The American Spectator : Desperate Days in Dixie

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Desperate Days in Dixie

By Robert Stacy McCain on 1.19.12 @ 6:10AM

Late news about Newt could shake up the South Carolina primary.

GREENVILLE, S.C. — While Newt Gingrich was onstage Wednesday night at the Pro-Life Presidential Forum here, journalists in the back of the Hilton Hotel ballroom were learning — via their laptops, iPads, and cell phones — that Matt Drudge had just broken an exclusive story that might completely change the race for South Carolina’s crucial Republican primary.

“NEWT EX-WIFE UNLOADS” was the banner headline, linking to Drudge’s own report that Gingrich’s ex-wife Marianne had given a two-hour interview to Brian Ross of ABC News with “explosive revelations.” According to Drudge, there was a debate about the “ethics” of airing the interview prior to Saturday’s primary vote here, but the Associated Press subsequently reported that ABC is “likely” to broadcast it late Thursday night on the network’s “Nightline” program. According to the Washington Post, an ABC spokesman has indicated the network will release excerpts from the interview during the day on Thursday.

Depending on what that interview contains, its potential to have a last-minute impact on the South Carolina primary results is difficult to calculate. However, no one can doubt that it may devastate Gingrich’s prospects to become the “Anybody But Mitt” candidate whom many conservatives have hoped would prevent the nomination of former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. And it is just one of many twists and turns in the hard-fought campaign here in the state where Republicans proudly boast, “We pick presidents.”

The effort to stop Romney, the moderate frontrunner, has entered a desperate phase. Gingrich himself said Wednesday that if Romney wins South Carolina, the 2012 primary campaign is effectively over. And the former House Speaker was apparently feeling so confident after his strong debate showing Monday in Myrtle Beach that he was the man to beat Romney here that he suggested that two of his GOP rivals — former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum and Texas Gov. Rick Perry — should drop out and endorse him, “consolidating into a Gingrich candidacy” for the sake of “the conservative movement.” That was Tuesday and on Wednesday, one of the most vocal early supporters of Perry’s campaign, Erick Erickson of Red State, joined in calling for the Texan to quit the race. A spokesman for Perry dismissed Erickson as “a pundit sitting behind a computer somewhere,” evidently ignoring the fact that Erickson introduced Perry at the governor’s Aug. 13 official announcement of his candidacy in South Carolina, where Perry began his speech by saying, “Howdy. Thank you, Erick.”

Perry is currently dead last in the RealClearPolitics Average of polls in South Carolina, a state where he led by 23 points in one poll taken shortly after he entered the GOP race five months ago. The clear cause of Perry’s downfall was the same factor that has contributed so much to Gingrich’s rise, the televised debates that have exercised such an enormous influence in the long campaign for the Republican nomination. After a series of debate debacles in September, Perry’s support collapsed and, despite the expenditure of millions of dollars by his campaign, he has been unable to recapture any of his once-formidable momentum. Perry was reportedly ready to quit after a fifth-place finish in the Jan. 3 Iowa caucuses, but decided instead to skip the New Hampshire campaign to come to South Carolina and attempt a last stand here. Another embarrassing defeat in Saturday’s vote will almost certainly end his campaign, which was why both Erickson and popular conservative talk-radio host Laura Ingraham on Wednesday called for him to drop out and endorse Gingrich before the primary.

That seems unlikely, given that Perry has in recent days made pointed references to the Alamo, where Texans famously fought to the death. Yet the “Anybody But Mitt” conservatives expressed concern that Perry might in effect play the role of a spoiler in the Palmetto State, draining away enough votes to enable Romney to score a decisive victory. And the man suggested as the only hope to stop Romney — not only by Erickson and Ingraham, but also in an almost-endorsement Tuesday by Sarah Palin — is Gingrich, whose campaign suddenly seems at risk from his ex-wife’s interview with ABC News.

As of Wednesday evening, there were no details of what Marianne Gingrich told ABC’s Ross, but it serves as a reminder of the thrice-married former House Speaker’s controversial past. His current wife was a congressional staffer when Gingrich began an affair with her while he was still married to Marianne, and that affair occurred even while Gingrich was leading House Republicans to impeach President Clinton over his affair with Monica Lewinsky. Thus, his second wife’s TV interview would fit with the theme of an ad that a pro-Romney “super PAC” is airing in South Carolina and Florida, which says “Newt… has more baggage than the airlines.” Gingrich’s baggage problem was clearly in the mind of one South Carolina voter Wednesday night.

“Newt is really his own worst enemy,” said Cliff Poynter of Greer, S.C., who joined his two adult sons for a late-evening meal at a McDonald’s in Greenville. “He’s a tremendous debater and a brilliant thinker with a flawed character. If the Republicans are going to beat Obama, the election has to be about Obama and his policies. But if Newt becomes the nominee, it’s going to be easy for the Democrats to make it about Newt, his past and his lack of character.”

