Newt Breaks Down on Stage Over Question About His Late Mother

DES MOINES, Iowa (The Blaze/AP) -- Newt Gingrich choked up and wiped away tears while recalling his late mother's struggle with depression and mental illness.

Speaking at an event with mothers in Des Moines, Iowa, on Friday, the former House speaker said his focus on brain science issues stems directly from "dealing with the real problems of real people in my family."

After showing his emotions, Gingrich allowed that he does "policy much easier than I do personal."

Politico reports:

A drastic departure from his usual image as a stoic, policy-drive candidate, Gingrich cried more than once in recalling how even today he still cries when he sings Christmas carols. GOP pollster Frank Luntz asked the tear-evoking question.

The moment was reminiscent of Hillary Rodham Clinton's teary-eyed response to a question just before the 2008 Democratic primary in New Hampshire. The moment was credited with humanizing her in the eyes of voters.

Gingrich has fallen in recent Iowa polls, with the state's caucuses just several days away.