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Chris Keane / Reuters
Republican presidential candidate and former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich speaks at a rally on the night of the New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Delaware primaries in Concord, North Carolina April 24, 2012.
Newt Gingrich will suspend his campaign next week, ending his pursuit of the presidency, but almost certainly not his life in the national spotlight.
NBC News learned that Gingrich will suspend his campaign on May 1, and may well endorse Mitt Romney, his nemesis throughout the primary season.
But if one thing seems unassailably true about the end of Newt Gingrich's bid for the presidency, it's that we haven't seen the end of Newt Gingrich.
The former House speaker's career has, if nothing else, been marked by its series of peaks and valleys. Gingrich ends his campaign for the Republican nomination exploring the depths of one such valley: his campaign wracked with debt, his political stature at an all-time low within the GOP, and his private business seriously threatened.
But like a cat with nine lives, throughout his career, Gingrich has shown a penchant for achieving unthinkable political resurrections. While he might have cashed in several lives during this campaign -- and had certainly spent more in his preceding political life -- it seems unthinkable that the public has seen the last of this man.
“We had an avalanche fall on us, and Newt dug himself out. And that's the story of his entire career,” said Rick Tyler, the spokesman for a pro-Gingrich super PAC. Tyler was a longtime aide to the former House speaker before having joined a mass resignation of senior staff last June -- a particular low point for the candidate and his campaign.
Those mass resignations came after a rocky rollout for Gingrich, during which he criticized a controversial budget drafted by House Republicans. Gingrich also struggled with the revelation of a six-figure line of credit he’d maintained with the jeweler Tiffany’s, and an ill-timed Greek vacation he took with his wife Callista, an omnipresent figure on the campaign trail.
GOP presidential candidate Newt Gingrich speaks to supporters in Concord, N.C. saying he will evaluate his position in the race over the next few days.
His campaign was considered all but dead after June 9, 2011 -- the day of those resignations. But students of his career could just as easily draw parallels with other scenes from the Gingrich political biography, moments when it also appeared his luck had run out.
“I think there's a little bit of Richard Nixon in Newt Gingrich. His political career was pronounced dead as many times as well,” said Craig Shirley, the GOP public affairs veteran with close ties to Gingrich. Shirley, a biographer of Reagan, is currently working on a political biography of Gingrich.
“He likes the high wire in the same way that Nixon did,” Shirley said of Gingrich. “They all like the high wire, but there's some who handle it better than others.”
There are many instances when, over the last three and a half decades, Gingrich had appeared to fall out of favor with both Republicans and voters at large. There were his failed early bids for Congress in the 1970s and clashes with Republican leaders throughout the 1980s and early 1990s.
His biggest political achievement came in 1994, when Gingrich led Republicans to win back a majority in the House for the first time since 1954. But his tenure was well-documented for its internal and external tumult, and led to an attempted coup toward its end. Gingrich resigned amid growing Republican anger toward his leadership following the elections of 1998 – a dramatic development used to great effect by Mitt Romney’s campaign throughout the 2012 primaries.
That resignation might have otherwise meant the end for any other political figure, but the story of Newt Gingrich has always been a story of reinvention and resurrection.
In the more than 10 years since leaving Congress, Gingrich took on the persona of a party elder. He became a commentator on FOX News, a lucrative opportunity, and made millions more through consulting and the establishment of “Newt, Inc.,” the consortium of interest groups built in his name that has pervaded Washington.
His brand had been rehabilitated sufficiently enough by 2011 to wage a credible bid for the Republican presidential nomination, but Gingrich’s campaign was marked by the same turbulence that had defined his entire career.
Gingrich soldiered on following the June resignations, only to re-emerge in late November 2011 as the top choice of Republicans in the first nominating contest in Iowa, at least according to polls. But his presidential aspirations bottomed out again after suffering an onslaught of negative advertising from the Romney campaign.
The Daily Rundown's Chuck Todd explains Mitt Romney newest test – explaining why he should replace President Barack Obama.
Undeterred, Gingrich rebounded again to shock Romney in the South Carolina primary – the first time a candidate had won the influential primary since its inception without continuing to become the eventual Republican nominee.
Then came the Florida primary several days later, where Romney again dispensed with the former House speaker by using a barrage of critical advertisements. It was Gingrich’s last true gasp as a candidate. He retreated to Georgia, the state he had served as a member of Congress, and hitched his candidacy to winning that state – and only – on Super Tuesday.
Even in nearby Mississippi and Alabama several weeks later, Gingrich lost those primaries to Rick Santorum. His inability to score a meaningful win fueled perceptions of Gingrich as a kind of “ghost candidate,” even though he defiantly vowed to push forward with his campaign through the August convention in Tampa, where he would conceivably challenge Romney in a messy floor fight for the nomination.
His relationship with FOX lies in tatters following the publication of a report in which Gingrich made critical comments of the network before a private crowd. More significantly, the Center for Health Transformation – the crown jewel of Gingrich’s personal empire – was forced to file for bankruptcy in the former speaker’s absence. His campaign is millions in debt, and CHT’s bankruptcy will likely cost Gingrich some personal wealth, too.
