Politics

Why Is Tom Brokaw Accusing Gingrich of Republican ‘Jihad?’

Tom Brokaw, the famed journalist who anchored the “NBC Nightly News” from 1982 until his retirement in 2004, made an appearance yesterday on both NBC’s “Today” and MSNBC’s “Morning Joe.” During his analysis of the 2012 campaign, Brokaw likened the ongoing attacks being waged on Mitt Romney by his fellow candidates to “the Republican Party equivalent of a jihad.”

Here’s the full quote the newscaster gave first on “Today”:

“It’s the Republican Party equivalent of a jihad….the real danger for the Republicans is that it will deeply divide the party at a time when they want it to be united.”

In addition to using the word “jihad,” which is denotatively defined to mean, “a holy war undertaken as a sacred duty by Muslims,“ Brokaw repeatedly referred to Romney as ”George Romney.”

When he was corrected, he laughed the blip off, calling it a “generational slip.” Considering that Romney’s father, George, ran for president in 1968, this is certainly a fair explanation. The use of the word “jihad, though?” Well — you be the judge.

Watch Brokaw make his comment about the purported Republican “holy war,” below:

Of course, it didn’t end there. Brokaw must have been so captivated by his analogy, that he used it a second time on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe.”

“You’ve got what appears to be a Republican equivalent of a jihad underway down in South Carolina with Governor Perry and Speaker Gingrich going hard after Mitt Romney,” he said.

Watch Brokaw below (a clearer version of the clip is present here):

Comments (77)

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  • symphonic
    Posted on January 13, 2012 at 1:15pm

    I just think these guys are amazed at what is going on. I am a Ron Paul supporter. But when they go after Mitt in this manner, and I truly can not stand watching Newts FAKE obligatory smiles when he does an interview, its as if he thinks everyone is just stupid and will buy into that (many do, unfortunately), but he is a weasel, a hypocrite, and too many negative pejoratives to list LOL,

    …it is no wonder that even the liberal left is amazed. They are talking about it. Its news. Its amazing. It would be as if Michael Moore started talking about capitalism as the BEES KNEES.

    Report Post » symphonic  
    • DrFrost
      Posted on January 13, 2012 at 2:48pm

      Romney could put a stop to the PAC that was attacking Newt. Everyone knows that. Period. End of discussion. But he didn’t. Why? Obviously because he thought it would increase his chances at winning. What is far far worse, however, is that he pretends to have no influence over it.

      Newt is going to return the favor. But he’s not pretending to have no influence over this situation.

      So Romney is a liar (we knew that) and Newt is not above getting down in the mud with his opponents (we knew that too). What we didn‘t know is Newt’s lack of understanding when it comes to how capitalism works.

      My biggest problem with Romney is trust. This situation decreases my trust in him because, once again, he’s lying to the American people. I’ve had far FAR more than enough of that.

      My biggest problem with Newt is the baggage he would bring to the general election. This situation doesn’t really decrease or increase my opinion of him on that regard but simply demonstrates the issue. Obama‘s people are going to do the same thing that Romney’s people are doing right now. Newt is still the smartest man running. Newt is still the only candidate I’ve heard put a valid plan forward to deal with some of our most serious issues like activist judges.

      If I take Ann Coulter’s approach, pick the two biggest issues facing our nation and decide who would solve those issues the best, I start with different issues and I end with a different answer.

      Report Post »  
    • TROONORTH
      Posted on January 13, 2012 at 8:48pm

      Who is Tom Brokaw?

      Report Post » TROONORTH  
    • Secret Squirrel
      Posted on January 14, 2012 at 5:27pm

      .
      “Why Is Tom Brokaw Accusing Gingrich of Republican ‘Jihad?’”
      Because he’s a socialist and wants to destroy America.
      Like the rest of the MSM.

      Report Post » Secret Squirrel  
  • broken1
    Posted on January 13, 2012 at 12:29pm

    I thought that tiny tom brokejaw went the way of that other libdolt journalist/teleprmpter reader peter jennings. This is why this moron and the obama buttsniffer that replaced him get turned off in my house when they come on. He is so in the tank for obummer that he will say anything to make sure that the republican that he can beat in the general get the nomination. Here is a tip tommy free of charge. You can’t use the word jihad ok. Not only does it make those in your favorite presidents administration get the vapors it sends the terrorists who want us dead crying like the little devils that they are. I know that this is hard for a leftist dumbass like you to grasp seeing as how you and the rest of the msm have your lips firmly on odumbo’s butt. You know that any of these guys except romney and huntsman would take your boy to the woodshed. So tom go away and STFU.

