As debates resume, Gingrich prepares for a shot at the top
The latest meme in the GOP presidential primary is: “Newt is back!” They are not making the point I made after the last debate: namely, that Newt Gingrich was poised to be next in line should the current leading-Republican-not-named-Mitt-Romney, Herman Cain, stumble. They are making the case that Gingrich is earning his shot as the challenger to Romney’s aura of inevitability:
Dorothy Rabinowitz of the Wall Street Journal:
Newt Gingrich’s rise in the polls — from near zero to the third slot in several polls — should come as no surprise to people who have been watching the Republican debates, now drawing television viewers as never before. The former speaker has stood out at these forums, the debater whose audiences seem to hang on his words and on a flow of thought rich in substance, a world apart from the usual that the political season brings.
Byron York of the Washington Examiner, reporting from Iowa recently on Gingrich’s “wonkish, unconventional” presidential bid:
[T]he former Speaker, whose mother spent the last years of her life in a long-term care facility, has devoted a lot of time over the years working on Alzheimer’s issues. But now he is in the middle of a presidential campaign. He’s in Iowa, with 60 days to go before the caucuses that could decide his future. He is hours away from a crucial speech to the Iowa Republican Party’s annual Reagan dinner. And he is spending nearly two hours of his day, behind closed doors, with three doctors, a couple of aides, and one reporter, talking about brain research. The topic of the approaching caucuses does not come up.
Wonkish, unconventional and substantive as Gingrich’s campaign may be, a stumble by Cain was certainly necessary, too — and it is being delivered. In his press conference yesterday, Cain made clear that he would take his stand on the claim that he has “never acted inappropriately with anyone, period.” He is staking his candidacy on the idea that his accusers cannot prove, with actual evidence, that he did otherwise; that it will simply be his word against theirs; and that voters will decide he is more credible.
There’s a potentially high reward in a Republican primary for Cain’s positioning of himself as the outsider who’s standing up to the ruthless politics of false accusations. But he can hardly afford for anything to go wrong, and it’s not clear that voters are buying it anyway: Rasmussen Reports this morning released a poll showing that “51% of voters nationwide say it is at least somewhat likely the allegations against Cain are both serious and true.” And his campaign has made a couple of embarrassing mistakes in trying to blame someone for old accusations’ coming to light.
It is hard to see how this ends well for Cain.
So, Gingrich’s number may be up. This is probably happening a little earlier than his campaign would have preferred — a mid-December rise in the polls might have translated more easily into primary and caucus votes, without affording as much time for scrutiny to return to his campaign and track record. For the Machiavellians among us, that may be one reason why Gingrich has been content to play nice with Cain in recent appearances: He doesn’t want Cain to slip just yet.
On the other hand, we’re about to enter another weeks-long period during which debates figure heavily in the race. Pretty much everyone concedes that debates are one of Gingrich’s strong suits. If a little buzz leading into these few weeks affords him more face time in those debates, that almost certainly couldn’t hurt him.
If you want confirmation that Gingrich is preparing the foundation for a campaign resurgence, check out his willingness last night to repudiate the climate-change advertisement he infamously filmed with Nancy Pelosi (the relevant part of the clip begins at the 6:39 mark):
Before that, his daughter sought to set the record straight on the details of her father’s first divorce. (H/t: Instapundit)
Scoff at Gingrich if you want — and I’ll admit to having dismissed his chances months ago. But he, at least, is taking seriously the possibility that his window of opportunity is about to open.
– By Kyle Wingfield
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153 comments Add your comment
Tea Party Hobbit
November 9th, 2011
3:51 pm
Contract With America vs. Contract On America
now that would be interesting…
real john
November 9th, 2011
3:51 pm
I can guarantee Obama does not want to face off with Newt in a debate. Obama would get shelled.
While Newt’s affairs do concern me, I more interested in his accomplishments. Say what you want, but he and Clinton were able to compromise on many issues. Sure Newt and Clinton don’t see eye to eye on many issues, but they were able to give and take for the country. Right now that is what our country needs. Neither Rep. or Dem. are going to get everything they want. What we need is someone who understands compromise and isn’t always out bashing the other party for political points.
