Gingrich: '12 is Different
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, who toyed with running for the WH in '96 and seriously engaged the idea of running in '08, but ultimately did not, said today, "'12 is different."
In an interview with National Journal reporters and editors this morning, Gingrich said he and his wife Callista were "trying to organize our activities to be in a position to make a decision [about running for president] in February or March [of '11]."
Gingrich also said that his political and public policy advocacy group, American Solutions, is in the process of filing papers with the FEC for his new political action committee. And Gingrich said that wants to be active for GOP candidates in the '10 midterm elections. "I'll spend a fair amount of time campaigning," said Gingrich. He'll also be on a book tour this spring to promote To Save America, his 20th book.
Reflecting on his decision not to run in '96, Gingrich said as the newly elected GOP speaker of the House of Representatives, it was impossible to turn around and start seeking the presidency.
"I knew in '96 that it was hopeless," he said. "You couldn't have taken over the House for the first time in 40 years, be in a middle of fairly profound series of reforms, and cheerfully go off to run for president. It's not physically doable, it's absurd."
By '07, however, Gingrich said he was "intrigued" by the possibility of running in '08. But timing and prospects for success dissuaded him from tossing his hat in the ring. Gingrich said that he didn't want to abandon American Solutions when it was just getting off the ground. It was formed in late '06.
But Gingrich also understood that with a very unpopular GOP incumbent in the WH, and his own dissatisfaction with his party, mounting a campaign would be problematic. "I would have been so critical of the Republican policies that other than William Jennings Bryan in 1896, I couldn't imagine a circumstance where it made sense to," said Gingrich. "I was very acutely aware of how hard '08 was going to be and how likely it was that we were going to lose," he said. "'12 is different."
One sign that Gingrich may be more serious about a presidential run in '12 than he was in the past is his recognition that in order to capture the GOP nomination he cannot get into the race late, as he thought he could in '08. "One of the things I learned was that you have to start much earlier than I thought you did," said Gingrich. "It's just an objective reality of the way the modern system works."
As he reflected on the arguments of a potential campaign, Gingrich mused, "I think that the three questions are: who are we [as a country], what do we have to do to compete successfully with China and India, and what threatens us and how do we stay safe?" If a GOPer could effectively organize a campaign around those themes, Gingrich said, "You'd be a [Ronald] Reagan or bigger majority coming together to say, 'Yep, that's the direction I want to go in.'"
Gingrich downplayed the notion his new PAC would dominate the political landscape: "We're trying to see how much it can raise." But in 2008, American Solutions, was the third-largest 527 group in that election cycle raising more than $22.7M, according to the campaign finance watchdog group the Center for Responsive Politics, and won kudos from GOPers for its pro-domestic energy crusade, "Drill Here, Drill Now."
That year the group was supported by several GOP fundraising stalwarts including Carl Lindner III, the co-chief executive of American Financial Group in Cincinnati; Richard Farmer, founder and chairman of the giant corporate uniform company, Cintas, also based in Cincinnati; and Robert Wood "Woody" Johnson IV, heir to the Johnson & Johnson fortune and owner of the New York Jets football team.
And while Gingrich seemed very open to a possible White House run he didn't dismiss Pres. Obama as a potential adversary. Having watched Bill Clinton resurrect his presidency after the '94 midterm Dem disaster that brought GOPers to power in the Congress, Gingrich observed, "Presidents have enormous latent capabilities."
Run, clown, run.
run, Newt, run!
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! Newtie, Newtie, Newtie. Guess he's running short on cash and is looking to drawn down on contributors. He knows his chances of rising to the presidency are about the same as snowball's chancees for longevity in Hades.
Just an idiot. GO AWAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Good idea newt run against Obama, that will assure we don't end up with yet another conservative right wing republican president.
Get real newt you showed us who you are in the 90's.
That sounds great. He just might dilute the overall Republican Party vote by about 10 votes, which would strengthen the Democratic Party. Newt, give it up, no (ZERO) has any confidence in you. Your a narcissistic self serving individual that distorts the truth at every opportunity. How many wives? You cannot trust this crook!
I'm sure Newt's multi-year affair with Calista while he was married and she was a Hill staffer would never, ever, be raised during his candidacy.
Consultations are in order, Newt. A presidential campaign would be very grueling on your family and your girlfriend, too. And Callista, also.
I'm not sure Newt the serial adulterer has time in his schedule for this. So many babes, so little time!
