Gov. Jindal on the Tonight Show; Leno mocks Indian accents

By Michelle Malkin  •  April 30, 2008 10:03 AM

GOP Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal was on the Tonight Show Monday night. I watched it and was struck by how comfortable, charming, and authentic he is–without sucking up to the Tinseltown elite. (Jindal delivers a quick, funny comeback when Leno jokes that politics is the sleaziest profession.) He’s proud of his state and committed to his job turning it around.

The one thing I found jarring occurs starting at 2:12 and peaking at around 2:30. Watch Jay Leno make fun of his father’s Indian accent for a cheap laugh. What is up with that? Shades of Rosie O’Donnell’s Ching-Chong episode. Gotta love liberal Hollywood. Jindal handled it gracefully. He’s dealt with far worse from the tolerant libs at the NYTimes and AsianWeek, after all.

Here’s the vid:

Posted in: GOP

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Comments


  1. #305818
    On April 30th, 2008 at 10:06 am, mymanpotsandpans said:

    Jay, what the hell were you thinking?

  2. #305823
    On April 30th, 2008 at 10:09 am, cicerokid said:

    Of course Lenno is has no decorum when it comes to another nationality. His remarks about the Republic of the Philippines pulling out of Iraq come to mind…

  3. #305829
    On April 30th, 2008 at 10:10 am, William Amos said:

    People talk about Obama’s speaking skills but Jidal is a far more relaxed and smooth talker and comes across as more genuine than Obama ever has

  4. #305851
    On April 30th, 2008 at 10:11 am, Dave the Libertarian said:

    I can’t watch the video (youtube is firewalled at work), but Jay Leno is just awful, awful. It may not be politically proper (in regard to my political leanings), but I prefer Dave Letterman, who is much, much funnier. Only thing I like about Jay Leno is his cars.

  5. #305853
    On April 30th, 2008 at 10:13 am, Mister P said:

    Frankly Jindal is the most impressive politician I have seen since Barry Goldwater.

  6. #305855
    On April 30th, 2008 at 10:13 am, rooster said:

    Once upon a time when immigrants actually learned english, it was pretty common to imitate an accent. Unless its derrogatory, I don’t see anything wrong with it.

    Americans are always pokinf fun at southern folks and their slow talkin’ drawl. Sorry…..forgot, most of them southern folks accents being made fun of are white folks.

    Right nyk, mistressjustice?

  7. #305860
    On April 30th, 2008 at 10:16 am, englishqueen01 said:

    I only watch Leno for the Headlines bit on Mondays – that’s hilarious. Otherwise, not so much.

    Good for Jindal for showing class. Very impressive. Wonder if it’s too early to start his presidental campaign?

  8. #305862
    On April 30th, 2008 at 10:17 am, Rusty said:

    Using another culture’s accent is always a risky endeavor. But reading this post I was expecting something a whole lot worse. The problem was that the accent wasn’t necessary. Leno could have easily said, in his own voice, “So, uh, is Bobby a traditional Indian name?”

    No bonus points for Governor Jindal though. Parents going uphill to school both ways? Wow. Never heard that one before.

  9. #305863
    On April 30th, 2008 at 10:18 am, mnmike said:

    I’m not going to watch the vid and I don’t care for late night talk shows. Why should I get my blood boiling over this crapola? Ethnic slurs and other belittlements be damned.

  10. #305864
    On April 30th, 2008 at 10:20 am, WarEagle82 said:

    Come now, that is a bit overboard. Jay said something with an Indian accent. How does that become “mocking?” Was he mocking Schwartzenegger when he says something in a fake German accent? Of course not.

    Sure, if Jay had done the first minute of the interview with a fake accent that would have been one thing. Let’s try not be be as ridiculous as our liberal neighbors when it comes to this stuff.

  11. #305870
    On April 30th, 2008 at 10:22 am, doppelganglander said:

    I had no idea his mother was pregnant with him when she arrived in the U.S. Imagine, if his mother’s student visa had been delayed a few months, he wouldn’t be eligible for the presidency. Yes, I am on the Jindal ‘12 (or more likely ‘16) train.

  12. #305879
    On April 30th, 2008 at 10:25 am, 30 pcs of silver said:

    It’s Leno…

    Go Jindal!

  13. #305884
    On April 30th, 2008 at 10:27 am, rplatt said:

    Leno’s a mindless jester . . . harmless, but somewhat disgusting at times.

  14. #305885
    On April 30th, 2008 at 10:29 am, terrig said:

    Is Bobby on the VP tour? I know his name gets thrown around a lot.
    I used to really like Jay Leno but not so much anymore.
    What a shock that old Rusty doesn’t like Bobby Jindal. I couldn’t see that coming./sarc off

  15. #305889
    On April 30th, 2008 at 10:31 am, Michelle Malkin said:

    The problem was that the accent wasn’t necessary.

    Yes, that’s exactly my point.

    Let’s try not be be as ridiculous as our liberal neighbors when it comes to this stuff.

    Well, my other point is that libs get away with mimicking accents in a way that the rest of us never do.

    And look, I’m not calling for a boycott or a beheading or anything. I’m just musing about it because it was noteworthy to me. That doesn’t make me “as ridiculous as our liberal neighbors.”

    I just found it interesting.

