Bobby Jindal: ‘Religious Liberty Created the United States of America’

BOONE, Iowa—Wearing cowboy boots and jeans, Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal told supporters watching him speak at an Iowa cafe that he will “fight for our religious liberties” if elected president.

Jindal, who recently declared his candidacy for the Republican nomination for president, said he is disappointed in last week’s Supreme Court decision to legalize gay marriage.

“My religious beliefs are between me and God Almighty,” Jindal said, emphasizing his support for marriage being between one man and one woman.

“The United States of America did not create religious liberty. Religious liberty created the United States of America.”

Hoping to “redefine the American dream,” Jindal wants freedom and opportunity to be available to all Americans.

“Our best days are ahead of us,” Jindal said.

Jindal, a self-proclaimed “complete optimist” about the future, laid out four things he will do if elected president:

1. Repeal and replace Obamacare
2. Secure the borders
3. Shrink the size of the federal government
4. Rebuild the nation’s defense

Jindal took time for questions from the crowd. He answered questions about securing the border and national defense, among other things.

While wishing to shrink the size of the government, Jindal said there should be more robust defense spending.

A woman in the crowd shared with Jindal that her son will be leaving for his 10th deployment this coming fall.

Jindal replied that the “stronger we are, the less likely we have to deploy.”

Answering a question on term limits, Jindal said he is in favor of having part-time, term-limited elected leaders.

One audience member asked Jindal what his biggest accomplishment has been.

Jindal stated that his most important moment was when he found religion, but that his biggest accomplishment is being married to his wife for 18 years and having three children.

Stating that this election is about the children and the future of the country, Jindal said, “This election is not about us.”

“This isn’t just a campaign. This is a cause,” Jindal closed.