    Report Post »  
    • Ruler4You
      Posted on January 13, 2012 at 12:38pm

      Brokaw is a tool of the communist left and always has been. If he ‘said’ it, you can bet it’s a lie.

      Report Post » Ruler4You  
  • rdk
    Posted on January 13, 2012 at 12:07pm

    The attacks by Gingrich and Perry do fit the analogy of Jihad. Gingrich should now be kicked out of the Republican Party and Perry should be careful that the Texans may not him reenter his state.

    Report Post »  
    • symphonic
      Posted on January 13, 2012 at 1:10pm

      Gingrinch is a traitor to his base.

      Report Post » symphonic  
    • cstinem
      Posted on January 13, 2012 at 1:35pm

      Really? Where was all this angst when Gingrich was getting pummeled (worse I might add) in Iowa? Where was BrokeAh then? Why wasn’t he worried how Romney was tearing apart the Republican party then? Oh that’s right he is part of the media and everyone knows they want Romney. If Romney gets the nomination it will be 2008 all over again.

      Report Post »  
  • Todd P
    Posted on January 13, 2012 at 11:48am

    He had to find a new context for the word “Jihad” since BHO says Islam is not at war with the USA.

    Report Post »  
  • truthisbrawn05
    Posted on January 13, 2012 at 11:25am

    What an idiot! Why would you say that? A jihad? God help us all. Human depravity on display.

    Report Post » truthisbrawn05  
    • ron2win
      Posted on January 13, 2012 at 3:45pm

      Being the left wing lybril that he is ,he is trying to
      MSM the word .So they all can use it in a disparaging manner towards repubs.They are always thinking.If i ever run in to any of these old fools in person .you can rest assured it would be the equivalent to code pink running into Ann Coulter.

      Report Post »  
  • NeoFan
    Posted on January 13, 2012 at 11:12am

    Nobody with a brain pays any attention to these people. The only qualifications they have is a serious speech impediment and a hatred for our country.

    Report Post »  
  • boca_chica
    Posted on January 13, 2012 at 10:42am

    Since the progressive media controls most of the air waves, they can say pretty much anything they want and not be called on it-who’s goimg to challange them? Fox-maybe, sometimes and a few radio and internet sites. Remember, these people read what is placed on their teleprompter-this is not out of their own mouths, like believing everthing a hollywood star says must be the truth. Actors are just that-actors. Singers are just that-singers…this is how they made their money-talent, not brains. Brokaw is just another weak-minded person who fell for the crap he was told to spout on tv and learned to love it. Brainwashing comes in many forms.

    Report Post »  
  • Deckle
    Posted on January 13, 2012 at 10:35am

    Poor Tom, he has been in the media so long he has become like them “Stupid”. Such a sad case of “you become who you associate with”

    Report Post »  
  • 321481
    Posted on January 13, 2012 at 10:34am

    Now left wing media guy Brokow is protecting Romney, there is somethng wrong with this picture.

    Report Post »  
    • FranciscoDAnconia
      Posted on January 13, 2012 at 11:23am

      Romney is being attacked for being a capitalist. I thought that conservatives were for capitalism. I think Brokaw hit the nail on the head. There is a divide forming so pick your side. I choose to be a capitalist. And I am now against Newt, Perry, and Huntsman for attacking capitalism.

      Report Post »  
    • symphonic
      Posted on January 13, 2012 at 1:12pm

      I am against Newt, Perry, too, and I do not believe that Huntsman took a stand against capitalism, how could he anyway, that family is billionaires on the backs of capitalism so… and Newt and Perry, they know the government methods, and that is ALL.

      Report Post » symphonic  
  • 321481
    Posted on January 13, 2012 at 10:29am

    This is all hard ball politics, which is nothing compared to what Obama will do to the Rep. Prez. nonminee. Lets suppose Romney becomes the rep. nominee, the similarities betweem Obama and Romney are surprising, there is ObamaCare v. RomneyCare, then their is the Auto Bail out v. Bain, they are both Harvard grads, they are both rich and protected by their surrogates,even when it comes to abortion, they both flip flop like a pancake on the subject, just where does the common, everyday American fit in here. They both can not relate to us. The differences are not great enough to give the majority of Americans a real choice.

    Report Post »  
    • qpwillie
      Posted on January 13, 2012 at 11:20am

      @recoveringneocon

      The economy is nothing more than a symptom of the plan 0bama is carrying out. Stop the plan and the economy will heal itself.

      The Paulies not understanding what’s going on and their being misguided by the likes of Alex Jones is the root of their screwed up view of things.

