What Jindal Should Have Said

Republican Gov. Bobby Jindal of Louisiana has been promoted as the Republican response to Barak Obama. It is appropriate, then, that Jindal delivered the Republican response to last night's address to congress by Barak Obama.

Though Jindal presented as intelligent, compassionate, bi-partisan and folksy (the Big Four qualities any presidential candidate must have) his content fell into the standard Republican format they have relied on since the election.

Let's look at how that format is crafted, then put forth some ideas on how Jindal and the entire Republican party might change format to better capture the hearts and minds of the electorate.

The format plays out as follows:

1. Proclaim how inspired we all are by the President's personal story. (We come to praise Caesar, not to bury him)

2. Describe how this indicates change has truly come to America. (It's different now, we're all different now, everybody's different now in the Republican party.)

3. Reaffirm that we all share a love for America. (In fact, there's no difference between the new changed Democrats and us Republicans).

4. But that doesn't mean we always agree on how to implement that love (All roads may lead to Rome, but some are bumpier than others).

5. The Democrats are mistakenly on the wrong path. (Despite good-intentions, their plan isn't the same as ours).

6. In fact, the legislation they just passed, won't work, can't work, and in fact does more harm than good. (The sky is falling, thanks to the Party In Power).

7. Here's why we are doomed. (Forget the big picture, focus on the flaws. One little flaw can bring us all down - Remember Achilles' heel!)

8. We Republicans have a better plan. (Now look at the big picture - jobs, economy, banks, debt, future generations - no details - keep focused on the big picture.)

9. We look forward to working in a truly bi-partisan way. (So far, we haven't gotten any of our ideas implemented so we refused to play. If in the future they do things our way, we'll play).

10. God Bless America (Expected words of reverence and respect that have long ago become meaningless when uttered by politicians, but must be said, nonetheless.)

The whole purpose of this carefully crafted format is to create an impression that we all want a better life, that's why America voted for change. But the change we are getting will actually make things worse. We Republicans have made mistakes in the past, but we've learned from them. We've seen the light. Put us back in power to implement change the right way before we all go down together.

The problem with the Great Format is that is comes of as trite, sniping, and unspecific. It keeps its attention on the nebulous, rails against what has already happened and can't be changed, and offers only generalities and platitudes for the future.

That in mind, what would be a better format for the New Republican Party? What approach might rally the base and pique the interest of moderate Democrats? What method might be used to disperse the almost religious fervor that surrounds the new rock group, Barak and the Democrats?

In short, what SHOULD Jindal have said?

1. As Americans, we were all inspired tonight by President Obama's address to congress and the American People. (Forget his rags to riches story - that's ancient history).

2. As Republicans we share his confidence in the future of our economy, our country and the American Way Of Life. (The sky isn't falling, and brighter days are coming.)

3. In fact, we absolutely agree that the President's plan will lift us from these hard times and return us to prosperity. (We're on the road to success with the Democrats.)

4. But we Republicans think we have a way to get us there even faster. (Who wants to suffer any longer than you have to? Raise your hand....)

5. Though the provisions of the stimulus bill are good ones, there are far better methods that should have been implemented. (That's why not a single Republican voted for the bill in the House of Representatives.)

6. That's why we voted against the bill - not to undermine the recovery, but to try and hasten it. (Now we're stuck with a long road to recovery).

7. But, as the president has said, the road to recovery is a long one and much more needs to be done. (There is still hope we can shorten this trip back to prosperity).

8. In the days to come, we Republicans will be presenting a complete package of solutions for the course ahead that can shave months, perhaps even years off the road to recovery. (If you tune us out, you lose!)

9. In the spirit of bi-partisanship, we'll support the President in his efforts to heal our country's wounds. (We truly are loyal Americans, for the people and not just the politic lot you have come to think we were.)

10. And it is in that American Spirit, we will continue to press our case for change so we can all arrive at our common destination quickly, efficiently, and united. (If our ideas are not incorporated in future legislation, the Democrats will be slowing us all down, wasting our resources, and dividing the country).

In conclusion, one cannot capture the hearts and minds of the American people with doomsaying and blame laying. You don't get very far telling people they are on the wrong course. Like ants and honey, you'll have far greater success by luring them to a better path instead.

(Oh, and just for the record, while I am a registered Democrat, I am an American first, and believe that two strong parties are better for our country than one strong and one weak. The key is to step away from the all-or-nothing approach to legislation and seek rather a blended plan of action based on the inclusion of the concepts, inspirations, and ideologies of both.

The Electorate will decide the balance of power in congress. That balance should not be a turned into a choice of two paths, but a rudder that guides us on a common course.)