Gingrich’s path to redemption – again – is steep, possibly steeper than at any previous point in his career.
That path begins with a speech at the Tampa convention this summer meant to unify Republicans behind Romney, despite the personal animosity over time between Romney and Gingrich, said Shirley.
“Newt has the ability to arrest people because he’s interesting,” said Rick Tyler of the attributes that might help Gingrich accomplish another turnaround. “That didn’t translate into people wanting him to be president.”
Fans of the former speaker assert that it would be inconceivable for Gingrich, at the least an irrepressible gadfly in Washington, to fade from public view.
When will Americans finally see Gingrich’s final act as a public figure?
“I guess when he's getting last rites,” Shirley said.
Leave a Comment:
Good Bye, and do some shopping.
Why did he even bother?
True to our Congressmen spirit, he has to defer things for a week to decide on stuff that he has already decided. Must be buying favors, whatever he could muster, from Romney!
Ron,
He needed/wanted/used campaign donations to pay for his book tour.
Remember all the stops he made that didn’t seem to be connected to the campaign trail, where all the other candidates were.
Despite the rancor between them during the primaries they have a great deal of respect for each other. I have no doubt Romney will have use of Newt's experience unwinding the damage of the last 3.5years.
Lots of work ahead of us folks... but the end of an error!
Why wait. Get it over with and move your sorry azz outta of the USA you fat-azz leech.
It must be nice living off the back of the taxpayers for life. Right Nutty Newt?
It's time to start tossing 99% of all the corrupt politicians to the curb and then into jail where they belong.
Finally! The massive blood flow from the Black Knight's limb severings has diminished to a drip. Thank the Heaven's, Newt! You've HEALED! The Band-Aids were indeed enough to overcome your opponent. Of course it will be impossible for you to hail a cab now, but hey... at least you showed them all who's boss.
Didn't Herman Cain say basically the same thing about the spotlight? We haven't heard from him, have we? Newt will return to writing bad books and bad checks.
"His relationship with FOX lies"
CLASSIC!!!
You only have to understand that this was his last shot. He is delaying because he is going to try to find a way to continue.
He was the "Huckabee" of 2012. For some unexplained reason, he failed to understand the history of Primaries. Support tends to go up the ladder, not down. Romney clearly got the lion's share of the Santorum support in every state except Delaware where the support appears to have split evenly.
IF Gingrich drops out 1 month before Santorum dropped out as the numbers showed he should have, you would have a neck and neck Romney and Santorum race still going. I tried talking to Gringrich people, they are as adamant as Ron Paul supporters.
I agree Rub, the libbie minions here saw the end to their free government handouts if Newt was successful, but they don't realize Mitt will tighten the belts too.... maybe not as much as Newt would have, but I think we'll find that Mitt will be a bit more conservative than when he was Gov.
Can't wait to see obama try and defend his record..... that will be cute!
About time.
Ron Indiana
Why did he even bother?
Hi Ron
My guess is:
a. since psychiatrists still don't why some people are obsessed with recurring thoughts, repeating tasks, making noises and so on and so forth; he has Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
b. due to his pervasive pattern of manipulating, exploiting, and his disregard for the violation of the rights of others; he has some serious problems.
c. he is narcissistic.
How Crazy is Crazy? Whatever, it is sure fits the pseudo historian.
Romney was right .Your to stupid to win ! And having your wife by your side was as bad as picking Palin !
"...his campaign wracked with debt, his political stature at an all-time low within the GOP, and his private business seriously threatened."
And this is the type of candidate Republicans were offering America? No wonder Bush left office leaving the country a mess for someone else to clean up.
In Palm Springs..... are all Californian's as well educated as you? Yikes!
I'll miss you Newt, especially reading the juvenile comments about you at FR! But somehow I think we'll be hearing more from you in the near future..... ! You are truly a great American!
Newt, guess you were the last to KNOW, you have not been IN the race since around mid-February!!
Seldom, Newt a truly great American??? Hmmm. I prefer to put a soldier who fights for our country, or maybe a doctor who saves lives, or maybe a teacher to teaches our children, etc in the category of a "great American". Someone who does good. Is good.
Newt doesn't even come close to what we should be proud of as Americans.
GOOD RIDDENS!!!!!!!!!
I will donate $100 to the fund for Newt to go to the moon and start a colony. If 999,999 more people each donate $100 we will have enough to get that huge head and Michelin Man body at least on a rocket headed toward the moon. One-way ticket, of course.
This man ..Newt.... who was in the middle of having an affair ...while raving fanatically about Pres Clinton having an affair..... and that the president should be impeached because of it...then runs for the office of the president of the United States as if he is above all that he proclaimed as unfit for the office. The republicans embraced Newt and still do... Republicans unfit for office 2012...so? ..........Nice campagn slogun huh?...Can you imagine if Dems put Edwards on the ticket again after finding out about his affair? NEWT...how dare you sir!