      Report Post » qpwillie  
    • recoveringneocon
      Posted on January 14, 2012 at 2:14pm

      Senator Jim Demint – GOP Should Listen To Ron Paul
      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJKt6Ocnivg

      Report Post » recoveringneocon  
  • qpwillie
    Posted on January 13, 2012 at 10:17am

    Ever since before the candidates announced their intentions to run, the Paulies have spent a good 90% of their internet posts attacking and trashing ALL the others. Nobody is more guilty of that than they are.

    Newt feels he was crossed when Romney’s negative ads caused him (Newt) to lose his position in the polls. I’m afraid getting even with Romney has became more important to him than defeating 0bama.

    Report Post » qpwillie  
    • recoveringneocon
      Posted on January 13, 2012 at 10:45am

      qpwillie
      and you spend 99% of your time attacking the Paulist, so what is your point? Its part of the Process willie, nothing new here. Get over it and tell us why we should support your Candidate.

      Report Post » recoveringneocon  
    • qpwillie
      Posted on January 13, 2012 at 10:48am

      @recoveringneocon

      As far as I know the “Paulists” are not running for anything.

      Report Post » qpwillie  
    • recoveringneocon
      Posted on January 13, 2012 at 10:52am

      Ok Willie you asked for it
      Ron Paul on spending.

      Cuts $1 trillion in spending during the first year of Ron Paul’s presidency, eliminating five cabinet departments (Energy, HUD, Commerce, Interior, and Education), abolishing the Transportation Security Administration and returning responsibility for security to private property owners, abolishing corporate subsidies, stopping foreign aid, ending foreign wars, and returning most other spending to 2006 levels

      Report Post » recoveringneocon  
    • recoveringneocon
      Posted on January 13, 2012 at 10:53am

      Ron Paul on REGULATION:

      Repeals ObamaCare, Dodd-Frank, and Sarbanes-Oxley. Mandates REINS-style requirements for thorough congressional review and authorization before implementing any new regulations issued by bureaucrats. President Paul will also cancel all onerous regulations previously issued by Executive Order.

      Report Post » recoveringneocon  
    • recoveringneocon
      Posted on January 13, 2012 at 10:54am

      Ron Paul on MONETARY POLICY:

      Conducts a full audit of the Federal Reserve and implements competing currency legislation to
      strengthen the dollar and stabilize inflation.

      Report Post » recoveringneocon  
    • recoveringneocon
      Posted on January 13, 2012 at 10:54am

      Ron Paul on TAXES:

      Lowers the corporate tax rate to 15%, making America competitive in the global market. Allows American companies to repatriate capital without additional taxation, spurring trillions in new investment. Extends all Bush tax cuts. Abolishes the Death Tax. Ends taxes on personal savings, allowing families to build a nest egg.

      Report Post » recoveringneocon  
    • recoveringneocon
      Posted on January 13, 2012 at 10:55am

      Ron Paul on CUTTING GOVERNMENT WASTE:

      Makes a 10% reduction in the federal workforce, slashes Congressional pay and perks, and curbs excessive federal travel. To stand with the American People, President Paul will take a salary of $39,336, approximately equal to the median personal income of the American worker.

      Report Post » recoveringneocon  
    • recoveringneocon
      Posted on January 13, 2012 at 10:56am

      Ron Paul on ENTITLEMENTS:

      Honors our promise to our seniors and veterans, while allowing young workers to opt out. Block grants Medicaid and other welfare programs to allow States the flexibility and ingenuity they need to solve their own unique problems without harming those currently relying on the programs

      Report Post » recoveringneocon  
    • qpwillie
      Posted on January 13, 2012 at 10:58am

      @recoveringneocon

      I didn’t ask for anything. Especially the same old copy/paste stuff.

      You don‘t understand that someone can support a candidate without thinking he’s the only one in the world who is worth any amount of support. The worst of the lot would be infinitely better than allowing 0bama to complete what he has started.

      Report Post » qpwillie  
    • recoveringneocon
      Posted on January 13, 2012 at 10:58am

      Dr. Paul is the only candidate with a plan to cut spending and truly balance the budget. This is the only plan that will deliver what America needs in these difficult times: Major regulatory relief, large spending cuts, sound monetary policy, and a balanced budget.

      Thank you Willie for this opportunity to talk about Ron Paul. Please bring him up every chance you get.

      Report Post » recoveringneocon  
    • recoveringneocon
      Posted on January 13, 2012 at 11:04am

      willie
      This is where you are mistaken. It’s not about the Candidate, it’s about the message and movement. It’s about Liberty and Freedom. Look how the other Candidates are picking up on the movement. We have already Won.