I’ve heard Newt speak about this many times. Unlike most of our current politicians, he speaks highly of Clinton and the things they were able to accomplish. I can’t stand when I hear Repubs bowing down to this Grover Nordquist guy. Its just stupid to put your foot down and not even consider making concessions on tax increases. While I don’t think we should raise taxes; its an option that may have to take. If the Dems will meet in the middle with spending cuts; then its worth it. That’s what Newt can do if he is dealing with Reid or a Democratically controlled Congress.
yawn
November 9th, 2011
3:52 pm
Sandra:”A lizard is fast and can make a decision instantly and do something with his decision.”
Stop it Sandra, you’re killing me!!
A lizard has a fast mouth and can make a decision instantly to say something outrageously stupid and untrue and can immediately say exactly the opposite and morons think he’s a genius.
There fixed it for you.
Real American
November 9th, 2011
3:54 pm
GM
You are right, Rep party of hypocrites.
The Snark
November 9th, 2011
3:55 pm
Gingrich’s words are “a flow of thought rich in substance”? The man contradicts himself every ten days.
If he’s so smart, then answer me this: Other than occasional political victories over the opposing party, can you name one single thing Gingrich has accomplished in three decades of political life to better the lives of Americans? Is there a bill or public policy out there somewhere with his name on it that made this country a better place?
Buehler?
Buehler?
Buehler?
real john too
November 9th, 2011
3:57 pm
real john
November 9th, 2011
3:51 pm
I can guarantee Obama does not want to face off with Newt in a debate. Obama would get shelled.
Shell with a barrage of ridiculous lies that won’t stand the light of fact checkers. A Le Roi candidacy would be a huge gift to Obama.
real john too
November 9th, 2011
4:02 pm
” If the Dems will meet in the middle with spending cuts; then its worth it.”
Those obstinant Dems!!
real john too
November 9th, 2011
4:05 pm
Dems for a LeRoi candidacy!!!!
Bart Abel
November 9th, 2011
4:07 pm
jconservative: “We need Cain to win this thing. Who else is committed to preventing China from gaining a nuclear capability? No one!”
———————————————————————–
This comment from jconservative was so funny (intentionally, I’m sure), that I had to re-post in case somebody missed it.
Thanks for the laugh, jc.
real john too
November 9th, 2011
4:07 pm
LeRoi as president would mean four more years of award winning Colbert and Daily shows.
real john too
November 9th, 2011
4:09 pm
BA & JC
X2
Bart Abel
November 9th, 2011
4:24 pm
real john: “Sure Newt and Clinton don’t see eye to eye on many issues, but they were able to give and take for the country.”
—————————————————————
As I recall, Gingrich shut down the government because Clinton wouldn’t agree to the Medicare cuts that Gingrich and House Republicans wanted. I believe it also had something to do with Gingrich not liking his seat, or something to that effect, on Air Force One when accompanying the president to former Israeli Prime Minister Rabin’s funeral.
Gingrich was actually my elected representative at the time that he was speaker, and I personally saw him at a town hall meeting talk as if Clinton was the anti-Christ while asserting that he absolutely deserved to be impeached…”rule of law” and all that…while Gingrich was almost simultaneously dealing with his own problems with the House ethics committee that ended up costing him a $300,000 fine. Speaker Gingrich had a low approval rating, lost a significant number of House seats in the ‘98 midterms, and finally resigned a result.
So, the notion that Gingrich worked well with now popular President Clinton is rewriting history. That said, with the current Republican House setting the bar so low for cooperation with a Democratic president, I can see why people would think that they could get away with such a crazy assertion.
Nope
November 9th, 2011
4:25 pm
This puffy, dried up old coot will NEVER be president of this nation. Guaranteed.
drew
November 9th, 2011
4:27 pm
Sorry, folks.
Ron Paul is winning the GOP nomination. And even if by some miracle he doesn’t, the latest WSJ poll gives him 18% in a three-way race against Obama and Romney.