Poynter described himself as “very pro-life,” adding that he married his high-school sweetheart 37 years ago and they have five children, and expressed his support for Santorum. Unlike Gingrich, Santorum has downplayed suggestions that the GOP battle will end if Romney wins here, insisting that he’s prepared to make a long-term campaign for the nomination, whatever the odds against him or whatever the result on Saturday. While Santorum has apparently lost some of the surging momentum that enabled him to battle Romney to a draw in Iowa, he continues to urge voters to “stand up and fight” for their conservative convictions.

There will be another debate tonight, in Charleston (8 p.m. ET on CNN), and it remains to be seen if the last-minute developments will reshape the results in the state that has voted for the eventual Republican nominee in every primary since South Carolinians voted for Ronald Reagan in 1980.

About the Author

Robert Stacy McCain is co-author (with Lynn Vincent) of Donkey Cons: Sex, Crime, and Corruption in the Democratic Party (Nelson Current). He blogs at The Other McCain.

Letter to the Editor View all comments (241) | Leave a comment Leave a comment

Henry Gomez| 1.19.12 @ 2:41AM

The desperation is coming from Romney who can feel Newt breathing down his neck. They've gone back to the playbook they used in Iowa to beat Newt down and of course the compliant media which doesn't investigate things like Fast & Furious has plenty of resources to interview a scorned ex-wife.

Jack in Wi.| 1.19.12 @ 6:33AM

Newt has been a disaster for at least 15 years. That is why he was booted out of his speakership, by his own Republican members.The only man who is the anti Romney-Obama-Santorum-Gingrich is Ron Paul. He is tied with Obama in the CNN poll head to head, as is Romney. Ron Paul is the man to change things here. He is the guy who would get rid of Roe vs Wade by sinply ending the Federal courts jurisdiction.

Newt and Santorum have been in the pocket of the Israeli Lobby their whole careers. At least Romney can't be bought by the Lobby. He is on long term lease. Rick and Newt also are lobbyists for other nast lobbies and have made many millions working for them since.

All these guys mean more of the same, more endless wars, more rule by the Fed, more loss of civil liberties, more bailouts for their pals. They all stink to high heavens. It is Ron Paul or ruin.

Jack in Wi.| 1.19.12 @ 6:42AM

Marianne Gingrich was his bag lady with the Israeli Lobby. She had a high paying job with one of their front groups. There is also the case of the Armenian Arms dealer who was trying to collect a huge sum of money from the US government for supplying arms to Sadddam Hussain during the Iraq Iran war. Hussain was our ally who we gave huge financial and technical support when we had him invade Iran. Anyway the story was that Gingrich when he was Speaker was supposed to get him the money for a 10 million dollar bribe. He was under investigation for 2 years by the FBI, The investigation was dropped, but I would like to hear Marianne's stories on the subject. She knows where a lot of bodies are buried. I hope she digs them all up. If she doesn't, Obama will.

Frank Drackman | 1.19.12 @ 8:12AM

fucking nazi,
and I'm not sayin you jerk off to a Moe-Ham-Ed Atta Centerfold, oh yeah I am...
And whats your Beef in Wisconsin anyway? not enough Blacks, well c'mon down to Jaw-Jaw Bee-Otch.
Damn A-rab lovin Homo

Frank

Jeremiah Smirking| 1.19.12 @ 8:36AM

Gold, Frank. That was gold!!

Mike W| 1.19.12 @ 8:55AM

"f.... nazi" - that's clever. It's about as clever as calling Obama critics "racist". More appropriate for you would be "f... idiot".

Frank Drackman | 1.19.12 @ 9:19AM

Why dont you realize your true potential...
as an I-ranian Newcular Scientist.

Frank

Quartermaster| 1.19.12 @ 1:15PM

Given the level of intellect and imagination your post and response demonstrates, anyone would like a Nuclear Physicist beside you. And Jermiah Smirking is cerrtinaly down on your level, if not lower.

Trolls.

William R| 1.19.12 @ 9:40AM

It's obvious you're a loser in the game of life

Frank Drackman | 1.19.12 @ 12:15PM

Jack(off)in Wi puts the "Jerk" into Circle Jerk

Dave | 1.19.12 @ 10:07AM

Cutting though the daily postings from the usual Libertarian suspects, this soon-to-land ABC hit piece on Gingrich was as predictable as day following night, or doing weather forecasts in a rain forest. ABC and their Obama hit squads had this little gem in the back room for a long, long time; probably since Newt began running anywhere from hot to warm, to luke warm in the primary. They did this kind of thing to him when he was Speaker, so why is this particular slimming any surprise to those with more than two brain cells to rub together? Either way, getting a p.o.'d off ex-wife to go on network TV and say hideous stuff about an ex-husband will get the same reaction from me as if Chef Ramsey tasted my soup and bellowed ... IT NEEDS MORE SALT, YOU IDIOT!