  16. #305890
    On April 30th, 2008 at 10:32 am, letget said:

    It is too bad we don’t have more like Bobby in DC. I really like him.
    L

  17. #305892
    On April 30th, 2008 at 10:32 am, GISAP said:

    I agree with WarEagle82. Nobody can do accents now? That kills more than half of Saturday Night Live’s material. No Brooklyn girls, no Wicked Pissuh Boston skits, no Hillbilly Hospital. Or is all that OK because those accents are WHITE?

  18. #305894
    On April 30th, 2008 at 10:32 am, flmom said:

    Bobby Jindal is living the American dream, and what’s impressive about him is that he realises that conservative principles are what gave he and his family the opportunities that they are now enjoying. Growing up in England gave me the opportunity to know many Indian families who had recently emigrated, and they always impressed me with their work ethic and dedication to education for their children. Bobby Jindal is the illustration of what the USA has to offer to hard-working individuals who believe in the original ideals of this country. Go Bobby!

  19. #305897
    On April 30th, 2008 at 10:33 am, On-my-soap-box said:

    Okay, time for me to take one on the chin. No big deal. Bobby laughed and it was funny.

    Jay asked him about running for VP and said that would make their age 81. Funny – got a laugh. So, why are we not making issue he is slamming the elderly.

    This falls under too PC for my liking.

    Open fire!

  20. #305898
    On April 30th, 2008 at 10:34 am, mistressjustice said:

    Jay Leno is a Liberal?

    Please fill me in. He always struck me as a republican.

  21. #305903
    On April 30th, 2008 at 10:35 am, meatpieandtatters said:

    Making fun of Indian accents? Have you ever watched the Simpsons?

  22. #305904
    On April 30th, 2008 at 10:35 am, acleaver said:

    “My wife and I we are so blessed. We’ve had so many opportunities my parents never had.”

    So, basically, he’s the anti-Obama and his wife is the anti-Michelle. Grateful (as any of us who live in this great country should be, regardless of our ethnic background), smart, and willing to serve the country.

    Very cool guy!

  23. #305905
    On April 30th, 2008 at 10:35 am, bit_boy said:

    We see what we want to see but I saw many Bobby Kennedy characterists in Bobby Jindal. He just knocked my socks off and I was really happy to learn he’s born in the U.S.A. Louisiana is very fortunate to have him as it’s Governor. Jindal for POTUS, ya I could live with that.

    Wikipedia: On October 20, 2007, Jindal was elected governor of Louisiana, winning a four-way race with 54% of the vote. At age 36, Jindal became the youngest current governor in the United States. He also became the first non-white governor of Louisiana since Reconstruction, the first elected Indian-American governor in U.S. history, as well as the second Asian-American governor to serve in the continental United States after Gary Locke of Washington.

    He was chosen by Scholastic Update magazine as “one of America’s top 10 extraordinary young people for the next millennium.” He was India Abroad Person of the Year in 2005. Popular conservative radio talk-show host Rush Limbaugh has described Jindal as “the next Ronald Reagan.”

  24. #305906
    On April 30th, 2008 at 10:35 am, englishqueen01 said:

    Well, my other point is that libs get away with mimicking accents in a way that the rest of us never do.

    I wholeheartedly agree.

    No bonus points for Governor Jindal though. Parents going uphill to school both ways? Wow. Never heard that one before.

    The Jindals show it’s possible to immigrate to this country, work hard and earn success. How is Jindal any less impressive than Barack Obama?

    Oh – he’s got an “R” behind his name. Therefore, the hard work, the morals, the vision, and drive mean absolutely nothing. Since he’s a Republican, he’s immediately “unimpressive”.

  25. #305908
    On April 30th, 2008 at 10:35 am, teke184 said:

    According to the local rumor mill, he’s been approached about the VP slot for this year but won’t take it.

    I wouldn’t want him to take it this time, either… if nothing else, it looks REALLY bad to get elected governor of an ailing Louisiana and then abandon it to become VP the next year.

    Doing so would also leave Sen. Mary Landrieu’s little brother, Mitch (D-New Orleans), as governor.

    His best bet is to get Louisiana turned around and then trying to run in probably 2012 or 2016.

  26. #305910
    On April 30th, 2008 at 10:36 am, pabarge said:

    MMike: I’m not going to watch the vid and I don’t care for late night talk shows

    Mike, do watch the vid. Ignore Leno. Watch Bobby.

    O.M.G. I can not believe how lucky and blessed Louisiana is. This guy is just flat incredibly impressive.

    Wow.

  27. #305913
    On April 30th, 2008 at 10:36 am, Rusty said:

    Just asking here, but is Governor Jindal an “anchor baby”? I know the term is most often used here for the child of illegal immigrants and not those on student visas.

    We get a lot of commenters here wanting to close the “anchor baby loopholes” in our immigration policy. But isn’t it that loophole that makes it possible for Jindal to run on a presidential ticket?

  28. #305915
    On April 30th, 2008 at 10:38 am, max said:

    On April 30th, 2008 at 10:34 am, mistressjustice said:
    Jay Leno is a Liberal?

