Damage Control: Gingrich Holds Conference Call With Conservative Bloggers
- Posted on May 17, 2011 at 4:12pm by
Meredith Jessup
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In a conference call with conservative bloggers this afternoon, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich sought to do a bit of damage control following his remarks on “Meet the Press” Sunday which seemed controversial and quite critical of House Republicans’ proposal to curtail government spending. But were his remarks really lost in translation or just plain ill-conceived?
According to Gingrich, the adversarial nature of the Sunday morning program are partly to blame for the subsequent media firestorm, noting that his comments have become “much more controversial” than he intended. Instead, Gingrich insisted, the problems arose from a “confusing conversation” centered around a “very specific question” regarding the imposition of policy over the objections of a majority of Americans.
While he admitted that the language he used was probably “too strong,“ the former Speaker contended that his characterization of a ”radical“ policy of ”right-wing social engineering” was not directly aimed at Ryan’s plan, but at a broader idea of imposing an agenda on the electorate without first gaining their majority consent. Case in point: if Republicans proceeded to force through their budget proposal in the same way Democrats pushed ObamaCare into law, this act would be “right-wing social engineering” — a process Gingrich says he would oppose. The firestorm over the language erupted, he said, when they ignored the specific nature of host David Gregory’s question and its context about “imposing” unpopular policies.
“The scale of change we are proposing is very, very large and affects people in an intimate way,” Gingrich says. “We want to make sure that the American people support it.”
To reaffirm his opposition to ObamaCare and an individual mandate passed down from the federal government, Gingrich announced that he had signed a pledge earlier this morning supporting the repeal of ObamaCare. Any health care solution, he said, should respect the Tenth Amendment and the issue of health care should be turned back to the states.
We all have a responsibility to pay for our health care, he added, and Congress needs to find a way to prevent “free riders” from gaming the system.
In the call, Gingrich sought to dispel rumors of infighting within the Republican Party, especially any notion that he was battling with Ryan over the direction of the GOP. He said he has reached out to Ryan and hopes to continue working with the Wisconsin congressman and other House Republicans on budget and entitlement reform.
The Blaze reached out to Rep. Ryan’s office for comment, but the call was never returnedl
“I’ve spent 33 years trying to help build a Republican majority,” he said, insisting that he will continue to work in strengthening the GOP’s majority in the House while adding seats in the Senate and battling for the White House in 2012.
One Washington Times reporter asked Gingrich about reports that he’s changed his position on several issues, including Libya and cap & trade. In reply, Gingrich insisted he’s always opposed cap & trade “in its current form” and noted that his opinion as “an analyst” on the situation in Libya changed as the situation unfolded.
Gingrich also insisted that if he were in Congress today he would vote for the Ryan budget resolution. “I am for the general direction” of the Ryan plan, he said, but added that he’s still “very worried” about specifics.
While a budget resolution may pass, the actual legislation required to make the necessary changes is a whole separate matter. “It should be a net asset to vote for a Medicare bill,” he said. Gingrich added that Congress is going to have to pass the budget while working on support for Medicare reform as a separate issue.
“Medicare is something people really take personally — you’re dealing with nitroglycerin,” he said.
“Seniors like to be told that they can choose, but hate being told that they must choose … Part of what I’m worried about is compelling people to adapt to radical change that has yet to be tested,” he added, noting the political advantage to starting off with voluntary programs that can better adapt to issues as they arise. “Medicare is something people really take personally — you’re dealing with nitroglycerin.”
With reports emerging that Democrats may use Gingrich’s own statement against Republicans in political ads, the former Speaker insisted that he would be happy to help battle back by appearing in Republican ads to explain how Democrats are trying to twist words and sell fear. The question came from Jim Hoft who captured Gingrich’s full response:
If the Speaker’s comments on the Ryan plan were perhaps “too strong” and not reflective of his true opinion, should voters be worried about Gingrich’s seemingly undisciplined messaging? “I probably shouldn’t have let Gregory set terms of the question,” he admitted. “Every once in a while” campaigns run into slip-ups and have to spend “three or four days fixing it.”
So, did Gingrich benefit from today’s clarification? Click over to the blog to see read my full take away.
