Jindal: Trump a 'Narcissist' and 'Carnival Act'

Bobby Jindal said Thursday he likes the "idea of Donald Trump," but went on to take off the gloves to slap the GOP frontrunner in a blistering speech at Washington's National Press Club that eviscerated the GOP primary frontrunner and his campaign.

"I like the idea of an outsider," the Louisiana governor told the Press Club audience. "I like the idea of somebody willing to say things you're not supposed to say. I like idea of somebody going after the D.C. political class, [because in] reality they are full of foolishness and nonsense."

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But Trump's "prescription" to heal Washington is all wrong, said Jindal, who called the New York real estate mogul a "narcissist" and an "egomaniac," and told the audience that "The only thing he believes in is himself.

"His prescription is he is the solution," said Jindal. "Donald Trump is not the solution. The problem is Donald Trump himself is full of foolishness and nonsense as well."

And Jindal said that while he likes "the Donald Trump act and show," calling it "a lot of fun." But at the end of the day, he does not believe Trump is a serious candidate.

"I laughed when he went on live TV and gave out Lindsey Graham's cell phone number," Jindal said. "I thought it was entertaining that audiences [are] falling asleep at Jeb Bush's rallies. I thought it was great when he gave helicopter rides to kids at the Iowa State Fair. It has been a lot of fun."

But in reality, Jindal said, he wanted to say Thursday what "everyone is thinking about Donald Trump but is afraid to say."

"The reality of Donald Trump is absurd," said Jindal. "He is non-serious. He is a carnival act."

And the Louisiana governor didn't stop there, calling Trump "shallow" and complaining that the frontrunner "has no understanding of policy" and is "full of bluster and has no substance."

"He lacks the intellectual curiosity to even learn," said Jindal. "You can't argue policy with this guy. The only thing that Donald Trump believes in is himself. Look, he tells us his healthcare plan will be fabulous. Tells us the tax plan will be real, little really, terrific. He is shallow. There is no substance."

Trump also has "no idea what he is talking about," Jindal said, because "he makes it up on the fly. He doesn't believe in limited government. He told us that, over and over from his belief in socialized medicine to his desire for tax increases. He told us over and over he has no problem with big, top-down style government."

Trump's only problem with big government, Jindal continued, "is he is not the one running it today...he is just against the folks that happen to be running it. Donald Trump is for Donald Trump. He believes in nothing other than himself."

Trump is "not a liberal" and he is "not a moderate" or conservative," Jindal continued.

"He is not a Democrat. He is not a Republican. He is is not an independent. Donald Trump is for Donald Trump," said Jindal. "He is not for anything. He is not against anything. Issues don't mean anything to him. Policies, ideals, are not important for him. He is for Donald."

And like "all narcissists," Jindal continued, "Donald Trump is insecure and weak. He is afraid of being exposed."

Further, Jindal said Trump is dangerous, but not how people might believe.

"The reality is, we have an incredible opportunity to turn our country around," Jindal said. "The question for conservatives is this: Are we going to rely and trust proven conservative principles? Or are we going to turn to a man who believes in nothing but himself?"

And ironically, the "real danger is" that Trump "could destroy America's chance to be great again," said Jindal.

"Look, it is all just an act," said Jindal. "It is all just a solo show. The joke's on us. He is laughing all the way to the bank or the polling station. P.T. Barnum was never more right than right now."

He also ridiculed Trump for saying the Bible is his favorite book, but not naming a specific favorite verse.

"Donald Trump has never read the Bible," said Jindal. "The reason we know he has never read the Bible, he is not in the Bible."

But meanwhile, Jindal insisted that the Democrats "have practically gift-wrapped this election for us ... but now we are flirting with nominating a non-serious, unstable, substance-free candidate."

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