    Please fill me in. He always struck me as a republican.

    must be because he’s a white man who wears a necktie

  29. #305917
    On April 30th, 2008 at 10:38 am, Rusty said:

    Oh – he’s got an “R” behind his name. Therefore, the hard work, the morals, the vision, and drive mean absolutely nothing. Since he’s a Republican, he’s immediately “unimpressive”.

    No, EQ. I never said Governor Jindal’s story was unimpressive. You’re putting words into my mouth comment box.

    I just meant the joke was groan worthy since I think every single person has joked about going uphill both ways at some point in their life.

  30. #305919
    On April 30th, 2008 at 10:40 am, On-my-soap-box said:

    P.S. Make that their average age is 81.

    Rosie is a condescending A$$hat. Jay shot out one line knowing Bobby had a sense of humor.

    Bobby is awesome!

  31. #305922
    On April 30th, 2008 at 10:41 am, William Amos said:

    Hillary does a fair Blaccent (Black Accent) Im told. And I find that far more mocking

  32. #305925
    On April 30th, 2008 at 10:42 am, mlnicosia said:

    What are conservatives like MM like the far left now? Are they going to take umbrage at every innocuous comedic act? This is just plain silly. Its funny – get over yourself! We are all different – nothing wrong with that and haveing a little laugh over it.

  33. #305927
    On April 30th, 2008 at 10:43 am, abinitioadinfinitum said:

    Bobby Jindal is pure class talking to a tool of the left.
    .
    Jindal may be the smartest man in politics, not to call him the smartest politician, which would be an insult, besides Bill Clinton holds that distinktion.

  34. #305928
    On April 30th, 2008 at 10:43 am, bloghooligan said:

    i don’t think this was comparable to Rosie’s “ching chong” gaffe. Leno wasn’t mocking an accent, he was trying to recreate it. would you feel the same if Leno’d attempted a British accent? Rosie was mocking a language, and not an accent.

    in our multicultural world, i think we should be able to poke fun at each other’s differences. i have no doubt some Chinese person somewhere is mocking an American Chinese accent in good fun.

  35. #305932
    On April 30th, 2008 at 10:45 am, Madmoney said:

    I saw a line once, comparing Jindal (age 36) and Obama (age 47) something like… Jindal has the accomplishments and resume that one would expect from a 47 year old, and Obama has the resume and accomplishments that one would expect from a 36 year old.

  36. #305934
    On April 30th, 2008 at 10:46 am, HarryStar said:

    if you ever lose hope in America, come down and visit the good people of Louisiana

    That’s the American dream to me and what makes this country great!!!

    Please tell Jeremhiah Wright/Michele Obama that THAT’S what inspiration is all about!!

  37. #305936
    On April 30th, 2008 at 10:46 am, Mister P said:

    But isn’t it that loophole that makes it possible for Jindal to run on a presidential ticket?

    So?

  38. #305943
    On April 30th, 2008 at 10:50 am, bloghooligan said:

    bah, a lot of posting while i was typing

  39. #305945
    On April 30th, 2008 at 10:51 am, nyc123me said:

    Nice guy, and for once he seems to be a politician with some humility, not raised with a silver spoon in his mouth. A rarity indeed.

  40. #305947
    On April 30th, 2008 at 10:52 am, Tuesday said:

    Very impressive. Anyone who has heard Bobby Jindal speak, or read his bio, should be. He is very comfortable in his own skin. No hot airs either. He is an economist. He is a blessing to Louisiana!

    I was glad I happened to catch Bobby Jindal’s appearance in Jay Leno’s. It’s a coup for Jay.

  41. #305953
    On April 30th, 2008 at 10:54 am, docflash said:

    Rusty,you must not be from around here.My parents always said they walked to school uphill both ways and in the snow.

  42. #305963
    On April 30th, 2008 at 10:59 am, Phiber0p said:

    Ahh! I like them both. Jay doesn’t worry so much about the PC police, so admire that. I won’t take a jab at him for making fun of an accent. I’ve been made fun of by other not from the south all my life and I’ve made fun of “not southern accents”, it’s a part of life. And Bobby, he don’t get all bent out of shape when you say something Un-PC. I’ve met Jay, he’s not such a bad guy. And Bobby, I’d love to shake his hand.

    OT…. yes, Jay has the most awesome collection of vehicles I’ve ever seen. And he’s all about pure AMERICAN muscle.

  43. #305965
    On April 30th, 2008 at 11:00 am, Dimsdale said:

    On April 30th, 2008 at 10:36 am, Rusty said:

    Just asking here, but is Governor Jindal an “anchor baby”? I know the term is most often used here for the child of illegal immigrants and not those on student visas.

    We get a lot of commenters here wanting to close the “anchor baby loopholes” in our immigration policy. But isn’t it that loophole that makes it possible for Jindal to run on a presidential ticket?

    As best as I can determine, the short answer is no. Nowadays, the definition of “anchor baby” usually implies the act of entering the country illegally and having a baby to gain the benefits of a legal citizen, by means of the child’s automatic U.S. citizen status. To date, being born here is not a loophole for a presidential bid, but a requirement.

    A good reason to get in tune with the rest of the world and make automatic citizenship illegal for illegal aliens, and instead, let the child assume the citizenship of his parents.

    There is no evidence that Jindal’s parents used his birth as a means of gaining citizenship other than to ease the process for the legal citizenship process.

