So says The Politico
The surging Newt Gingrich has mastered debates — and disguise.
The debate part is clear: The former Speaker of the House comes to play and owns the stage with an uncanny capacity to connect with the grievances of conservative voters.
The disguise part is clear, too. Gingrich has used his debate skills — and his instinct to hit the raw nerves of conservatives — to camouflage considerable weaknesses as a candidate. The three wives, and cheating on and leaving the first two while they were ill; inconsistency on the most consequential conservative causes of the past decade; episodic bouts of self-importance severe even by politicians’ standards; and countless tales of erratic leadership in crisis.
“You lead with your strengths,†a top Gingrich adviser told POLITICO, “to minimize his weaknesses.†When Gingrich does this, the adviser said, “people are willing to overlook Newt’s past.â€
Does Newt have problems? Sure. What long time politician doesn’t. What human being doesn’t. Personally, I’m extremely leery of Newt’s past belief in using legislation and regulation to “fix” the climate change hoax. But, if anyone thinks leading conservatives/Republicans is easy, try rounding up 100 or so cats and getting them to do what you want. We don’t simply fall in line like those on the Left. And, yes, the ethics issues are troublesome. They are also in the past. People can change and reform. But, he has other problems
(You can see the full size over at American Perspective. I’m constrained by width limitations)
Let’s compare those issues to those of Newt Gingrich……well, there is no comparison. Newt has never wasted vast amounts of taxpayer money for political payback. He’s never run up $5 trillion in new debt. He’s never raised the deficit to historic levels. He’s never spent so much time partying, golfing, and vacationing on the public quarter. He’s never spent as much time campaigning rather than doing the job he was elected to do.
And if we want to get into Newt’s past, let’s talk about when he sat in a pew listening to an America hating, militant black liberation pastor. Or when he started his political career in the living room of an unrepentant domestic terrorist who wished that he had done more, and served with the guy on a Chicago board. And, we can talk about when Newt admitted to being involved with a felony, namely, snorting cocaine. Wait, those aren’t Newt’s problems? Goodness.
Look, I’m no Newt fan. Never have been. I believe he holds many progressive policy stances mixed with conservatism. I really just don’t trust the guy, more than I usually do not trust politicians. But, Gingrich is one heck of a debater, and when he gets into his conversationalist professorial mode, there are few in politics better. He tends to come off well on camera, which will help in debates against Obama, if he gets the GOP nod. And he won’t let Obama’s issues go, both background and governmental. That is one huge benefit of Gingrich being the GOP nominee. He won’t back off when the media and liberals start whining about Newt being mean and potentially “raaaaacist.” He’ll point out they are attacking Newt, and go on the offensive.
Crossed at Right Wing News and Stop The ACLU.
The economy is recovering.
The Supreme Court will uphold Obamacare.
The GOP is coming off as rich people…..even though John Kerry WAS WORTH well more then Romney was when he ran in 2004.
In short the window of opportunity is closing fast for defeating democrats and taking back the senate. In fact by November the GOP might well lose seats in the house and gain just a couple more senate seats and lose the presidency.
Santorum is the only candidate in the field that has any chance at beating Obama and bringing the GOP victory in November.
Why the party is bent on selecting a smooth talking ex politician who has more baggage then even Jerry Springer would dare put on his show is beyond me.
Newt is a bonafide disaster for the GOP if we vote this guy the nomination. Yes he says things we all like and are thinking ……but they are unworkable and unworkable plans….even though at least they are plans………are losers…….
As Alinsky says……Never let them pin you down on what you would do……..
Obama has mastered that…..Gingrich has not……look at the heat 9-9-9 took and NOW with its advocate gone……9-9-9 is no where to be found or even talked about.
Come on people…..ante up and put Santorum at the front because even though he is a social conservative he is also a fiscal conservative and he does not have the baggage newt or romney has.
But of course we are the GOP….a party being torn asunder by libertarians…who believe that if you have any stated social position you are Hitler…..so again we lose……
but at least we stuck to our principals as the commies take back the government we can thank the “true conservatives” for our loss……Libertarians.