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Comments (145)
Volsense
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 6:11pmNewt is just reinforcing that liberalism is a progressive mental disorder and he is not immune to the symptoms of entering the latter stages of the condition. The disease does not discriminate between the two parties. The stablishment republicans like Newt are directly responsible of making the political environment so receptive to letting an empty suit like Obama seize control and severely damage our country.
Report Post »jblovesAmerica
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 6:06pmonce again-from both sides of the aisle“i did not mean what i said”-“thats not what i meant to say”=these are suppose to be smart-smart means you know exactly what to say and when to say it before you open mouth. Too late for this guy. Reagan said never bad talk your party-broke the cardinal rule.
Report Post »Is he a RHINO as well?
Part of the establishment??
i want a person to stand at the podium and tell us”we are going to drill-mine-refine. we are bringing home our troops. we will destroy anyone and anything that threatens the USA. Our food will cost more than Oil-our military is for sale-you will pay-but once you call-3 days-its over-no kidd gloves.
Thats who I want-thats what America needs to lead us out of the hole.
glennisright.com
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 6:00pmPut a fork in him.
Report Post »clockwatcher
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 5:59pmNewt please go away, you and Sara are good people but no one cares. Your time has come and gone. Please don’t damage the party any more. We need people who can defeat the black jimmy carter and your not the one.
Report Post »mickrussom
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 5:57pmRINO socialist. Period. Most of the GOP is infected with RINO socialists. We need real TRUTH, FREEDOM, LIBERTY, FAMILY, CONSTITUTION AND PRO-USA candidates.
No more of these statist authoritarians. GET THEM OUT. Obama, Pelosi, Reid, RINOs, all must be thrown out.
Report Post »ChiroRef
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 5:57pmHe won’t get far without money/donations. Newt’s proven himself a RINO too many times to get any money from me, as I’d rather have a democrat ruin the country than a RINO.
Carter made Reagan possible. The current president will make the next Reagan possible if we are to have a chance. Newt ain’t it. Palin has the most experience, and reminds me more of Reagan than any other conservative, so until she officially denies running, the rest are wannabes.
Report Post »Flying Tigers
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 5:56pmNewt started strong and for many months, I have been most impressed by him and his books as well. I REALLY believed that he would make a very strong adversary to Obama during the debates. But now, I just can’t trust him. He STILL blows with the wind… When we need our best, the GOP is putting out one pathetic group! I still want Christie or even better, Allen West! FT
Report Post »chips1
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 10:54pmIt changes everyday. You won’t even recognize the list of people that will come and go between now and then. Wait till the next shocking moment. The best of the best will rise to the top and supprise everyone.
Report Post »thinkhard64
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 5:55pmI almost gave $ to him! Shame Newt…YOU are not on the side of the people!!!!
Report Post »Falcon11
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 5:53pm1. At all costs avoid shooting self in foot. 2. If accidentally shoot self in foot don’t reload.
Report Post »cabnetdude
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 5:51pmWe will NOT buy healthcare! Do you get it? Not from you or any other communist regime. This is too funny..these insignifcant politicians acting like real Americans are going to let the Constitution be shredded any further. Implement and backtrack all you want …the game is up for all your doubletalk.
Report Post »lisalake
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 7:03pmDitto that!
Report Post »smartgirl
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 5:49pmCan we take a chance on an Allen West? Not much experience and we’re seeing how that works out. On the other hand, Herman Cain looks good to me: His resume goes far beyond Godfather’s Pizza. I think we need some strong foreign policy experience to balance a Cain or a West – or even a Romney. I’d like to see John Bolton on a ticket.
Report Post »Mr. Nice Guy
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 5:48pmMr. Gingrich is a very smart man, as I said yesterday. I question whether he has America’s best interest at heart or the best interest of the (old guard) Republican party.
He will not not be elected president due to his personal baggage. There may be opportunities where his talents could be better utilized such as vice president or a cabinet position.