  44. #305971
    On April 30th, 2008 at 11:01 am, Phiber0p said:

    On April 30th, 2008 at 10:54 am, docflash said:

    Rusty,you must not be from around here.My parents always said they walked to school uphill both ways and in the snow.

    Ha, don’t forget they did it all barefooted too. And as for Rusty, we all know he lives in a Vacuum. How can he relate to us common folk?

  45. #305972
    On April 30th, 2008 at 11:02 am, nbarry said:

    Accents and speech quirks offensive? I guess the good old days of Chico Marx, Mr. Kitzel and Mel Blanc (Porky, Sylvester, Elmer Fudd) are gone forever.

  46. #305975
    On April 30th, 2008 at 11:02 am, jrlingreenbay said:

    Referring to ‘anchor-babies’ – I believe that it only truly applies when the child is purposely born in the US in order to keep the parent’s here. This is mainly done by illegal immigrants – not legal ones, although I’m sure that does occur in those ranks as well, on occasion.

    Jindal’s parents were legal immigrants attending graduate school.

  47. #305981
    On April 30th, 2008 at 11:04 am, BrianNY said:

    “That and Hollywood.”

    Zing!!

    I heard the “walking uphill to school, both ways” comment as an aside and not a joke.

    If the Governor had meant it as a joke, he would have thundered it three times like Jeremiah Wright:

    “Ahhh sed mah mama and mah papa….”

    Audience: crickets.

    “Ahhh seeed…mah mama and mah paaapa….”

    Audience: hoots and hollers.

    “AHHH SED!! MAH MAMA AND MAH PAPA HAD TO WALK TO THEIR SCHOOL!!!

    Audience: cheering.

    “AHH UPHILL!!!

    Audience: thunderous applause.

    AND AHH BOTH WAYZA!!!!

    Audience: delirious ovation.

    Either that or like Obama, he could have held his hands out a la JFK and flashed a prep-school-boy grin to cue the applause sign technician.

  48. #305985
    On April 30th, 2008 at 11:06 am, guitarguy said:

    I don’t see a problem here. If someone with a strong accent (non-American) began to speak with a perfect American accent I would not be offended. If Leno began making references to flying carpets and snake-charming….welllll…..maybe then…

    I worked as a computer tech alongside quite a few Indians, and many of them had VERY heavy accents. As a kid I had a nack for mimicry, so it wasn’t uncommon – after working with these guys for many months – for me to suddenly speak to them with that same heavy Indian accent. It would just pop right out. Example: “No, No, my friend. By the many arms of Vishnu I am telling you that you are incorrect!” None of them were ever offended and would usually either laugh or smirk and shake their heads. If any of them had ever spoken to me using a perfect American accent I would’ve found it hilarious.

  49. #306001
    On April 30th, 2008 at 11:15 am, vsatt said:

    I’m not sure if Jindal’s parents used their son’s birth to justify their staying in this country, but I don’t see how that could affect his ability to run for president either way.

    If Jindal’s family had have moved back to India, I believe he could have returned on his own as an adult and he would still be eligible to run for president one day. No loophole necessary. “Anchor baby” refers to the parents’ pursuit of residency or citizenship, not the child’s.

    Nice try, Rusty, but you can do better.

  50. #306003
    On April 30th, 2008 at 11:16 am, orlandocajun said:

    Jindal is indeed very impressive. I am also impressed with the people of Louisiana for putting him in office. Generally, a politician with his philosophy and grit doesn’t have a chance in this country (example: Duncan Hunter). Jindal has the eloquence in speech to compliment his philosophies. I predict that this guy will be President some day.

  51. #306006
    On April 30th, 2008 at 11:18 am, jt3151 said:

    Lighten up- Indian accents are funny.

  52. #306014
    On April 30th, 2008 at 11:21 am, rightisright said:

    On April 30th, 2008 at 10:36 am, Rusty said:Just asking here, but is Governor Jindal an “anchor baby”? I know the term is most often used here for the child of illegal immigrants and not those on student visas.

    That comment shows exactly how you libs do not pay attention and try to parse words to support your dumb ass ideas and thoughts. Rusty you out did yourself with this 1, lgm would be proud of you.

  53. #306050
    On April 30th, 2008 at 11:32 am, Rusty said:

    My question about anchor babies was meant to illustrate that the very loophole many on this site want to close is what makes it possible for Gov. Jindal to be on an Executive ticket. If he were to assume the citizenship of his parents upon birth, he’d be out of luck.

    Maybe I should have saved that for an immigration thread instead of a Governor Jindal thread.

    As for the uphill both ways thing, docflash and phiberop, check your reading comprehension. I know your parents used to say it. My parents say it. My grandparents say it. Heck, I’m 25 and I say it. I was just kidding around and saying that Governor Jindal should have gone with something fresher if he wanted to get a laugh.

  54. #306051
    On April 30th, 2008 at 11:33 am, nlebou said:

    We are very proud of getting Jindal in office, I hope he does not leave Louisiana. We need him. He says he won’t. I bet ya’ll didn’t know that he delivered his last child while waiting for an ambulance. His wife went into labor and had the baby very quickly. We share the same OBGYN.

  55. #306053
    On April 30th, 2008 at 11:35 am, rightisright said:

    Jindal’s parents were legal immigrants attending graduate school. Not illegals looking for a hand out.

