The Republican party has made overtures to America about their core values since November. Last night, a wooden rebuttal speech by Bobby Jindal, Governor of Louisiana, showed why the Republicans are still a far reach from grabbing the White House in four years.
Barack Obama A Tough Act To Follow
While Barack Obama’s State of the Union address was smooth, at times even jovial, Jindal seemed to lurch towards the screen. His initial smile seemed forced and deliberate. Worsening things, his microphone feed on FOX cut in and out throughout his speech. His message, while on target, was most likely lost in what was a poor television performance.
Jindal is fairly new to the scene, and the Republicans seem willing to use that momentum to their advantage. While Jindal was speculated by Rush Limbaugh to be a vice presidential choice for John McCain in 2008, Jindal was passed over for Sarah Palin, who also seems to be a member the growing new guard of conservatives.
Jindal Following Palin's Path
While the Republican party seems to want to return to its’ roots of conservatism and small government, they are desperately seeking new faces to deliver that message. As with Palin, Jindal’s initial introduction to America seems to be getting off to a rocky start.
What America will take from the State of the Union address last night was a confident Barack Obama, looking quite at home at the pulpit, delivering another effortless speech to Congress and the American public. They will also take with it the image of a forlorn John McCain, standing uncomfortably to the side, as Obama shook hands after the speech ended.
Republicans Showing Poor Manners
Americans will also take notice of Republicans sitting on their hands during various applause sections of the speech, and the mugging of many Republicans during other sections of the speech. If the Republicans want to put a new face on their party, having many of their party scowl and raise eyebrows during Obama’s speech may not be the way to go about it.
Jindal will need quite a bit of work if he is to remain the new face of the party. While he has been a true reformer and conservative in his home state, Jindal’s initial performance last night shows the Republicans still have a long way to go to if they are looking to match Barack Obama’s popularity with the public. Unless they can get a polished performer to match Obama’s ability to deliver a message, it may be a long time before the Republicans regain control of the Presidency.
