Senator McCain: Excite the Base; Pick Bobby Jindal for VP

Everyone has a different theory as to the direction in which Senator McCain should go with his VP pick for the ticket. Some say choosing a Democrat like Joe Lieberman would appeal to moderates and independents--I like that idea only because it would drive the hyper-caffeinated left-wing blogosphere into apoplectic conniptions. But there are practical matters to consider. If, heaven forbid, a Vice President Lieberman assumed the presidency, one would assume he would affiliate himself with the Democrats. Unacceptable.

So we're left with the slate of rumored Republican picks, among them Florida Governor Charlie Crist, Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty, and Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal. They all have plusses and minuses, but one stands out: Bobby Jindal. Here's why:

Bobby Jindal, both symbolically and in actual practice, represents everything that needs to change with the Republican Party. At 37, he's the youngest governor in America. But, unlike other youthful candidates (see: Barry Obama), Bobby Jindal has a real record of leadership, reform, and accomplishment.

But, if there's one thing we've learned from BarryO, it's that "change" cannot be good in and of itself. We have to ask the question, what are we changing and how are we changing it? When looking at Jindal's record, it's clear he has the right priorities. Most importantly, they're not only the right priorities to change our federal government, but the right priorities to put the GOP back on track. So Jindal's a twofer--save our nation and, in the process, our Party.

As Governor, Jindal has tackled corruption and lax ethics in a state known for nasty, dirty governance. He turned a state health department that was $400 million in debt into one with a $220 million surplus. He's 100% pro-life. He's a fiscal conservative. While on the House Committee on Homeland Security, he showed he's on the right side of the Global War on Terror: victory.

But more than all this, he has going for him the simple fact that he is one of the rare conservatives that appeals to moderates, independents and enlightened Democrats. Few Republicans, especially in a year like this, can say that (luckily, McCain is also one of the few).

Perhaps the only criticism of a Jindal VP pick would be that he's not experienced enough. Well, that argument creates a perfect opportunity to illustrate that Jindal, while young and relatively inexperienced, is far more experienced than Barry Obama. I'm curious as to what other doubts linger with Jindal--please post them in the comments.

And this is only my personal opinion. I'm sure Russ supports his guy, Mitt. And all of us will work our hearts out for whoever McCain puts his trust in. This Republican hopes it's Bobby Jindal!