    On April 30th, 2008 at 11:16 am, orlandocajun said:

    At this point i agree and hope your right we could use a good, strong honest conservative. I see 2 young ones on the horizon now, Jindal and Steele…both are good conservatives.

  56. #306059
    On April 30th, 2008 at 11:38 am, ACHefty said:

    Video blocked here — and for good reason. Haven’t watched late-night TV since Rush was on TV…besides, I have to get my ugly sleep. 0500 reveille and at the office by 0700.

  57. #306061
    On April 30th, 2008 at 11:39 am, ACHefty said:

    I see 2 young ones on the horizon now, Jindal and Steele…

    Don’t forget Sarah Palin of Alaska.

  58. #306069
    On April 30th, 2008 at 11:42 am, tedZilla99 said:

    Although I think that Jay almost asked for permission by asking if his parents have a strong accent, and I think the joke wasn’t all that bad, I do agree with Michelle about the obvious double standard. Libs are the gatekeepers of PC offense, yet they have no qualms about doing accents or mocking heritage or ethnicity.

  59. #306079
    On April 30th, 2008 at 11:43 am, MattS said:

    It is interesting to me how the national opinion of Governor Jindal is far different than that of the local opinion.

    Governor Jindal has so far been more of the same. He’s actually trying to kill a bill which would repeal the recently imposed state income tax, and he’s not trying to cut spending. Louisiana residents receive their Federal tax returns and turn around to send it to the State coffers, only to be spent on vote buying through NGOs.

    5,000 new state employees were hired despite Gov Jindal’s “hiring freeze”.

    Governor Jindal may be a social conservative, but fiscally he leaves much to be desired.

  60. #306083
    On April 30th, 2008 at 11:44 am, thewariscoming said:

    This is assimilation right here. If you just heard his voice on the radio and didn’t know what he looked like you’d think he was a Southern white guy.

    Of course, it’s OK for the libs to make fun of the model minorities. They wouldn’t dare imitate the accents of blacks or Hispanics.

    And even if you could argue that he’s an anchor baby, he’s the kind of anchor baby America would want, educated and assimilated. Not marching in the streets shouting “Viva La Raza” as we’ll all see tomorrow.

  61. #306091
    On April 30th, 2008 at 11:47 am, tedZilla99 said:

    My question about anchor babies was meant to illustrate that the very loophole many on this site want to close is what makes it possible for Gov. Jindal to be on an Executive ticket

    No, you want to make a cheap political point on a false premise. Anchor babies refer to illegals, period. And you know that.

    I was just kidding around and saying that Governor Jindal should have gone with something fresher if he wanted to get a laugh.

    He DID get a laugh. Basically because that line isn’t fresh. Fact and humor challenged, aren’t ya?

  62. #306112
    On April 30th, 2008 at 11:53 am, mistressjustice said:

    It’s not just the tie Max.

    I know Leno’s mentor Johnny Carson was a republican, and I’ve never heard Leno speak out as a liberal.
    It’s not that serious to me, but I’m just curious. He’s being painted with a liberal brush, but it may be inaccurate.
    I’m actually curious. Oh well off to Google.

  63. #306151
    On April 30th, 2008 at 12:05 pm, englishqueen01 said:

    I just meant the joke was groan worthy since I think every single person has joked about going uphill both ways at some point in their life.

    Your phrasing of “no bonus points” for Jindal indicated – to me – more than disapproval of a joke, and sounded like a dig against Jindal and his parents. Apologies for misinterpreting it.

    I get that “uphills both way to school” is rather cliche, but it does have a basis in truth. This country was built by people who often lived in difficult conditions, who had little and worked much, to have what they earn.

    Sadly, that mentality has been lost in a see of entitlement and “government gimme” behavior. Most people nowadays just have no concept of what it really means to sacrifice, work hard, and earn things like nice homes and decent cars. They think going without cable television or an iPod is an affront to their “rights”…

    As to the anchor baby comment, I think there’s a big difference between going through legal channels to obtain a visa and crossing the border illegally *solely* to have a baby here.

  64. #306153
    On April 30th, 2008 at 12:07 pm, Rusty said:

    No, you want to make a cheap political point on a false premise. Anchor babies refer to illegals, period. And you know that.

    It’s not political. The anchor baby loophole says that anyone born here is automatically granted American citizenship. Doesn’t matter if the mother is here legally or illegally. The term may be used for illegal immigrants, but the loophole itself has no use for such semantics.

    Closing the loophole would mean that future Governor Jindals could not run for President or VP.

    How is that not a fair point to make? An easy response would be that Governor Jindal is just one person and one person is never a good enough reason to affect policy considerations. At the same time, I hope it gives those who want to close the loophole something to think about.

  65. #306176
    On April 30th, 2008 at 12:12 pm, wighttrasch said:

    What the hell? ‘republican’ is now the opposite of ‘Liberal’?? (using the lower case r and capital L from the OP). I always thought ‘conservative’ was the opposite of ‘liberal’? Sorry–am I being too Old Testament?

  66. #306180
    On April 30th, 2008 at 12:13 pm, orlandocajun said:

    MattS #59

    Below are quotes from Times Picayune articles related to Jindal. Just in case you’re interested in facts…

    “There is going to be an amazing amount of money, and we can plug any hole,” Shaw said. But Jindal has made it clear that he expects any tax reductions to be offset by corresponding spending cuts in his $30.1 billion budget plan.”

