Newt Gingrich to announce exploratory committee ‘within 10 days’ — in Georgia
Update at 11 a.m. Sunday: I was on a State Bar panel Saturday afternoon with Randy Evans, the Atlanta lawyer in charge of Newt Gingrich’s business interests. He’s quoted below.
Before we parted, Evans told me this: “In 10 days, Newt Gingrich will be in Georgia, announcing his exploratory committee.”
Evans later sent an e-mail. “Within 10 days,” he said.
So that’s Tuesday by March 8. Not necessarily on March 8.
Original post: As a culture, we no longer admire the tease. Gypsy Rose Lee always won applause by keeping her feathers discretely placed, but she is long gone.
The Internet is all about the full frontal.
Which is why you have to hand it to Newt Gingrich and the way he has managed to stoke continued interest in his presumptive Republican run for president with provocative breadcrumbs tossed out to journalists.
During a January visit to Georgia, Gingrich let it be known in private conversations that he’d scouted out office space for a campaign headquarters in Buckhead.
In Florida on Thursday, the former U.S. House speaker from Georgia even spoke of potential running mates. From the Palm Beach Post:
“Florida has two and maybe three potential vice presidential candidates right now, maybe four if you count Jeb Bush,” Gingrich said. He mentioned Sen. Marco Rubio, U.S. Rep. Allen West, R-Plantation and Gov. Rick Scott.
On Friday afternoon, a South Carolina political blog published a transcript of a TV interview in which Gingrich pledged fealty to the first three states in the GOP contest. The former speaker made very careful use of the subjunctive as he dismissed Florida’s ambition to become an early contender:
My commitment would be explicitly to Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina. Then Floridians should figure out what they want to do. We went through this exact same game in 2007 and 2008. It is not a very dignified process I am afraid.
On Friday afternoon, Lori Geary with Channel 2 Action News caught up with two Gingrich allies in Georgia, who were dropping their own hints.
She quoted Matt Towery, the CEO of InsiderAdvantage: “I would say speaker Gingrich is about 90 percent there, and I would expect that the announcement would be one that he is running.”
More intriguing was the tidbit from Randy Evans, the Atlanta attorney who handles Gingrich’s business interests: “I just think we’re in the process of restructuring the businesses to make Newt’s possible candidacy a viability.”
Not all of this foreshadowing is under the former House speaker’s control. Earlier this week, a University of Pennsylvania student confronted Gingrich about his three marriages – launching a thousand Tweets across the Internet. The video can be seen above, courtesy of CBS.
From Geary and Channel 2:
Both Towery and Evans said the former speaker is ready for the tough questions about his personal life. Gingrich has faced scrutiny for his torrid past, including marriage scandals.
“The good thing for Newt Gingrich is that his personal life has been assaulted for over 20 years,” Towery said. Evans agreed, saying if voters are willing to look past his past Gingrich will be successful.
“If the election is about yesterday, then it’ll always be a challenge but if it’s about tomorrow then i think he’s got a leg up,” Evans said.
- By Jim Galloway, Political Insider
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294 comments Add your comment
Rwinger261
February 27th, 2011
1:22 pm
Newt has already disappointed many of us who remember the great opportunity Conservatives had when they controlled the House and Senate. If he would have had the guts to do for conservatism what Pelosi and Reid did for liberalism, then his announcement might mean something. He needs to quietly move away from the camera, go into a corner and continue his writing or something else productive. Leave the high office for a man (or woman) who has the guts to fight the Marxists and Unions like the Gov. of Wisconsin is doing right now. That is the type of person needed in office to save the country and liberty, not an ivory tower political opportunist.
Kirt
February 27th, 2011
1:24 pm
America would be far better off with Gingrich in the White House than another 4 years of Obama. I think his personal problems coiuld be overcome. However, The two BIG issues that bother me as a conservative about Gingrich:
1) He would cave on the amnesty for illegals issue based on his past comments
2) He has bought into aLGore’s global warming nonsense and would support some form of cap and tax law,
sarahb
February 27th, 2011
1:27 pm
Sorry! after reading back,I found a few more Republicans have joined the conversation. Sorry for the type errors in my last post. It’s hard to type with one hand in a cast, but that’s no excuse for not spell checking.
rwaliotta
February 27th, 2011
1:27 pm
who would ever believe anything newt has to say he made a big deal about clintons affaire in in the white house lo and behold we find out he was screwing around on his wife so he packs up and plays archaeologist for a few years hoping know one would rember what a dork he is. clyde
JimBob
February 27th, 2011
1:31 pm
The left is deathly afraid of Gingrich because he is smart and articulate. He will be able to not only cast a vision the public will understand and embrace, but he will “out debate” any progressive opponent. His command of history and language will propel him to the front. If we can let a sitting president have sex with an intern in the oval office and then perjure himself before a prosecutor, we can forgive the indiscretions of Gingrich!
