Politics

Will Gingrich’s Moral Failings Nix His Presidential Hopes?

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — The biggest obstacle to a Newt Gingrich presidential bid might be Gingrich himself.

The twice-divorced former U.S. House speaker has admitted an affair with a former congressional aide who is now his third wife. His career in Congress is remembered as much for his dramatic fall — the federal government shutdown, his censure and the loss of Republican seats in the House — as his rise. His polarizing style sometimes leaves would-be voters cold.

“I don‘t think it will be Newt’s moral issues that will keep him from winning the presidency,” said Tom Perdue, a Georgia-based GOP political strategist. “When he had a chance to govern, he proved that he couldn’t.”

Unlike many candidates, Gingrich won’t have to struggle to make a name for himself. People already know Newt Gingrich. What remains to be seen is whether that hurts or helps him.

“The problem for Newt may be that some voters know him too well,” said Ed Failor Jr. of Iowans for Tax Reform. “I think people can get past it, but it’s not going to happen overnight.”

Failor met with Gingrich on one of Gingrich’s recent trips to Iowa, the first-in-the-nation caucus state he has visited eight times since May 2010. The strategy Gingrich is using in Iowa provides a glimpse of how he might try to overcome his personal baggage to win the GOP nomination.

Gingrich, 67, is widely expected to take another step this week toward a run. Aides have been scouting venues in Atlanta for an announcement that will make clear he intends to run. That would make him the first Republican to get into the race, giving him extra time to answer questions about his past and then try to turn the focus toward issues.

Any doubts that his personal life would flare up were erased during a speech at the University of Pennsylvania last week where a student confronted him about the affair.

“I’ve had a life which, on occasion, has had problems,” Gingrich replied. “I believe in a forgiving God, and the American people will have to decide whether that’s their primary concern. If the primary concern of the American people is my past, my candidacy would be irrelevant. If the primary concern of the American people is the future … that‘s a debate I’ll be happy to have with your candidate or any other candidate if I decide to run.”

Supporters say he must take on his past directly, and quickly.

“I think those questions will be asked,” said Iowa House Majority Leader Linda Upmeyer, who is already backing Gingrich. “I think it’d be foolish to think: ‘Oh, that was a long time ago. They probably won’t think about that.’”

Not everyone is willing to let him off the hook.

“Newt Gingrich‘s election would send a terrible signal to anyone who’s working to live a morally upright life,” said Jerry Luquire, head of the Georgia Christian Coalition. “I would find it very hard to vote for him.”

But with the economy improving slowly and the Middle East in turmoil, voters might be more willing than they otherwise would to overlook his personal issues.

“I care about jobs, not who somebody slept with when,” said Lee Young, a 67-year-old retired farmer eating lunch at the Good Earth diner in Muscatine, Iowa.

Gingrich will face a key test with social conservatives when he returns to Iowa on Monday to address the state’s Faith and Freedom Coalition. Ralph Reed, the former head of the Christian Coalition and a fellow Georgian, said Gingrich could win his “fair share” of religious voters.

“People can be very forgiving and believe in redemption. … Newt needs to be authentic,” Reed said.

Gingrich has been traveling the country lining up support in recent months, but he has paid particular attention to Iowa, where he has already helped raise more than $250,000 for local GOP candidates and political groups.

The icy, flat farmlands there can be inhospitable to would-be presidential candidates in February. But Gingrich’s decades in politics have left him a well-traveled road map to power brokers in the state, and Iowa Republican Party Chairman Matt Strawn said he has been one of the most frequent visitors among likely GOP candidates.

“He’s been helping local candidates and the parties raise money and appearing at local grassroots events — the kinds of things you need to do in a caucus state like ours,” Strawn said.

It could be that kind of ground game that reintroduces him to voters, who remember him as the bomb-throwing leader of the fiercely partisan Republican revolution.

In recent years, Gingrich has become the Republican party’s wonkish policy guru. His grasp of the arcane was on display during a recent stop at the University of Iowa, where he was in his element among a crowd of doctors discussing electronic medical records, one of his pet issues.

Gingrich listened intently, rattling off questions even though he seemed to know far more about the issues than his audience.

Trauma surgeon Todd McKinley, for one, liked what he heard.

“I don’t agree with everything he said but I liked that he bases his arguments on reason and intellect, not anecdote and emotion,” said McKinley, who lives in Iowa City.

Supporters say Gingrich has the intellectual heft and long track record to counter Obama, who will be running with the powerful mantle of an incumbent president.

Gingrich also has plenty of money. His tax-exempt conservative group, American Solutions for Winning the Future, is a fundraising juggernaut that raked in $13.7 million in contributions last year, according to federal disclosure reports. It has allowed Gingrich to stay on the road, keeping his name and face in the news.

Though Gingrich is a consummate insider, he can also play to the anti-incumbent crowd by stressing his roots as the leader of the Republican revolution in the 1990s, in some ways the precursor to the tea party movement.

