WASHINGTON -- Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal (R) issued one of the more pointed post-election public criticisms of Mitt Romney's presidential campaign Tuesday, saying that the Republican nominee did too little to set out an inspiring vision for governance.
"Mitt Romney is an honorable man. He's a good honest man. He deserves our respect, and our gratitude," Jindal told The Huffington Post in a phone interview. "The reality of it, the campaign was too much about biography. It wasn't enough about a vision of where they wanted to take our country, and how they would do it."
"The reality is people are not being inspired by a biography," Jindal said. "We have got to offer that vision."
Jindal made the comments as he talked about the need for Republicans to detail their policy ideas. He said that the Romney campaign's focus on marketing its candidate as a businessman who could fix a stalled economy, rather than running on a bold presentation of conservative principles, was, "one of the reasons this got obscured."
Jindal, a 41-year-old, second-term governor, was initially considered a possible vice presidential pick for Romney, despite the fact that Jindal endorsed Texas Gov. Rick Perry in the Republican primary. But Jindal and Romney lacked personal chemistry, according to multiple sources, and Jindal had a limited presence for Romney on the campaign trail.
Jindal is now considered one of the GOP's top prospects to run for president in 2016. And already he is putting down markers as to the kind of conservative voice he wants to be in the coming years. In a 30-minute interview Tuesday, he was confrontational toward President Obama on health care, saying he will not implement the state exchange mandated by Obama's Affordable Care Act, essentially daring the federal government to come in and try it themselves.
And in criticizing the risk-averse nature of the Romney campaign, Jindal made clear that he thinks a Republican can be successful by running toward topics that have traditionally been political trouble spots, rather than away from them.
"When we talk about balancing the budget and cutting the size of government, we've got to be honest with the American people. I'm all for cutting non-defense discretionary spending, but we have to be honest with the American people and say, 'We also have to go and look at entitlement programs, that it's not sustainable, the spending and borrowing that we're doing today,'" Jindal said. "We need to be talking very specifically about social security, Medicare, Medicaid."
Jindal, who ran both Louisiana's hospital system and its university system before the age of 30, also sketched out how Republicans should talk about education.
"For too long we have given health care and education to the other party. And the reality is, if we believe in an aspirational society, we absolutely have to stand up for the right of every child to get a great education, because in this economy, that's what it's going to take to be able to pursue the American dream," he said. "That means very specific policies about changing the way we hire, fire, compensate teachers, that's based on a spirit of achievement and accountability, not just how long they've been in the classroom. It means meaningful student choice, so the dollars follow the child, whether it's the tradtional public schools, charter schools, online schools, local schools, independent schools, whatever it takes to make sure that child's getting a great education."
"We need to be fierce adovcates for that so a child's future is not dependent on where they're born, where they grew up, their zip code, their geography, their parent's wealth," he said.
President Barack Obama and wife Michelle hold hands with Vice President Joe Biden and his wife Jill following Obama's victory speech to supporters in Chicago early Wednesday, Nov. 7 2012. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay)
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Jill Biden watches as Vice President Joe Biden is hugged by first lady Michelle Obama at President Barack Obama's election night party Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012, in Chicago. President Obama defeated Republican challenger former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
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President Barack Obama, accompanied by First Lady Michelle Obama and daughters Malia and Sasha arrive at the election night party Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012, in Chicago. Obama defeated Republican challenger former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
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President Barack Obama looks at his daughter Sasha as he walks with his wife Michelle and daughter Malia at his election night party Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012, in Chicago. President Obama defeated Republican challenger former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green)
Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, Sasha Obama, Malia Obama
President Barack Obama, accompanied by First Lady Michelle Obama and daughters Malia and Sasha arrive at the election night party Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012, in Chicago. Obama defeated Republican challenger former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
Confetti covers the stage after President Barack Obama speaks at his election night party Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012, in Chicago. President Obama defeated Republican challenger former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. (AP Photo/=2121300183=)
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President Barack Obama with First Lady Michelle Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and Jill Biden celebrate on stage at the election night party at McCormick Place, Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012, in Chicago. Obama defeated Republican challenger former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney.(AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
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US President Barack Obama celebrates with First Lady Michelle Obama on stage on election night in Chicago on November 6, 2012. Obama swept to re-election, forging history again by transcending a slow economic recovery and the high unemployment which haunted his first term to beat Republican Mitt Romney. AFP PHOTO/Jewel Samad (Photo credit should read JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images)
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US President Barack Obama celebrates after delivering his acceptance speech ion Chicago on November 7, 2012. Obama swept to re-election, forging history again by transcending a slow economic recovery and the high unemployment which haunted his first term to beat Republican Mitt Romney. AFP PHOTO/Jewel SAMAD (Photo credit should read JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images)