Tom Hagen
February 27th, 2011
1:33 pm
Dude…don’t embarrass yourself.
Mr. G..you are fat-faced white guy married to younger woman who must cringe when you talk your clothes off.
Mr. G…you are worst than President Clinton in the morality department! This comes (oops!) from a man who didn’t vote for President Clinton either time..but voted for Gore and Kerry.
Oh where Oh where are you General Petraeus?
I’m voting for the Petraeus-Daniels ticket!
Gramps
February 27th, 2011
1:33 pm
We’re watching “Thurgood” on “Dish Network”…
Marshall, was a true intellectual, honest thinker and exceptional judge…
LBJ, had made one of his finest decisions, as CIC…!
Newt Gingrich Exploratory Committee To Be Announced Within 10 Days - The POH Diaries
February 27th, 2011
1:39 pm
[...] now. Newt Gingrich’s exploratory committee announcement isn’t exactly big news. But, here it is in the [...]
John Galt
February 27th, 2011
1:47 pm
Newt – please run. Many of us are just waiting for your announcement to volunteer our time and our money to help you. America needs the wisdom and the strength you possess. Overcoming what the kenyan has wrought will take someone of your caliber.
Your supporters stand ready to help you overcome the MSM onslaught of the left-winged, limp-writsted demagogues. They are as weak as their arguments and as cowardly as their leaders. They wilt in the glare of the truth.
TC
February 27th, 2011
1:53 pm
GO AWAY NEWT!
Gramps
February 27th, 2011
1:56 pm
John Galt
February 27th, 2011
1:47 pm
John, don’t you have yer own special space…
Anyn, sorta mentioned, you were an island…
Hey John, do you issue passports…
I’m a gardener…
Tomatoes, lettuce…?
chuk a spear
February 27th, 2011
2:01 pm
I for one forgive knewt for his womens issues ,a draft dodger and all else,,if he runs with sara it will unit us.
ak
February 27th, 2011
2:05 pm
waaaaaa!
…can’t believe the level of crybabies onboard.
This man may have skeltons in his closet, but who doesn’t?
AND…He’s the only conservative qualified to hold the position od PoUSA
Run Newt RUN….!!!!
ROADHOG
February 27th, 2011
2:11 pm
Newt has Too much RINO in his DNA he can do more b y staying out of the race
Gramps
February 27th, 2011
2:12 pm
spear chucker…
I luv you, man…!
I_Am_the_Clay
February 27th, 2011
2:16 pm
Hon…
Yer takin… this discourse, entirely too seriously…
We’re just havin’ fun here…
Lighten’ up…!
Oh, no! I didn’t realize I was serious. Thanks for the heads up!
Ron Gardner
February 27th, 2011
2:19 pm
At last we have a person who is extemely well versed in politics, diplomacy, current events, world happenings,and gifted with common sense ideas available to lead us where we should be both nationally and inter-nationally. Some baggage? Yes. Who doesn’t have? When you arrogant, sinless critizers find a perfect person to lead us, how about shouting it from the roof tops. Until then, let him who is without sin cast the first stone and let the world know about your perfection. Newt is the best qualified of all current wantabees.
rbblum
February 27th, 2011
2:20 pm
If for no other reason, Newt Gingrich should make a run for the 2012 US presidential race in order to present a strong, clear, thoughtful voice during the debates . . . for the sake of the United States of America and ‘the people’.
Gramps
February 27th, 2011
2:20 pm
Keep yer eyes on the target…and yer best finger on the trigger…
Soldier…!
AJC « Sister Toldjah
February 27th, 2011
2:22 pm
[...] Newt Gingrich to announce exploratory committee ‘within 10 days’ — in Georgia [...]
Red
February 27th, 2011
2:22 pm
I think Newt has the right ideas to set our Nation back on course.
Yes he has had personnel problems. But I think our Nation needs someone who can remove many of the wasteful Departments that fill Washington DC.