      Report Post » recoveringneocon  
    • I.Gaspar
      Posted on January 13, 2012 at 11:20am

      Recovering:
      Nobody wants your cut and paste spam. You come off as an idiot.

      Report Post »  
    • recoveringneocon
      Posted on January 14, 2012 at 2:20pm

      I.Gaspar
      You sound a lot like BHO, he doesn’t like people to be informed either
      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rB0Paw-bNSg

      Report Post » recoveringneocon  
  • Carlinpa
    Posted on January 13, 2012 at 10:13am

    Senility has certainly set in, or he is just a plain evil liberal. Funny how these liberals completely avoid saying anything to acknowledge that there are muslims in an actual jihad against us, but have no problem calling fellow countrymen men jihadist? That IS evil. calling things that aren’t as though they are.. they all have the same spiritual father ..

    Report Post »  
    • SoupSandwich
      Posted on January 13, 2012 at 10:37am

      Perhaps Brokaw should get out of the lime light and stick to print as he has advanced in age-but NBC has their claws in him still. He is a decent old dude, left sure but not too far like the new democrats that sold out to the socialists and progressives. Digress. Brokaw got the DDay museum in NO funded again after Katrina, and donated big prior to that. He ain’t likely to vote repub no, but he is not a frickin Mathews type.

      Report Post »  
    • ron2win
      Posted on January 13, 2012 at 3:56pm

      @ Soup
      He is just as bad if not worse.He lends them long standing credibility.He is either in or out .Half way in the boat still sinks it.They are all in a clique in N Y ,say something against the grain and your off the party circuit list.

      Report Post »  
  • The_Jerk
    Posted on January 13, 2012 at 10:10am

    Proof that the progressives want Romney.

    Report Post »  
  • quicker
    Posted on January 13, 2012 at 9:53am

    You mean old Tom Brokenjaw is still around.Well I don`t believe he is relivent.

    Report Post » quicker  
  • recoveringneocon
    Posted on January 13, 2012 at 9:52am

    Does this label newt and perry as Terrorists under The National Defense Act? Could you imagine being in a cell between these two?

    Report Post » recoveringneocon  
    • SoupSandwich
      Posted on January 13, 2012 at 12:00pm

      Could you imagine being in a cell between Rev Al and Rev Wright with Rev Jesse across the way when the screws messed up and brought kosher meals? The horror.

      Report Post »  
  • nocalifornia
    Posted on January 13, 2012 at 9:44am

    This from the poster boy of the liberal media, as Stossel would say “give me a break”.

    Report Post » nocalifornia  
  • SheriS
    Posted on January 13, 2012 at 9:31am

    I totally agree with Tom! Gingrich and Paul are out to deminish everyone else on the candidate platform—it is all about them and who cares about the rest of the field! Well I will not vote for either of them and will do all I can to see them out of the field as both are very dangerous and their ideas will not work should they become the candidate because no one but a devout Repub will be voting for them! Tom Brokaw totally nailed this and if you don’t believe it, just watch what will happen in the days ahead–I will be happy to accept your apology as the Repubs are crashed and burned by the two thugs who will never be elected becaise they eliminated all the independent votes with their wild thinking and words!!

    Report Post »  
    • The_Jerk
      Posted on January 13, 2012 at 10:12am

      Spoken like a true progressive.

      Report Post »  
    • Babeuf
      Posted on January 13, 2012 at 10:26am

      Good luck with Obama!

      Report Post » Babeuf  
    • recoveringneocon
      Posted on January 13, 2012 at 10:49am

      SheriS
      Same as I told wille
      Its part of the Process Sheris, nothing new here. Get over it and tell us why we should support your Candidate. What is your 1st election?
      Here is Paul’s scary PRO-AMERICA FOREIGN POLICY

      * Make securing our borders the top national security priority.
      * Avoid long and expensive land wars that bankrupt our country by using constitutional means to capture or kill terrorist leaders who helped attack the U.S. and continue to plot further attacks.
      * Guarantee our intelligence community’s efforts are directed toward legitimate threats and not spying on innocent Americans through unconstitutional power grabs like the Patriot Act.
      * End the nation-building that is draining troop morale, increasing our debt, and sacrificing lives with no end in sight.
      * Follow the Constitution by asking Congress to declare war before one is waged.
      * Only send our military into conflict with a clear mission and all the tools they need to complete the job – and then bring them home.
      * Ensure our veterans receive the care, benefits, and honors they have earned when they return.
      * Revitalize the military for the 21st century by eliminating waste in a trillion-dollar military budget.
      * Prevent the TSA from forcing Americans to either be groped or ogled just to travel on an airplane and ultimately abolish the unconstitutional agency.
      * Stop taking money from the middle class and the poor to give to rich dictators through foreign aid.