Gingrich has lived in Northern Virginia for more than a decade, but aides have been sizing up office space in Atlanta, and his old home state of Georgia is likely to play a pivotal role as he seeks to shore up support in the South and escape being labeled a Beltway insider. In recent years, Gingrich has been busy at the helm of his network of lucrative commercial and not-for-profit political ventures.

At a fundraiser for a state representative at a tiny community center in Fruitland, Iowa, Gingrich talked up his early support for ethanol to murmurs of approval. The stance earned him the wrath of The Wall Street Journal’s editorial board, which Gingrich brandished like a populist badge of honor to the plaid-shirted farmers.

And his message of personal responsibility seems to play well in the stoic Midwestern state. He sums it up this way: “Teach the values we believe in and look at the world that works. It’s pretty simple.”

“You’re guaranteed the right to pursue happiness, not the right to be happy,” Gingrich said. “There is no federal Department of Happiness.”

___

Online:

www.newt.org

Comments (190)

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  • BigBouy
    Posted on March 1, 2011 at 8:17am

    Your are right-you can’t trust a guy that cheats on his wife. You want to fool around-get a divorce.

    Report Post »  
    • dawg of gawd
      Posted on March 1, 2011 at 10:16am

      That’s gonna thin your conservative field quite a bit.

      Report Post » dawg of gawd  
    • Rothbardian_in_the_Cleve
      Posted on March 1, 2011 at 3:24pm

      Let he without sin cast the first stone. Can you trust a guy who has lied? How about a guy who has coveted? How about a guy who has take the Lord’s name in vain? Could we trust you? You know God doesn’t distinguish big sins versus little sins.

      We all sin. We all need Christ for redemption. We confess, we repent, and we pray for strenth and wisdom from the ordeal to not do it again. The difference between a Newt and a Clinton is Newt admits his error. He repents. He tries to be better for it. Bill…not so much. Either way, there is more to judging a man’s character than his rap sheet. Look at Paul (Saul). He was an awful man but the holy spirit took over his life. Just remember that the same forgiveness will be extended to you when you are judged that you gave to others.

      Now, all that aside…I don’t think Newt would be a good President. I share the sentiment that he’s going to drift too RINO for my tastes.

      Join the Ron Paul rEVOLution.

      Report Post » Rothbardian_in_the_Cleve  
  • mary78015
    Posted on March 1, 2011 at 8:16am

    We cannot bring God here to be our next President but we can elect somebody that has wisdom, experience, christianity and all the other qualifications that we do not have in the current President – no one we elect is going to be perfect but we will bring all the above in Newt Gingrich :)

    Report Post »  
    • Sinista Mace
      Posted on March 1, 2011 at 8:49am

      You’re delusional.

      We.

      Are.

      Not.

      Voting.

      For.

      Any.

      RINOS.

      Report Post » V-MAN MACE  
    • mary78015
      Posted on March 1, 2011 at 10:38am

      I agree about the rhinos – I would LOVE to have Sarah Palin or Chris Christi but will they run and can we get them elected!

      Report Post »  
    • Sinista Mace
      Posted on March 4, 2011 at 3:06pm

      They’re rinos too.

      Christie thinks illegal immigrants are illegal and that it isn’t a crime to be undocumented, and he wants gun control.

      Sarah Palin campaigned with Progressive McCain and supported his reelection bid. She is a religious version of Barack Obama, just like Huckabee.

      Report Post » V-MAN MACE  
  • heavyduty
    Posted on March 1, 2011 at 8:15am

    Really don’t care who runs, and wins. As long as they listen to the will of the people not just part of them, and as long as they believe in the Constitution.

    Report Post »  
    • Sinista Mace
      Posted on March 1, 2011 at 8:50am

      Please care, it is extremely important that you care.

      Don’t be deceived by RINOS like Gingrich, however.

      Report Post » V-MAN MACE  
  • Daryl Worley
    Posted on March 1, 2011 at 8:12am

    I am sorry. His past personal life has to be taken into account when considering to support him. It goes to judgment. If he will cheat on his wife then how can you trust him with the countries business.

    Report Post » Daryl Worley  
  • roadhog
    Posted on March 1, 2011 at 8:12am

    Last Election we had an old fool Mc Cain with the big mouth daughter. We can’t afford one more RINO
    Newt can do more for the country by helping more Republians to get elected.

    Report Post »  
  • sbenard
    Posted on March 1, 2011 at 8:06am

    My problem with Gingrich was when he abandoned his principles and endorsed Dede Scozafava in NY. Clearly, party means more to him than principles. In this day, that is inexcusable! I won’t vote for him. Period!

    Report Post » sbenard  
    • Shari912
      Posted on March 1, 2011 at 8:28pm

      Yes! Newt favored Scozzafava, and when she dropped out of the 2009 race because Independent Conservative Doug Hoffman was polling so well, she and Newt both supported Bill Owens, the Democractic candidate against Hoffman! That did it for me. I will NOT vote for Newt ever.

      Report Post »  
  • Paul G
    Posted on March 1, 2011 at 8:05am

    I know some might disagree but, as far as a moral compass…Newts no different than Edwards…except Newt did it twice. Divorcing your wife while she’s dying of cancer, doesn‘t put you far up my list of someone I’d vote for.