Wow, didn't see that coming.

Of course if Chef Paul's running the kitchen, he's probably trying to figure out how they grow hot dogs ... and where noodles come from.

It was pointed out yesterday that when dealing with JFK, his fat chick magnet brother, Teddy, or Obama's school, medical, or Rezko land deal records, the network insects go into chirping mode. But then none of this is a mystery, except to the prep cooks in Chef Paul's kitchen trying to figure out how spoons work. To those political gourmets, if America would only see the wisdom of voting for Chef Ronnie, we'd all be safe from the Klingon death grips of big government, big corporations, and those sticky ol' judges who won't let their six year old sisters smoke a little rock before day care, or light-up a joint between car trips to the market and Aunt Minnie's house.

Yep, the ABC squads are right on track, right on schedule, just like Danny Rather was when he got his weenus caught in the type writer keys while trying to pass-off faked documents intended to flush Bush's re-election bid. There're more examples, but other than partisan fry cooks, most of you get the drift. At least I hope you do.

Meanwhile, should Chef Ronnie (somehow) manage to get the Big Room at 1600, at least his wait staff won't ever have to worry about dealing with big government, big corporations, or those icky judges stifling their sibling from enjoying a high day ... at day care. Although the rest of us might still be a little concerned about al Queda, Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan or any other members of the greater Stan family. See, Chef Paul's solution to any aggressive moves from the Stan clan would be stopped with a simple, friendly gesture of faith, friendship and goodwill:

Offer 'em a nice bowl of soup.

Fact is, it might have worked back in '01, but I guess the Stan brothers piloting those planes on 9/11 didn't like airline food.

rhortus| 1.19.12 @ 11:49AM

Dave you are way off base regarding Ron Paul, it's going to take lots of reading and abandoning Bill O'Reilly's Talking Points for you to understand though. I don't like to call people names so I will let Ramsey do that. Crusader Rabbit G W Bush helped to bankrupt us with spending & Obama just hit the gas. Republicans in Congress didn't help during the Bush years.

rufus levin| 1.19.12 @ 1:34PM

UNION MEMBERSHIP MAKES YOU IMPOTENT AND STUPID.

Suzy| 1.19.12 @ 9:23PM

Profanities and obscenities from hateful old men. That's the style, folks, on American Speck, America's trashiest right-wing tabloid.

fckewe| 1.21.12 @ 5:50AM

Definitely THIS child left behind! LMAO Was you cupping yur balls when ya spoke Drack? oh oh oh Mistuh Kahttuh.

rufus levin| 1.19.12 @ 1:37PM

NEWT ACTUALLY WAS THE AUTHOR OF THE "DIVINCI CODE", CREATED THE INTERNET, WALKED ON WATER AND FED THE MASSES ON THE MOUNTAIN...HE DEFEATED THE NAZI WAR MONGERS, AND EXPOSED THE AMERICAN COMMUNISTS IN WASHINGTON....WHILE SMILING AND KICKING HIPPIES ASSES......OF COURSE HIS "WIFE" WAS A BAG MAN WITH ALL THE "GOODS" ON HIM....THAT IS WHY HE MERELY DIVORCED HER AND HAD AN AFFAIR WITH ANOTHER WOMAN....BECAUSE HE IS SO STUPID THAT HE WOULD JUST "TRUST" HER NEVER TO "BLAB THE TRUTH".....GIVE ME A STUPID BREAK YOU IDIOT.

IF THAT WERE A CLINTON......SHE WOULD HAVE A BULLET IN HER HEAD LIKE VINCE.

runningdeer| 1.19.12 @ 2:17PM

It seems that she is more interested in claiming that Newt wanted an "open marriage" and that while he was telling her on the phone how much that he loved her, he was in the bed next to his present wife who at that time was his main squeeze.
Some of her stuff was shown on this mornings "The View" and will air tonight .
When Newt was ask about his relationship with his ex he said "they did not have any relationship".

runningdeer| 1.19.12 @ 2:17PM

Oldefarte| 1.19.12 @ 2:40PM

Why don't you cease being a bag man for Obama and the Democrats in your verbal assinations of Republicans, and instead become a proponent-tea parting support of Scott Walker in Wisconsin, who is now being nationally attacked by Democrats for daring to attempting to benefit the people of Wisconsin by eliminating labor union/Democratic influence in your supposed state? It's the entire Democratic Party against Walker, and if you are indeed a resident of that state, you could much more benefit the conservative and Republican cause by instead concentrating your political efforts on Walker's behalf instead of concerning this senile old man that you constantly harp about and who has '0' of becoming the Republican nominee, much less the president!!!!!!!!!!!!!

fckewe| 1.21.12 @ 5:51AM

Walker was elected with a majority of outofstate money. he is notthe Wisconsin citizens choice, he is Karl Rove's choice for Wisconsin.

