PREZ RACE: Bobby Jindal to appear on Jay Leno's "Tonight Show"

[See SAJAforum resources on covering the 2008 presidential elections]

We have written previously about the buzz about the possibility perhaps/maybe/could be that Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal is being considered as a running mate for John McCain.

First, we wrote about In February that Rush Limbaugh floated the idea of Louisana governor Bobby Jindal being Senator McCain's running mate, calling him "the next Ronald Reagan." Then, we wrote in March that other conservatives were floating his name, including in a piece called "How McCCain can win the base," the opening sentence was, "This is a time for someone whom everybody knows to be the rising star of the GOP, the new governor of Louisiana, Bobby Jindal."

Now comes the most mainstream push for Jindal's name, from that all-powerful political entity, the PR department of "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno."

Amidst the growing buzz about possibly being the Vice Presidential candidate on the Republican ticket, Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal makes his first appearance on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" (Monday - Friday, 11:35 p.m.-12:37 a.m. ET on NBC).

Known to his constituents as simply Governor Bobby, Jindal is the Nation's youngest Governor at the age of 36 and in his first term in office the political pundits have already labeled him the future of the GOP and the next Ronald Regan.  Jindal is the first elected Indian American Governor in U.S. history.

Among politicians who have announced their candidacy on the "Tonight Show": Arnold Schwarzenegger, during his successful run for governor of California in 2003; and Fred Thompson, during his unsuccessful run for the Republican nomination for this year. [See also today's piece in the New York Times by Alessandra Staley about politicians showing up on various comedy and game shows: "...pop TV  is the antidote, a free platform to rub shoulders with viewers who only glancingly pay attention to the news."]

UPDATE: Here's coverage of the appearance (from the AP):

Gov. Bobby Jindal touted Louisiana's hurricane recovery efforts and tossed aside rumors he could be a possible running mate for Republican presidential contender John McCain during an appearance tonight on NBC's "Tonight Show."Host Jay Leno introduced Jindal, 36, as the youngest governor in the country and as a possible vice presidential contender.For his final question, Leno noted McCain's trip to Louisiana last week and asked whether Jindal was flattered to be mentioned as a potential running mate.Jindal replied, "It's flattering, but I like the job I've got now." He reiterated plans to run for re-election.Leno also asked the governor about his Indian heritage and Jindal discussed recent changes to the state's ethics laws, while Leno talked of Louisiana's corrupt reputation.

Here's the video:

The full NBC press release is below. Post your comments, please. [See previous SAJAforum coverage of Bobby Jindal]

From: Tracy St. Pierre
Date: Tue, 22 Apr 2008 15:29:10 -0400
Conversation: POSSIBLE REPUBLICAN VICE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE AND THE NATION'S YOUNGEST GOVERNOR, LOUISIANA'S BOBBY JINDAL, MAKES HIS FIRST APPEARANCE ON NBC'S 'THE TONIGHT SHOW WITH JAY LENO' ON MONDAY, APRIL 28
Subject: POSSIBLE REPUBLICAN VICE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE AND THE NATION'S YOUNGEST GOVERNOR, LOUISIANA'S BOBBY JINDAL, MAKES HIS FIRST APPEARANCE ON NBC'S 'THE TONIGHT SHOW WITH JAY LENO' ON MONDAY, APRIL 28

        FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

        Contact:
        Tracy L St Pierre
        818/840-3648
        tracy.stpierre@nbcuni.com

POSSIBLE REPUBLICAN VICE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE AND THE NATION’S YOUNGEST GOVERNOR, LOUISIANA’S BOBBY JINDAL, MAKES HIS FIRST APPEARANCE ON NBC’S ‘THE TONIGHT SHOW WITH JAY LENO’ ON MONDAY, APRIL 28

BURBANK – April 22, 2008 – Amidst the growing buzz about possibly being the Vice Presidential candidate on the Republican ticket, Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal makes his first appearance on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" (Monday - Friday, 11:35 p.m.-12:37 a.m. ET on NBC).

Known to his constituents as simply Governor Bobby, Jindal is the Nation's youngest Governor at the age of 36 and in his first term in office the political pundits have already labeled him the future of the GOP and the next Ronald Regan.  Jindal is the first elected Indian American Governor in U.S. history.

"The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" is from Big Dog Productions in association with Universal Media Studios.  Debbie Vickers is the executive producer.

For artwork from "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," please visit the NBC press website at www.nbcumv.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Tracy St.Pierre, NBC Entertainment Publicity, tracy.stpierre[at]nbc.com

        Members of the media can get more information about NBC Universal and its programming on the NBC Universal Media Village Web site at www.nbcumv.com.

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Comments

[Lisa Tsering]

I thought the VP was only something McCain could publicly announce. I don't understand.