    Report Post »  
  • ofallon
    Posted on March 1, 2011 at 8:00am

    Newt Gingrich has a lot less baggage compared with President Obama. He seems to be one of the few candidates excited about running for the Presidency. Notice how many of the candidates are backing off and planning for 2016 and need their arm twisted.

    Chris Christie can go back to New Jersey for all I care. If he was a patriot he would recognize the danger we are facing and would be chomping at the bit to save our country.

    Newt can chew up the President in a debate and he loves our country.

    Report Post »  
  • Taxpayer550
    Posted on March 1, 2011 at 7:57am

    It won’t be his moral failings, but the fact that Newt is a soft-republican from the old days could hinder him from being elected. The days of trusting the democrat left to debate and draft honest legislation are over. They can’t be trusted and we need republicans with spines in office that will call them out.

    Report Post » Taxpayer550  
  • Rickfromillinois
    Posted on March 1, 2011 at 7:55am

    Newt is a brilliant man who has many good ideas. That being said I do believe that he has too much baggage to get elected. He would be an excellent presidential adviser though.

    Report Post » Rickfromillinois  
  • ares338
    Posted on March 1, 2011 at 7:53am

    Newt is not the one to run for president. If he does, it will be McCain all over again.

    Report Post » ares338  
  • derekcrane
    Posted on March 1, 2011 at 7:51am

    Republicans are not as forgiving of moral failings as are Democrats. Degenerates like Barney Frank and Gerry Studds can be re-elected ad infinitum by predominantly Democratic districts, however, the Mark Foleys and Larry Craigs are seldom re-elected. Gingrich has bigger problems than his personal failings. He often embraces policies, cap and trade for example, that betray conservative principles. I give him a 1% probability of receiving the Republican nomination for president.

    Report Post » derekcrane  
  • nostromo
    Posted on March 1, 2011 at 7:48am

    His time has come and gone. Only hubris motivates him and he apparently is willing to embarass both himself and the republican party by running. He should reread Charles DeGaulle’s famous quote that, “the graveyards are full of indispensible men” since Gingrich obviously believes he is indispensible.

    Report Post »  
  • gr8photoman
    Posted on March 1, 2011 at 7:47am

    Besides the whole baggage thing, he’s just not likable enough. He comes across as a smarmy, egocentric bully. That‘s not to say Obama isn’t, but in front of the camera as opposed to real life are two different things, perception is everything, and the media, will of course, play favorites.

    Then there is the whole green agenda non-sense with Newt. Honestly my respect for the man ended when he made that PSA spot with Pelosi a few years ago about how we all need to more green to “save the planet”. To me that was the moment he jumped the shark.

    Report Post » gr8photoman  
    • Geopatriot
      Posted on March 1, 2011 at 8:20am

      I’m going to play the advocate here. Newt knows what he’s talking about. He may appear as a “smarmy, egocentric bully” to you, but take the time to listen to what he’s actually saying. If you watched the CPAC speaches, how many speakers said nothing more than rhetoric? Newt actually had sometrhing more than hot air. Green Agena? Take a look at his proposed Energy Plan. All of the energy source cards are on the table, not just the green stuff. Wait until the debates, I think you’ll see what I mean.

      Report Post »  
  • SheriS
    Posted on March 1, 2011 at 7:46am

    For me, Mr. G is the most arrogant man I’ve listened to next to Obama! My prayer is that I am not faced with another McCain moment where I held my nose to vote! Feel the same way about Mr. G. He mades me disgusted with his holier than thou attitude! After his very checkered past, I could not vote for him and pray the rest of the party wakes up to the terrible candidate this would be for the party!

    Report Post »  
  • jenniferakagigi
    Posted on March 1, 2011 at 7:45am

    hey folks. I have been giving a lot of thought and prayer to who can win in 2012. I have always thought that Newt’s infidelity was a big negative, but if he can deal with it in an open and forth right way…I think he is an amazing speaker, knows history, knows how Washington works and would be a damn good debater against Obama. I like Chris Christie but he has small children so I dont think his wife wants him away to campaign and then move to DC…NJ still needs him! (I am from NJ) none of the other candidates so far have come to the top? (The media & nation did not care about Bill Clinton’s infidelity although I did & (lying under oath) Maybe we should give Newt a chance? Many of the others have high negatives…Huckabee, Romney, Palin…

    If our Constitution is correct…then We The People…should be able to stop what is going on in Washington by the elective process. Obama & his socialist agenda must be stopped! Stay informed and inform others! God Bless America!

    Report Post »  
  • emertz8413
    Posted on March 1, 2011 at 7:41am

    Well, he seems to say the right things. I believe he loves this country, which would be a blessing after this current communist. But, he certainly doesn’t give me a “thrill up my leg” and can he be more about the country and less about the party? I keep seeing him on the couch with San Fran Nan, BLAH. Then again, ABO, (anyone but obama)!!!!! I’m conflicted!