Wouldn't it be nice, post-Citizen's United, to imagine a world where massive dumps of money into attempting to buy elections could have the "equal but opposite" effect, causing financial ruin instead of the financial and power gains expected? Sheldon Adelson's millions in donations only served to continue to fuel Newt's delusion of becoming the world leader; though as Adelson's money dried up, Newt's expectations didn't. So because of that delusional momentum, he lost sight of his own financial well-being. When you go from millions at your disposal to nothing, it's hard to make that transition back to moderation (a swear word on the Right): the spending continues, if even for a short time, to a point of financial insolvency.
These billionaires may only be aiding in their demise, serving up disaster for these candidates, not the glory they so desperately desire, by feeding into their insatiable appetite for attention that unlimited funds can buy.
If Sarah Palin ends up broke in the next few months or years, my theory may prove correct. Then we may begin to see a pattern of super-candidates who simply end up broke, showing to all Americans that there are certain people who are just really bad handling money - and leadership. And we will grow and evolve and become more adept at spotting these types before they even start to run for office. When they do, they'll be rejected almost immediately. We will see them for the snake-oil salesmen and saleswomen they are and, in the words of W, "you can't get fooled again."
Maybe in the end, the Supreme Court's decision will be a good thing after all.
Well,
Now we can focus on the hope of the candidate that all Republicans didn't want at the last election. That sure gives us hope for the party. I'm feeling that Hopey Changey Feeling knowing we have such a strong chance. Fact of the matter, Newty would have hammered Obama in the debates but the fractures in the Republican Party disallow real hope in the coming election. Romney will never be able to argue Healtcare in his campaign. Many Republicans may elect to skip this election. The tipping point was reached and will be well defined after this election. God save us!
Hey Big Jeff..Put Newt onboard...I'll drop him off for free with his list of words he designed to manipulate all republicans. Do search on...... Newt Gingrich word list....to see how you followers are manipulated by the Newster. Jeff...do you want his present wife to go with him...or the next one of his wives?
One of the things I most resent about Gingrich is the fact that they still call him "Speaker". He was fined for ethics violations, left the House in shame and yet he is still addressed with that title? What a joke.
Obama/Biden 2012
You can tell the libs ONLY listen to the BS fed them from the left and doesnt do ANY and I mean ANY research. SOOO I wont bother trying to educate the ignorant masses of libs here. BUT you will see a ground swell of support for Mitt. BOZO has been SOO BAD for America we will have many problems digging our way out. We HAVE to start slapping the hands of the lazy people who ONLY want a hand out and not a hand up. Like the saying goes...OB makes Jimmy C. look good. And THATS saying something! I know, I lived thru that morons years in office!
Newt has done alot of good things for the country and the Republican party. But, that's in the past and likely to remain there. Slide into retirement Newt and enjoy a quieter life.
Ahhhhh... I am actually a little sad. This has been the most hilarious primary in the history of our country.
First we had the baby-collector Bachmann claiming that earthquakes are caused by God's view of politics, and the HPV vaccine causes retardation. Don't forget the "barbarians" comment, ironically coming from a closet-case husband.
Then we had Rick Perry who reminded everyone of their drunk uncle, stuttering through speeches and trying to win over votes with a hardy "yee-haa".
Santorum followed, with a creepy tone that distinguished his own comedic style. Whether he was explaining that rape babies are a gift from God, contraception should be outlawed, or describing that marriage is like water because no one has ever turned water into anything else (except that one guy he keeps talking about every day). But despite the scary undertones, we all had a laugh at the definition of Santorum, and every time he slipped and mentioned a "surge" or "backdoor" comment.
And who can forget everyone's favorite cartoon character, Hermain Cain? Whether it was quoting the Pokemon movie, discussing Uzbecki-becki-becki-stani-stan, or answering every question with $9.99 (what a great deal)... I think I will miss you most of all, scarecrow.
And now, our last bastion of hope... the last shinning beacon of comedy... slowly flickers out. With Gingrich leaving, no more will we hear about plans to create a moon base. We will soon forget that women should not serve on the front lines because they will get a disease, and men are better soldiers because they hunt giraffes (it's true, just bagged myself one the other day). And without Gingrich, who can we look towards as a model of true family values?
Why, Newt? Why must you leave us so early? You were the last clown, entertaining us when everyone else already left the party.
Why have you forsaken us, Republican primary? Why have you left us with Romney? Look at him... he's not entertaining, he's not even interesting. Romney is so incredibly bland that the only positive thing Republicans can say about him is that he is not Obama... that's it. There is no rousing support, no fanfare, no excited cheers and weeping women. The GOP simply shrugs their shoulders and comments in monotone, "well I guess we have to vote for him."
So here I am... a simple man with a simple request... please GOP... PLEASE... bring back the circus. Give Herman Cain another shot, he might turn things around. Or maybe Rick Perry, I'll even buy him some booze. Perhaps we can look at a Palin/Bachmann match-up, with more talk about bears and earthquakes. Just give us someone interesting... someone entertaining... anyone. Oh, Trump... bring back Trump. Trump and Gingrich, together... making the "best moon base, ever".
Please, GOP... bring back the clowns.
Would have been funny though to have a First Mistress Lady of the white house...oh make that Second Mistress Lady of the white house.
An adultress as first Lady
Oh Newty goody!!!