In a nutshell. The next POTUS will be either Paul or Obama. Not Romney, not Perry, not Cain, and certainly not Newt.
TruthBe
November 9th, 2011
4:32 pm
If Clinton the sex affender can be President than anybody can. If Obama the communist boy wonder with NO experience can be President than anybody can. Case closed. Hey liberals where are your morals about Bill Clinton? How many times did he commit adultrey? How many women did he attack or harrass?
Tea Party Hobbit
November 9th, 2011
4:34 pm
drew, so you are saying you think he’d run as a third party candidate/independent? I’d prefer Ron Paul over Romney, but unless the Libertarians would pick him up he just wouldn’t make much of an impact. Hey I wish it was otherwise, I am sick of the two party system.
Junior Samples
November 9th, 2011
4:38 pm
If only Cain had said that he did it because he loves this country so much (like Newt did), then all would be forgiven.
At least they’re choosing the guy that admitted it. Kudos!
GT/MIT
November 9th, 2011
4:39 pm
For all of you good folks out there who believe morality will have any relevance in the upcoming Presidential election, I recommend you do some research of recent history. Enough said about that.
I for one would be very happy to see Newt take the nomination for a number of reasons, not the least of which is that he is far and away the smarter of the flock. His debating skills are unquestionably top notch, and he proposes real solutions to problems.
All of this is of course my opinion and I shall support whomever is nominated. The fact is that if we don’t rid our country of the present White House occupant, It just may be the end of our country as we know it.
Gman
November 9th, 2011
4:41 pm
Newt impresses most Georgia GOP’ers because many of them can’t complete a sentence without saying “DUH” or “UMM”! The Newtster talks alot and says absolutely nothing of any real substance.
Tea Party Hobbit
November 9th, 2011
4:43 pm
GT/MIT, as I mentioned earlier:
“Contact With America vs. Contract On America”
Wonder how many liberals won’t get that, despite Dear Ruler saying he wanted to “fundamentally transform” the nation? Sure sounds like a hit job to me! Our nation is indeed in jeopardy.
Ev
November 9th, 2011
4:45 pm
The new “flavor of the week” is? Vanilla, for Gingrich? Romney must be lemon, a bit too sour to have everyday. Cain was “black walnut”, and oh soooo yesterday. Oo-oo, wonder what is coming next.
Nobody likely, we will all just get fat with vanilla ice cream. Let’s hope he can at least make the pie bigger.
MarkV
November 9th, 2011
4:46 pm
The following pronouncement by Dorothy Rabinowitz must be one of the funniest I have heard today: “The former speaker has stood out at these forums, the debater whose audiences seem to hang on his words and on a flow of thought rich in substance, a world apart from the usual that the political season brings.”
The only competition I am aware of is the following: “I can guarantee Obama does not want to face off with Newt in a debate. Obama would get shelled.”
TruthBe
November 9th, 2011
4:47 pm
GM, President Obama’s ideology and ChicagoThug politics are wrong for America. As for his family life and anybody eles’s that isn’t my business or yours. I hope he and Michele are happy together with their girls as a family. I don’t trust him anymore period.
Bart Abel
November 9th, 2011
4:49 pm
It’s only the end of the country as we know it if you believe the lies that are spread on right-wing radio and Fox, as Newt the Gullible seems to do. For example, in the video that Kyle posted, Newt repeated the lie that Obama shut down oil wells in the Gulf of Mexico. Didn’t happen. In addition, after the very short moratorium on NEW wells was lifted, the Obama Administration has approved 25+ new drilling permits. Oil drilling in America is and has been at an all-time high.
On a separate note, we’ve all heard the expression “my handshake is my bond.” Here’s a link that would tell readers about the value, or lack thereof, of Gingrich’s handshake: http://www.nytimes.com/1995/08/10/opinion/mr-gingrich-s-broken-promise.html
TruthBe
November 9th, 2011
4:53 pm
Bart Abel, That could be said about Senator Harry Reid also. Reid has been a huge problem as the leader in the senate. He held up President Obama’s so-called jobs bill (a tax increase in sheeps clothing).
