Gingrich gets blunt reminder of his past
Newt Gingrich was speaking at the University of Pennsylvania last night and afterward took questions from the students.
Here’s the first one:
“You adamantly oppose gay rights… but you’ve also been married three times and admitted to having an affair with your current wife while you were still married to your second. As a successful politician who’s considering running for president, who would set the bar for moral conduct and be the voice of the American people, how do you reconcile this hypocritical interpretation of the religious values that you so vigorously defend?”
“Gingrich, speaking to about 800 at a speaker series event on the west Philadelphia campus, tried to cut off the question.
“I’ll bet almost everybody here can gather the thrust of your question,” he said. “I appreciate the delicacy and generosity in the way it was framed. … I hope you feel better about yourself.
“I’ve had a life which, on occasion, has had problems,” he added. “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.”
The way he constructed his answer — “I’ve had a life which … has had problems” — is interesting. It’s as if he’s trying to distance himself from his own conduct. Then again, nobody ever questioned Newt’s verbal agility. His moral agility is another matter, and while I don’t think he should be hounded about it everywhere he goes, I’m glad the question was asked.
– Jay Bookman
Read more: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0211/50021.html#ixzz1EmfJPxCG
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270 comments Add your comment
MiltonMan
February 23rd, 2011
10:20 am
Oh look everybody, Jay bashing a GOP’er.
Let’s forget about all the good Democrats out there like John Edwards, Bill Clinton, Ted Kennedy (better guy now that he is deceased), Elliot Spitzer, Barney Frank, GA’s own scumbag – John Norquist, Melvin Reynolds, etc., etc.
Misty Fyed
February 23rd, 2011
10:20 am
Not an opinion…examine democrat policies…but it’s time for me to go row…
henry county mom
February 23rd, 2011
10:21 am
Key point is why Newt buys young collage kids beer? A few hail marys and holy water will cure that. Baptist don’t have that.
MiltonMan
February 23rd, 2011
10:26 am
Jay & the rest of his liberal lemmings on here: Are you guys really worried about Newt that much??? If the clown decides to run in 2012, he will be lucky to capture more than 4% of the vote. Clean your own house before criticizing others about theirs.
JMoore
February 23rd, 2011
10:28 am
The same jerks who attack Newt here are the same low-lifes that defended Clinton who is a male whore. Oh yeah, remember–pit is just sex!
RGB
February 23rd, 2011
10:28 am
Bookman Publishing Schedule:
MWF – Bash Gingrich
T-Th – Bash Palin
Obama – Hall Pass All Days
Sat/Sun – Reload (Oh, we can’t say that any more)
lee
February 23rd, 2011
10:29 am
Clinton, sexual predator, Obama, pot smoking, coke snorting disingenuous hack,…and you guys are concerned with Gingrich???
public schools for all of you huh?
MiltonMan
February 23rd, 2011
10:30 am
Ma. Democrat telling the Wis protestors that they need to get a little bloody. Great to Jay & Obozo speaking on this given they support these wonderful people. Seems like yesterday they were blaming the GOP for the Az shootings.
Steve
February 23rd, 2011
10:31 am
Jay
Your beloved Bill Clinton was a moral dirtbag and you never question his ability to lead the country.
Obama hung out with Jeremiah Wright for 20 years, used cocaine for his formative years, and had no real experience…yet your lovefest with him is unending.
You truly are a hypocrite.
Steve
February 23rd, 2011
10:32 am
Please comment Jay…you have no where to go and no arguements to make…you weasel.
MiltonMan
February 23rd, 2011
10:32 am
RGB – right on!
Given that very few people subscribe to the AJC anymore,I would not be surprised if the newspaper gets a bailout.
Ralph
February 23rd, 2011
10:35 am
Newt is nothing if not entertaining.
dw
February 23rd, 2011
10:37 am
Jay,
libs should applaud Newt’s moral failures. in lib-land everything is good and everything goes. if anything his past should have libs clamoring to vote for him.
mmm, mmm, mmm, Barack the Liar Obama - BEND OVER, Here comes the CHANGE!