      Report Post » recoveringneocon  
    • SamIamTwo
      Posted on January 13, 2012 at 11:40am

      Gingrich is attacking capitalism.

      Report Post » SamIamTwo  
    • progressiveslayer
      Posted on January 13, 2012 at 1:54pm

      SHERIS aka Meghan McCain

      Report Post » progressiveslayer  
  • SpankDaMonkey
    Posted on January 13, 2012 at 9:26am

    .
    Please put your head back in your ass……

    How do these people get their hair to look so good? I’ve heard Ass Hat is as hard to control as Helmet Hair…..

    Report Post » SpankDaMonkey  
  • ares338
    Posted on January 13, 2012 at 9:16am

    If this fool is retired, why does his still give his useless opinion?

    Report Post » ares338  
    • ashestoashes
      Posted on January 13, 2012 at 9:35am

      Who owns the media in the US? They play everyone..this is more likely playing you so that you will side up with Newt..The truth is…these are all bought and payed for actors by the guys and the gal running the show..There is only one who is for the people..These others are totally in it for themselves..

      Report Post »  
  • Detroit paperboy
    Posted on January 13, 2012 at 9:10am

    On a lighter note, Rick Perry,dressed in black spandex, jogged into South Carolina, pledged to re unite them with North Carolina, saying , its time for this war to end..

    Report Post »  
    • thegrassroots
      Posted on January 13, 2012 at 9:36am

      THIS from the man who wrote so Brilliantly about the Bold and Courageous and “Don’t Tread On Me,” Greatest Generation!

      I Am Amazed that Tom isn’t realizing that THIS Is America Vetting Its Candidates! After all the shaking and when the right person is left standing — THEN America Will Unite Behind Their Candidate.

      I Am Amazed that Tom Brokaw is asking America to adopt a BHO-Lemming-Like modus operandi.

      Tom was better heard, when he wasn’t saying anything. With all due respect, Tom, you have just lost America’s ear.

      God Bless You, Sir!

      Report Post »  
  • jujubeebee
    Posted on January 13, 2012 at 9:09am

    Brokaw needs to get over himself. We are not all enamored with his celebrity. At this point in time there probably needs to be 5 parties….far left, moderate left, independent, right, and far right. The talking heads block everything into democrat and republican. What Newt is doing here is being an independent. If going along with the republicans means agreeing 100% with everything………none of us agree with either side 100%~whether democrat or republican. Just because Romney was in the business world doesn’t mean he should be the perfect candidate in a time when we need businesses to take off and create jobs. It is more complicated than that and most people know this. Brokaw has a leaning to one side and we all know that. We are tired of being told how to think by people like Brokaw who think they can do that to us. It is time to just let it all out…….on all sides and let the people decide with all of it out there. Some of those people will have no clue but others do and hopefully more will be on the side of examining every issue and not being the followers that those in power are counting on. We all need to be leaders because following the Brokaws or any of the others will not yield a better government. We need to examine all of this on our own and make our own decisions. Obama only appeals to the followers ~ with the soundbites he uses that is so obvious.

    Report Post »  
    • thegrassroots
      Posted on January 13, 2012 at 9:46am

      Well Said, jujubeebee!

      Report Post »  
    • Wakeup Maggie
      Posted on January 13, 2012 at 10:30am

      Agreed! The problem is not the Rs having the debate…the problem is the sheeple who follow the “journalist” of the msm–that are in the pocket of a radically leftist administration…who are being run by unions.

      Report Post » Wakeup Maggie  
  • Tri-ox
    Posted on January 13, 2012 at 9:03am

    Uh, WHY? Because Brokaw is a typical, ignorant, flaming obama-liberal.

    Report Post » Tri-ox  
  • righthanddrive
    Posted on January 13, 2012 at 9:01am

    WOW! Mr. Brokaw is so clueless!

    Report Post »  
  • progressiveslayer
    Posted on January 13, 2012 at 8:59am

    Brokaw repeatedly referred to Romney as ”George Romney.”

    Tom it’s time to park the bus.

    Report Post » progressiveslayer  
    • I.Gaspar
      Posted on January 13, 2012 at 11:22am

      His bus should have been parked long ago. Nothing worse than seeing a blithering, senile has been lib getting airtime.

      Report Post »  
  • UBETHECHANGE
    Posted on January 13, 2012 at 8:57am

    A really bad analogy, but what do you expect from commie Tommy.

    Report Post »  
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