I would love to vote for Newt as the first president of our moon base.
I'd even be willing to find a way to send him there as soon as possible to do some reconnaissance.
The bimbo syndrome..they all seems to have it !
justina777--An adultress as first Lady. Really? How about an adulterer and Rapist and all around SEX OFFENDER as pres. that you libs made excusses for. For EIGHT years! And thats putting it LIGHTLY!!
You know who I'm talking about dont you?? SORRY I forgot you libs have BAD memories. Its CLINTON!
What a brainwashed troll you are truetexass. Did you ever have an original thought in your life.
Pauly...Talk about a brainwashed troll. You libs have that down pat. It fits you so well! Prove me wrong and not with BS with facts. I KNOW what happened and if you dont you are blind!
Never mind. Your a loony lib. You are blind. SORRY.
Save the taxpayers monies, get out now. Go sell some more books. What a waste of taxpayers time and money???
Not Clintons fault that all those chubby Republicans sluts kept throwing themselves at him
lolololol
you see...more excuses for the rapist in chief. I rest my case.
"LOLOLOLOL" You "people" are pathetic, but I dont expect any better from the left.
Can't blame Clinton... if a girl wants to give me a little mouth-love, who am I to argue?
If anything, that shows that Clinton was just like the common, everyday man.
That's right Jimsepa, he is! Newt is a far greater American than the guy sitting in the White House who's obvious distaste for American values is evident in his policies! And I don't even want to discuss Michelle, who's hate for American borders is even more evident!
IndieParty, some comic needs to hire you, you write some really good stuff. Thanks for the giggle, keep posting! I'll miss them too.
Such a sad state. And you libs have the nerve to say anything about anybody?? The dumbing down of America. No wonder some people stopped voting or listening to whats going on in politics. Its people like you that are so two faced and with the lack of morals that have turned people away. Your parents must be so proud. REALLY, because I'm sure I know where you got your way of thinking. Truly pathetic.
Have a good day.
Good, let him quit. It's not like it's going to make any difference. Neither he, nor Romney, no any other Repug has a snowball's chance in Hades of coming anywhere close to beating President Obama. The media is talking up how close this election will be. Bah. That is just so they have something to talk about. President Obama will with this with the same majority, if not more, as he did the 2008 election. After the 2010 debacle of Repugs, Tea Baggers, Cons, and religious fundaMENTAList showing their collective behinds coupled with what they did to the economy leading up to 2008, my dog has a greater chance of becoming President than anyone in the GOP. Oh yea, the Dems will hold the Senate and take back the House as well. Again, not that they have done such a great job, but at least they haven't all lost their minds and are first class candidates for the Funny Farm. The Repug Party has become the party of loonies, crazies, and nutcases.
Newt, the horse is dead and putrid! Another week of beating it won't change that! Lee could not admit he was headed to Appomattox until he got there. Look away, look away, look away old fat white man.
Indie Party interesting that you can't say that one guy's name. He is LORD and SAVIOR and his NAME is JESUS CHRIST! He still sits on the throne contrary to what you unbelievers want to believe and keep on lying to yourselves that there is no GOD. Well there is and he is coming to straighten this whole mess out. Hope your on the right side of the CROSS.
As far as Newt is concerned his campaign did not stand a chance with the Establishment backing Romney. Guess they don't want to have to go back to work in Congress. Which in my own personal experience as a Congressional Tourist to DC during the Republican takeover in 94 and for your information it was Newts leadership as the Speaker of the House that gave Clinton the Surplus your Dems so like to take credit for. It was given to Clinton by forcing 4 balanced budgets. I guess the Federal Govt. does not want to live like the rest of Americans, using a balanced budget at our own homes. I work as a Cashier now , when before I sold cars. Now I see more people than ever using Food Stamps. I guess Obama will be the Welfare President. If you want more Welfare then go ahead and Elect Obama. If you want a real job well you will have to go out and actually look for work. I work two jobs to make ends meet.
Oh Vince you really think that there at that many stupid people who are going to follow a Failed President like Obama. I live in the most liberal state in the Union and many liberals here are unhappy with Obama and those who voted with their emotions and the fact that they wanted America to show the World that they can elect a African American Kenyan Born President so the world thinks we are a progressive nation. I laugh at your statement. Obama will lose in 2012 and it will be by a Landslide that he will lose.
The sword, you can thank Bush for your current situation. He handed you and Obama a giant sh!t sandwich.
Yea, Memphis, keep defending the multiple adulterer: a shining beacon and example of the republican moral code.
I can see why you are so proud of Newt.
After all, Newt had the strength and fortitude to leave his dying wife for his mistress. Only a man with strong character and convictions and moral virtue would pull a stunt like that. Yea, a man to be proud of, huh?
Since when does two D cells in a tube count as a 'national spotlight'?
Please, turn the lights off when you leave - and - don't let the door hit your backside on the way out.
