Could Gov. Bobby Jindal appeal to religious conservatives who hold sway in Iowa? USA Today reports the answer sounds like “yes,” at least based on the reaction to the potential 2016 presidential candidate’s remarks Tuesday night before more than 100 Christian and Jewish conservatives in the important Midwestern caucus state.
During his address, Jindal said America is “in desperate need of a spiritual revival” and “now it is time to turn back to God,” according to The Des Moines Register, which was given exclusive access to report on the event that was closed to other press outlets.
Jan Mickelson, a talk-radio host who attended the event, tells The Register that Jindal—known more as a policy wonk than a man of faith—speaks the “right language” when it comes to talking about his faith.
“He’s not bilingual. That’s his native tongue. He will give Huckabee a run in Iowa,” Mickelson says.
Former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee, an ordained minister, won the 2008 Iowa caucuses and is considering another White House bid in 2016. Tuesday evening’s dinner event was sponsored by the American Renewal Project, a conservative effort that aims to erase the wall separating religious leaders and political leaders. Earlier in the day, Jindal gave the same presentation to about 50 religious leaders in Cedar Rapids.
“The reality is I’m here today because I genuinely, sincerely, passionately believe that America’s in desperate need of a spiritual revival,” Jindal said during a 37-minute speech, which was followed by a 20-minute question-and-answer session.
Religious conservatives are an important bloc in Iowa’s first-in-the-nation presidential caucuses. Nearly half, or 46%, of Republicans who say they’re likely to take part in the 2016 Iowa caucuses consider themselves an evangelical Christian, according to a poll by Bloomberg and The Register released in October.
See The Register’s complete coverage on Jindal’s visit Tuesday; it also includes a video interview in which the governor answers a number of personal questions on topics such as his favorite foods, exercise regimen and childhood ambitions.