Lyneuss Fields | 1.20.12 @ 1:18PM

Let's get around to the real f'n story here, which is the miscount that happened in Iowa's caucus. What's obvious now is that it wasn’t inevitable that Romney would win the Republican nomination. Since The Iowa Republican Party is responsible for their ballot box, they really should get their act together.

Jack in Wi.| 1.19.12 @ 11:40AM

I will say this about Newt. He does get better looking woment to commit adultry with, unlike his old pal Clinton, who will take any old dog, he can get his hands on.

Frank Drackman | 1.19.12 @ 12:17PM

Jack(Off) in Wi:
have you ever BEEN to Israel?
They're much more tolerant of your Homosexual Life Style than your A-rab buddies.
Just sayin..

Frank

fckewe| 1.21.12 @ 5:52AM

Does Frank have a HomoSapien lifestyle he would like to surprise us all with?

Oldefarte| 1.19.12 @ 2:44PM

No doubt all of the attractive looking women of the world are having mental orgasms thinking about ya boy Ronnie's riding the plains of Lake Jackson in his TOO SHORT SHORTS huh?????????

irish19| 1.19.12 @ 8:24PM

"ya boy Ronnie's riding the plains of Lake Jackson in his TOO SHORT SHORTS huh" I think I just threw up a little in my mouth at that image. Now where did I leave that jug of brain bleach?

rufus levin| 1.19.12 @ 1:31PM

RON PAUL....BOY WONDER OF THE KKK ANTISEMITES. IDIOT CHILD OF THE POT SMOKING CHILDREN CAMPAIGNERS ON THE INTERNET.

Greg in Houston| 1.21.12 @ 2:58PM

Amen brother! If Paul doesn't win it will be just more of the same. Pual is not an isolationist, he is a non interventionists, like many of our founders.

Mr ED| 1.19.12 @ 7:56AM

I'm not a fan of either Newt or Romney, but the willingness of the *media* to focus on whatever negatives they believe will do the most damage to the guy they don't like, Gingrich in this case, is undeniable. Does anyone remember the smear campaign eagerly engaged in by the MSM and RINOmedia working hand-in-hand to destroy Cain? There is a huge concerted effort on both the Left and Right to throw the nomination to Romney, of that I have absolutely NO doubt. Why that is may be a matter for discussion, THAT it is is not.

Vern Crisler| 1.19.12 @ 9:16AM

I think it's important that all these things be aired in the primary, so that they'll be "old news" by the time the Obama attack machine goes into action. Newt has a lot of baggage, and this is just more of it. He has confessed his sins and does not hide them or prevaricate in the way that Clinton did.

The main problem right now is Perry and Santorum. They are splitting the conservative vote. Perry is not ready for prime time and Santorum has no previous leadership experience. Ron Paul is great on economics and a disaster on foreign policy. Their quest for the presidency is quixotic and counterproductive, much more so than revelations from understandably embittered ex-wives.

If conservatives don't get their house in order, a moderate will once again be nominated by Republicans and Obama will enjoy another 4 years as President.

CrackerHound| 1.19.12 @ 10:26AM

A Romney nomination will destroy the Republican Party and here is why:

Romney WILL lose to Obama, we have seen this scenario played out in Dole, McCain, GHW Bush (one termer) G.W.Bush (who was a moderate and still very unpopular). When Romney loses, just about every conservative in the Republican Party will have had more than they can take. We will feel betrayed once again and for the last time. We are being told that Romney is the only electable Republican and that a conservative can't win. When he doesn't win, it will be the last straw. Conservatives will cease to be the Republican base. They will be no different than the Democrat Party and a third party will be the only choice. Maybe it's for the best. By the time Obama is done with a second term this country will not be the United States, it will be the a divided and bankrupt nation struggling to find an identity without an effective Constitution. A third party will be on equal footing with the two democrat parties.

KennesawJack| 1.19.12 @ 10:46AM

Apparently Perry is going to drop out this morning and throw his support to Newt. Can't hurt. I agree, the more this stuff gets aired now the sooner it becomes old news. The MSM seems blissfully unaware that one of the consequences of the deliberate dumbing down of the great unwashed (aka Obamarx supporters) is the have the attention span of a gnat. I think Newt has learned some bitter lessons and is better for it but, in any event, he is the best we have from the Conservative side of the Party. You know we'll all vote for Romney if we have to, but I believe Newt could beat Obamarx and beat him handily.

Quartermaster| 1.19.12 @ 1:21PM

He may have learned, but in the process he's provided his opposition with a lot of ammo to use against him and the party.

Frankly, I look for the nominee to be Romney, and the GOP, and country will lose to the Obamunist in November.

