The title is the nod to the extremely worldly (but alas extremely popular) movie, “Revenge of the Nerds”, but this may be the year of the nerd, dork, wonk, etc.  A friend advised me that DC is “Hollywood for ugly people” (a nod to yet another movie:  Because Washington is Hollywood for Ugly People) but regardless, The thing that Jindal, Ryan and Daniels bring to the table is an intense intellectual curiosity and a desire to solve problems. 

Cong. Ryan has a plan to get the nation out of debt and protect Medicare and Social Security.  Shawn Tully at Fortune has a useful synopsis of the plan and the man.  It’s not without some loss of benefits but that is part of the necessary sacrifice.  He wants to reform the tax system to have a choice – the regular tax return or a simplified tax return at either 10 or 25% with no deductions.  Even the CBO admits the Ryan plan will work.  But, Speaker Pelosi criticized it (Yes, that’s may be best evidence Ryan’s on the right track) as hurting the elderly:

Obama noted that Ryan had “made a serious proposal” to rein in the deficit and then praised him for at least addressing entitlement spending. Following those apparently peaceful words, Democrats launched a withering assault over the next three days as budget director Peter Orszag, Democratic Congressional Campaign chairman Chris Van Hollen, and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi all pummeled Ryan for threatening the safety net for the elderly and providing tax breaks for the rich.

Ryan elected to take on the President at the Health Care Summit:

Ryan got his chance to confront the President at the health-care summit Feb. 25. Seated across from Obama, Ryan addressed him directly with a six-minute, numbers-laden, wonkish analysis of the Senate bill that contradicted the administration’s pledge that the plan wouldn’t add to the mountainous deficit.

Ryan correctly stated that the bill projects that Medicare will lower reimbursements to doctors by $371 billion over the next 10 years, yet Congress would cancel those cuts in a separate bill, all part of an attempt to mask the true size of future deficits through “gimmicks and smoke and mirrors.” Obama steered the discussion away from Ryan’s numbers, and the White House hasn’t challenged his analysis.

The nerdy fun seems to be spreading to candidates.  Rick Snyder is a GOP candidate for Governor of Michigan.  His “One Tough Nerd” ad drew chuckles but also increased his polling numbers from less than 1 percent to 12 percent.  RCP explains this in the nerds article:

Snyder has gone from political zero (polling at 3 percent) to a potential-nerd hero. The ad is one big reason. And this story gets nerdier.

The Michigan firm EPIC-MRA recently polled likely primary voters. Only the contenders’ names were first read. Snyder placed third among the GOP candidates, at 12 percent. Then pollsters read candidates brief biography. The Gateway geek rose 10 points and took second place. Among “strong Republicans,” Snyder’s biography moved him from third to first place.

Here’s the ad.  Judge for yourself.  I like Snyder (I also like Michigan, too) and think maybe the issue is we need competence not flashiness.

“On Solid Ground: Returning to America’s Core Values,” to be written by Jindal and Hoover Institution research fellow Peter Schweizer, is scheduled for release on July 12 but can be pre-ordered through a variety of book outlets such as Amazon.com, Borders.com, Booktopia.com and Booksamillion.com.

This book should highlight the accomplishments of Jindal.  It might do more:

“In his new book, Jindal tells his own inspiring story and reveals his plan for putting conservatives and America back on solid ground,” the promotional capsule states. “From health care and national debt to how we can fundamentally transform Washington, Jindal tackles controversial issues and offers fresh solutions. … ‘On Solid Ground’ provides the leadership voice Republicans seek and the guidance America needs.”

Mark Ambinder of Atlantic Magazine (cited by NOLA) speculatesthat Jindal may be interested in the White House.  Ambinder asserts that Jindal was a frontrunner until the imfamous speech of 2009 (I think Jindal was badly advised as to the delivery and audience; compared it with Governor Bob McDonnell’s speech this year) but he is still a respected policy voice:

Since his national political star rose, and fell, Jindal has been considered a policy whiz in the GOP, rising through Louisiana’s state government at an impressively young age. Writing a book seems to be the mark of presidential ambitions–Romney, Palin, and Mike Huckabee have all published and toured to promote books in the last year–and it will be interesting to see just how much policy is included in this book, and whether or not his publicity rollout constitutes an aggressive move back onto the national political scene.

My admiration for Jindal is based on a combination of immense accomplishments and social conservatism packaged in a diversity-friendly package.  He is also an evangelical who is not shy
about his faith.  I will always be conflicted about Jindal versus Paul. 

But the CPAC straw poll is out and there are two surprises:  In a solid second place, just six points behind former Governor Mitt Romney is Bobby Jindal.  That’s right.  Governor Jindal had 14 percent.  This is more surprising when you consider that Romney is unofficially campaigning for President and Jindal has disavowed any interest in the White House. 

The other surprise is that Cong. Ron Paul came in fourth, right behind former Gov. Sarah Palin.  He had 13% of the straw poll votes.  This shows that Paul has made inroads into the conservative activists who frequent CPAC and related events. 