Report Post »smartgirl
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 5:45pmNewt has a lot of good ideas and could add “punch” to the GOP primary. Regrettably, instead of focusing on the many transgressions of the current administration, he’s decided to throw the conservative movement under the bus. Can’t blame it on the media: If he doesn’t know how to handle the media by now, he’s a slow learner. I fear he’s just out for himself and he has no chance of getting my support.
Report Post »Wolf
Posted on May 18, 2011 at 3:53pmNewt Gingrinch threw Conservatives under the bus a long long time ago. He’e been a RINO since he was first elected and his voting record shows it. He and ***** are twin suckups.
Report Post »Joan Of Argghh
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 5:43pmGonna have to call Bullsh*t on Newt’s spin attempt. It’s a glib piece of art, but it’s desperate.
Report Post »Highland
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 6:23pm>>>>>>his characterization of a ”radical“ policy of ”right-wing social engineering” was … aimed at … a broader idea of imposing an agenda on the electorate without first gaining their majority consent
When conservatives win the majority of seats in Congress, that means, essentially, the voters HAVE CONSENTED to their agenda. Newt is talking out of his rear end.
Report Post »searching for the Truth
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 5:39pmI liked the way West was pumping gas though!
Report Post »searching for the Truth
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 5:47pmYeah! That really made him shine.
Report Post »CatB
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 5:47pmWest 2012
TEA!
w
Report Post »cloudsofwar
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 5:36pmOpen mouth insert foot. It’s too late Newt.
Report Post »searching for the Truth
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 5:35pmNewt, I think you are brilliant. But some months seniors can hardly pay their electric bill.
Report Post »ryandaniel1980
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 5:35pmHis campaign has fizzled out in record time! I think this election is going to be so far to the right (and that’s not a bad thing) that anyone with a hint of RINO (Newt, Mitt, etc) won’t stand a chance in the primaries.
Report Post »TeaPartyPatriot
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 5:33pm“Newt’s Tuesday Blogger Conference Call”
I think at what’s called: “(Politically) Dead Man Talking”
or, “Zombie Speak”
Give it up newt, you’re one of the few people ever to commit suicide with his own mouth. My advice: Stay dead so you won’t make an even bigger fool of yourself and become an even bigger embarrassment to the Republican party.
Report Post »lisalake
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 7:02pmDead man Talking!! LOVE IT!! Bye Newt!!
Report Post »scuba13
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 5:31pmIt’s to late for back tracking now. I wouldn’t vote for him if a union paid me.
Report Post »momprayn
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 5:31pmRush gave some interesting thoughts as to why he said what he did today. He might be aiming for something post election, knowing he probably can’t win the nomination – to appease Moderates/academic establishment elites in order to be selected for some really important affluent job…..but he couldn’t be absolutely sure of course. He spoke with him about 6 wks. ago and he acted like he was a “shoe-in” for the nomination – ruling out the other candidates as unelectable for various faults that he saw….like taking it for granted. But as Rush says, you don’t win primaries that way & doesn’t make sense. He’s an enigma. Either way, all I know is I don‘t want an enigma and he can’t be trusted and is too much “let’s get along” Rino type. Not worried about him being the nominee.
Report Post »bitter clinger
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 5:31pmGingrich- McCain 1996 for the die standing in line RINO ticket.
Report Post »dscon
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 5:29pmRino.
Report Post »This clown is a co-opter!
tower7femacamp
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 6:42pmhttp://www.infowars.com/newt-gingrich-health-care-socialist/
Report Post »LibertyWon
Posted on May 18, 2011 at 12:54amYep, singlehandedly moved the Overton window when he exclaimed that we (republicans) need to move to the center back when he was speaker.
Report Post »hempstead1944
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 5:29pmOnce the rain has fallen from the sky…..It cannot be put back again.
Report Post »Entropy
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 6:00pmYou got it Hemp. You can’t put the genie back into the bottle. Gingrich is a big govt goon that wants to control every aspect of our lives. For that matter, ANY politician is a big govt goon by definition, or they would not be a politcian in the first place. He is done. Stick a fork in him.
Report Post »LibertyWon
Posted on May 18, 2011 at 12:45amIts been raining in his yard for a LONG time. Who did he endorse last fall, where has he stood on immigration reform, the list goes on and on. He would tell you the world is flat if it would keep him in office. I’d have more respect for the guy if he announced he was switching parties, not much, but more.