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Confetti rains on the stage as US President Barack Obama celebrates his victory in the presidential election in Chicago on November 7, 2012. Obama swept to re-election, forging history again by transcending a slow economic recovery and the high unemployment which haunted his first term to beat Republican Mitt Romney. AFP PHOTO/Jim WATSON (Photo credit should read JIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images)
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US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle wave to supporters following his election victory in Chicago, Illinois on November 6, 2012. Obama swept to re-election, forging history again by transcending a slow economic recovery and the high unemployment which haunted his first term to beat Republican Mitt Romney. AFP PHOTO/Jewel Samad (Photo credit should read JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images)
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US First Lady Michelle Obama hugs President Barack Obama on stage following his election victory in Chicago, Illinois on November 6, 2012. Obama swept to re-election, forging history again by transcending a slow economic recovery and the high unemployment which haunted his first term to beat Republican Mitt Romney. AFP PHOTO/Jewel Samad (Photo credit should read JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images)
US-VOTE-2012-ELECTION-OBAMA
US President Barack Obama waves to supporters following his victory speech on election night in Chicago, Illinois on November 6, 2012. Obama swept to re-election, forging history again by transcending a slow economic recovery and the high unemployment which haunted his first term to beat Republican Mitt Romney. AFP PHOTO/Jewel Samad (Photo credit should read JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images)
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US President Barack Obama smiles as First Lady Michelle Obama gives the thumbs-up following Obama's speech on election night November 6, 2012 in Chicago, Illinois. President Barack Obama swept to re-election Tuesday, forging history again by transcending a slow economic recovery and the high unemployment which haunted his first term to beat Republican Mitt Romney. AFP PHOTO/Jewel Samad (Photo credit should read JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images)
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(L-R) US First Lady Michelle Obama, US President Barack Obama, US Vice President Joe Biden and his wife Jill Biden celebrate on election night November 7, 2012 in Chicago, Illinois. Obama and Biden won re-election to a second 4-year term. AFP PHOTO / Saul LOEB (Photo credit should read SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images)
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(L-R) US First Lady Michelle Obama, US President Barack Obama, US Vice President Joe Biden and his wife Jill Biden celebrate on election night November 7, 2012 in Chicago, Illinois. Obama and Biden won re-election to a second 4-year term. AFP PHOTO / Saul LOEB (Photo credit should read SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images)
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US President Barack Obama (2nd L), First Lady Michelle Obama (L), Vice-President Joe Biden and Second Lady Jill Biden wave to supporters following Obama's speech on election night November 6, 2012 in Chicago, Illinois. President Barack Obama swept to re-election Tuesday, forging history again by transcending a slow economic recovery and the high unemployment which haunted his first term to beat Republican Mitt Romney. AFP PHOTO/Jewel Samad (Photo credit should read JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images)
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US President Barack Obama waves to supporters on election night November 7, 2012 in Chicago, Illinois. Republican Presidential candidate Mitt Romney has conceded the race to Obama. AFP PHOTO / Robyn Beck (Photo credit should read ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images)
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US President Barack Obama flanked by First Lady Michelle Obama (L) and Vice-President Joe Biden and Second Lady Jill Biden wave to supporters following Obama's speech on election night November 6, 2012 in Chicago, Illinois. President Barack Obama swept to re-election Tuesday, forging history again by transcending a slow economic recovery and the high unemployment which haunted his first term to beat Republican Mitt Romney. AFP PHOTO/Jewel Samad (Photo credit should read JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images)
US-VOTE-2012-ELECTION-OBAMA
US President Barack Obama (2nd L), First Lady Michelle Obama (L), Vice-President Joe Biden and Second Lady Jill Biden wave to supporters following Obama's speech on election night November 6, 2012 in Chicago, Illinois. President Barack Obama swept to re-election Tuesday, forging history again by transcending a slow economic recovery and the high unemployment which haunted his first term to beat Republican Mitt Romney. AFP PHOTO/Jewel Samad (Photo credit should read JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images)
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US President Barack Obama waves to supporters beside US First Lady Michelle Obama after winning the 2012 US presidential election November 7, 2012 in Chicago, Illinois. Obama swept to a emphatic re-election win over Mitt Romney, forging new history by transcending a dragging economy and the stifling unemployment which haunted his first term. AFP PHOTO / Robyn Beck (Photo credit should read ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images)
US-VOTE-2012-ELECTION-OBAMA
US President Barack Obama (2nd L), First Lady Michelle Obama (L), Vice-President Joe Biden and Second Lady Jill Biden wave to supporters following Obama's speech on election night November 6, 2012 in Chicago, Illinois. President Barack Obama swept to re-election Tuesday, forging history again by transcending a slow economic recovery and the high unemployment which haunted his first term to beat Republican Mitt Romney. AFP PHOTO/Jewel Samad (Photo credit should read JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images)
Barack Obama
President Barack Obama hugs his family at his election night party Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012, in Chicago. President Obama defeated Republican challenger former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Barack Obama
President Barack Obama acknowledges the crowd at his election night party Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012, in Chicago. President Obama defeated Republican challenger former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green)
Barack Obama
President Barack Obama speaks at his election night party Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012, in Chicago. President Obama defeated Republican challenger former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
Barack Obama
President Barack Obama kisses his wife Michelle as he walks out to the stage at his election night party Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012, in Chicago. President Obama defeated Republican challenger former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
Barack Obama