    That sounds like lower taxes and spending to me.

    “The smartest thing Gov. Bobby Jindal did after his two triumphant special sessions was to go around the state giving the credit to legislators for doing what he asked them to do — almost making it sound like it was their idea.”

    Back in town to start the regular session, they greeted him with a longer round of applause than at either special session opener. Clearly the governor is on a roll, and legislators want to stay on for the ride.

    It doesn’t seem like he has a “local” problem to me. You may also want to read nlebou’s post #54.

  67. #306189
    On April 30th, 2008 at 12:16 pm, Bill Mack said:

    I thought the interview was entertaining and informative. I suspect that was NBC’s hope and goal.

  68. #306207
    On April 30th, 2008 at 12:23 pm, MattS said:

    orlando #66

    The bill started as a $300 million tax break.

    Now Senate Bill 87 would give taxpayers an even bigger break by gradually eliminating the state’s personal income tax.

    The question is whether the amendment added by the Senate during lengthy floor debate will kill the bill entirely — and whether that was the whole idea.

    Sen. Joe McPherson predicted the amendment will be portrayed as the Jindal administration’s attempt to derail the bill.

    He noted that legislators agreed to Jindal administration-backed tax breaks for businesses in a special session earlier this year.

    In committee, the Jindal administration said state government could not afford Shaw’s tax break.

    So they could burn money on NGOs and ambiguous earmarks like “State Programs Program for restoration of key programs $ 150,000″ last year.

    Different face, same excuses.

    Read http://www.2theadvocate.com or http://www.forgotston.com for real news concerning Louisiana politics.

  69. #306217
    On April 30th, 2008 at 12:25 pm, Paul-Cincy said:

    I didn’t think the accent thing was so bad. I really admire India and the Indian people. They can boast the oldest living religion in Hinduism with such illuminating texts as the Upanishads. They survived Islamic conquests. With Gandhi they nonviolently threw off British rule. They’re the largest democracy in the world, and their economy is growing fast, especially in the hi-tech sector. They’re a dependable ally of the US. And now an Indian is a conservative governor of Louisiana? Sounds good to me. As he’s conservative he probably sees himself as an American rather than as an Indian. So, his parents are from India. Really, what’s the diff! Racial issues are so hard to talk about, aren’t they.

  70. #306257
    On April 30th, 2008 at 12:42 pm, MattS said:

    More Jindal magic.

    The bill sailed out of committee last week despite its $302 million annual price tag and opposition from Gov. Bobby Jindal’s administration. But as Shaw brought his bill to the Senate floor for debate, Sen. Nick Gautreaux, D-Abbeville, tacked on an amendment that replaced the income-tax reduction with a complete repeal of the personal income tax, phased in over a decade until it’s gone by Jan. 1, 2017.

    Gautreaux’s amendment passed on a 19-18 vote after critics said it was unaffordable and characterized it as a back-door attempt to kill the bill for the Jindal administration.

    Supporters of Shaw’s proposal to restore income-tax rates to their 2002 levels said middle-class taxpayers bore the brunt of the Stelly tax increases, and that the cost would be covered by revenue increases that the state is expecting to recognize next month.

    “There is going to be an amazing amount of money, and we can plug any hole,” Shaw said. But Jindal has made it clear that he expects any tax reductions to be offset by corresponding spending cuts in his $30.1 billion budget plan.

    The State of Louisiana has $1 Billion in reoccurring money which can be returned. Last July there was a $2 Billion surplus, but instead of returning it or using it for projects she authorized, Gov. Blanco flushed it on vote buying earmarks.

  71. #306258
    On April 30th, 2008 at 12:43 pm, MattS said:

    And what about ethics?
    http://www.forgotston.com

    We now know that Governor Jindal’s new ethics reforms are unenforceable (Sunday’s Advocate commentary). This was the result of raising the bar for proof to the point where even those responsible for enforcement concede that it is unlikely that they can convict anyone (at least anyone important) of a violation of the state’s “Heh, Heh, Heh,” Ethics Laws.

  72. #306266
    On April 30th, 2008 at 12:47 pm, av8tr said:

    Class act.

  73. #306279
    On April 30th, 2008 at 12:54 pm, Mister P said:

    My question about anchor babies was meant to illustrate that the very loophole many on this site want to close is what makes it possible for Gov. Jindal to be on an Executive ticket. If he were to assume the citizenship of his parents upon birth, he’d be out of luck.

    Again I say so what. I guess you never heard of the “Grandfather” clause ;-)

  74. #306280
    On April 30th, 2008 at 12:55 pm, karenhasfreedom said:

    I watched the interview and was instantly smitten by Jindal. I am excited about his future and how he could potentially occupy The White House some day in the future.

    I have watched Jay Leno ever since he got that chair from Johnny. He regularly makes fun of “Ahnald’s” accent (CA Govenor) even when Arnold is not even a guest on the show. So I don’t think Jay intended for his action to be a racial thing.

