Bobby Jindal was speaking for...? Himself more than giving the republican rebuttal.

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Guys and Gals that are thinking of running for the presidency in 2012 and we all know who you are (though I'm sure there will be more as we go) please stop campaigning. We're sooo tired of your campaigning. 2012 is too far away for us to have to listen to you jockeying for media attention constantly, incessantly. Stop talking all the time. Please. Just stop.

Having had some time to think about it now, I appreciated the tone of Obama's speech last night.
He really seemed to try to explain how the stimulus would be implemented and what it was trying to do.
I thought it was a good speech, making strong points. I might not agree with everything but it's taking us forward.
The republicans seem to think that government should stay out of this. Ouch. Who else is going to help everyone? The wealthy CEO's out of the goodness of their hearts?

Now I have no idea how the republicans pick what rep will be the rebuttal speaker to represent them after the president's address, but it should have been someone other than Bobby Jindal. I understand that it's the "other side's" time and that they don't agree on many points but seriously is there any doubt that Bobby sees himself as presidential candidate in 2012. What the hell did we need those personal stories from him? This wasn't supposed to be Bobby's time to make his own case for HIS political future, it was to give the rebuttal to what Obama said in his speech. To make good alternative points, to make sense which he really didn't.

In contrast:
Obama seemed presidential, straightforward, informative and serious. He was lively, thoughtful and made very clear some of the things he is trying to accomplish and how. Other than certain folk like Limbaugh we want Obama to succeed and appreciate being treated as adults once again. Not the secretive, furtive, closed door politics we've gotten used to.

Jindal did not seem all that ready for the large public stage. He stares at the camera without looking around or hardly blinking and seems oddly uncomfortable for someone that believes in what he's saying. Grandstanding plain and simple at the wrong time and place I'd say. I've noticed in all the videos I've seen of Jindal recently he has two modes: he either talks fast and furious or slow like he's explaining something to a child. Tonight seemed to be in the condescending parental tone. Ugh. A little too patronizing for me.

Jindal: "We also need to address the crisis in health care. Republicans believe in a simple principle: No American should have to worry about losing their health coverage - period. We stand for universal access to affordable health care coverage. We oppose universal government-run health care. Health care decisions should be made by doctors and patients - not by government bureaucrats. We believe Americans can do anything - and if we put aside partisan politics and work together, we can make our system of private medicine affordable and accessible for every one of our citizens."

Um, what exactly is "universal access" to "affordable health care" like what? Not one single concept was offered that made sense. The only health care decisions being made by doctor's and patients are ones that are specifically "allowed" by your plan, which just so you know Bobby: care get's approved or turned down by the plan NOW. Not to mention that people without insurance, or a job, get turned away or receive lesser care in emergencies. Yay. If the republicans want people to turn to them they better come up with realistic alternative plans that can be explained as to why they are better.

American's need their government now more than ever.
Extreme unregulated capitalism has not been working.

Still not happy with politicians but at least this group is trying to help the middle class (or what's left of it.)
G'night,

Laura
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