Next year’s straw poll will be critical:  I have indicated my interest in being a credentialed blogger for CPAC and if selected, I’ll live blog from there.  Can I cast half a vote for Jindal and half for Paul?  In the meantime, read my friend Tom White’s blog!

It is a good question and it should be resolved.  For both to run splits the libertarian vote and causes an establishment candidate to win.  On the one hand, Gary Johnson has youth and is similar to the ideas of Paul without the social conservatism that turns off some from supporting the Texas congressman.  However, Cong. Paul is clearly the number one movement libertarian, has tremendous name recognition and can raise  money and supporters.  One site dedicated to the internet sites dedicated or supporting Paul, has about 265 pro-Paul sites registered.  (Your blogger just registered THIS site there this weekend.)  Paul is also on the opinion shows almost every night and is a frequent guest on foreign media as well.  It will be hard for Johnson to overcome that.  He would have to establish all of that exposure Paul has now.

Ron Paul and Gary Johnson agree on virtually all of the top issues that are relevant in a nationwide election. The differences come in the emphasis placed on the different issues. Johnson tends to focus more on civil liberties and a non interventionist foreign policy than sound monetary policy and the Federal Reserve.

I agree.  The simple solution is one the author does not state but implies:  Both of them run together as a team.  Let Paul/Johnson be the 2012 ticket for the libertarian movement.  Paul brings the enthusiasm and money; Johnson brings the future voice of the movement.  If they win, Paul would probably only serve one term and then campaign for Johnson as his successor.  If they lose, Johnson would inherit most of Paul’s support and take up that mantle.  He would be the TV king that Paul is now. 

Let Paul and Johnson run together – no drama on running mates BUT two campaigners to stump a state or nation.  Paul/Johnson 2012 is the libertarian dream ticket. 

Somebody might ask:  What about Jindal?  I am conflicted.  Jindal is very intelligent and very much an over-achiever.  He’s been a success in every job he held.  He’s trying to clean up his native state – no mean feat.  I believe he will be a great President and I hope I can help him.  The Conflicted Libertarian is truly nonplussed.

However, I believe 2016 (or 2020) is Jindal’s year after eight years as Governor of Louisiana.

Some highlights:

Some political observers said Jindal is succeeding in improving the state’s image and promoting economic development.

Jindal said his greatest accomplishment in office is that Louisiana’s economy is performing better than most of the rest of the country. He said that is because of his economic development policies.

The state Legislature made significant cuts in taxes, which Jindal eventually backed after his aides initially opposed the move.

Jindal has helped lead the state in poor economic times:

He [Jindal] said Louisiana’s economy is outperforming the nation and the South during the recession.

 His ethics reforms drew support even from at least one Democratic lawmaker:

Jindal began his term by calling legislators into a special session to change the state’s ethics laws.

Those changes were problematic.

Ethics Board members resigned, shutting down the board for months.

However, many believe that Jindal strengthened the state’s ethics laws and improved Louisiana’s image.

State Sen. John Alario, D-Westwego, gives the governor an “A plus” for the ethics legislation, calling the changes a giant step.

Alario also credits the governor for not sitting at his desk 24 hours a day.

The governor often is on the road, whether to meet with residents or to raise campaign funds.

“I think it’s good that he does mix with people across the country,” Alario said.

Another more prominent Democrat, James Carville, adviser to former President Bill Clinton, praises Jindal and predicts he’ll run for President in the future:

“I would be surprised if at some point in his life Bobby Jindal doesn’t not run for president,” Carville said.

He said Jindal should not fret about the state’s budget crisis negatively impacting his future aspirations.

He noted that the recession is having a widespread effect.

“Every governor’s having budget problems,” Carville said. “Who’s not?”

This is one of the few times I agree with James Carvile!  It may not happen in 2012: 

Jindal said he intends to serve two full terms, dismissing speculation that he will win re-election and resign for a national office.

But we cannot yet rule out the VP nod for 2012.  It seems to me that if a nominee says to the Governor that he’s the best choice for party and country, it would be difficult for Governor Jindal (or anyone else) to say no without a compelling reason (some skeleton that Jindal does not have in his closet) to do so.

PS:  I recommend the chart for your reading.

The Times-Picayune reports that Jindal and two of his cabinet officials (The Secretary of the Department of Human Resources and the Secretary of Louisiana Economic Development) have filed comments opposing the EPA finding. 

A highlight from the T-P article:

In his letter, Jindal said the proposed rules “will have a dramatic, chilling effect on the refining and production capability of our state” and that cost of increased regulation will reduce the chances that companies will create jobs. Jindal said the EPA’s proposed rule could force manufacturers to move operations overseas, harming the national economy, and might ultimately harm the environment if those destinations have less stringent environmental regulations.

I am pleased to see this sort of stand.  This is good news.

As the holiest day of the year for Christians fast approaches, I wish each of you a very Merry Christmas. In today’s politically correct society, many people and businesses refrain from wishing each other “Merry Christmas” instead preferring the more generic “Happy Holidays.” I believe that each of us should remember the true meaning of December 25. It is the day of the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and Christians everywhere celebrate the day according to their own traditions.