Acorn and others will plot to derail Newt and his choo-choo of change - SPN Headlines has exclusive on new groups replacing ACORN:
http://stupidassnews.wordpress.com/2010/02/22/acorns-demise-may-benefit-other-nut-groups/
Have a great day! :-)
No one named Newt will ever be president. FNG!
Newt needs another Catholic annulment so he can marry his latest mistress. Call-girl-ista is so over the hill -- can anyone imagine this "Catholic" slut as First Lady??!
Newt can campaign on the Republican's new plan to compete with China: lower wages to $3/day and brutally repress everyone that isn't an evangelical Christian conservative. I'm sure that, with his help, we can also top China's abominable record on human rights, capital punishment AND environmental catastrophe!
THE MAN IS AN IMMORAL PIG. WHO, WOULD VOTE FOR THAT?
A must read prior to 2012- Al Franken's story about Newt, Gramm, Ollie North in "Rush Limbaugh is a big Fat Idiot."
We need a Republican adulterer in the White House. Especially one who can explain how after 10 years of the Bush tax cuts we have a recession and a deficit.
This is the same Newt, who was stupid enough, to shut down the federal govt. The same Newt, who abandoned his wife. The same Newt, who is an adulterer. The same Newt, who resigned from congress, in disgrace. I'm sure that his character, will be an issue. I don't know why these washed up politicians, seem to think, that there is a groundswell, for them to to run? I hope that, he does run.
On the small chance that Romney is unable to get past the Mormon thing, Gingrich would be the fallback candidate. Newt's waited his turn, paid his dues... And yes, he's right, 2012 is different. Obama's going to win by even more next time, especially if Newt is his opponent.
If that little toad runs and wins the Republican party nomination for President, I never want to hear any Republican talking about "family values" ever again.
Remember, it was Gingrich, after being caught getting a BJ from a staffer in the back seat of a car while still being married to one or another of his wives, who memorably stated "eatin' ain't cheatin'." Family values, indeed.
Well, I guess I came to the wrong place to read some intelligent comments concerning this mans political background.
All of you should find a nice junk tabloid website and post away!!!!!!!
As for now, I will look elsewhere for some untainted, educated opinions. Maybe there is a place on the web that has better restrictions on the comments.
he's just looking for a financial hand out, his moral character hasn't changed, it's the old story of a snake, once a snake always a snake, "ya knew what I was when ya picked me up".... so if ya need a snake in your life pick up Newt.
Isn't this just what Newt does for a living? He can fly around the country on someone elses dime and run his mouth. He is totally aware of his chances for election; nill.
Yeah, sure...and Bill Clinton was a celibate monk. You people are the BIGGEST hypocrites the world has ever seen.
The party name should be changed to "Hypocratic Party". It'd be more accurate.
The "Hypocrats".
Jackass indeed. How appropriate that something which was once intended to be insulting would be taken on as the symbol for the party.
Newt Gingrich is the person who went after Bill Clinton and was doing the same thing himself which is why he had to resign the Senate in disgrace! Why not call the person out for what he was doing himself? Neither acts show much integrity in my book, but one cannot be party to a double standard when one tries to impeach the President but then insists that people look over his own situation with call girls and mistresses, etc. It cost Americans millions of dollars to try an impeachment when in fact that money could be in the coffers now to cover unemployment extensions that Repulibcans are holding up again. It seems that we cannot get any of our money to work for us due to the GOP wanting to win back the control of both houses which in my opinion should not happen for either party hence the need for a third party!
Run, Newt, run!!! ...under a speeding bus.
I am collecting Salt and Pepper Pots whenever I can and where ever I find them. They are so beautiful. Besides they are useful and complete my kitchen and dinner table.
I hope Newt does run. He'll get dog-stomped and he'll finally find out how disliked he actually is. Besides, Newt has a LOT of dirty laundry that hasn't been brought out to the public yet because there's been no reason... I'd love an excuse for the American public to learn what a skunk he is. Give us the excuse to expose ya, Newt! Go for it!
The weird thing is, when compared with Palin, he's a significantly stronger candidate. But I don't see how some other Republican--Romney or Thune--doesn't raise the whole "family values" "resigned in disgrace" issue. The question in my mind is, who's the strongest Republican candidate--the one who we should be worried about? My guess: John Thune, maybe Mike Pence. (Romney still has the hatred of the evangelicals holding him back.)