Newt can cast the vision. With a Tea Party Congress he will restore America
Richard
February 27th, 2011
2:24 pm
I wouldn’t vote for Newt Gingrich for anything! I did NOT vote for McCain or Obama. Gingrich, like the Bushes, Clintons & Obama, just to name a few, are puppets of the Wall Street banker thieves. They bailed out the banker thieves without any accountability of where the money went to, then came up with a phony scheme of refinancing mortgages that many didn’t qualify for. Why didn’t these puppets just bail out homeowners the same way? Stop voting for these phonies!
I_Am_the_Clay
February 27th, 2011
2:29 pm
Go Newt!!!! Run with all your heart! We need a man in the White House!!! Sick of the puppets and wanna bes!!!
IrisE
February 27th, 2011
2:29 pm
Give me a break on this “let he who has not sinned cast the first stone”. Newt refers to has pathetic past as a few mistakes. He served divorce papers on his first wife while she was in the hospital having chemotherapy. This is not a mistake – THIS IS AN EXAMPLE OF A BOTTOM FEEDER.
I repeat that he had his chance and he BLEW IT. We have a lot of good men and women out there who REALLY ARE CONSERVATIVES. And I agree on his sucking up to the left – he can’t help himself because his ego squeezes out what little brains he has.
I_Am_the_Clay
February 27th, 2011
2:29 pm
I’d rather have Newt than RomneyCare!
I_Am_the_Clay
February 27th, 2011
2:30 pm
IrisE, they are not choosing to run though. I sure don’t want RomneyCare!
bahmi
February 27th, 2011
2:36 pm
Gingrich is pathetic. He’s sadly lacking character, forget his past, his present and future stink. I detest this chameleon, he’s like the fool McKain. Around far too long, simply a pure political opportunist who writes well and is a disgrace as a human being. This guy is not presidential timber. He’s more like a rotted twig.
MQBitsko
February 27th, 2011
2:38 pm
He’s got my vote. Gingrich has more brains in his pinkie finger than the rest of the candidates combined.
MQBitsko
February 27th, 2011
2:39 pm
I love hearing all the moral pontificating from people who voted for an admitted crack smoker.
Carlo
February 27th, 2011
2:45 pm
If this inside-the-beltway, out-of-touch, pandering, “Big Tent” blowhard HACK is the best the Republicans can come up with — during an opportunity against a president who’s making Jimmeh Carter look almost competent, during an opportunity to put a real Reagan conservative in office — then we really do need a third party.
Gingrich’s picture should be next to “RINO” in the dictionary of acronyms.
I mean c’mon, Newt Gingrich? We have a genuine opportunity to get a real leader here. Obama is so unsuccessful and unpopular and detached and just plain unlikable among voters, that his own party was sprinting away from him going into the mid-term elections.
Take a hike, Newt.
Alan G Phillips
February 27th, 2011
2:48 pm
Newt could well be one of the very first to enter the Presidential sweepstakes. He certainly has a right to run, even I do. Newt however is the master of reinvention. He is well accomplished at changing his name, his endorsements, remember the New York House race, even his spouses. He is into his third marriage which only means that the problems encountered in marriage one and two should be examined by the voters. Through his third marriage he has changed his faith and apparently his outlook. He has occasionally broken bread with the President and yet can subtlety use a word like impeachment for a former host. He is certainly capable of shutting down government or deflecting ethics charges. Yet he has a right to run for the office and registered voters maintain their right to vote.
In America’s hour of great stress and unlimited potential, imaging and public relations must be relegated to the back seat. Restoration of the American dream will require a holistic candidate this time. I never did agree with the professional basketball player who stated that he was not a role model. In the nation’s top executive office, this time his family and vision must be outstanding. Expertise that is the result of flawed and unethical service will not provide the leadership the nation requires. Reinvention of image on the part of Newt and his advisors will be seen as analogous to a chameleon on as crazy quilt attempting to decide which color to turn. Believe it or not even the future first lady will be carefully reviewed on this occasion. The next POTUS AND FLOTUS will have to be authentic and transparent. PR and reinvention will no longer suffice.
Welcome to the race Newt.
Dr. Alan G. Phillips, Sr
Bloomington, IL
dan
February 27th, 2011
2:54 pm
RINO, dont need him!
carla
February 27th, 2011
2:55 pm
We don’t need Newt. He had his chance and lost it. We need people like Mitch Daniels, Chris Christie, people with spines.