LMAO @ Devil's Son. Your so funny just when will you Liberals quit blaming President Bush. Do you understand Devil's Son who controls the purse strings of the Federal Budget. Here's a clue. Its not the President. Its the US House of Representatives and the Senate. I guess that is why Harry Reid is refusing to move a budget through the Senate. Then when Obama had a Democratically controlled Congress in his first two years of his term his spending out spent Bush in his entire 8 years as President. Guess what? We can't live on Welfare and Food Stamps. This is what you will get with Obama. I will take a great paying job over Obama. In fact I may enter back into Auto Sales when I see that we have a Pro Business President.
Please keep posting, Sword. You further the point that the "tea" party cares or knows nothing of history or economics and is nothing but the same old defeated evangelical, socially fascist minority of the minority that has been trying to force the citizens United States into an intolerant, insane theocracy for decades.
Interesting that, during the tirade of cheap talking points, you would not only bear false witness (that's a big no-no, by the way) regarding how Newt was forced to balance the budget because Clinton shut the Government down, but then you conveniently avoid the reality that Newt was forced to resign in shame as Speaker of the House - and has now continued to lie about the reasons why.
Do you find it difficult to convince people of the reality of your mythological superhero when you support corrupt scum like Gingrich?
@truetexan, at least the "libs" do it with the opposite sex. You have a bunch of Teabaggers trying to elect Mitt the Pivot man, while he wears his magic underwear.
Sword, "..In fact I may enter back into Auto Sales when I see that we have a Pro Business President."
You do realize our current president, despite the screams and cries from the Right, saved the American Auto industry. Unless you planned on selling foreign cars (God forbid), you might reconsider who is pro-business and who is not.
From a used car salesman to "paper or plastic"... I tip my hat to you, sir. How can I ever compete with such an accomplished individual?
Obviously someone with your expertise, and vast knowledge of the business world, completely understands the specific intricacies of our economy. And as Jim pointed out, which President saved the auto industry... you know, the industry that would employ a "salesman", perhaps?
Those damn food stamps... how dare poor people try to eat. They should just lay down and die, isn't that right? How very... Christian of you.
But you are correct, sir. If I remember my Sunday school lessons correctly... Jesus stood before the hungry masses, and noticed a small child had a basket of bread and fish. So, being the son of God, Jesus told the boy to eat the bead and fish himself, because he worked hard and earned it. Then Jesus immediately informed the masses that they were lazy, liberal deadbeats, looking for handouts. He then told them all to get a job and that he refused to give any of them fish and bread as welfare. Soon after a blind man approached him, asking for healing. Jesus kindly asked this man if he could afford the procedure. The man replied that he had no money, so Jesus leaned forward and whispered "then I will let you die." (That is how the story went, right?)
Well, TheSword... this was fun. Seeing as how you are both a Biblical scholar and a master in your industry, I will leave you with a question. Being the smart business man you are, they should be easy. Seeing your disdain for food stamps, and your claim that they are increasing... then what happens to your job if you take them all away? When your customers disappear, because you removed their food stamps, what happens to your job? Without customers, does a business continue to employ cashiers?
Food (stamps) for thought... pun intended.
What is it about Texans that make you folks think you have to "educate" people, while you're simultaneously working to dismantle public education? You need to educate yourselves before you'll ever be capable of educating others.
Exhibit A: George W. Bush. Exhibit B: Rick Perry. I think it would only help America if prominent Texans took a break from trying to educate others for a while if for no other reason than your track record sucks.
Excellent post, Indie! That mean ol' Jesus....
It cracks me up when these teabaggers hop on here demonizing and generalizing the "horrible liberals" when, according to their own mythology, "Jesus" was infinitely more liberal than any of us will ever be. While attempting to save the world, they completely demonize their cult hero...and then wonder why normal, rational humans find them to be a bit off their rockers...
I guess it's difficult to preach coherently when your head is up your bum. I'll be fascinated to read sword's intellectually founded response to your post. My guess is that he/she will run to a dark corner and start speaking in tongues to Rush Limbaugh....
Creepy people come out of the woodwork when the topic is Newt.
Newt Help rid us of the Plague known as Obama
From Dreams From My Father:
"I ceased to advertise my mother's race at the age of 12 or 13, when I began to suspect that by doing so I was ingratiating myself to whites."
From Dreams From My Father:
"I found a solace in nursing a pervasive sense of grievance and animosity against my mother's race."
From Dreams From My Father:
"There was something about her that made me wary, a little too sure of herself, maybe and white."
From Dreams From My Father:
"It remained necessary to prove which side you were on, to show your loyalty to the black masses,
to strike out and name names."
From Dreams From My Father:
"I never emulate white men and brown men whose fates didn't speak to my own. It was into my father's
image, the black man, son of Africa, that I'd packed all the attributes I sought in myself: the attributes of
Martin and Malcolm, DuBois and Mandela."
Great posts Indie, keep 'em coming (But I have to correct you. I think Jesus might have used the term "Libtards" instead of "liberal deadbeats"; just sounds more Christ-like) .
Well I was glad to support the candidacy of someone who made history as the Speaker of the House in 1994. Not only did he lead with his "Contract with America" but he worked with Bill Clinton to get balanced budgets and welfare reforms. As a presidential candidate he was, at times, inspiring in the several debates he participated in. He won 2 states, came in second in numerous others. There can be only one victor in the race for the nomination, so he need not despair that he won't be the standard bearer this election. Perhaps a President Romney would consider him for Secretary of State, or maybe Gingrich will persue elective office again as a House or Senate member again.