February 23rd, 2011
10:38 am
As a vast right wing conservative, I WOULD NOT vote for Newt, but where is the outrage on Jefferson (Louisiana cash freezer king) and Charlie Rangle?
Hmmmm….seems like a glass house to me.
George W
February 23rd, 2011
10:42 am
Great Job NEWT!!! Fantastic answer.
Rickster
February 23rd, 2011
10:42 am
“It all depends on what the meaning of is is.” William Jefferson Clinton
Jay
February 23rd, 2011
10:42 am
Actually, Steve, when Clinton’s misconduct was first exposed I wrote in a column and in an editorial that he ought to resign as president because of what he had done to the office.
George W
February 23rd, 2011
10:43 am
Got a question for you all. I just left my break room and The Wendy Williams show was on. Is she a man?
George W
February 23rd, 2011
10:43 am
If we are voting our presidents totally for their morals we would be a leaderless country.
Mid Ga Retiree
February 23rd, 2011
10:47 am
What would the reaction of all you bloggers be if a similar question were posed to former President Bill Clinton???????????????????????????
Left wing management
February 23rd, 2011
10:53 am
I’m melancholy just thinking that one of these days Newt will have bowed out and we won’t have him as comic relief in this grim ‘12 election that’s shaping up. That’s gonna be sad when he’s gone. He’s loads of fun as a source of satire.
Sandee
February 23rd, 2011
10:54 am
Every time I hear or see Newt I think of that GREAT joke: What’s 14″ long and hangs in front of an A**hole? Newt Gingrich’s tie!!!
George W
February 23rd, 2011
10:55 am
Left Wing…..I know what are we all going to talk about in 12 when Obozo is gone.
Steve
February 23rd, 2011
11:05 am
Jay…I am sure you can produce the references to that column and editorial from 20 years ago….the bottomline is you are doing a Newt (anyone Republican) smear campaign. The Democrats have just as many skeletons but you fail to mention them in your columns (maybe throw one in every few months).
You are one-sided, narrow-minded, hypocritical, and push the liberal agenda to an audience that doesn’t want to hear it.
Sorry but in a year and a half…you and the liberals will be getting another wake-up call.
Bucket
February 23rd, 2011
11:06 am
Are liberals so afraid of Newt Gingrich that they feel compelled to constantly bring up his past transgressions so they don’t actually have to debate him on the issues? Probably so. Newt is never going to be POTUS, so relax. However, I would love to see a Bookman or Tucker try to debate Newt one on one because he would wipe the floor with them and they know it! Geesh, when does the statute of limitations run out on infedility? I guess never if you are a conservative! I don’t see constant articles about Clinton’s transgressions and he is still in the headlines as much as Newt.
Jay
February 23rd, 2011
11:11 am
So Bucket, is it your claim that if Clinton were running for president, as Gingrich apparently is, Clinton’s opponents wouldn’t bring up Monica and the dress and the lies?
In other words, it’s only relevant because the guy is seeking the highest office in the land.
George W
February 23rd, 2011
11:12 am
Jay….I believe it should be addressed but it should not be the sole judgement of his legitimacy for POTUS.
Jay
February 23rd, 2011
11:14 am
I agree, George.
George W
February 23rd, 2011
11:19 am
Wow Jay….we actually agree? That is a miracle in itself.
williebkind
February 23rd, 2011
11:20 am
“how do you reconcile this hypocritical interpretation of the religious values that you so vigorously defend?”
David had an affair with Bathsheba and had her husband killed to protect her from a pregnacy by their affair. God forgave him after David repented and did not do the same any more. Now Jay if you are gay how can you be forgiven? You continue to sodomize there is not repentence so there is no forgiveness. Just saying since your into religious values today.
George W
February 23rd, 2011
11:22 am
Williebkind….you are actually right by biblical standards.
williebkind
February 23rd, 2011
11:22 am
Clinton was a draft dodger! He should not have been eligible for office.