It's time to start planning a founding convemtion for a true conservative party. However, I think you'll end up discovering the country really is a left wing country and conservatives are actually a very small part of the electorate. A real conservative has a greater resemblance to Ron Paul than many, or most, of you will find comfortable.

KennesawJack| 1.19.12 @ 1:39PM

QM, much of what you say may be true but, regarding Ron Pau, I think you're mistaken. A true Conservative should and would understand that we cannot defend the Constitution in this day and age by being an isolationist nation. My fear is Ron Paul would have us wake up one day with our enemies on our doorstep, not half a world away. True Conservatism is not just about having the liberty the Founders knew are our unalienable rights, but defending them, no matter what the cost. I don't believe Ron Paul understands that. I've said it before, I'll say it again, our enemies don't know the words to Kumbaya and don't care to learn.

runningdeer| 1.19.12 @ 2:26PM

Cain did not need much help to mess up his campaign. I like Herman Cain, but he can't hide the past any more than Newt or the rest can. It's not so much the media as it is the way folks can put the word out over the media now. The world has changed and unfortunately the Republican's don't seem willing or able to grasp how much it has changed and they are not ready to deal with it.
Yes, I also believe that the GOP wants Romney as the man. But it is still up to the voters. The Iowa caucus was not won by Romney as advertised. Rick Santorum got it. But as it was pointed out this morning on a liberal station by a very liberal person, " he is the most religious and the most conservative so he's done".
That might be a fact if the voters allow it to be a fact. Just as it could swing either toward Romney as the GOP wants or toward Ron Paul as his fan's and the Obama administration would love.
If Newt can make it through this heat from his ex's and from the Democrats who remember him and from those who he has angered by his bad mouthing them, he might have a chance.

Vern Crisler| 1.24.12 @ 12:30PM

Herman got out of the race because his poll numbers collapsed. They didn't collapse because of the sexual harrassment charges, but because he showed a troubling lack of knowledge of specifics on policy issues (as compared to Newt or Romney). His repetition of 999 merely reinforced our worry that he was out of his league.

Nancy in NC| 1.19.12 @ 8:28AM

If anyone believes that Newt's past will be taboo to Obama, you are a serious Kool-Aid drinker. Hasn't anyone learned that the rules are different for Conservatives?

Why do you think Herman Cain was destroyed> I don't think the GOP did it...I think the Dims did it because Herman Cain scared them to death. Herman would have been the nominee if he had had an effective campaign manager and/or the GOP leaders would have helped him.

I'm done with the presidential campaign other than voting. I am going to start working to get as many conservatives as possible elected to Congress...it's our last hope, and it's slim.

Keep your powder dry, and have lots of it.

Pete| 1.19.12 @ 4:57PM

The Dims did it because they want Romney, the second coming of Mc Cain as a weak opponent for Obama. Then we will be seeing newsreels of the Romney clan with the multiple wives in Mexico.

Alan Brooks| 1.19.12 @ 3:50PM

Stick a fork in Newt.
Boar Hunter, I'm so gladNewt is almost finished as a potential nominee that I take back saying you will have an accident; now I say I hope you live to be a hundred.

Romney will do, he is Mormon, Mormons can do business. Good enough for covernment work! all I care about is for there to be no more McDoleBushes.

Alan Brooks| 1.19.12 @ 3:54PM

"Good enough for covernment work!"

Government work, that is. 'Covernment' must be mean a government cover-up: "Bob Haldeman was good enough for covernment work."

Pete| 1.19.12 @ 4:57PM

So are most deadbeats.

Alan Brooks| 1.19.12 @ 7:44PM

No matter how Newt spikes in polls, his ass is grass-- America would never be so foolish as to elect him; if he gets to Florida next summer, he wont be nominated.

Callie| 1.19.12 @ 3:50PM

HEAR ALL ABOUT IT TONIGHT ON NIGHTLINE

The ex-Mrs. Gingrich said Newt sought an "open marriage" arrangement so he could have a mistress and a wife.

And the GOP is the party of Family Values! Yeah, you betcha!

Callie| 1.19.12 @ 3:53PM

And then there was the hyper-sexually active Herman Cain.

Uh-huh. Family values galore in the GOP.

Callie| 1.19.12 @ 3:53PM

"Open Marriage," y'all!

KennesawJack| 1.19.12 @ 5:41PM

Do you think maybe Billy Bob Clinton, JFK, and Ted the Swimmer are being used as role models?

rhortus| 1.19.12 @ 5:56PM

ROFLOL

Bill Hussein O'Stalin| 1.19.12 @ 6:28AM

This is old news.

She already appeared on another show with most likely the same allegations.

She's a former wife who chain smokes Benson & Hedges through the interview.

Sour grapes?

Need for money?

Upset that former spouse is doing well?

