I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect when Bobby Jindal issued the Republican rebuttal, but, one thing’s for sure, I didn’t expect it to be as bad as it was. And it was really, really bad.
And I’m not alone in my opinion. The reviews are in, and they aren’t good.
BRIT HUME: “The speech read a lot better than it sounded. This was not Bobby Jindal’s greatest oratorical moment.”
NINA EASTON: “The delivery was not exactly terrific.”
CHARLES KRAUTHAMMER: “Jindal didn’t have a chance. He follows Obama, who in making speeches, is in a league of his own. He’s in a Reagan-esque league. … [Jindal] tried the best he could.”
JUAN WILLIAMS: “It came off as amateurish, and even the tempo in which he spoke was sing-songy. He was telling stories that seemed very simplistic and almost childish.
And these are the quotes from FOX News. What struck me as I suffered through Jindal’s public humiliation was the insincerity of his delivery. I didn’t believe him. Once again, a Republican placed style over substance. Be positive, be upbeat, show the American people we have hope too, were obviously the main focus of the speech. Only Jindal was incapable of delivering the message. His tone was affected, overly chirpy, and annoying.
But if Jindal’s tone was bad, his content was worse. Could someone please tell me what is wrong with “high speed rail” and why Republicans have made it their new poster child? (And, let’s not forget that the Disneyland to Sin City example they love to trot out is also not true.) Isn’t improving/modernizing the country the same as improving/modernizing your house? Don’t both increase your quality of life while adding value to the property?
And after your done explaining that would you mind explaining how the Governor of Louisiana, whose most famous city was nearly destroyed by a hurricane, mocked money targeted for preventing another natural disaster?
Jindal didn’t help himself, or his party, with that speech. Republicans might want to start searching for a new shining star because, after last night’s performance, Jindal proved he’s not ready for prime time.
And in case you missed it, watch Rachel Maddow’s reaction to Jindal’s speech. I can so relate. Matthews’ point on the Republicans’ nonexistent healthcare plan is valid, as well.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wkEBtpcIVE4&eurl=http://www.dailykos.com/story/2009/2/24/234016/059/215/699483&feature=player_embedded[/youtube]