Newt Gingrich: Democrats bear some responsibility for threats, anger over health care
Former peaker of the U.S. House Newt Gingrich answers questions about the federal health bill during a press conference. (Associated Press)
At a press conference in Atlanta on Thursday, former U.S. House speaker Newt Gingrich said he was happy to condemn the use of personal threats rising out of the health care debate, but added that Democrats must bear some of the responsibility.
Said Gingrich:
“Just as there was no place for the kind of viciousness against Bush and Cheney, there’s no place for viciousness against Democrats.
“I would condemn any kind of activity that involves that kind of personal threat.
“But look, I think there’s something very disingenuous about the Democratic leaders who attacked the tea party movement, who refused to hold town hall meetings, who refused to go back home, who kept the Congress locked up in Washington, and are now shocked that people are angry.
“I think the Democratic leadership has to take some moral responsibility for having behaved with such arrogance, in such a hostile way, that the American people are deeply upset. So let’s be honest with this. This is a game that they’re playing.
“People should not engage in personal threats. I’m happy to condemn any effort to engage in personal threats. But I think the Democratic leadership has to take some real responsibility for having run a machine that used corrupt tactics, that bought votes, that bullied people, and as a result has enraged much of the American people.”
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138 comments Add your comment
robert
March 25th, 2010
8:36 pm
And since she wore a mini-skirt, it’s her fault she was raped.
A disappointed American
March 25th, 2010
8:38 pm
Cheryl,
I appreciate the discussion and we’ll just agree to disagree. Obviously, legal minds can and will disagree. As I said in an earlier post, I have always tried to vote for the person, not the party. This bill has changed that. I’m not going to repeat arguments, I will simply disagree. As for any bi-partisan effort in this bill, dems and repubs voted against it. I would consider this a socialist bill if a republican wrote it. I am not voting republican because they are perfect, however, they do represent the Bill of Rights much more consistently than the democrats do. I too have insurance, but, I know that this country nor our states can afford this bill, and, that there are better ways to provide for those who can’t provide for themselves. I respect your right to your opinion, however, it remains only your opinion. Even if you worked for a Supreme Court Justice (which I doubt), you could only be certain of one legal opinion. There are many other opinions as well. I am not interested in being “right”, or having my way, I am interested in the future of a great nation for my children. In an effor to not be condenscending, I won’t reciprocate yours. You were right about one thing, it is what it is, and your opinion doesn’t define what a Supreme Court will do any more than mine does. I know what I believe, you know what you believe. This will play out, in the courts and in the ballot box.
Brian
March 25th, 2010
8:44 pm
@Disappointed – Fair enough, glad we can keep it civil. Obviously I think there are at least 2 propaganda machines in this country (looking at you, FOX News), and that reality is to be found somewhere in between. If you read and pay attention enough to BOTH sides, its actually pretty easy to separate the spin and propaganda from the truth. Not everyone who disagrees with yours or my position does so because they get biased news.
For the record, I am one of those who don’t feel the bill is “liberal” enough. I would have liked single-payer, or at least a public option, but I also understand the political realities the democrats are facing and that this was the best they could do.
Forcing me to buy health insurance is sort of like forcing me to breathe. I may get up in arms for a moment at the gov’t for telling me what to do, but I’m still gonna breathe, so its irrelevant to me, and I understand the need to get everyone in the insurance pools to offset the costs of removing pre-existing conditions, caps, etc.
Anyhow, good talk. time for basketball now.
A disappointed American
March 25th, 2010
8:45 pm
Cheryl, I just read your last post.
I agree that the gov’t has a right to tax, and, then to provide (equally of course, without bias to race, gender, etc.) any services, goods, etc it chooses. The gov’t has never had the right to mandate that we purchase anything. As for the 33 million, that includes many who CHOOSE not to purchase insurance. I do not want to, nor should I, be responsible for the. And, there is nothing free market or capitalist about making a company insure those with pre-existing conditions. I could agree with allowing those who’ve had insurance to buy coverage, but, to allow those who wait till they’re sick, injured,etc. will break our markets and drive all our costs up. Maybe that’s what Obama wants, so he can have a total takeover. But, to your point, at no time has the gov’t ever forced us to buy anything. The gov’t can force us to pay taxes, but they can’t make us buy a car anymore than they can make us buy insurance . . . until this unconstitutional law came along. I do appreciate your passion though, and, I hope this bill gets replaced with one we can actually afford that will help those unable to help themselves without helping those unwilling to. Have a great night Cheryl.