Carlo
February 27th, 2011
3:02 pm
@Dr. Alan — don’t be so elliptical. You’re saying we need an authentic and transparent chief executive. Agreed. You’re saying we need a REAL leader with a spine and vision and REAL conviction that’s not just skin-deep. Agreed. You’re insinuating that Newt the “master of reinvention” ain’t going to cut it. Agreed. ‘Nuff said. I wouldn’t go so far as to “welcome” Gingrich to the race. I’d rather beg him to stay far, far away. The less “RINO dilution” in the pool of candidates, the better.
Same goes for Huckabee.
Carlo
February 27th, 2011
3:04 pm
Clarification: instead of “elliptical” maybe I should have said “roundabout.”
Blake
February 27th, 2011
3:11 pm
Newt vs Obama? How about Alfred E. Newman vs Obama. My money is on Alfred.
mr giggles
February 27th, 2011
3:29 pm
HAHAHAHAHA He doesn’t have a chance. It doesn’t matter what comes out of his mouth. Just look at the little beady-eyed fat man; he doesn’t even remotely look like a leader. And this, unfortunately, is a superficial wurld where appearance DOES matter the most. Let the old, rich, white man throw his money away; the more the better.
IrisE
February 27th, 2011
3:43 pm
My observation is that Wife #3 wants to be First Lady REALLY REALLY BAD. I wonder if she’s ever considered – if we cheated on #1 and #2 – good probability he will cheat on #3.
Why waste time putting a re-tread on the car – it’s time for NEW TIRES.
Steve
February 27th, 2011
3:52 pm
Gingrich is an immoral, has been sellout and part of the Matrix that enslaves us
And why the constant hammering about supporting “israel”.. what have they ever done for us but attack our ships (USS Liberty Incident), constantly attempt to drag us into proxy wears for their interests (and recently succeeded, I might add) and spy on us for the last 60 years, then sell our secrets the the Red Chinese? The sooner we dump that little terrorist nation the safer the USA will be. If that does not matter to you then you are not a patriot
Lastango
February 27th, 2011
3:52 pm
Newt is a RINO’s RINO — an open borders/amnesty fraudster, a Bush and Hillary enabler, and – more recently – a Scozzafava backer. He’s one of the people who helped destroy the Republican Party. He should run as Romney’s VP, or as a Democrat.
buzzsaw
February 27th, 2011
4:02 pm
whats the real reason that newt is running for president. money and matching funds sounds good doesn’t it newt? you really believe you have a chance? get real
CLL
February 27th, 2011
4:02 pm
This scum bag is over. He and all of his ex wives.
buzzsaw
February 27th, 2011
4:06 pm
correct me if i’m wrong, romney is of the mormon faith, right? then we could become a cult and give an extra 10% to the church
Old Gyrene
February 27th, 2011
4:12 pm
As a life-long Conservative (and someone who had to do two tours in Vietnam because punks like gingrich refused to do one), I am looking forward to any visit he makes to East Tennessee.
I’ll be there standing tall and waiting to tell that gutless wimp what I think of him.
Semper Fi!
Cat
February 27th, 2011
4:19 pm
“What do we have to do to get someone who is conservative and wants to help the middle class in this country to run for president????”
Uh, well you’d have to redefine “conservative” for one thing, because helping the middle class is not something conservatives have the least bit of interest in.
You two are funny, I say I want NO help, get the government out of the way and out of our pockets and we will help ourselves taking the willing with us!
Fast freddy
February 27th, 2011
4:29 pm
Run Newt Run! – bumper sticker on my front grill…
Para Stroyka
February 27th, 2011
4:34 pm
Wasn’t it hysterical how FOX News and Newt co-opted the Tea Parties? Hannity kept shoving him down our throats. Newt kept repeating his website, over and over. The guy is an a$$ clown and a fraud. He is no more conservative than John Kerry. R ON Paul.
J.Trofino
February 27th, 2011
4:39 pm
I regret reading all the negative comments about Newt…yes he has bagagge…but which potential candidate has none? His strengths however, include a keen intellect, excellent debating skills, superior knowledge of the Congress, and most important a love for his country, where all can trace he was born and raised ! The voters will need to decide if Newt becomes the Nominee, if his baggage over shadows his assets, or if they want to chance another four years with the current occupant of the White House…a daunting thought!!!
TR
February 27th, 2011
4:55 pm
Even this Republican says Newt should not even try. Newt will NOT be able to beat the current Admin. To many bad decisions from the past. Just my decision.
TR
February 27th, 2011
4:55 pm
sorry opinion not decision. Never try to blog 2 items at a time.