    Report Post »  
  • joeliberty
    Posted on March 1, 2011 at 7:38am

    Newt,

    You are a traitor and betrayed conservatives before! I warn people on here that the Republican Party is looking to set you all up again and they will do it by jamming Newt down your throat (just like they did with McCain) and he will probably have fake Sarah as his running mate! Go back to the BOHEMIAN GROVE Newt! That is where perverts like yourself like to worship and play!

    Report Post »  
  • QuietRiot
    Posted on March 1, 2011 at 7:36am

    He is smart and articulate but he is part of the past that cannot be brought back. We were entertained by Bill Clinton and his affairs so much we sought to get him out of office while the speaker of the house was having his cake on the side as well. He is one of the people of the 90s speaking moral values and having a good compass. Well we dont need to go back in his direction.
    Sorry Newt not on my ballot.

    Report Post »  
    • BehindBlueEyes
      Posted on March 2, 2011 at 8:25am

      I’ll take “90s speaking moral values” any day over what the “moral values” of today are.

      Report Post » BehindBlueEyes  
  • Geopatriot
    Posted on March 1, 2011 at 7:35am

    I challenge anyone that doesn’t think Newt should be our next president, to look at Newt’s websites (he has a couple) and read his latest books. I have! What you won’t find is empty rhetoric. You’ll find many sound proposals and “common sense” ideas. Since when does a common sense approach make you “Old School” or outdated? Also take a look at who achieved a balanced budget!!!!!
    If there is any doubt in your mind, wait till the candidates start to debate the issues! If Newt decides to run, I will do everything I can to support him.

    Report Post »  
    • Sinista Mace
      Posted on March 1, 2011 at 8:48am

      Good for you.

      Those of us with sufficient grey matter aren’t voting for any NEOCONS or RINOS.

      Report Post » V-MAN MACE  
    • Duddio
      Posted on March 1, 2011 at 12:48pm

      Gapatriot,
      I agree, the comments I‘m reading here show me that few if any on this page have read or followed Newt’s recent works. He has been studying workable solutions for the last two decades and educated himself brilliantly on the challenges America faces. After studying him for the last five years, I don‘t believe he is the same man morally that he was in the 90’s. Even James Dobson looked in his eyes and saw contrition and repentance.

      As a flawed and forgiven sinner myself, I hope that America is still a place where redemption can exists…. if not, why are you all reading Glenn Beck’s newssite? Glenn was as big a scumbag as Newt, but i don‘t believe he’s that man anymore. I will support Newt when he runs, and if he and Palin ever team up, I don’t care which one is VP, I’ll work for them!

      Report Post »  
    • SimpleTruths
      Posted on March 1, 2011 at 3:59pm

      @SINISTA MACE

      Good for you, better for you to sit this one out. In fact, why don’t all of you sit this one out, you have no electable candidate anyway. Now 2016, that’s a different story…can you say Jeb Bush?

      Report Post » SimpleTruths  
    • BehindBlueEyes
      Posted on March 2, 2011 at 8:11am

      @SimpleTruths
      If you think this country can “sit this one out” and wait for Jeb Bush in 2116 you haven’t been keeping up with current events.
      It’s time for you to wake up and smell the radicals.

      Wisdom is found only in truth.

      Report Post » BehindBlueEyes  
    • Sinista Mace
      Posted on March 4, 2011 at 3:10pm

      Sit this one out?

      No, thank you.

      I’m voting for Ron Paul, even if it means writing his name in because neocons won’t nominate him, even though he won CPAC by a landslide and has been reelected 11 times.

      I don’t want to say “Bush” anything.

      It makes my breath smell like poop.

      Report Post » V-MAN MACE  
  • BehindBlueEyes
    Posted on March 1, 2011 at 7:30am

    Newt is a brilliant guy and does come with baggage. But look at the guy he’d be running against. That would be the baggage and chief currently occupying our White House.

    Report Post » BehindBlueEyes  
    • Clive
      Posted on March 1, 2011 at 11:15am

      disagree, obama only has one wife, and a decent family. newt has exwifes, that he cheated on, one on her deathbed, he’s a dirtball. and if even republicans think he is a dirtball, independents surely will too. its over before it began.

      Report Post »  
    • bobodu
      Posted on March 1, 2011 at 7:09pm

      I give him until Friday to do something asinine on Craigslist…..

      Report Post »  
    • BehindBlueEyes
      Posted on March 1, 2011 at 9:53pm

      @clive
      That is true about Newt but I wasn’t referring to infidelity when I alluded to baggage the guy with the big ears has.

      Report Post » BehindBlueEyes  
  • LRC
    Posted on March 1, 2011 at 7:25am

    One would hope…crawl back into the cave Gingrich…we need new blood.