TruthBe
November 9th, 2011
4:59 pm
Harry Reid, quote” I don’t have to agree with anything from the supercommittee, all I have to do is nothing” that way the democrats get automatic tax increase and huge spending cuts in the military budget. Their is you good buddy democrat leader.
Bart Abel
November 9th, 2011
5:04 pm
TruthBe,
Didn’t Jay Bookman just call you out on all the falsehoods that you posted in his comments section? To be precise, he wrote: “TruthBe, is your name supposed to be some kind of a witty joke, like calling a seven-footer ‘Shorty’? Because you sure do post a lot of absolute nonsense, including that ‘16,000 IRS agents’ load of baloney.” http://blogs.ajc.com/jay-bookman-blog/2011/11/09/lets-examine-the-big-spending-obama-meme-a-little-closer/?cp=2#comment-777418
Not to worry though. You and your baloney have a home in Kyle’s thread.
Ann Coulter
November 9th, 2011
5:05 pm
If Newt buys me the type of gifts he has been buying Calissa at Tiffanys I will campaign for him.
Tom(Independent)
November 9th, 2011
5:08 pm
Barrack Hussien Obama – enough said!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
DawgDad
November 9th, 2011
5:08 pm
Strong runs by Cain and Newt are good for the conservative cause and for Georgia. Ideologically, I prefer Cain, though Newt is probably more “President-ready” but more likely to sell out to the left ala Bush. In terms of dealing with Washington, it doesn’t matter who the GOP nominee is, they won’t have many trustworthy friends there or in the mainstream media.
BS Aplenty
November 9th, 2011
5:21 pm
The last three U.S. budget surpluses took place during the time Gingrich was Speaker and Clinton was President. We’ve not had one since then, in fact, under the Obama Administration the U.S. budget deficits have skyrocketed to in excess of $1.2 TRILLION dollars per year – and counting. Under the Obama Administration, the level of U.S. debt outstanding has grown to record levels. So much additional new debt as a result of deficit spending that Standard and Poor’s downgraded the once pristine U.S. debt rating with Moody’s indicating they were considering a downgrade if the deficit problem continues.
P.S. The President wants more deficit spending.
joe
November 9th, 2011
5:22 pm
I’ll vote for cain. we need the next ten presidents to be black. It will save the country and thus der verlde.
Gman
November 9th, 2011
5:23 pm
Neither Newt nor Cain could keep their hands off the Secretary of State! LOL!
Gman
November 9th, 2011
5:24 pm
BS Aplenty, wars paid for on credit will cause hugh deficits everytime!
RGB
November 9th, 2011
5:39 pm
The liberals here looking for the sin-free candidate must be voting 3rd party in 2012 since Mr. Obama’s admitted cocaine and marijuana use have to disqualify him from your consideration because he is impure.
Newt would slaughter Obama in a debate. The liberals know this and resort to their old bag o’ tricks: “racism, racism, retarded, retarded”.
No one should ever wonder why Democrats are unable to improve the economy or anything else they touch because name calling is their solo contribution to humanity.
X9
RGB
November 9th, 2011
5:40 pm
P.S. – People who use “LOL” are either under 13 years old or are women.
gm
November 9th, 2011
5:41 pm
TruthBe
Yea he is a communist allright, thats why he has killed more terroist then your flag waving bush, who destroyed America, typical idiot, can not come up with anything on Obama on moral behavior so you say something stupid””’
Hypocrites Rep
November 9th, 2011
5:46 pm
Whats amazing is watching hypocrites like 3 time college drop out Sean Hannity defend Newt, Cain had this been one of the Dem that idiot who thinks he is a news man would have been taking shots 24 hours around the clock.
Hannity is such a piece of garbage hypocrite””’
SisterSarah
November 9th, 2011
5:48 pm
“Gingrich is just old school and believes in marriage”
@BS Aplenty.