Our world faces many problems. As we in America deal with some of the most important issues of our lifetime, such as a struggling economy, health care reform, rising taxes and an expansion of the federal government, As Americans, even with all of our problems, we have much to celebrate. We live in the greatest country the world has ever known.

I hope that each of us will take the time to contemplate and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. On this day, our Savior was born. Because of his birth, mankind has received the promise of eternal life.

My family and I wish each of you a very Merry Christmas. To our non-Christian friends we say Happy Holidays. Please remember to pray for our troops, as they serve thousands of miles away from home. May they be safe and return to their families soon.

And from the email card I got from Governor Jindal’s office (along with millions of others!)

As we gather to celebrate the holidays, this time of year brings so many wonderful memories, such as mom’s Christmas ham or a child’s first Christmas morning.  In our house, we celebrate with a birthday cake for Jesus. This is indeed a special time of year and I hope everyone has an opportunity to sit down with family and friends to truly grasp the meaning of the holiday season. I want to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas, and hope that you have a safe and happy holiday weekend.

Again, have a BLESSED Christmas.  No blogs until after Christmas unless something exciting happens like Heath Shuler switches parties!

3. Bobby Jindal: Yes, he had a bad response to Obama’s State of the Union, but the Rhodes Scholar is just 38 years old. Chalk it up as a MINOR setback for his national ambitions. He has a reputation for being a good executive, has lots of money in the bank, and represents something that’s currently lacking in the Republican Party — diversity.

This is a very balanced view of Jindal, including the so-called disastrous speech.  I thank also GOP 12 for this lead.

LOUISIANA IS ON the right fiscal track, according to an independent, non-partisan foundation that lobbies for good, small government in New Mexico. In a commentary for the Sun-News newspaper in Las Cruces, Paul J. Gessing, president of the Rio Grande Foundation, urged Gov. Bill Richardson to stay away from tax increases. Instead, he writes, go after “the bloated government workforce” and similar expenses. “Ironically,” he writes, “the state leading the way in these reforms is another state that has a long history of political corruption, Louisiana. Rather than simply raising taxes on struggling families, Pelican State policymakers, led by Gov. Bobby Jindal, have embarked on a wide-ranging set of government reforms designed to reduce the size and cost of government.”
WE THINK: Thanks for the optimistic assessment, Mr. Gessing, and for suggesting that Louisiana is “blazing a trail out of the budgetary wilderness.” We’ll let you know where we end up.

Stephen Gordon in his blog on the Next Right  site has a fascinating article on how the GOP can reach the tea partiers.  A few observations:

Gordon suggests that many of the tea partiers are influenced by Cong. Paul and his movement:

Considering that a considerable portion of Tea Party organizers have ties to the Ron Paul movement, this should come as no surprise.

The tea party movement may have had its origin in the Paul 2008 campaign.  The second Trevor Lyman “money bomb” was scheduled for December 16, 2007 – the 234th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party.   It raised over $6,000,000!

But, Gordon observes that there is another group in the GOP tent, what he calls the “Whole Foods, South Park and Starbucks” Republican.  They are fiscally conservative but not necessarily in favor of the agenda of the social conservatives:

Although the GOP ignored them (to their misfortune) in 2006 and 2008, there is a large and growing bloc of voters who are fiscally conservative but are turned off by some of the more extreme social conservatism (Internet gambling bans, Terri Schiavo case, etc.) associated with the Republican Party.

I do agree that the Terri Schiavo case was a PR disaster for the GOP leaders.  They came off as interfering in a personal decision.  While the specific facts might have been an injustice and I have grave concerns about starving a living human being by court order, I also see the personal, family, privacy side of this.  I suggest suburban women fled the GOP in droves in large part due to this.  Besides, the federal government should not be passing special laws to benefit one person.  Paul voted no on the Schiavo bill. 

Back to Gordon:  So who are they, according to Gordon?  A surprising answer:

Like the Tea Party movement, there are a lot of Ron Paul supporters in this demographic group.

So, a libertarian message for 2012?  Perhaps so according to Gordon:

A candidate who can appeal to more traditional Republicans, the Tea Party crowd and Whole Foods Republicans could create a mandate not seen since 2004 or the Reagan years.

Perhaps, we need a candidate who can appeal to both the tea parties and the Whole Foods Republicans.  You have to be sincere and have real answers.  Maybe here (cited by Gordon) is an idea for a proposed (I suspect Sen. DeMint is not nominating himself) candidate: 

Freedom will mean different things to different Republicans, but it can tether a diverse coalition to inalienable principles. Republicans can welcome a vigorous debate about legalized abortion or same-sex marriage; but we should be able to agree that social policies should be set through a democratic process, not by unelected judges. Our party benefits from national-security debates; but Republicans can start from the premise that the U.S. is an exceptional nation and force for good in history. We can argue about how to rein in the federal Leviathan; but we should agree that centralized government infringes on individual liberty and that problems are best solved by the people or the government closest to them.

We’ll just wait and see.  I suggest that if Governor Jindal could find a principled way to shift his direction just a bit toward the Ron Paul side, he’d be a serious contender for that proposed candidacy Sen. DeMint suggests.