    Report Post »  
    • SunnyinVegas
      Posted on March 1, 2011 at 6:21pm

      Agree….Gingrich is a Rino and I think would cave to the liberals, and as said above, he has alot of baggage….I wouldn’t vote for Huckabee either, I’ve heard him say he has no problems raising taxes…this won’t happen till maybe 2016, but I like Chistie/West or Chistie/Cain. If you’re going to enter politics, you better not falter, because the people are more focused than we’ve been in 2 decades….we won’t put up with this crap any longer

      Report Post »  
  • Gonzo
    Posted on March 1, 2011 at 7:24am

    Newt I like you but, you have too much baggage. I believe you are a true conservative bu,t the press pulled the same number on you that they are using on Palin now. The infidelity is all on you. Just because most of the left’s heroes have been philanderers, doesn’t mean they will give you a break on it.

    Report Post » Gonzo  
    • Hephzibah
      Posted on March 1, 2011 at 11:37am

      Agree. The leftists are such hypocrites. They are all for every category of immoral, scumbag, selfish, evil, classless thing they can think up, yet they find one flaw or slip-up and hammer it until the herd of soundbite sheep buy into it. Their mantra was smoking = diabolical, abortion = wonderful, until the smoking hero came on the scene. Now how many MSNBC/CNN addicts even know he’s a smoker, much less care? (I wonder if he thinks it’s okay to smoke in our oval office…he seems to be proving he can do anything he darn-well pleases.) I asked my screamin’ lib co-worker why did they hate Sarah Palin so much for and she said, “Her daughter got pregnant while Palin claims to be so family-oriented.” Their logic is underwhelming.

      Report Post » Hephzibah  
    • sleazyhippo
      Posted on March 3, 2011 at 12:46pm

      Hephizba, and Gonzo, have a great day,
      I think you are exaggerating here – is it possible you do not respect the office? I understand how some people viscerally hate individuals but we American patriots respect our elected officials for their service.

      Report Post » MONICNE  
  • NickDeringer
    Posted on March 1, 2011 at 7:21am

    Sit down,Newt, your 15 minutes are up.

    Report Post » NickDeringer  
    • txbigfoot
      Posted on March 1, 2011 at 8:21am

      take a chill pill Nick
      you would rather have an admitted drug smoker/ blow user as POTUS

      Report Post » txbigfoot  
    • Sinista Mace
      Posted on March 1, 2011 at 8:47am

      Neocons say:

      “Anybody but Ron Paul. For the sake of our BS, anybody BUT Ron Paul.”

      Report Post » V-MAN MACE  
    • txrailroader
      Posted on March 1, 2011 at 9:02am

      Yes newt needs to sit down i don’t want to see him or huck they need to just sit down and be lumps on a log. also for you TXBIGFOOT some people did vote for that type of person his name is ah ah ah his name is oh well we won’t need to know that : )

      Report Post »  
    • WilmingtonNative
      Posted on March 1, 2011 at 3:33pm

      He already sat down! On the couch with Nancy Pelosi in that Global Warming ad. He’s unelectable. He doesn‘t stand a snowball’s chance in gaining the GOP nomination.

      He would make a really good Chief of Staff for the next POTUS though.

      Report Post »  
  • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
    Posted on March 1, 2011 at 7:17am

    Gingrich is of the old school; what we need now is people who will work to balance the budget, reign in the out of control government, and restore the constitution to what she is to be…the guiding light of the nation of law and order for all.

    Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • grandmaof5
      Posted on March 1, 2011 at 7:27am

      I agree, SNOW, I like Gingrich but my gut doesn‘t think he’s the right guy this go round.

      Report Post »  
    • Leavon
      Posted on March 1, 2011 at 7:36am

      Newt has no business running for President and deep down he knows it. I have no doubt that he could do a credible job at it but with all that is in his past he just isn’t electable. I think that there is a place for him on the staff but not President. He is too rooted in business as usual and has too many obligations from past associations that would prevent him from doing what needs to get done to fix this nation and our government.

      Report Post »  
    • cnsrvtvj
      Posted on March 1, 2011 at 7:36am

      Well said Snow, I also think Newt is too old school. We need someone that won’t polarize the system any more than it already is. I am hoping that we end up with a solid real conservative when the smoke clears. It should be interesting.

      http://www.donsmithshow.com – see the Obama Hypocrisy video

      Report Post » cnsrvtvj  
    • Nick Pable with Buckshot
      Posted on March 1, 2011 at 7:51am

      OK guys, nominations are now open – give us a list of who you think should run.

      Report Post » Jack of Hearts  
    • Jackers
      Posted on March 1, 2011 at 7:52am

      Please don’t run, Newt! Newt Gingrich is a beltway incumbent with a poor record, an open-border globalist, and too soft on too many serious issues such as illegal immigration… We need fresh faces; not the same old failures…

      Report Post » Jackers  
    • GrannyATL
      Posted on March 1, 2011 at 7:56am

      I live in Newt’s old Congressional district. He ran and pushed hard on “Family Values,” yet he was having an affair at the time. He was the epitome of a hypocrite. I lost all respect for him then and haven’t gained it back.

      The way I see it, you can’t have two sets of values. We need a president who will not be tempted to put his own values above those of his country.

