An unmitigated disaster.
People who say "What about the substance, he had that" can pat themselves on the back for being about substance if they want, that's not the issue. If no one listens to you, it doesn't matter what you say.
The country likes Obama's style. Like it or not, Jindal looked like the same old thing, someone not prepared for the spotlight who thinks he can overcome inexperience by being fake-friendly. He came off like a hopped-up Mr. Rogers, and as sincere as a used car salesman during a Going Out of Business sale.
One can claim none of this matters, but it does, big time. I don't think Sarah Palin will be the nominee in 2012, but seeing this video showed you how a genuine communicator does it--and it ain't like Jindal. Palin is comfortable in front of the camera and talking to the televiion audience. Whatever the issues are that will keep her from being the next nominee, that ain't one of them.
If we learned anything about the media from the last 9 years it's that if you aren't a good communicator, you've lost the message war, and if you've lost the message war, you've lost, period.
Jindal is off my list for potential 2012 nominee. Which leaves...no one.
I was equally disappointed. I agree, Palin is comfortably better than Jindal in front of the camera. Unfortunately, I don't believe Palin has a prayer in a national election; too much damage already done.
What about Sanford? I saw him on Fox News Sunday this past week and thought he held his own nicely. Which, I thought was difficult when competing with three other guests. Of course, he does have the "just another white guy from the South" persona that brings it's own set of problems.