    I also have a theory. Liberals love watching Letterman. Letterman fans seem to get along best with Letterman fans. Leno fans are more compatible with each other. It seems as if people I know who are Letterman fans are more edgy, biting, usually liberal, and generally not optimistic. Leno fans seem to be more easy going, friendly, open and optimistic. Look around those closest to you. Do they prefer the same late night host as you? Chances are, they do. Just one of those observations in life.

  75. #306318
    On April 30th, 2008 at 1:10 pm, Salukidog said:

    I didn’t find the joke offensive, but the timing was pathetic. Its like Leno was in a world of his own. He wasn’t even listening to Jindal, he was just thinking to himself,”when can I slip this great joke in”. The hypocrisy of libs is just amazing. If he was black or hispanic there would have been protest before the brief laughter was even over.

    Jindal sounds like a great guy, and an Up and Coming Rockstar in the Republican party. Think the MSM will ever call him that? That’s all I heard about Obama before he even gave a speech at the Dem convention. Just about everyone in the MSM called BO that!

  76. #306338
    On April 30th, 2008 at 1:22 pm, MattS said:

    And don’t forget the volley of motorcycle helmet laws.

  77. #306400
    On April 30th, 2008 at 2:02 pm, Ordinary Coloradan said:

    Matt S – questionable source there at Forgotston. And the other one is a local MSM outlet, Ch 2.

    Forgoston was “named Best Community Activist in the New Orleans area.”

    In other words, you are citing LEFTISTS and activists in criticisng him, as if they are an unbiased and truthful source. They are generally twisting things and disingenuous, especially when it comes to political commentary of conservatives.

    Just Like you – dishonest and disingenous, and engaged in untruthful smears.

    Bzztt! You Lose. Sorry, your source is not credible so DOWN IN FLAMES YOU GO.

    See Don Pardo for the losers consolation prize on the way out the door.

  78. #306408
    On April 30th, 2008 at 2:05 pm, nuss said:

    I agree with karenhasfeedom. Leno’s brand of liberalism is much more palatable than Letterman’s. I’ve never seen that vacant nastiness behind Leno’s eyes, but have seen flashes of it several times with Letterman. I’ve never seen anything wrong with faked ethnic accents nor other forms of ethnic humor. It’s part of the bread and butter of comedians and comedy writers. Our World would be a bland place without it. I don’t think The Simpsons, and other classic sitcoms could survive without it. We should be able to laugh at ourselves as well as others. Sure, ethnic humor can be made offensive, but I think that is seldom the intent. People who automatically think its racist should get over themselves. Those that just feel uncomfortable with it should ask themselves why?

  79. #306481
    On April 30th, 2008 at 2:41 pm, Bill Stout said:

    I think that what you are seeing in Jindal is the control of the conversation. Leno is uncomfortable being led and I think that is where he trips with the gags. That Jindal can so easily take control from the more experienced Leno seems to signify that he will be formidable on the national stage. If I were a Democrat, I’d be worried.

  80. #306535
    On April 30th, 2008 at 3:12 pm, The Ugly American said:

    …that and Hollywood…

    LOL…now that’s a keeper.

    I love how libtard Helen Hunt just sits there like a rigid schoolmarm…like she’s afraid she might get some of Jindal’s conservative cooties on her.

  81. #306570
    On April 30th, 2008 at 3:34 pm, Gator70 said:

    I think I understand MM’s original point. If that were Obama, and Leno did a Dad impression using maybe an inner city chicago type of accent, people would be losing their freakin minds. I see it this way: conservatives more often than not will shrug their shoulders and say “no big deal.” That’s why libs always say the most outlandish things, because conservatives are too busy working and trying to put food on the table to care. I think we have reached a point in time were we cant afford to turn the cheeck and ignore liberal hyprocrisy. Unless we want to become a socialist type nation, we need to call them out on the mat every dang time.

  82. #306680
    On April 30th, 2008 at 4:18 pm, emjem24 said:

    If it’s Conservative, and you can get away with making fun of it or ….

    1) Fat people (they don’t fit the Utopian standard)

    2) Minorities who aren’t liberal

    3) Military people (because of course they’re just too stupid to do anything else according to these geniuses of enlightenment)

    4) The Clergy… especially those who believe in life or its protection.

    …. then Leno will be excused by the PC press because they have an exclusionary clause. ;-)

  83. #306723
    On April 30th, 2008 at 4:36 pm, valleygreaser said:

    Let’s at least give Leno credit for having Jindal on. The more exposure this guy gets the better. Even though he’s only 36 I’m ready to support him for VP in a heartbeat.

  84. #306790
    On April 30th, 2008 at 5:11 pm, AlabamaMama said:

    mistressjustice said:
    Jay Leno is a Liberal?

    Please fill me in. He always struck me as a republican.

    By Leno’s own admission, which he made when he had Ann Coulter on his show, he is a “social liberal/fiscal conservative” What I like about Leno is that he makes fun of everyone, nearly equal jokes about the right and the left. And he wears a flag on his lapel, so we at least know that he stands somewhere to the right of Obama… ;)

  85. #306819
    On April 30th, 2008 at 5:30 pm, valleygreaser said:

    Since Leno makes fun of practically everything and everybody it’s not always easy to tell what he really thinks. Certainly he’s no flaming radical.