Shocked
It looks like you were right, Sword suddenly disappeared. I'm guessing he must convene the council of Rush to get his next talking points.
jimsepa
I stand corrected, LOL.
Well I was glad to support the candidacy of someone who made history as the Speaker of the House in 1994.
And then again a scant 3 years later when the House officially reprimanded Gingrich (in a vote of 395 in favor, 28 opposed - remember, this was a Republican majority in the House) and "ordered [him] to reimburse the House for some of the costs of the investigation in the amount of $300,000". It was the first time a Speaker was disciplined for an ethics violation in the entire 200+ year history of the House. A record to be proud of.
But he didn't stop there! In 1998 Republicans lost five seats in the House—the worst midterm performance in 64 years by a party not holding the presidency. Gingrich, who won his reelection, was held largely responsible for Republican losses in the House. It was this failure that prompted his own Republican party to hound Gingrich out of the Speaker's chair and out of the House!
Be glad all you want - the American voters remember exactly what kind of slime-ball this man is and showed that this election!
Of course Newt plans to stay in the national spotlight, well as best as he can -- How else will he make money?
My real question is, why are there three articles about Newt's departure? Come on MSN!
Bad checks, bad videos, and bad books just about sums Newt up, unless you want to toss in ethical and moral bankruptcy to boot.
Good point. Newt exemplifies the very fiscal failure that the Republican Party really is, and how Newt therefore is NOT qualified to be POTUS and leader of the free world.
IndieParty -- Excellent recap #1.29. Heaven knows the right-wing needs constant, daily, minute to minute reminders, otherwise with all the cherry picking and rewriting of history to fit their agenda we would be on a moon base with them.
Pride and Joy, Pauly-1701540, truetexan, first rule:
You're each suspended for a day for violating #1 of the Code of Honor.
Fans of the former speaker assert that it would be inconceivable for Gingrich, at the least an irrepressible gadfly in Washington, to fade from public view.
The writer compared Gingrich to Socrates. What a freaking joke.
"Newt has done alot of good things for the country"
He has???? Name one. I can think of NOTHING positive this despicable scum-bag of a human being has ever accomplished. He FAILED as a history professor. He FAILED as Speaker -- booted out by his own people. He FAILED as a husband and father. He even FAILED at Fox -- they fired his sorry ass. The only thing he hasn't failed at is inflating his massive ego.
Well it sure takes a lot longer to get all those clowns back into the little car at the circus than it takes for them to escape and run wild all over the place, crackin' jokes, crackin' wise, blowing up balloons, scaring little kids, kissing everything in sight, making strange promises, exciting the crowds, spending bucket loads of money, filling the air waves with zillions of bizarre statements of fiction and diction....but still at the end of the circus most of the clowns must cram themselves back in the car and putt putt back to whence they came....very entertaining!!!
I wish there was room for more spitball artists and pontificators in the car....I can think of a few that would fit in nicely with the other clowns.
Poor Newt, he can't help himself, he needs the attention.
So Newt is ending his book tour with low sales. About time. What he doesn't understand about his party is that moderate Republicans have no taste for his writings, and the extreme right-wing freaks don't read, rather they get their views from Fox News. Too bad he burned his bridges with Fox .. he missed his opportunity of having portions of his book printed in big bold-letter sound bites.
Will the American taxpayers get a refund for his Secret Security detail? It seems fairly certain that book sales is something they should not cover.
http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/ticket/newt-gingrich-cnn-less-biased-fox-news-141511492.html
Gotta admit it Newt really gave FR and it's libbie minions in a virtual wedgie for the last year! Four or Five different articles on Newt today alone! That says a lot for the guy.... I will really miss the inane libbie comments. Good luck Newt, you will be missed! lol
Just like the other candidates, Newt confused "anybody but Romney" with "wow--they like me.". Sorry Newt---it was "anybody but Romney" all along.
One of the most important things in a politician is their ability to use good judgment…outstanding decision Newt, just considerably overdue.
Quite the contrary. Newt was so set in stone that he was the one to save the country, that he couldn't see the reality that people didn't see him as the solution.
Santorum was quite circumspect about the matter. I know a number of republicans who liked Santorum, but were voting for someone more experienced. IF Gingrich had admitted, that he failed fatally in Florida, and quit by Feb 8th, his support would have gone mainly to Santorum. Santorum would have won 5 more states that month including Georgia.
Gingrich's insistance, which is what actually got him booted from the House, caused Santorums support to start migrating to Romney. Santorum recognized this early, just like Romney recognized this with Huckabee and dropped out rather than burn more money.
Santorum will do what is necessary to make peace, like Romney did, and will have a huge leg up on 2016 (if Romney fails) or 2020 when Romney retires.
Paul - you are too kind. I've heard some prominent conservatives just flat out say "I really don't understand what Newt is thinking". Me, I prefer to be factually blunt about it, and then forgive and forget.