      Report Post » GrannyATL  
    • quiet little lamb
      Posted on March 1, 2011 at 8:04am

      He’ll run to get the donations, but will drop out. Mark my word!

      Report Post » quiet little lamb  
    • ComeAndTakeThis
      Posted on March 1, 2011 at 8:18am

      Herman Kane for president.

      Report Post » ComeAndTakeThis  
    • PA PATRIOT
      Posted on March 1, 2011 at 8:22am

      @ Grandma and Snow,
      My sentiments agree with both of you,
      BUT, I would love to see Newt debate Obama.
      He would crush him with his knowledge. History and common sense
      That is Newts strenth!
      But I do not believe he is electible

      Report Post » PA PATRIOT  
    • Sinista Mace
      Posted on March 1, 2011 at 8:23am

      It’s absolutely hilarious that the MSM keeps putting forth these RINOS as if the people are even briefly entertaining them for the office.

      Gingrich is a joke, NOBODY IS GOING TO VOTE FOR THAT RINO.

      Ron Paul 2012.

      Report Post » V-MAN MACE  
    • Sinista Mace
      Posted on March 1, 2011 at 8:45am

      Hilarious!!!

      MODERATE MY COMMENTS I DON’T CARE!!

      I’m going to be heard, whether you like it or not.

      WE ARE NOT VOTING FOR ANY NEOCONS.

      INCLUDING GINGRICH.

      Ron Paul 2012.

      Report Post » V-MAN MACE  
    • AzDebi
      Posted on March 1, 2011 at 9:02am

      Newt is a BRILLIANT historian…he aught to get behind our Tea Parties, 9/12, AsAMoms, etc. and help us ROLL! The “organized” Left FEARS US! We need MORE BACKING from more high-profile people!!!!!!!!!!!!

      Report Post » AzDebi  
    • leftiesaredangerous
      Posted on March 1, 2011 at 9:43am

      @Sinista Mace

      Newt has a better shot than Ron Paul. In fact, I have a better chance than Ron Paul.

      Report Post »  
    • jblaze
      Posted on March 1, 2011 at 9:55am

      In the matter of Uriah and Bathsheba, David’s sin brought great shame to God’s name. God corrected him for this. He told David through Nathan the prophet, “Howbeit, because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme, the child also that is born unto thee shall surely die” (2 Samuel 12:14). David was king of the nation that belonged directly to God. As king, he was required to act in a manner that would bring honor to God. Today, if we claim to be one of God’s own, we must act in ways that bring honor to His name.

      The moral of the story: even though God forgives upon deep repentance and we must do the same less God forgive us, we still pay a penalty for that sin. In the end God did not allow David to build the temple because of all the blood on his hands, that honor was given to Solomon. Newt may be forgiven but the office he wishes to hold is not attainable.

      Report Post » jblaze  
    • Clive
      Posted on March 1, 2011 at 11:11am

      @PA PATRIOT
      crush him with his knowledge? obama is maybe the greatest speaker and debater of our time… and he has a phd in constitutional law. something tells me you invented a scenario in your mind that can’t possibly happen. you need someone smarter than newt. plus, like everyone else is saying, newt is a hypocrite, a scumbag, and is too infused in the old school beltway GOP. he’d probably be less fiscally conservative than GWB, and GWB was a big government republican.

      Report Post »  
    • Huckabee Gingrich 12
      Posted on March 1, 2011 at 11:29am

      Speaker Gingrich would make a very good President, but, an even better Vice President.
      Concerning his marital infidelities, yes it was despicable, but, he’s human. When Clinton was seducing a 22 year-old girl (seven years older than his daughter!) IN THE OVAL OFFICE, it was all good. It was his private life, remember? Gov. Huckabee will win the nomination because he is the only one who can defeat Obama, and I predict that he will choose Speaker Gingrich as his running mate. The sooner people come to grips with that, the stronger the party will be by next year. All this talk about “they’re old, we need fresh faces” is the kind of bunk that will lose us the election next year. It’s going to be Huck/Ging because us they’re the right guys for the job. You heard it here first. Start getting used to it.

      Report Post » Huckabee Gingrich 12  
    • BecksTheMan
      Posted on March 1, 2011 at 11:35am

      Gingrich has even bigger issues, he is very much part of the establishment, a member of the CFR and a major player (House Speaker) when NAFTA and GATT were passed which he pushed hard for.

      Report Post »  
    • GrannyATL
      Posted on March 1, 2011 at 11:37am

      Evileye, you’re right about the fact that many politicians have notoriously had affairs. What made Newt’s affair particularly glaring was that he helped bring in a GOP sweep based on “getting back to Family Values.” He stressed that over and over again.

      So, why would I trust someone who is portraying himself as the White Knight who will help turn our country around by bringing back Family Values while he’s simultaneously screwing someone on his staff? What does that say about “Family Vallues”?

      It’s the blatant hypocrisy that turned me against him. The “do as I say, not as I do” politician needs to be eradicated from our government. He needs to stay on the sidelines, cajoling and shining a light on important issues. He does not qualify to be our next President.