Bucket
February 23rd, 2011
11:24 am
Fair point Jay. However, I would also suggest that while former President Clinton is not eligible for re-election as President, he is still very influential in Dem races all across America and is still on the cutting edge of influencing policy. As far as influence is concerned, former President Clinton has much more than Newt. To be fair, I think Clinton’s past is irrelevant to current debate as well. But it doesn’t take an astute observer to know that because of Newt’s past he will never be nominated by the Republican Party. So, IMO, to constantly bring it up is just a political cheap shot. I certainly wouldn’t want the worst days of my bad behavior to be shown on the big screen!
Jay
February 23rd, 2011
11:26 am
well, it didn’t go down quite as easy as Willie suggests. God killed David’s daughter as punishment, and cursed his family.
George W
February 23rd, 2011
11:26 am
Bucket….I actually would not be surprised if Newt gets the repub nomination.
Actually, I see Romney getting the nod and chosing Newt as VP.
Partisay
February 23rd, 2011
11:26 am
Steve at 11:05 writes……..
“The Democrats have just as many skeletons but you fail to mention them in your columns (maybe throw one in every few months).”
“You are one-sided, narrow-minded, hypocritical, and push the liberal agenda to an audience that doesn’t want to hear it.”
“the bottomline is you are doing a Newt (anyone Republican) smear campaign.”
Steve, Steve, Steve……of course he is one-sided and pushes the libreal agenda – he writes for the liberal side of the AJC opinion pages. Just like Wingfield and Barr and Wooten does on the other side. Do you also call them one sided, narrow minded, hypocritical and push the conservative agenda? I would hope so, that’s their job!
And you say he fails to mention the democrats skeletons. That’s Wingfield, Barr and Wooten’s job! Go read their columns if that is what you want to read about.
And as for Newt Smear Campaign – do you not think Wooten doesn’t do that on the other side? Or Wingfield? When they critisize someone on the left, do you also call it a “smear campaign”?
And as far as an audiance not wanting to hear it…I would say by the number of responses of the comments, you are a little wrong.
George W
February 23rd, 2011
11:30 am
I wonder if a republican president had questions about his citizenship and religion of the democratic party would back off like the repubs did? Just a question.
Partisay
February 23rd, 2011
11:34 am
You actually think Obama has legitimate questions about his citizenship? Oh….i guess you’re one of those birthers…Funny. And what questions are up about his religion? Oh…you think he is muslim? Even after being critisized all thruout the campaign about his 20 year ties to a Christian church?
You’re too funny George W
George W
February 23rd, 2011
11:38 am
Partisay…..you think Jeremiah Wrights church was Christian? Wow you Dems never cease to amaze me.
Stuart
February 23rd, 2011
11:43 am
I wonder if the person asking the question was a Jaguar or a Chevrolet.
kitty
February 23rd, 2011
11:51 am
Paul,
No reality is tainting my view of the Catholic church. I grew up in it and saw the reality. Pedophile priests? Notice you ignored that whole issue. Like I said, Newt fits in just fine there. Then there is the annulment issue. Lucky for Newt he didn’t have to get one as his latest marriage was grandfathered in. I love a church that sells divorces, rather like indulgences which is what started the Protestant Reformation. The Catholic church…anything for the money.
godless heathen
February 23rd, 2011
12:02 pm
Speaking of Clinton, did the Chris Mathews Clinton Love-fest that MSNBC has been promoting air on the tube yet?
When I saw the promo, I just wondered if Chris was gong to save his blue shirt or send it to the cleaners.
Partisay
February 23rd, 2011
12:24 pm
Trinity United Church of Christ is a predominantly black church with more than 8,500 members, located on the southwest side of Chicago.[1] It is the largest church affiliated with the United Church of Christ, a predominantly white Christian denomination with roots in Congregationalism, which branched from American Puritanism.[2]
hmmmmm…..yes, George W, I think Jeremiah Wright’s church was Christian.. What would you call it? Muslim? Hindu?
And, yes, I know i am amazing….
Hamilton
February 23rd, 2011
12:40 pm
While state (ga and az) economy falters, the pols keep our focus on the talk radio issues, like a magician who keeps transforming the paper flower in one hand so we won’t notice the next trick he’s preparing with the other. In Georgia, we should be worrying about he next trick and which lobbyist is assisting.