Free Market,
I'm thinking that you have got it a little mixed up. Newt drove a wedge between all of us libby minions? What, a wedge between the people who thought he was a big fat joke, and the people who understood him better and thought he was not a joke, but actually a dangerous idiot who would ruin out already tenuous standing in the modern world?
The real wedge was between the people who wanted anybody but Romney and the people who (stupidly) thought that this fat head would be good for the country. That wedge was firmly stuck in between two groups of narrow-minded pubies.
For the party who touts "FAMILY VALUES" all of the time, I can't believe that he made it this far. This man is a hypocrite and shouldn't represent the American people by any means.
Minoki - somewhere each of us must find a way to forgive people, when they turn from their ways. That too, is a family value.
Minoki:
You do realize that most religious zealots are hypocrits, right? The majority of their actions are self-serving; much like most Republicans.
I bet everyone is waiting with great anticipation for the coming debates between the President and former Gov. Romney. Ah yes, let the fun begin!
Just Wrong...Your "tag" is perfect. JUST WRONG! HAHAHAHA
DB- you are ASSUMING that he has turned from his ways, I don't buy into that.
Just Wrong-Don't worry, I realize plenty about the religious zealots, most of them are in my family. My head is in no way in the sand about their agendas.
DB: Agree. Newt is older and a Grandfather. He has changed in many ways as far as his personal family life is concerned. What has not changed is his rare ability to analyze Government problems and think outside the box for different solutions. He truly has a brilliant mind, his lifestyle simply clouded this fact for most people. An amazing Historian with guts. With the country's economy as bad as it is; I wish whoever the next President is, somehow uses Newt's brain.
National spotlight on Newt?
The only reason to spotlight a TURD is to avoid stepping on it.
'nuf said.
awww the tax payer funded vacation is over.... bummer! Why is he waiting until the first? why not today? Does he get another month of someone's money if he waits until the first day of a new month???
He wants to keep secret service for just a few more days...makes him feel important!!
another month for the obese, miniacal, glutenous , man that should have been barred from even entering the race.. is leaving for the moment.. but do not dispare as that fat ugly head will rear it's self again just in time for the convention.. but he needs the money to live on as he is broke, gotta wonder how he likes it.. they might have money if she stopped buying truckloads of hairspray for a do the is not even flattering
Hey Newty-- Just get out now. No reason to wait until 5/1. Your campaign has been over for months; are you just realizing that? Get real, you have no power to broker at the convention; you have what you are - NOTHING. Go back to Tiffany's and buy something for your current wife for having to go along with your crazy dog and pony show; if, that is, Tiffany's will still extend credit to you.
We all know that he only wants the Secret Service around so that he can keep pimping out Callista. He has a LOT of campaign debt and at two dollars a pop, it's going to take a couple more weeks....
Why wait till may 1st?
His Secret Service protection detail has some ladies lined up for him for the night of April 30th.......
"Wheels up, rings off".
FINALLY!!!! (exasperation to the nth degree)
Newt can now go back to cheating on his wives and Open Marriages
Because that's when "we go picking nuts"? Or is it because "suspending" the campaign has financial implications that are different from "ending" the campaign, so Newt gets to use contributions already in to pay debts, etc.
Also, I just have to say this: to the posters before me who assert that Newt would have been a better debater than Barrack -- in what universe? Barrack Obama is the most literate and articulate off the cuff speaker we've had as President in my lifetime (68 and counting years). He is factual and grammatical, and good at explaining complicated ideas and situations. I give you that Newt could have out-lied him, though.
Obama/Biden 2012
Don't worry or feel bad, Gink! We, the 99% American People are going to SUSPEND ETCH-A-SKETCH TOO!!
Vote STRAIGHT DEMOCRATIC, the lives you save WILL be your OWN & your CHILDREN!
Sorry. Voting straight Republican this time. Time to take out the trash!
Voting straight Republican this time? Like you have done something different in the past?
Actually I have. I usually vote a split ticket. I like voting for the best candidate regardless of party. I'm not blind or stupid like most Liberals.
Joey Joey Joey. YOU vote a split ticket? That's laughable judging from your continual degrading of liberals and you're probably not blind because you can still see the end of that Pinnochio nose of yours. Stupid? Read your posts and then keep telling yourself you're not stupid while the rest of us snicker.
Channeling Etta James..... AT LAST!
TR Rose,you do know that the reason your comment got collapsed is because it's true. The one thing the Republicans can't handle is the truth.
" I'm not blind or stupid like most Liberals."
LAUGH RIOT.
Some turds you have to flush repeatedly before they disappear...
That's why Detroit is still around!
and speaking of Joe, there he is...
Detroit-Storm
Agreed. That makes Newt a floater!
They are going to void all public Union contracts in Detroit and slash the payrolls. The new Black panthers are going to "Burn the city to the ground" Im betting old stormy lives in Birmingham or Ferndale.
Let me just venture a guess, here, Jolly. You think Bill O'Reilly tells the truth...
Wrong Jolly, unlike you I actually live in the city.
Yea, 99% American People! Another corrupt Republican corporate political puppet bite the dust!