TexLeeger
March 25th, 2010
8:46 pm
arrogance – overbearing pride evidenced by a superior manner toward inferiors
Imagine Mr. Gingrich, the epitome of arrogance, blaming Democrat arrogance as the cause of violence against them. The arrogant never recognize their arrogance. Such is Newt. A vile soul hides behind that pseudo and beguiling Southern “charm”.
And just where have we heard this all before? Hmmm….ah!…..the violence of post-1935 Germany. Smear campaigns. Organized thuggery. The victim responsible for being victim. Voice of the demagogue.
Amazed
March 26th, 2010
12:32 am
I’m impressed as how, when Republicans don’t have the facts on their side, they resort to name calling, blaming the victim and insinuation. If you’re calling it the “Democrat” Party and not “Democratic,” if you’re a birther, if you think our unquestionably-elected President is a socialist (as opposed to the questionably-elected Bush in 2000), if you want the President (and thus our country) to fail, and if you think threats of violence are the answer to a political issue, then I’m sorry but you can’t be trusted.
Gingrich is a smooth talker with a few good ideas – and dozens of bad ones that far outweigh the good. As Reagan said, “Trust, but verify.” But I can’t trust Newt; if he told me the sun was shining, I’d go outside and check the sky before I believed it was true.
Sorry I won’t be around to follow this up – I’ll be working on a situation-appropriate political solution, calling and writing to my congresspeople in support of this bill and our President. (It seems a better use of my time than either preaching to the choir or futilely trying to convert the unconvertable.)
Democratic Diva » “I was taught to see racism only in individual acts of meanness, not in invisible systems conferring dominance on my group”
March 26th, 2010
3:08 am
[...] The Health Reform Denounce-A-Thon is in full swing, with (mostly white) Democratic politicians demanding that (nearly all white) Republican politicians repudiate the racist epithets and death threats and tone down their own inciting rhetoric. The Republicans, naturally, are responding with the “both sides are guilty” dodge and victim-blaming. [...]
contract with america 2010
March 26th, 2010
6:35 am
time for a new contract; remember the last one brought us a cash surplus!!!
Allen S,
March 26th, 2010
7:00 am
Oh yea, this coming from a republinut that was one of the most corrupt persons in the house. Presiden Obama’s campaign platform was healthcare reform. Yes, he did it!! Wow, a politician that actually kept his promise, dang what a concept!!! The ONLY angry people are the republinuts that dispise Obama cause he is black. The tea buggers are nothing more than domestic terroist that act like children not getting their way, so they resort to threats and violence. The republinuts can’t win at anything that is why they are angry, they lost in 08, they could not defeat Obama’s healthcare reform, and they will lose in Nov as well. People are starting to see just how childish the GOP has become. The republinuts will also loose the frivilous lawsuits by the republinut states against healthcare reform, and waste tax payers money on something so silly. I for one will be working as hard as I can to elect democrats here in Georgia from our stupid Gov to the legislature. Sinc the legislature is going to raise our taxes, WHERE are the tea buggers or is it they just don’t care what happens if republinuts raise taxes, come on tell me WHERE ARE THE TEA BUGGERS NOW?????
Wackolibhack
March 26th, 2010
7:19 am
It is Bush’s fault that the Democrat party and The Obama messed up the Obamacare so badly that they had to punt on abortion in order to get fellow democrats to support Obamacare. It is Bush’s fault that The Obama is now increasing waste and killing the environment by needlessly flying around the country, adding to the Man-Made Global Warming, selling Obamacare when many democrats hate the legislation. It is Bush’s fault that democrats are so stupid that they passed a bill that really doesn’t kick in for at least four years and the American people are gonna feel lied to about the whole thing. I hate Bush!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wackolibhack
March 26th, 2010
7:21 am
It is Bush’s fault that Allen S garggles as he tea bags his close male famiy members. I hate Bush!
Jumbo G is the king of conventional thinking
March 26th, 2010
7:37 am
Why do Democrats and media wh@res like Jumbo G like to play the race card. Can their ideas be sold without inciting racial fears? Jumbo G, you make me sick with your willingness to play the race card, My God, man, is it 1960 and this is all one big flashback for you? As the sun sets of your career, I would like to be the first to say that you and other media dinosaurs deserve a long break free from the stresses of racism and living in this terrible country.
Jumbo G is the king of conventional thinking
March 26th, 2010
7:40 am
Does anyone remember how civil the media wh@res and democrats were to G.W. Bush? I laugh everytime I hear somme democrat/media wh@res lament the intensity of the current politcial debate in this country. So funny.