  86. #306865
    On April 30th, 2008 at 5:55 pm, Paul-Cincy said:

    Gator70 said:
    I think I understand MM’s original point. If that were Obama, and Leno did a Dad impression using maybe an inner city chicago type of accent, people would be losing their freakin minds.

    Good point. Or if he could effect a “Kenyan” accent, whatever that is. Or if he referenced Leno’s dad and tried an Italian accent, or even, copying some of the cadence and lines from “The Sopranos”, to bring home the point Leno’s dad was an ethnic Italian. In any of those cases there’d be a shiver felt through the crowd. Yeah, retort with an impression of Dad Leno as a real goombah. Ha! Don’t think Jay would appreciate that!

  87. #306883
    On April 30th, 2008 at 6:07 pm, rotarymunkey said:

    That was a vetted, prepared joke. I’m sure Leno had already asked if he could poke a little fun at his dad’s accent.

    Also the “Anchor Baby Loophole” is easy to close. If you are a LEGAL immigrant, and you have a child, the child is granted US Citizenship automatically, no matter where the child is raised. Yes, some people DO actually return to their home countries.

    If you’re an ILLEGAL immigrant, and you have a child born here, the child retains the citizenship of the parents (though legally, some countries will have a problem with this). A change like this would mean that parents who RESPECT our laws and enter legally would be be rewarded. It would also remove the impetus for Hispanics to run across the border to a relative’s house in order to give birth.

    Under this framing of the law, Bobby Jindal would still be eligible for the Presidency as his parents were here legally on student visas (and married, no less).

    That was an easy one. How about I work on “world peace” now? :)

  88. #306941
    On April 30th, 2008 at 7:04 pm, bender said:

    I like Leno. I don’t think he comes off as a typical Hollywood liberal. He pokes fun at everyone. I don’t think pulling in the Apu accent was so bad… However, a couple weeks ago Leno asked Ryan Phillippe to look into the camera and give it his “gayest” look. Fair and balanced, I thinks.

  89. #307236
    On May 1st, 2008 at 4:52 am, hadsil said:

    Context matters. Just recently I saw a little bit of the animation movie “Surf’s Up”. There’s a scene of penguins talking in heavy Jewish accents, even talking about gefilte fish. Sounded like Billy Crystal. It was gratuitous, but it wasn’t malicious. I don’t think Leno was being malicious. It’s good to laugh at oneself. What, should Leno now have to go into rehabilitation?

  90. #307393
    On May 1st, 2008 at 8:51 am, MattS said:

    What would you know about it, Orlando?

    Nice character assassination. Can’t even address the issues, just character assassination.

    A Leftist? Really? That’s why he’s critical of overspending and overtaxation? How about his views on limited government? The mishandling of the Road Home Program?

    You can’t argue against anything I said, you only attack the source. Get a clue Orlando.

  91. #307395
    On May 1st, 2008 at 8:52 am, MattS said:

    OrlandoOrdinary.

    Are you even in Louisiana?

  92. #308541
    On May 1st, 2008 at 7:48 pm, Ropera said:

    An anchor baby is a baby born out of illegal parents. Jindal’s parents have always been legal in the U.S.

  93. #316728
    On May 9th, 2008 at 2:36 pm, in_awe said:

    After reading about Bobby Jindal here and on other sites (MSM? Yeah, right!)this was the first opportunity to hear him speak. I was genuinely impressed. His personality nicely complements his conservative values. Maybe there is hope for conservatism afterall. How ironic if the salvation of our movement were to come from Louisiana.

    I agree that the accent wasn’t necessary, I would defend Leno as being the most centrist of all the Hollywood types we regularly see. He sends zings both left and right. He also has done a lot over the last 10-15 years for the troops and their families. While Letterman may be funnier, I can’t stand him because of his liberal rants and non-stop BDS.

  94. #317253
    On May 10th, 2008 at 5:31 am, Straight_Talk_Luigi said:

    I agree that the accent wasn’t necessary, I would defend Leno as being the most centrist of all the Hollywood types we regularly see. He sends zings both left and right. He also has done a lot over the last 10-15 years for the troops and their families.

    Leno will just say whatever is funny. That show isn’t partial (even if NBC is), and they just want ratings and to make people laugh. Of course, he’s what I call in hollywood terms a “writer’s b****” meaning that whatever gets shoved in front of him, he takes whole.

    He’s just a lot better at playing it off, and if he notices something stupid, he has communicative speaking skills to let the audience know he doesn’t agree with really, really stupid jokes, and he has the presence of mind to open the show with “it’s been a slow news day.”

    While Letterman may be funnier, I can’t stand him because of his liberal rants and non-stop BDS.

    Well, Leno has better ratings I think, maybe for that, but also because Letterman isn’t willing to go as far with jokes, and maybe that’s because Jay and Eubanks play them off a lot better than Schaeffer/Letterman. Seriously, Paul’s droopy eyes behind those sun-glasses and Letterman laughing everytime his card gets tossed into the fake window and a sound effect of breaking glass happens?

    Some people are amused by the stupidest things. If you ever listen to Alan Colmes radio show, every so often there’s someone who call in asking him to do sound effects.

    It’s a riot.

  95. #320931
    On May 14th, 2008 at 9:17 am, Misscheryl said:

    smart, and willing to serve the country.

    Therein lies the difference, to serve vs to be served

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