Here's a link to a Washington Post article about her former 8 complaints that came out in an Esquire interview. There wasn't much then and unless he secretly forced a black child into a minimum wage job as a local high school janitor, not much may be forthcoming.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/....._blog.html

Vern Crisler| 1.19.12 @ 9:20AM

Gees, the way the media plays it, it sounds like she's going to reveal that Newt was sleeping with his black slave named Sally.

VonMisesJr| 1.19.12 @ 10:25AM

When DSK was alleged to have raped a black cleaning woman in NYC, the same MSM said "don't look, nothing to see here." Sarkozy and the French were appalled not at DSK, but the U.S. media for making such a fuss about sex. Burlesconi was awakened with the news and disturbed the 13 year old girl who had to go to school in the morning.

I do not condone Newt's behavior, but maybe he was just getting a "Lewinsky?" That not sex anyway. Ask Hillary!

All the liberal MSM chicks are just mad since they are all ugly, except that Liz Cho on ABC who is hot but stupid. The MSM male anchors are prettier than the women trolls, and the men are gawking at each other while the MSM chicks aren't getting any.
Note to MSM: get over it.

KennesawJack| 1.19.12 @ 10:51AM

That's one of the reasons you hear so little criticism of Islam (the religion of peace, in case you didn't know) in the MSM. The men all secretly hope for their female colleagues to covered by Burkhas. A distinct improvement in most cases.

Occam's Tool| 1.19.12 @ 1:51PM

KJ: I never thought of that! What a simple and brilliant explanation!

KennesawJack| 1.19.12 @ 2:13PM

Occam, the obvious is often the most obscure.

W| 1.19.12 @ 10:59AM

This may help Newt. He'll have sympathy and votes from a growing group of the population: divorced husbands.

ENOUGH ROPE| 1.19.12 @ 1:09PM

ABC and MSM investigations of backgrounds of:
Obama: none to minimal;
Conservatives: Immense and intended to destroy.

Republicans, conservatives, and independents should boycott the MSM TV, press, and radio to put them out of business.

SpiralArchitect| 1.19.12 @ 2:12PM

She's a former wife who chain smokes Benson & Hedges through the interview.

Thanks, I need a lil kick this morn'.

thx Bill :D

____________

Vote Totalitarian

Obama '12

Dai Alanye | 1.19.12 @ 6:28PM

"Benson & Hedges"

Well, that does it for me. No woman who smokes a double-name cigarette is trustworthy.

RJ| 1.19.12 @ 6:35AM

Just another example of how dirty politics is and the role that the press has in it. I wonder if the story is going to tell us anything new, or just make a big deal out of reminding us that Newt was divorced.

And Mr. McCain, regarding your comment, "Gingrich was leading House Republicans to impeach President Clinton over his affair with Monica Lewinsky," Mr. Clinton was not impeached over his affair with Monica Lewinsky. He was impeached for perjury and obstruction of justice. Too many people would like to forget that.

Mike Hawk| 1.19.12 @ 6:56AM

Bitter Ex-wives are your worst enemy. I know. They are notorious for vicious lies and false accusations I can't imagine what living with that witch must have been like near the end.

E.DeVere| 1.19.12 @ 7:16AM

Hell hath no fury, etc???

Mick Hawk| 1.19.12 @ 8:33AM

Mr. Shakespeare/ Oxford, you are so right.

Vern Crisler| 1.19.12 @ 9:21AM

Let's not start dumping on the ex-wives. Newt has admitted he was at fault.

KennesawJack| 1.19.12 @ 10:54AM

Vern, I understand that Marianne was also getting a little on the side. If true, maybe it wasn't all just Newt's fault.

W| 1.19.12 @ 10:45AM

Mike,
Do you know why divorces are expensive?
Because they are worth it.

Dixie Pixie| 1.19.12 @ 7:19AM

What is needed is a honest and comprehensive investigation into who, how, why, what-fore and who benefited from the MSM machination in the 2012 elections and their influence on politics in general.
Someone should do this before the MSM drives the US political system past the point of destruction.

It is obvious the MSM should be considered a political party and political pressure group with their own agenda and wants.

Why should the MSM have a controlling influence on the political process to the detriment of the populace interests in favor of their own interests?
Who and why did someone put them in charge with the object of displacing the American people's determination on who runs the country.

W| 1.19.12 @ 10:53AM

We have a first amendment that protects speech, whether it is stupid or smart speech. You do not want to pass another McCainFeingold bill to regulate political advertising which will give us more super-pacs and indirect ads.

Just because the media is biased does not mean you have to do what the media wants you to do, whether it is slanted left or right. People are smart enough to sift through the facts and opinions and make an decision. You act as if people are stupid and you want to control what they hear. You can't do that with a first amendment, and should not do so.

I would rather have the election of Obama than having the government regulate and monitor the media.
But that is not to say that any private group can't investigate and publish/advertise its findings, like Brent Bozell's group does. If you want to do that,then I agree with you.