      Report Post » GrannyATL  
    • sleazyhippo
      Posted on March 1, 2011 at 11:45am

      Also Newt never lied (perjured himself) about extra-marital sex or girlfriend abortions, (he just will not answer questions) and although there is documented hypocrisy about his stand on divorces and military service and the fact that he quit Speaker of the House just before his expulsion, he is indeed a “human” candidate. Besides he always runs, and makes a pretty good profit from it. Trump does that too.
      Why is everybody picking on Newt ? – Don’t we remember the Clinton years? Newt is a strong Ultra Conservative Voice to the right of Reagan and Eisenhower – who could really tell us how we ought to live!

      Report Post » MONICNE  
    • BecksTheMan
      Posted on March 1, 2011 at 11:47am

      HUCKABEE GINGRICH 12,

      Your ticket would almost insure another 4 years of Obama. First you have Huckabee who doesn’t have any where near the resources to run against Obama who will have money funneled from so many directions and so many ways to his campaign from everywhere in the world. Then Huckabee will really be brought to task about all of those pardons he done of criminals while he was Governor. His defense of Michele Obama has also been really eye opening as all of the issues he chooses her war on obesity and defends her when she is being a total hypocrite and want to be dictator on. He is also very soft on immigration and he has no backbone and would in the least be perceived as really weak.

      Gingrich is a member of the CFR, pushed NAFTA and GATT as Speaker of the House etc. These guys will be at best spoilers who will insure another 4 years of Obama.

      Then you have Gingrich

      Report Post »  
    • butterfly53
      Posted on March 1, 2011 at 12:12pm

      He can’t win, so I don’t want him to run. He has way too much baggage.

      Report Post »  
    • ozchambers
      Posted on March 1, 2011 at 12:27pm

      Newt is not the guy. BUT he would be a valuable asset in the role of political advisor to the president or presidential candidate. He’s smart and saavy and has a wealth of experience in the political arena, but while he’s conservative, he’s not someone that I believe truly “gets it”. At least not completely.

      Report Post » ozchambers  
    • proudconservative
      Posted on March 1, 2011 at 12:32pm

      @HUCKABEE GINGRICH 12……Huckabee as governor supported a bill that would have granted in-state tuition to illegal immigrants. On crime he has a terrible record: 1,033 pardons and commutations He granted as governor. On economic issues: Huckabee his state budget grew from $6 billion to $16 billion. He is a big government tax and spend RINO in the true sense of the word.

      Gingrich has way too much baggage and is a committed Globalist and is a strong believer in global warming.

      Report Post »  
    • Ditto Head
      Posted on March 1, 2011 at 12:49pm

      @PROUDCONSERVATIVE

      Be that as it may, Huck is the right man for the job. I didn’t see you endorse anyone. Are you waiting to see who becomes the most popular? Mark my words: Huck will be the nominee. Concerning “global warming”, it’s coming loudly, irrespective of what you, Speaker Gingrich, or Vice President Gore have to say on the matter.

      Report Post » Ditto Head  
    • exdem
      Posted on March 1, 2011 at 1:05pm

      MORAL FAILINGS???
      Does he have a birth certificate??
      Is he a Muslim??
      Is he a Socialist??
      Does he like America??
      My expectations are getting lower and lower.
      Not for nothing but the MSNBC hype this week : Obama is such a formidable candidate , the republicans are afraid to run against him. He is unbeatable and thats why its taking so long for any republicans to throw their hat in the ring. I guess thats to be expected from State TV
      We need a TEA Party candidate– Allen West or Herman Cain

      Report Post »  
    • Libertyluvnmomma
      Posted on March 1, 2011 at 1:07pm

      Newt is a NEOCON shill, I ‘ll never vote for this degenerate. Feed the widows and orphans with your campaign money and do good for once.

      Report Post » Libertyluvnmomma  
    • banjarmon
      Posted on March 1, 2011 at 1:08pm

      Gingrich in not electable…but he has the best brain of the bunch and needs to be on the staff of the next POTUS.

      Report Post » banjarmon  
    • mamawalker
      Posted on March 1, 2011 at 1:15pm

      @ Nick – I am liking Cain and West

      Report Post »  
    • PA PATRIOT
      Posted on March 1, 2011 at 1:23pm

      @ CLIVE

      I am in total disagreement with your assessment that “Obama is maybe the greatest speaker and debater of our time”. It is obvious that you were (A) not alive or (B) did not notice the independent thought of the “Great Communicator” Ronald Reagan. Or (C) perhaps you did not get to witness first hand the skills of William Jefferson Blythe III (Slick Willy) Clinton who would have had Obama in a tongue tied silly fit! Both of these men would have made Obama look like an elementary school student at a spelling bee. Furthermore, your assessment that Obama is more qualified because he has a Ph D and is constitutional professor, compared to the background of Newt Gingrich is at minimum rude, if not disrespectful.

