Jindal VP buzz
Posted: Wednesday, June 04, 2008 1:03 PM by Domenico Montanaro
From NBC/NJ's Carrie Dann
Two things:
1) The idea of joint town halls was most recently floated in May by McCain advisor Mark McKinnon, who has since stepped down from his official role after promising not to participate in the general election fight against Barack Obama. Asked about the proposal at the time, Obama responded that it would be "a great idea."
2) Interesting little veepstakes moment here in Baton Rouge this morning. John McCain was introduced by the Louisiana's veep-buzzworthy current Gov. Bobby Jindal. Jindal, in turn, was introduced by predecessor Buddy Roemer, a Dem-turned-Republican, who led the state from 1988 to 1992. Roemer's gushing praise of the young Indian-American governor did more than just touch on vice-presidential innuendo.
After a cadenced listing of McCain's best qualities, Roemer mentioned the recent VP speculation, saying that "his vice president might be in this room today!"
He went on, mentioning Jindal's Baton Rouge roots and, notably, his age. "He might be the only guy in America younger than my son -- and I'm not that old -- who is a great governor!” Roemer said.
But then Jindal jumped on stage, abruptly cutting off the next line in the litany of Roemer's compliments. "I thought I'd better rush up here before he gets me in any more trouble," he quipped.
McCain was later asked about Jindal's prospects for the vice presidency by a town hall participant. He was typically complimentary and also pointed out Jindal's young age. McCain said that Jindal has "earned a place" in the future of the Republican Party.
Jindal came to McCain's aid when a woman asked him about education in the state. Jindal described a proposed teachers' bill of rights and outlined some of the state's policies for reform.
After waiting for the audience's applause to die down, McCain said, "Well, I've gotta take him with me wherever I go."