Report Post »Joseph28
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 5:27pmNope Gingrich Torpedoe’d himself. This isn‘t helping him as he looks like he’s playing word games. His best bet is to lay low and try to ride this one out.
Really hope Palin gets into the race.
Report Post »NOKOOLAIDDRINKER
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 5:33pmHe’s backpeddaling! Newt talks too much! He needs to keep it simple and keep it short!
Report Post »scuba13
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 5:33pmMaybe he can get Pelosi to sit with him on a couch and tell us that he’s not a RINO .
Report Post »NOKOOLAIDDRINKER
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 5:34pmI still won’t vote for him. My favorite is still Allen West! But I‘m afraid it’s going to be Miit Romney.
Report Post »momprayn
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 5:35pmMe too! Been a Palin fan for a long time….think she’s the answer and would be the top runner if/when she gets in – but that may be a little later on – she’s not conventional (which is one of the reasons I like her) and if she decides God wants her to run, she’ll jump in like she always has – & I heard an expert on these things saying she would do fine – she can get all the money she needs quickly and wouldn’t be a problem. She’s also the fighter & has the charisma. People have to understand that unexpected things will probably happen & change minds as who is best to run & I wouldn‘t be surprised if it’s Hillary that runs and not Obama. More reason for Palin.
Report Post »Eric_The_Red_State
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 5:58pmI think Newt has a firm grasp on the constitution and is one of the most intelligent candidate that I have heard.
Report Post »I hope he gets this figured out soon.
Newt over Romney? Yup.
Gold Coin & Economic News
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 5:58pmSorry Newt, you sank your ship on Sunday and you are part of the establishment we don’t like. You will never get my vote.
Report Post »Entropy
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 6:02pm@nokoolaiddrinker
Report Post »The people have to VOTE FIRST-get it. Nobody can pick the candidate for us. The Repub estab goons do not PICK the candidate for us. It is US that chooses the candidates in the primaries. I will NEVER vote for Mitt Romney and I will encourage my friends to reject that phoney RINO as well.
GulfPeg
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 6:03pmSounds like Newt learned from Obama. Obama makes a statement then says he hasn’t said it. Remember the mosque comments about ground zero?
Report Post »TNT1
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 6:10pmThey (the press) are already annointing Romney as the GOP candidate He gets in so does OBAMACARE
Report Post »SavingtheRepublic.com
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 6:15pmHe is going to be on constant damage control instead of campaigning b/c he is a career politician. Career politicians dont have a grasp on reality b/c they live in a bubble… rather fantasyland. Someone get him on the phone and explain to him he is not the “one” we are looking for. He is going to waste money and time for a role he will never get.
Report Post »BIGJAYINPA
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 6:29pmNO NEWT NO MITT I am so darn sick and tired of having to choose between Rinos and Progressive “Moderate” Republicans. I really hate it when we let the Lame Stream Media choose our candidates. They did us a real big favor with McCain/Oboma didn’t they?? If Allen West will not run then we must draft him and make him run. Only someone of HONOR who really doesn’t want the job will do for us what is needed. We must get rid of ALL career politicians and return to a Government “OF the People, BY the People, FOR the People” or we are finished as a nation.
Report Post »cheezwhiz
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 6:34pmHey Newt, when you sit on a couch with Piglossi,
Report Post »you get brain-cooties.
Guess they don’t teach you that in RINO school
cheezwhiz
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 6:36pm“I probably shouldn’t have let Gregory set terms of the question,” he admitted.
Report Post »—————
Maybe you should watch that clip of Bashir trying to ambush Breitbart and learn Newt
pajamash
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 6:36pmOK, as much as I hate Donald Trump for his blatent use of a Presidential Bid to pump up is TV ratings, I defended him when The Blaze asked “Is this Trumps Dean Scream”. I appreciate all that Newt has done, in the past, for the Republican party but he is NOT the right individual to go head to head with Obama. Blaze, Newt‘s appearance Sunday has the potential to be much more like a ’Dean Scream‘ than the Trump remarks you label as a possible equivalent to a ’Dean Scream’.