Dixie Pixie| 1.19.12 @ 12:19PM

W....I agree with you about the 1st Amendment 100%.
However the 1st Amendment should not be abused to support outright political machinations.

That is what will happen tonight with the Gingrich 1st wife's interview.
Yes, the South Carolina elections will be affected.
The election results will be deliberately changed to benefit a particular group or organization to the detriment of the general public interests.

Unfortunately there is not any social or political group powerful enough to demand truthful answers from the MSM.
Yes, is it likely that the MSM will use every means to put its interests above the general public’s interest.
In politics, one “dances” to the MSM “tune” or you do not “dance” at all.

The sad fact is, it will take the determined and skillful use of police power especially the power of subpoena just to get the truthful facts about the MSM.
How to correct the abuses that are certain to be uncovered is another matter entirely.

It is an even sadder fact, the public will never know unless someone or some organization looks.
That is what the MSM wants most of all, public ignorance, incoherence and misperception.

W| 1.19.12 @ 12:53PM

Dixie,
It is a problem but the citizens have a responsibility to pay attention and be informed. You have cable news, the internet, newspapers, and much more than we had even 20 years ago. There is no excuse for being duped or misinformed except stupidity and laziness.
Reagan beat the MSM when that was all that existed. He spoke clearly about his beliefs and policies.
If a candidate cannot clearly express himself and defend his position like Reagan or Gov Christie then it is his fault.
Regarding Newt, he may get the sympathy vote from divorced husbands. I am sure he can answer whatever questions are put to him.

Dixie Pixie| 1.19.12 @ 2:10PM

W....I think we disagree on the severity information manipulation by the MSM.

You stated it was the public’s duty to sort through the information and come to a conclusion.
I am convinced the MSM problem goes far beyond that to deliberate criminal misconduct.

I am convinced the MSM are using PSIOPS type of information management to force the public to a predetermined conclusion to the MSM's benefit and against the public interest.

I have seen with my own eyes the MSM eliminate two candidates I wished to vote for before anyone had a chance to vote for them.
That action by the MSM disenfranchised me and other voters just as effectively as the “Jim Crow Laws” did in years past.
If the Civil Rights Act makes it a “wrong” to eliminate a voter, then how can it not be a “wrong” to eliminate the person to be voted on.

Let us move the above specific case of the Civil Right Act to a general principal.
Is it a wrong to eliminate the American Public choice of its leadership by either restricting the voters or the person they are voting on?
If it is a wrong, then why are there no criminal sanctions in place to at least restrict and at best stop anyone or any group from preventing the peoples choice of leadership?

W| 1.19.12 @ 3:40PM

Who are the two candidates, Cain? Who else?

Dixie Pixie| 1.19.12 @ 4:51PM

Greetings W
Am I that obvious?
Bachmann 1st choice, Cain 2nd choice.
Then there was Sister Sara, Gov Barbour, any Southern Politician, yada yada yada

Since the Nixon elections, I have gone into the Primary election booth, time after time, with the certain knowledge that both parties candidates had locked up the nomination before I had a chance to vote.

If I go into the voting booth and find I could pick ( 1 of 1 ) in both parties or even worse ( 1 of 2 ) and one of the picks is Ron Paul, the next person who suggests it was the voters fault, is going to get a brand-new metaphorical hole to let in daylight from Antarctica.

I am real tired of hearing that the voters are to blame when the political process is so rigged that even Clint sees the ropes.

W| 1.19.12 @ 5:50PM

Dixie
I share your frustration but our guys should get tougher and meaner. Cain should have stayed in regardless of whether he had affairs, but his family wanted him out. What was Barbour thinking when he pardoned murderers, doesn't he remember what happened to Dukakis? My guess is Barbour does not want to run so he did what he believed was right. I like Bachman, she is smart and fearless, but ran out of money, I think she is a much better candidate than Palin. Palin sits on the sidelines making money at Fox and give half endorsements to Newt. Either endorse or not.
Bachman is impressive.

Dixie Pixie| 1.19.12 @ 7:03PM

Greetings W
I think we still disagree on the severity of the candidate selection problem.

You seem to think it is a lack of “guts” in our candidates.
I think it is a political system so rigged, our best are shot down before the race is even started.

Even if a candidate survives the preelection MSM / Democratic firing squads, the MSM use PSIOPS machinations to rig the election to a predetermined conclusion.
The MSM controlled “debates” proved that.

The MSM made it clear no Southern Politician would be considered and if they tried, a MSM manufactured firestorm would engulf them.
Gov Barbour pardoned those people after the MSM made it clear his career in politics was over.

The same happened to Sister Sara who was forced into the commercial sector with a flood of baseless charges.
Ditto with Herman Cain.

Michele Bachmann's case was the most heartbreaking as she had the most potential to be a outstanding President.
Her chance was stomped on with such brutal efficiency, she is lost forever.