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I agree with Tom Delay. He flits from one idea to aNOTHER LIKE A BUTTERFLY. Too fickle to get much done.
I am destroying Salt and Pepper Pots whenever I can and where ever I find them. They are so ugly. Besides they are useless and clutter my kitchen and dinner table.
Save your money Newt, we're not that stupid. We saw what you recommended regarding the recent New York election. The fact you came out supporting a Republican who was probably more liberal than her opponent tells volumes about your principles. As far as your "contract with America" call it what it really is. The Contract with Special Interest Groups.
Newt can talk but his personal life has shown who he really is. he has great ideas and should be the consultant to whoever runs for Rep Pres.
Not Newt in 2012. We don't need another McCain against a socialist Dem
Yes, but you can bet money that if he chooses to run, He will become the most vilified man in America. You'll have to go all the way back to the Robert Bork confirmations to come close to what it will be like for him. (One of the smartest legal minds in America wasn't qualified)? And the sad part about it is the ones leading that charge to tear him to shreds will be the moderate republicans. You can script exactly when the America lost her way. It was when the Rhinos threw Newt under the buss. Rule of law. Common sense solutions to complex problems ( read the book ). Makes to much sense to run the most qualified guy in the country just because he understands history and is a strict constitutionalist. I understand people being beguiled by a Marxist running to their far right. It is the only way the can be elected. I do not under stand the party of Reagan being fooled by the Rhinos. They are insidious. Tell Micheal Steel I kicked McCain in the balls last time. And the next rhino McCain ejaculate the party offers up, I'll do it again. Just let us know when you grow weary of the Alinski suppositories ? Capitulation is not governing. I bet I can stand it longer than you can Micheal Steel. It's our turn.
"Bork once said, "The truth is that the judge who looks outside the Constitution always looks inside himself and nowhere else."[7]"
Mr. obama is nothing more that a petulant spoiled child and needs to be treated as such. it's time for your nap little boy. Here is a glass of warm milk and a cookie. When you go outside to play later, remember to stay out of the street and come in before dark. You have school tomorrow young man. (Note: lower case O is on purpose).
As much as there are many who would vote for you Newt, you are damaged goods to much of America. The book deal, the affairs, etc have generated a fixed opinion about you by too many Americans to overcome. Better to let someone who is politically "healthier" to take on the task. Take it from someone with America's future at heart. Get behind someone who is solidly behind the restoration of Constitutional orthodoxy.
Is this a welfare site? A bunch of "Obama, give me stuff free" people.
Success comes from hard work and ambition. Newt understands that and rewards it. Obama rewards failure and is planting the seeds for much more to come.
Once a democracy realizes it can vote itself free stuff, the economy will crumble and it is doomed....
Look close at the ones you want to vote into any gov position. You might just end up a socialist nation, or better yet, an obamanation with heavy ACORN, etc,. socialist tendency. God help us all!
Newt,
$200,000 dollars per client,94client's
Wellpoint, Unitedhealthcare,etc.etc
your doing all right with this healthcare system
and you consider yourself not a lobbyist???
Facts are all there on your companies that you have Newt.....come clean with why you would like to keep this system of Healthcare..Private Insurance and drug companies have a hand in the pile of cash that's paid to them....Including you and your Fox Friends that call yourself for the people?
Newt is responsible for evrything you liberals give clinton credit for.
Newt is in it for himself. Hey Newt: PLEASE have you minions STOP calling my home soliciting donations for your campaign. I respect you opinions, but PLEASE DO NOT run for the WH in '12....history has passed you by...you had your chance and BLEW it.
As always, your blog makes for a interesting way to get the brain calories burning. Thank you for sharing us with something to think about.
Regardless of whether industry agrees or disagrees, you have to believe that the basic concept of unified standards is good in principle.
The final outcome is anyone's guess.
Just an update to irritate the rhinos & the Alinski's. Debra Martinez pulled 18% yesterday in the republican Texas primary. No name recognition. No money. Vs two established entrenched mossbacked republicans in name only Debra Martinez pulled eighteen per cent. I wonder if an eighteen per cent swing would put Bill White a little closer ? the Alinski's in Austin,or as I call it Sodom on Town Lake, would love him as governor.
Love Newt He surely has the knowledge and the Love of Country ie;theconstitution that makes him a bright light at the end of this dreary dark tunnel we are living in now! Go Newt!
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