Chris Matthews is covered in his own spittle because he is drinking, again and because he is a racist
March 26th, 2010
8:00 am
Back by popular demand. NBC’s longest serving racist:
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2010/01/27/msnbcs_matthews_on_obama_i_forgot_he_was_black_tonight.html
And this clip of that drunken liberal on inciting violence and appropriate political debate:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkUiMo5tZlg
Liberals are so enlightened and tolerant. My gosh!
blaising
March 26th, 2010
8:30 am
It’s 1999 all over again…accuse your opponent of your own glaring weakness.
This is leasure-suit politics…kinda out of style.
RetiredSoldier
March 26th, 2010
9:07 am
Cheryl-
Accepted. Glad to know even though you are on “the other side” you see how our “press” as fallen into cheerleader nothings. The press is to damn important to our way of life for it not to be a major tool to keep governments honest, all governments, left or right. In that area my fair lady we certainly agree.
RetiredSoldier
March 26th, 2010
9:20 am
Brat-
Never claimed to have common sense, I responed with my education level because I was accused of no being “learned”. I said I have never used the VA, that is correct. Why? First because the VA is primiarly for veterans, not retirees and because retirees have Tricare and after 65 Tricare for Life. VA also is for service connected disabilities, besides a bit of loss of hearing which I did not claim I did not have any service connected disabilities. I hope that helps, if not my DD-214 is avaiable on demand.
Tom
March 26th, 2010
9:58 am
Newt – you’re a good author/co-author/editor… it would be to everyone’s advantage that you kept your divisive mouth shut, stuck with writing and not return to politics. We’ve got enough problems as it is.
RetiredSoldier
March 26th, 2010
10:01 am
Tom- And I thought it was only conservatives that practiced hate speech. Tsk tsk.
John K
March 26th, 2010
10:19 am
Oh Newt, where is that personal responsibility the right is always clamoring about? Or is it everyone else’s responsibility except yours?
RetiredSoldier
March 26th, 2010
10:20 am
John K-
See above, have you forgotten all libs play nice? You must have missed the memo from Move On.
John K
March 26th, 2010
10:30 am
Retired Soldier, see above and point out where I’ve said all libs play nice. Thanks.
RetiredSoldier
March 26th, 2010
10:39 am
You didn’t John, but that is the libs current talking point. Conservatives-hate speech Libs- sweet and kind fighting off the dreaded conservatives
John K
March 26th, 2010
10:40 am
So you’re trying to move the goalpost, eh? Still doesn’t change the current atmosphere and what Newt said.
RetiredSoldier
March 26th, 2010
10:49 am
Yeah yeah, turn off MSNBC and quit reading the Huffington Post. Standards (goalpost) never change. Just like the constitution.
John K
March 26th, 2010
11:05 am
I can see the need to try and deflect the blame here. Good thing is, most aren’t buying it.
Chris Matthews is covered in his own spittle because he is drinking, again and because he is a racist
March 26th, 2010
1:02 pm
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2010/01/27/msnbcs_matthews_on_obama_i_forgot_he_was_black_tonight.html.
By the way, this human mass of racism is a proud Democrat!
Barry
March 26th, 2010
1:50 pm
Hey Y’all:
Newt, GO TO HELL WITH THAT RHETORIC!! You know damn well, that that was politics as usual in passing bills. Please do not play on the ignorance of the public to the political process that has gone on in American government for years. This is only new to someone who is uneducated abot the pilitical process in “passing a bill.” Democrats and Republicans practice it at the federal, state and local level. Just because the Republican/KluKluxKlan/NaziParty/TeaParty lost on this bill, please do not use the opportunity to cry foul. You are showing your divisiveness and wickedness in trying to manipulate the public in this matter. You can not fool me. I know the goverment political process. It has gone on like this since the days of George Washington. Grow uo, Newt Gingrich.
AlladinsLamp
March 26th, 2010
5:23 pm
And God commanded that Newt commit adultery.
Jumbo G is the king of conventional thinking
March 26th, 2010
6:05 pm
Hey, Jumbo G, while you are doin’ some “Journalism” for the story on Cantor’s office getting shot up by a lib, why don’t you try to find the audio of what Lewis cliams happens. Ooooooooh, I smell a pulitzer! What a scoop!
