It would be obvious to any honest observer that Obama’s speech to a joint session of Congress was uplifting, truly inspiring, albeit a bit lofty in the goals he set for a single term as President. But if his rhetoric can do anything, it can motivate folks. Judging by the before and after polls some of the networks performed, his speech had an immediate impact.

The same cannot be said for the Republican response by Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal. Not by a long shot.

I don’t know if Republicans were notably moved by Cindy McCain’s speech during the 2008 RNC, but her style of speech had returned with a vengeance. And thy name was Jindal. The moment he started speaking, there was a notable tonal difference in the delivery between Obama and Jindal. Now I’ll grant that there are few that could follow Obama, especially a speech like his last night. But what greeted hopeful Republicans wishing begging and pleading for red meat?

It sounded like Jindal was auditioning for a children’s audiobook of The Velveteen Rabbit. Apparently the GOP elite have got it stuck in their heads that if they package their lies, half-truths and blatant partisanship in a condescending parental tone — normally reserved for explaining to four year-olds why we don’t put forks into the toaster — that it somehow makes it better.

The GOP’s posterboy for the 2012 Presidential bid failed horribly last night. And as much as I do enjoy that, it’s worth mentioning that he has plenty of time to make up for the past month of floundering about pretending his state doesn’t need the economic recovery money,and then falling flat on his face in his first true national appearance. I’ve seen him on other programs and his Mr. Rogers act gives way to a tough pol. It’s just very apparent that he’s much to learn if he wants to even touch the GOP nod, let alone Obama.