Comments on: Newt Gingrich: Partisan Hack vs. Newt Gingrich: Idea Man (’08?)

By: Ned Williams

Ned Williams — Thu, 22 Mar 2007 19:32:05 +0000

Well, such a heart-to-heart with a representative of the GOP base kind of makes sense, doesn’t it? Just like countless meetings that Obama or Edwards or Hillary are having to convince potential donors and workers that they have what it takes (personally) to be president, right?

And was last week the first time it occurred to you that Gingrich was not being faithful with his wife prior to his divorce and during the Clinton-Lewinsky affair?

In any event, I don’t know how old you are or what you were doing when it all happened, but I again would challenge the accuracy of your memory of “the former Speaker of the House or the fixture of Sunday morning shows.”

And I would, likewise, challenge your recollection of the so-called “Straight-Talk Express.” I believe McCain’s “straight-talk” was less about high-minded policy or ideas and more about “maverick” opinions that didn’t fit with traditional GOP or Conservative ideals.

By: Freddie

Freddie — Thu, 22 Mar 2007 05:01:39 +0000

I didn’t find a lot of “ideas” in his prior week, which was spent genuflecting at the altar of Dobson revealing serious personal failings within the institution of marriage. It was made especially egregious by the fact that the process began during the Clinton impeachment proceedings.

One of my main points was that Gingrich in the relative calm of the IMPACT symposium was a much different Gingrich than the former Speaker of the House or the fixture of Sunday morning shows.

Unfortunately, it’s the rare politician who can remain steadfast in the pursuit of ideas while also permanently campaigning. The original Straight Talk Express was an interesting model for the concept. The redux has, so far, left something to be desired.

By: Ned Williams

Ned Williams — Wed, 21 Mar 2007 19:11:36 +0000

Oops, accidentally hit the “submit” button, but I think his past crises in character do undermine his authority/credibility with me and many others. In fairness to Newt, however, I think if you look at his public statements and actions during the Lewinsky ordeal, he was much more interested in besting Clinton and Dems on the ideological front . . . frankly, maybe his personal failings actually helped him stay focused on issues, then and now.

By: Ned Williams

Ned Williams — Wed, 21 Mar 2007 19:08:10 +0000

Freddie,
I have to disagree with any insinuation that Gingrich has not always been an “idea man.” The fact that his ideas and strategies wrested control of Congress from Democrat control for the first time in decades certainly made him a partisan target (for Democrats) and celebrity (to wide-eyed Republicans), but he was always very interested in big ideas, visionary leadership (as opposed to tactical maneuvering) and bi/non/a-partisan thinking.

By: Mack

Mack — Wed, 21 Mar 2007 17:48:35 +0000

Hypocrisy, thy name is Lou Dobbs. Night after night, this man bolsters his popularity on the backs of undocumented workers. He makes no attempt to see both sides of this issue, and perpetuates dangerous stereotypes while whipping up Nativist hysteria. Elevating the debate? I guess when you start in the gutter, the only thing you can do, is go up.