Yeah…so much so he wanted to do it THREE TIMES!! And let’s not even get into the details of that. How fitting of a screen name you have.
drew
November 9th, 2011
5:48 pm
Hobbit,
I think it’s a very strong possibility that he’ll run as an independent if the GOP establishment prevents him from getting the nomination. Like I said, he gets 18% of the votes in a hypothetical three-way race with Romney and Obama, which is absolutely stunning.
You only need to poll at or above 15% to participate in the general election debates. And Ron would absolutely blow both Mitt and Barry off the stage.
RGB
November 9th, 2011
5:50 pm
I wonder what a liberal would have to do before a another liberal considered it immoral.
Drugs don’t count. Racism via black liberation theology doesn’t count. Same-sex marriage doesn’t count. Funding for abortions doesn’t count (foreign and domestic). Klan membership doesn’t count. Imposing financial burdens on successive generations from which they’ll never recover doesn’t count. Class warfare doesn’t count. Stealing doesn’t count. Lying doesn’t count. Adultery doesn’t count. Heck, even murder doesn’t count (I’d mention Teddy but I cannot spell Chappaquiddick.)
Using this as a standard, Obama is a perfectly moral man.
SisterSarah
November 9th, 2011
5:52 pm
…and all we needed to know about Newt’s “brilliant mind” and “debate skills” we learned a few weeks ago, when he was caught in a BALD FACED LIE and exposed for all the world to see when Mitt Romney called him on trying to hide behind Heritage Foundation rather than owning up to something he personally advocated for and supported. What a sham! Be fooled all you want, smart people know better. Revisit the footage anytime you desire.
I Report (-: You Whine )-: Thee Magnificent!!! mmm, mmmm, mmmmm! Just sayin...
November 9th, 2011
6:09 pm
I see this ending well for Herman Cain, like, for instance, him becoming president of the United States.
But then again, I can recognize a liberal media racist hit job, unlike some of us, Kyle.
I Report (-: You Whine )-: Thee Magnificent!!! mmm, mmmm, mmmmm! Just sayin...
November 9th, 2011
6:12 pm
RICHMOND — Virginia appeared to have taken a sharp right turn Tuesday, as Republicans held a tenuous grip on the Senate and gained at least six seats in the House of Delegates.
Buh bye obozo.
Don’t let the door of the White House hit you in the ass, just sayin…
BS Aplenty
November 9th, 2011
6:17 pm
Sis -
For most people it’s about things like finding a job with a continuing 9% unemployment rate. It’s about an unsustainable federal deficit and the mountain of debt it creates, debt that will cripple this country’s economy. It’s about a President whose vision for America will make us look like Greece in a few more years. Yet your world turns on a debating point and an obscure reference. Glad to know you have your priorities straight.
bug
November 9th, 2011
6:32 pm
I will vote for anyone who wants to reduce the federal government, bet it Herman, Newt or whoever.
TruthBe
November 9th, 2011
6:33 pm
TruthBe
November 9th, 2011
4:47 pm
GM, President Obama’s ideology and ChicagoThug politics are wrong for America. As for his family life and anybody eles’s that isn’t my business or yours. I hope he and Michele are happy together with their girls as a family. I don’t trust him anymore period.
Incase you didn’t read it. I’ll post it again for you. Also did I call you stupid or make a hateful remark to you? No
MarkV
November 9th, 2011
6:35 pm
The Republican nominee’s only chance next year– whoever it will be – is that the Republicans in Congress will be successful in sabotaging anything that the Democrats will do to help the economy, and that the electorate will not see through that.
TruthBe
November 9th, 2011
6:41 pm
Bart Abel., Eat my Baloney. Obamacare is a disaster period. We needed real healthcare reform not another huge spending government agency.
GT/MIT
November 9th, 2011
6:46 pm
As I read through these comments, I am continually reminded that this IS an AJC blog, which means that there will be a percentage of the comments that are completely insensate. Definition: the AJC is a liberal rag, read by liberals. Liberals will usually comment based upon ideology wherein the absence of fact is of little consequence.