Teacher
March 26th, 2010
7:57 pm
You’d think Newt would have learned by now that he’s embarrassed Georgia enough- but NO!! He has to go and do it again. What a loser. How does he keep managing to get reelected??!!! His own party stoked the fire of the extremists on the right, and now want to blame the Dems for doing what they had to to get any legislation out of Congress? Maybe if the Republicans had actually voted FOR legislation they sponsored, instead of playing to the extremists, all the angst wouldn’t be as bad as it is. Instead of just saying he doesn’t condone any of the attacks and leaving it at that, he has to not-so-backhandedly encourage them anyway!! I can only hope Georgia will one day produce something better than that! What an embarrassment to Georgia, the Republican Party, and Indepedents like myself!
Lola
March 26th, 2010
9:18 pm
Republicans are the cause of the chaos. We all know it. I mean last summer when Healthcare was a discussion at town halls; who were the idiots showing up to intimidate, screaming not allowing the Congress rep to get a word in edgewise. However the ground work had been laid when you have a Senator call the President a “lie” and Supreme Court justice show emotion as to where there true loyalties lie, and then have ignorant and rude comment in Session (ie “baby killer”) what else do you expect. I didn’t see one Democrat have that happen. However what I think the Republicans will find is there is alot of us “who wish you would” try to slap, touch, or do anything like your forefathers did (lynchings)…you will readily find its a different day in the USA. That’s not a threat a promise.
Cindy
March 27th, 2010
10:47 pm
And, Mr. Gingrich, speaking of a party’s “moral responsibility” for behaving with “such arrogance, in such a hostile way” – you’d think the party leadership was starting a foregn war using false evidence of WOMD rather than providing healthcare for its own citizens.
Ellen
March 28th, 2010
2:56 pm
This is from a guy who cheated on his wife and then dumped her when she had cancer. People who live in glass houses really should shut up…
JHB
March 29th, 2010
7:53 am
How is this any different from Newt’s standard MO since he joined Congress in the ’80s: throw some red meat to his audience by blaming anything bad on liberals and Democrats. Mere facts don’t enter into it, as long as he gets his headline and gets his fans riled up.
When everything a man says is self-serving claptrap, the real question is “why does ANYONE pay attention to him?”
Cheryl
March 29th, 2010
9:03 am
@ Retired Soldier – you missed my point. To me it’s not about sides, it’s about whether or not the bill is constitutional which is the focus of this thread, and whether or not these lawsuits are a waste of the tax payers’ money for completely political purposes. I am very interested in that aspect, and though I don’t oppose the bill, I would have liked to see some additional things in it, and a few things changed for sure, which I think is the same as most Americans. Everyone can find things in the bill that they like, and everyone can find things they don’t, the nature of government is a “one size fits all” solution, it can’t make everyone happy. One size can never fit all, but we can’t have different laws for different people. We have had that before in our history, it didn’t stand up in the courts when the Constitution is applied, (see women’s rights, Civil Rights, etc).
@ Disappointed – you are right neither of us have clerked for the SCOTUS, and I doubt that either of us are constitutional lawyers, But our President is. And I know that many do not hold that in very high esteem (why for the life of me I cannot understand), although I suspect there are many here who would listen to one they appear on Fox, but he is not only a constitutional lawyer and a very good one, he teaches it at one of the most prestigious law schools in the nation. That credential alone, should tip you hat as to whether or not he would have signed a bill that knowingly would be struck down, since as the pundits like to assert, his future was riding on this bill. I wouldn’t hold my breath that it will be repealed, or struck down by the Supreme Court for the reasons I cited earlier.
However, this will not be one of those things that remain theory or a mystery. The answer will be made public, and we can all move along, and hopefully, learn as a nation a little more about how our Government works for real. That can’t be a bad thing.
@
Sylvia63
March 29th, 2010
8:08 pm
Thanks Cheryl for correcting the disappointed american…do these people read at all..does he not know that Ronald Reagan started his downfall back in the 80’s and little george bush sealed his coffin….go back and read not just the history books for the past decade but keep going back to maybe Eisenhower and good Republican fair and open minded..then came ronnie reagan and we have been sliding every since…please disappointed american read, read, read what the Republicans have done to this country and help the rest of us try to fix it…socialism ! who rebuilt Germany? who sent all of our jobs away, who killed off the pilots and their union? what a great profession that use to be…who did that?
Steph
April 8th, 2010
10:57 pm
LOL Newt…. It’s funny to hear him talk about ethics. I have fond memories of working master control at a tv station watching him help hound Bill Clinton over Monica Lewinsky. Oh the things he said about ETHICS… just to later find out he was having an affair AT THE SAME TIME. I laughed so hard when he resigned over ethics violations.