There is such false concern about “illegals,” but little concern about “illegal.” The requirement to do cost analysis of any bill is routinely ignored. The immigration bill that makes transporting illegal immigrants a crime will cost local governments and business millions, but who’s asking the questions? Will cab drivers and bus drivers and parkNfly drivers have to e-verify?
Then there is the “shut up and leave us alone” bill that makes it illegal to use a state or local government computer to “support or oppose” legislation. Of course elected officials and government lobbyists are excepted. Looks like legislative aids will have to hand write any messages on pending bills.
Meanwhile, in the last 8 years, the per capita income of metro Atlanta has fallen farther than any metro region in the country – more than Detroit (recent ARC report). Who’s asking the questions while the south’s economic engine slowly slips into a big hole.
Will the empty space in downtown Buckhead is become the symbol?
BuzztheKiller
February 23rd, 2011
1:22 pm
Ahhhh now moral perfection is your standard for the Presidency Jay? Sorry, Jesus is not running next year or ever for President. I read Newt’s newsletter, have not seen any statements yet where he espouses moral perfection. If he has better ideas on the future, let him make his argument and you can debate his ideas until the cows come home. Just don’t try to hold him or any other candidate to some higher “moral” standard. Clinton, Bush, and certainly Obama would not stand up to that same mirror. I’m betting even an old liberal hippie like you Jay has dirt under the rug.
BuzztheKiller
February 23rd, 2011
1:26 pm
And of course, Jay, I understand you are not running for POTUS, thank God.
firedteacher
February 23rd, 2011
1:35 pm
Gingrich is a lying, philandering, pretender-to-the-throne of the first order. He resigned as Speaker of the House in Congress in the middle of the Clinton/Lewinsky BJ probe. Why? Because he was dipping a chippie on the side in DC while his 2nd wife (chippie #1, mind you) sat at home in Georgia. Two of America’s most famous quitters: Palin, from the governor’s job in AK and Gingrich, from the Speaker’s job.
Partisay
February 23rd, 2011
2:09 pm
“Just don’t try to hold him or any other candidate to some higher “moral” standard.”
ahhhh BuzztheKiller, you mean like so many on the right tend to do? Remember the Moral Majority? You remember how those on the right blasted Clinton, because he was “immoral”? Why, he was even impeached by the House!
I just reread your quote and wondered if you were saying the same thing around the 90’s?
video
February 23rd, 2011
2:34 pm
video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpJaPtpHK40
marky mark
February 23rd, 2011
2:35 pm
Partisay, when all else is said and done about Clinton and his morals (or lack thereof) when the holder of the highest office in the land perjures himself, he deserves to be impeached. Period. He was stripped of his law licence, remember? And whether you like and/or agree with Paula Jones or not, she too should have had her day in court and not have the president and his “machine” spread every lie they could about her.
On the subject of Newt, I worked for his campaign in the early days. After some of the things he has done, I dont think he can be elected the National Dog Catcher. He is and should remain a policy wonk.
marky mark
February 23rd, 2011
2:35 pm
man, cant spell license anymore…
Sam
February 23rd, 2011
2:37 pm
I guess Newt forgot who was leading the witch hunt to impeach Clinton for his “problem”. Too bad Gingrich’s god couldn’t find a way to forgive Clinton like he forgives Newt.
Janet
February 23rd, 2011
4:32 pm
You folks knocking Newt are the same ones giving high fives during the Clinton years. The sad thing is Newt has no chance at being President because of his personality, yet his knowledge and ability are far superior to any President we’ve had in the past 20 years. As I’ve watched the country head downhill, it’s made it more clear we need to vote on the person’s KNOWLEDGE and ABILITY which was obviously not looked at 2+ years ago.
larry.3333
February 23rd, 2011
4:38 pm
Newt is scum. A few weeks ago he told a La Raza forum he was for Dream Act and comprehensive Immigration Reform meaning AMNESTY FOR 20 MILLION ILLEGAL ALIENS. HE WANTS TO WIN THE PRESIDENCY ON THE BACK OF LEGAL AMERICAN CITIZENS !!!