Vote STRAIGHT DEMOCRATIC, the lives you WILL save are your OWN & your CHILDREN!!
There's nothing more pathetic than a boxer whose glory days are far behind him.
Except a Politician now that's Pathetic! Understand Gingrich has applied to Geico for a job.
The smartest thing he has done since getting into politics, the dumb ass. Join the 99% for a better life for you and your children.
Good Bye and Good Riddance!! It is about time he finally realized he has no chance in heck of getting in. Now, if he would just fade from the spotlight and retire forever the world would be a beautiful place for us all.
So happy this idiot is done! Really it was over last summer when all his people ran out on him. The gaul of this buffoon to think he would be the GOP candidate. Laughable! Good riddance to an arrogant, mean-spirited, vile person. I couldn't be any happier than to see this guy fade into oblivion. Buh Bye Newt.......
TD, it was worth a shot, I mean you never know what kind of idiot the republicans are going to back next.
Will miss Newt's uncharacteristic honesty on the campaign trail. Looks like the Vulture Capitalist is the GOP's pick.
So I guess now he can start building his so called "Moon Colony" and take all of his GOP buddies with him.
Wow, can you imagine what a wonderfull world this would be... Just a tought, but a good one at that.
Go figure, then go vote...
yes by all means go vote and while your voting remember the last 3 1/2 yrs of pain this country has gone thru
jockland
you do realize the economy was going down the tube BEFORE Obama was even sworn in right? I mean i know it was almost 4 years ago but hell, people with ADD would probably remember. You would also realize that it was one of the greatest falls since the great depression and that 3 1/2 years would not be enough time to recover from something of such great scope since the first great depression took about 15 years plus a World War and a giant government funded shift towards War production to fix it right? or are you really that blatantly unrealistic? You also get mad at Obama for increasing spending to try and help the economy but then you blame him for the bad economy and not doing anything to fix it. You also (if you follow those things said before) probably hate people on welfare and tell them to get a job but then complain about the poor job market and say you cannot find a good job. You do realize how incredibly irrational and unreasonable all those things are right? its just looped logic and no matter what the President does you are mad at him even if he does what you told him to do. How can you possibly think that type of thinking is going to help anything?
Yes, we shall all go vote while remembering which party gave us Bumbling Bush that caused all of this pain. Very few of us are willing to repeat that mistake with Wobbling Willard and his Corporate Vultures.
Yes, Jock - please keep reminding us that the current GOP has no plans other than the ones that caused the mess that the country is currently in.
Yippeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The GOP is stuck with Romney now...and they can't stand him.
Why wait another week, Noot?
His Secret Service protection is costing the American taxpayers $40,000 a day. Why milk it for another week, Noot?
Secret Service is glad Newt is finally shutting the hell up and going away to be Irrelevant on his own dime
"Crickets"
im sure every is prood of the secret service as it has performed under big ears
I thought the Secret Service was there to protect US from NEWT!
I say, keep him surrounded.
I actually believe this is the last we'll see of Gingrich as a candidate or public office holder. He'll figure out ways to keep his name alive in the blogosphere and he'll give speeches, but politically speaking, he's over.
Neuter Newt.........................
WATCHERBONE--Absolutely hilarious!
Thank you for making my day!!!!!! (:
He is and always was one of the most disgusting men in US politics. However he will be missed by a small group of
morons.
America just isn't ready to have a former mistress as a first lady. Nor are we ready for Mitt Romney. For that matter, we're not ready for another four years of Obama. If only we had a third choice! Any suggestions?
bring back Herman Cain
Isn't Herman Cain now making Cat Food TV ads?
9 9 9 Lives pooty tat vittles
Clint Eastwood
The last rites were read to him some time ago. And yet, he is still hanging around the fringes. Stop wasting tax payer dollars Newtie! You are done, bye-bye now!
Rummey the Dummy is now the GOTP hopeful. Good luck with that! Even your own party dont like you Rummey!
Vote to save this country, Vote OBAMA 2012!!!
dfrom your a dumb ass ill take newr over that lier we have now your [probably a commy just like that pos we have now
jockland your ainglish is imprickable wat a lit schooler you are sooch a additon to the gret ap fambly!
BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA - WAT A MAROON!
And the world responds with complete apathy. So I realize this may be a little harsh, but why are there so many stupid people on both sides, that thinks insulting the other side is the way to prove your point?
Nearly Militant, haven't you noticed that is the way our "Christian" Society works these days, sad but true just read the headlines.
Hey Wayne, how 'bout Obama with a filibuster proof majority in the House and Senate? If only...
Gingrich only has as much spotlight as the media gives him. Do the country a favor and extend the cone of silence from Ron Paul to cover Newt. I know it's a challenge, but think of the children.
Nathan-1680585
Do the country a favor and extend the cone of silence from Ron Paul to cover Newt. I know it's a challenge, but think of the children.
ROFL, good one!
SCOTUS SCOTUS SCOTUS.......... I loved even Sotomayor telling Mr. Obama's lawyer, Its not looking good for you!
Thank You Jesus as the right wing would say he's a sick F----- another Palin