Jindal: GOP Getting Away From Core Values, invokes Saint Gipper, he is "certainly supporting" McCain

[Amerigo Vespucci]

Jindal Says GOP Getting Away From Its Core Values

By Zachary A. Goldfarb

Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, an up-and-coming Republican sometimes touted as a potential presidential running mate, said his party has taken a beating at the polls lately because it "started defending corruption and spending and other things they would have rightfully condemned in the other party."

Jindal, the first Indian American governor and a former House member, said he has talked to presumptive Republican nominee Sen. John McCain (Ariz.) several times, but that they have never talked about his possibly serving on McCain's ticket.

"I'm certainly supporting Senator McCain, will do whatever I can to help him get elected, but I'm focused on being governor of Louisiana," Jindal said on CBS's "Face the Nation."

Some analysts have drawn comparisons between Jindal and presumptive Democratic nominee Sen. Barack Obama (Ill.). Both are newcomers to the national scene, minorities, highly educated, young and talented at public speaking.

Jindal said that -- even aside from policy differences -- those comparisons have their limitations.

"I think Senator Obama is an incredibly gifted speaker. I don't think I should be included in that same short list, and I mean that as a sincere compliment," Jindal said. "I don't agree with all of his ideas, but I think he brings an earnestness, I think he's genuine. I think he speaks better than any elected official I've heard in several, several years, maybe going back to President Reagan."

http://blog.washingtonpost.com/the-talk/2008/06/jindal_...