Adam
February 23rd, 2011
5:21 pm
Janet: which was obviously not looked at 2+ years ago.
Heh. Yeah, that’s why when McCain picked Palin as his running made that didn’t affect his campaign in ANY WAY.
poison pen
February 23rd, 2011
5:21 pm
Can someone on here tell my why Tucker is such a MORON.
jimma
February 23rd, 2011
5:30 pm
Jay, you and others in the press should have questioned candidate Bill Clinton and followed up, but you didn’t. The press and Clinton machine suppressed his dirty, lying, deceitful deeds, and today he’s still a hero to many. Goes to show that money, a sympathetic press, and willing fools can elect the most corrupt to high office. Newt has no chance, but Bill won’t condemn him either.
WillieRae
February 23rd, 2011
5:34 pm
Jay, did you feel like Ted Kennedy should have been “hounded wherever he goes”. How about Bill Clinton? Or do you only advocate “hounding” conservatives?
dave
February 23rd, 2011
5:45 pm
The “man” has a real problem with loyalty and respect for his spouses, why should we think it would be different with the citizenry.
poison pen
February 23rd, 2011
6:03 pm
Dave, are you talking about Clinton or Newt? gotcha!
Pick up ur chek at the office
February 23rd, 2011
7:13 pm
The union “astroturf” protesters should be chanting, “Jump The Shark !! Jump The Shark !!”
Lee
February 23rd, 2011
7:17 pm
It’s nice to see Bookboy developing some morals in his middle age years. Where was that when Clinton was using a 21 year old intern as a humidor?
Oh, I forgot. Back then, it wasn’t any of our business what he did in the closet in the backrooms of the White House.
85Jacket
February 23rd, 2011
7:18 pm
Unfortunately, while I think Newt has some promising ideas on running this country, we can’t have it both ways. I criticized Clinton and didn’t think he was worthy of our trust because of his infidelity. There is no reason that I should give Newt a pass because I like his politics. I don’t trust him to make decisions that are not in his best interest…same as Clinton. Liberal, Conservative, Moderate or whatever our political inclination is should never strictly dictate our choices. Those choices should be dictated by the values that make each of us who we are….period.
Jay
February 23rd, 2011
7:21 pm
Lee, as I’ve mentioned before, I wrote back at the time that Clinton ought to resign for tarnishing the presidency.
Pick up ur chek at the office
February 23rd, 2011
7:23 pm
Newt Palin — Engineered by Koch or Soros?
Ron Paul had a money-bomb the other day – $700,000+
The Koch brothers must have hacked a lot of computers.
Pick up ur chek at the office
February 23rd, 2011
7:30 pm
Bookboy was rude. This blog is public and Jay is the host.
“humidor” was kinda funny though… Does Jay still think Clinton should have resigned?
At least Slick Willy didn’t go Bunga, Bunga with Berlesconi.
Edie
February 23rd, 2011
7:43 pm
The ability to betray the person he promised to love and honor, when she was the most vulnerable is not a characteristic anyone of us wants in our leader. He was then and may still may be an incredibly selfish man. He certainly still has an over inflated ego.
Character does matter. There is nothing humble about how he addresses questions about his lowest moment(s), that would suggest he has developed character. “I hope you feel better about yourself”. PLEASE! ENOUGH already. Next!
Tommy Maddox
February 23rd, 2011
9:46 pm
Janet – yes ma’am.
thebob.bob
February 25th, 2011
2:22 pm
“I believe in a forgiving God, and the American people will have to decide whether that their primary concern.”
Odd, considering that Newt decided that the primary concern of the American people, when he was in charge, was the hounding of the POTUS for a consentual fling.
Newt also claims credit for balancing the budget during the Clinton Administration. Would he be willing to back the budget now? Increased taxes on the wealthiest?
Sorry, Newt’s not presidential material. Want a good Christian in the White House who believes in and lives traditional family values?? You’ve got one now and he’s going to be re-elected POTUS in 2012.
Give me a break
February 28th, 2011
11:10 am
Newt loves to attack other people and other ideas different than his own.
But when others attack his behavior he asks for mercy.
He really is a liability to the conservatives.