get to blame someone else, and you don’t get to keep doing the same things that got us into the mess.
Until you folk change your ways, you will continue on your way to being a minor political party. I will pray for y’all because you need to get right.
It’s the first Rule Of Holes..when in one, stop digging. To keep Republican in charge is to keep digging. So out you go.
Dave R
February 25th, 2009
3:32 pm
bobb, get a clue. I’m not a Republican. I’m an independent -thinking individual who believes and lives the precepts of our U.S. Constitution. You’re not ready to have a discussion with me about government, because you don’t have a clue about how government should be run. I’ve been there, done that, and I’ve got the t-shirt, pal.
And G, you’re really sad. Yes, there are some things government can and should do; like protect people from those who would take our life or property through the use of force or fraud. But that is really all government should do, because otherwise it just does things badly.
When you talk about putting people in charge that “have experience and talent in their field” and you reference Obama by that statement, you are just plain wrong. Please tell us what experience he had in government, or management, or as a chief executive; yet you gleefully put the most inexperienced candidate ever to run for President in the Oval Office.
The problems we face were amplified by the last 8 years, but they really are the direct result of 75+ YEARS of GOVERNMENT interference in our daily lives from both Democrats and Republicans (but mostly Democrats).
And the American people ARE children, when it comes to being responsible for their own actions and lives. They, like you, are too willing to embrace government as a solution to all your problems, rather than face reality and fix things themselves. And government of the people, by the people and for the people does not mean that you take from the people who work hard and make money and give it to those that either do not or will not.
We get it all too well, G. You want what we have earned through our own hard work, and you’re willing to take it from us, by force if necessary, through the use of government.
And THAT is what is truly sad.