      Newt received a B.A. in history from Emory University in Atlanta in 1965. He received an M.A. in 1968, and then a Ph.D. in modern European history from Tulane University in New Orleans in 1971. A PhD History Professor, Gingrich taught history at the University of West Georgia. He also taught a class, Renewing American Civilization, at Kennesaw State University . He is probably one of the most educated and well-informed speakers I have ever heard (or read.) Personally, the debate would be a great competition, and could be compared to a story of good and evil, Moby Dick or The Old Man and The Sea. Newt would begin by shredding Obama’s health care initiative, and then move on to his foreign policy, (or the lack thereof). There is no doubt in my mind that Newt would be victorious against your “perhaps greatest.” I say look at the past and respect those who would have shown their talents as leaders, unlike Obama who cannot get the “Car out of the ditch” How rediculous is that? Call a tow truck, call AAA or my choice woudl be to get a winch and do it myself. You see, Obama has never had to make a payroll or sacrifice any of his wages so that his employees would go home with a paycheck. He has no idea of what it takes to run a small business, or what concerns most Americans face on a daily basis. I do know that Newt would be on the radical Muslims in a heartbeat. Because he knows that infidels are only a heartbeat away from being defeated.

      Although I personally do not believe that Newt is electable, I do believe he is a man on a mission to make America a better place and to expose the problems that face America. He is truly interested in making America the global leader it once was. Are we not taught to forgive?

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnCAjAVsM_E&feature=related

      Report Post » PA PATRIOT  
    • KHolmes
      Posted on March 1, 2011 at 1:43pm

      I like Newt but for President he is a Turd.

      Report Post »  
    • missionarydad
      Posted on March 1, 2011 at 2:03pm

      Not Presidential.

      Romney/Rubio 2012

      Report Post »  
    • Welcome Black Carter
      Posted on March 1, 2011 at 3:39pm

      Newt’s “moral failings” Would barely even qualify him for Government 101 were he a democrat. How does this compare to say, killing a girl by letting her drown rather than getting a DWI… how about cheating on your wife while you are the president… in the oral office, then lying about to the American people.

      Don’t let the media and democrats (rendundant, I know) pick the Replican candidate this time…

      Report Post » Welcome Black Carter  
    • Libertyluvnmomma
      Posted on March 1, 2011 at 4:42pm

      mark my words. Obama will win the next election. I will not vote for Newt, Romney or anyone just elected to governor since that is their primary role right now.
      Where does Ron Paul really stand when it comes to Israel?

      Report Post » Libertyluvnmomma  
    • PA PATRIOT
      Posted on March 1, 2011 at 5:07pm

      Welcome Black
      Or like Charles Rangel, or how about the courage of John Edwards.
      Leaves his dying wife for a new babe and baby!

      Report Post » PA PATRIOT  
    • go_osu
      Posted on March 1, 2011 at 7:02pm

      Anyone who pushes the global warming scam is either dumb or dishonest. Given a strong history of adultry I would say dishonest.

      I used to be a big Newt fan but no more. We can do better.

      Report Post »  
    • lillymckim
      Posted on March 1, 2011 at 7:24pm

      I will take Newt and his moral failings over Obama a devout socialist any day!

      Report Post » lillymckim  
    • stopspendingourmoney
      Posted on March 1, 2011 at 7:29pm

      Ron Paul has my vote for 2012 I think he is our last chance to save America.

      Report Post »  
    • fivebyfive
      Posted on March 1, 2011 at 8:58pm

      Newt would make a good VP
      Personally I like Thune

      Report Post » fivebyfive  
    • mrkeys1962
      Posted on March 1, 2011 at 10:36pm

      There is a lot I like about Newt. Personally I think it was so “republican” to throw him under the bus the way the party did when he was speaker of the house. He was so effective and so constructive that all it took was the democrat m.o. of shaming the republicans into submission and then the republicans doing there thing of being the party of apologists and feasting on their own. How much longer was it after that that Clinton did his whole perjury thing and all the other disgusting crap he did? How did they dem’s handle that one? They rallied behind him. Anyway, I digress…I’ve heard some things that Newt has said that bother me. He puts down some of the conservative movements and agenda. I don’t want him. However, have you guys checked out that Herman Cain guy?? I LOVE HIM! Saw his speech at cpac and the guy is awesome. They also would be incapable of pulling the race card out on this guy. Would love to see him and Obama going head to head. Here’s the link to his speech. If you haven’t seen it check it out. It’s awesome. http://www.theblaze.com/stories/did-herman-cain-give-the-dont-miss-speech-at-cpac/

      Report Post »  
    • sleazyhippo
      Posted on March 2, 2011 at 10:04am

      Scott Brown has been married once for 30 years, and he has his head on straight. But Newt will run again because last time he made $40 Million selling books and speeches. Everybody that runs, no matter how lame gets CPAC credibility and Talk Show invitations and Book Posting endorsement. Some like Newt become TV contributors, even though they left Government by quitting in disgrace.

      Report Post » MONICNE  
    • scoter
      Posted on March 2, 2011 at 4:33pm

      I just wont a REPUBICAN president. That dont lie. Obama Lies every time he talk’s

      Report Post » scoter  
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