Report Post »tower7femacamp
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 6:38pmRon Paul or Nobody
Report Post »PATTY HENRY
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 6:41pmNEWT: What part of “Here is the door” don’t you understand? YOU leave, take John McCain, Lindsey Graham with you. WE ARE SICK of namby-pamby RINOs. McCain takes DEM (lily livered) position on “torture” ? now?? Saying that ‘we got info from detainee held in another country (really??? you dope. How’d you think THEY got the information that led us to Bin Laden) I am so sick of you go along to get along weak, PROGRESSIVE fools!!! YES…maybe we can get SARAH to RUN!!! PALIN/CAIN or PALIN/WEST or even PALIN/SANTORUM !!! BUT PALIN for sure!!!
Report Post »tower7femacamp
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 6:46pmOn April 20th, after a year-long undercover sting operation, armed federal agents acting on behalf of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) raided the business of Pennsylvanian Amish farmer Dan Allgyer to prevent him from selling his unpasteurized milk to willing, fully-informed customers in Maryland. Federal agents wasted a whole year and who knows how many of our tax dollars posing as customers in order to catch Allgyer committing the “crime” of selling his milk. He was not tricking people into buying it, he was not forcing people to purchase it, and there had been no complaints about his product. These were completely voluntary transactions, but ones that our nanny-state federal government did not approve of, and so they shut down his business. The arrogance of the FDA and so many other federal agencies is simply appalling. These types of police state raids on peaceful businessmen, so reminiscent of our tyrannical federal drug war, have no place in a free society.
http://www.infowars.com/ron-paul-the-milk-police/
we must stop these Nazis NOW !!!!
Report Post »only Ron Paul will stop them
Sinista MACE
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 6:46pmGo away, Salamand..I mean, Newt!
You slimy politician!
Report Post »thinkinghuman
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 7:32pmMaybe he can get Pelosi to sit with him on a couch and tell us that he’s not a RINO .
LOL
Report Post »In God We Trust Project
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 7:34pmNewt go home. It’s time to call it a day. You need to figure out who you are. The US is in need of strong men and women who know exactly what they believe and have true fear of the Lord. There is no more time for games. YOUR FIRED!
Report Post »charliemoss007
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 7:41pmThis T Party member believes that a T Party ticket of M Bachman/ S Paylin may just have a chance against the billion obamahussain dollars. Because Gaingrich is part of the old guard/boys club and knows the DC dance steps, I feel that he would turn his back on us once in office. If I am right about a 180 degree shift…well , america as we have loved it is then truely finished. Therefore, will not support the republican hirarchy for this man as obamahussain replacement option. But…thats just me. All due respect, Chuck Milton/charliemoss007
Report Post »restorehope
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 7:44pmIt‘s a good thing Newt’s real thoughts came out now and not closer to 2012. He looks weak conservatively for what he said and conversely, he will look weak if he tries to back-pedal. Either way, it’s a lose-lose situation for him. Maybe he should have used a teleprompter like our narcissist-in-chief? Bye-Bye, Newt.
Report Post »LibertariansUnite
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 8:13pmWhen you don’t vote for Ron Paul you vote for Romney.
Report Post »Atlas_Shagged
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 9:13pmThis faker obviously broke the hearts of some Blazers, do you not understand the BS being fed you by RINOs and the GOP in General? Wise up and elect the TEA advantage! We need to beat a black administration with Hillary, so I say go Woman-Black! Michelle/Alan 2012!
Report Post »donottreadonme
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 9:30pmThere is no riding this out.
Report Post »Bum thrower
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 9:43pmMe too; Newt; take a powder; you are toast. EVERYBODY send him a $0.50 campaign donation to his web site; it will cost him $0.60 to process the payment; Hey, RINO, how’s that “hope and Change” working out for you? Drop out…………….All you are trying to do is get yourself a big ‘pundit’ post at 6 firgures………….not on my dime………
Report Post »BSdetector
Posted on May 18, 2011 at 7:57amSorry Newt, we know you didn’t MEANT to say what you really think, but you did.
Report Post »Now stop wasting our time.