President Barack Obama addresses the crowd at his election night party Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012, in Chicago. President Obama defeated Republican challenger former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green)
Barack Obama
President Barack Obama kisses his wife Michelle as he walks out to the stage with his daughters Malia and Sasha at his election night party Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012, in Chicago. President Obama defeated Republican challenger former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, Sasha Obama, Malia Obama
President Barack Obama waves as he walks on stage with first lady Michelle Obama and daughters Malia and Sasha at his election night party Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012, in Chicago. Obama defeated Republican challenger former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
Barack Obama
President Barack Obama smiles during his speech at his election night party Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012, in Chicago. President Obama defeated Republican challenger former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green)
Michelle Obama
First lady Michelle Obama walks off the stage with her daughters Malia and Sasha before President Barack Obama speaks at his election night party Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012, in Chicago. President Obama defeated Republican challenger former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
Barack Obama
President Barack Obama waves to his supporters at his election night party Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012, in Chicago. President Obama defeated Republican challenger former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green)
President Barack Obama speaks at his election night party, Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012, in Chicago. President Obama defeated Republican challenger former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay)
Barack Obama
President Barack Obama waves at his election night party Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012, in Chicago. President Obama defeated Republican challenger former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Barack Obama
President Barack Obama speaks at his election night party Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012, in Chicago. President Obama defeated Republican challenger former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Barack Obama
President Barack Obama acknowledges the crowd at his election night party Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012, in Chicago. President Obama defeated Republican challenger former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Barack Obama
President Barack Obama waves to his supporters at his election night party Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012, in Chicago. President Obama defeated Republican challenger former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green)
Barack Obama
President Barack Obama walks out of the stage with his wife Michelle and daughters Sasha and Malia at his election night party Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012, in Chicago. President Obama defeated Republican challenger former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green)
Jon Tester Max Baucus
President Barack Obama hugs his wife Michelle and daughter Sasha as daughter Malia, left, looks on before speaking at his election night party, Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012, in Chicago. President Obama defeated Republican challenger former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay)
Barack Obama
President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama wave at his election night party Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012, in Chicago. President Obama defeated Republican challenger former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
Barack Obama
President Barack Obama, first lady Michelle Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and Jill Biden acknowledge the crowd at his election night party Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012, in Chicago. President Obama defeated Republican challenger former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
Barack Obama
President Barack Obama, first lady Michelle Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and Jill Biden wave at his election night party Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012, in Chicago. President Obama defeated Republican challenger former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
President Barack Obama, right, applauds his wife Michelle and daughters Sasha and Malia as they leave the stage before speaking at his election night party, Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012, in Chicago. President Obama defeated Republican challenger former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay)
Barack Obama
President Barack Obama hugs his daugher Sasha after his speech as his wife Michelle and daughter Malia gather on stage at his election night party Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012, in Chicago. President Obama defeated Republican challenger former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
Barack Obama
President Barack Obama smiles at his election night party Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012, in Chicago. President Obama defeated Republican challenger former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
Barack Obama, Joe Biden
President Barack Obama hugs Vice President Joe Biden after his speech at his election night party Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012, in Chicago. President Obama defeated Republican challenger former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
Barack Obama, Joe Biden
President Barack Obama hugs Vice President Joe Biden as his daughter Malia and Sasha look on at his election night party Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012, in Chicago. President Obama defeated Republican challenger former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Barack Obama
President Barack Obama waves to the crowd of supporters at his election night party Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012, in Chicago. President Obama defeated Republican challenger former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Joe Biden, Barack Obama
Vice President Joe Biden greets President Barack Obama's daughters Malia and Sasha after President's speech at his election night party Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012, in Chicago. President Obama defeated Republican challenger former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
President Barack Obama waves after delivering his victory speech to supporters gathered in Chicago early Wednesday Nov. 7 2012. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay)
Vice President Joe Biden holds on to President Barack Obama after delivering his victory speech to supporters gathered in Chicago early Wednesday Nov. 7 2012. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay)
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