Via Pajamas Media:
In the wake of newly hatched Palinmania, it seemed a sacrilege to question the choice of a governor who had so excited the conservative base. Considering the excessive media tear against Palin, as opposed to the kid-gloves treatment afforded Barack Obama, it was no surprise that anyone in the media who questioned the selection of Palin — regardless of whether he or she fell on the right of left side of the aisle, or somewhere in between — was regarded as having nefarious ulterior motives by fans of the newly created ticket.
But I’ve rarely seen a leader so pulled together in the face of crisis as Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal. And on the eve of Gustav, as Jindal delivered some of the most comprehensive and detailed press briefings around (with information subsequently printed and easily accessible for all on the governor’s Web site), I wondered if, after all was said and done, it would become clear that Jindal should have been No. 2 on the GOP ticket.
Why is anyone starting a debate over who John McCain “should” have picked for VP? Palin and Jindal are cut from the same cloth, and, quite frankly, Jindal made it absolutely clear he’d refuse the job if he was offered it. Yes, we need more of this new generation of conservative Republicans – but we need them at all levels, not just one or two places.
Does this mean I would necessarily have been unsupportive of the Jindal pick? Absolutely not – in fact, I had created a Facebook group, which is still open as far as I know, to draft Jindal for the VP pick. I believe in his brand of conservatism, and agree with all of his positions – not to mention, we’re both devout, solid Catholics, trying to live our lives in these turbulent times by God’s will.
Jindal has a lot of good things on his part, but Palin is the best pick McCain could have had. Her stance on abortion is backed up by actions. Her reputation as a tough-as-nails “government trust-buster” in Alaskan politics is widely respected across the board. Her love and dedication to her family and her country are beyond reapproach. Her significant experience and her relatable nature, her calm and strong approach to the various cards God has dealt her, and her irrepressible optimism have all combined to give us a VP that would have no trouble filling the shoes in front of her, God forbid it were to happen. John McCain picked someone who accurately reflects his values and the values of the Republican party, and who has the steel will and laser-focus to help get this country back on track.
Post written by James Riley.