The true horror is the Ruling Class has no idea how much trouble they and America are in.
This is free-falling in the Abyss and the USA hits the rocks this next Presidential term.

We are better off with Wiley E. Coyote as President, who at least knows how to bounce back from such a fall.

Dixie Pixie| 1.19.12 @ 7:36PM

W....I made a mistake, I was using PSIOPS instead of the correct term PSYOPS.
One is a computer game, the other is an acronym for Psychological Operations.
Please note the correction and accept my humble apologies for the error.

Dixie Pixie| 1.19.12 @ 12:45PM

W....The bottom line is the only thing that separates the American Government from a Plutocratic Autocracy is every 2 and 4 years the American Public gets to pick its leadership.

When a group or group of organizations manipulates the selection process to impose its chosen in place of the peoples natural choice, then the entire American Government is subverted.
The 1st Amendment does not require that subversion nor should it be tolerated.

W| 1.19.12 @ 12:55PM

I disagree. You need to be more specific, too general.

Dixie Pixie| 1.19.12 @ 1:31PM

W...I honor your disagreement and wish to hear more.
However, I deliberately made the argument in the general case to make it as wide as possible.

Consider, if the British Government of King George 3rd was found to be manipulating the political selection process to make Benedict Arnold the first president in place of George Washington, would that be called political subversion?

If your answer is yes, then why is it not political subversion when the MSM openly does it.
The MSM has not been shy about about how the MSM put Obama into the Presidency.

If your answer is no, then what is your definition of “political subversion”?
For surely, it differs from mine or even the conventional definition.

rhortus| 1.19.12 @ 12:29PM

Bill O'Reilly and Karl Rove on Fox are just as prejudiced in their un-reality of Statism.

Dixie Pixie| 1.19.12 @ 2:26PM

O'Reilly and Rove prejudiced?
Another Great Moment of “DUH”

If one side is using PSIOPS, is the other side justified in doing the same.
Is even going “Tit for Tat” sane.
Has the political process spun so far out of control, we are all insane?

That and other great answers will not be found on this blog today.
Try again tomorrow.

Dixie Pixie| 1.19.12 @ 7:39PM

Please change the word PSIOPS to the correct acronym PSYOPS

chuck| 1.19.12 @ 7:24AM

Isn't this the one that "died" from cancer right after Newt divorced her? That's what all the stories over the past few years led everyone to believe.

Don't believe stories about ex-husbands from ex-wives. There are reasons they are "ex's".

Mick Hawk| 1.19.12 @ 8:37AM

She is the second one. The first is staying out of it. Marianne sounds like a real piece of work. ONe has to wonder how some of these ex's function whith such a deep well of hastility to draw from.

Melvin| 1.19.12 @ 7:26AM

I want the closest Conservative Candidate I can get, not some 60 year old virgin.
Gingrich's Ex isn't running for President, therefore it is between her and Newt.
I just wish ABC would have been displayed more aggression with Barrack Obama the same way they are giving an anal exam to the Republican candidates.
Just a bunch of sensational horse squeeze.

Teaghan| 1.19.12 @ 8:02AM

Why doesn't FOX interview Larry Sinclair? Drugs and gay sex would get some folks riled, don't you think? The talk of his communnist buddies doesn't matter to folks, most young ones don't even know what it is, hence, our slow conversion to it. I guess FOX is in the tank in keeping the truth about obama underwraps as well as the rest of the government run media.

Mimi| 1.19.12 @ 8:14AM

The Obama "WARTS" are all locked in some VAULT far, far away .....Costing a MIL a year!
When and HOW did we get such an un-fair MEDIA...Demo DIRT is just as juicy as GOP dirt, and maybe a whole lot juicier!!!

Claypoole| 1.19.12 @ 8:40AM

Larry Sinclair should not be the end of it (no pun intended). Where are BO's college transcripts? Where are his friends from all those college years? Did he make a deal with convicted gangster Tony Rezko so that he could buy his Chicago house? Fast and Furious? Is there not a single honorable journalist in the MSM?

Drunken Sailor| 1.19.12 @ 9:34AM

"Is there not a single honorable journalist in the MSM?"

Is that a rhetorical question?

KennesawJack| 1.19.12 @ 10:56AM

What else could it be?

Drunken Sailor| 1.19.12 @ 12:13PM

Sad Truth, KJ

Mimi| 1.19.12 @ 12:37PM

Rush just said..."We know so little about Obama ,
we got to wonder if he ever lost his VIRGINITY"
Couldn't stop laughing!!!

Edward Cropper | 1.19.12 @ 7:35AM

Newts biggest problem if elected President will be a speakers podium capable of hiding his fly in case his zipper is down.

JimH| 1.19.12 @ 8:14AM

He can use the one Slick Willy used.

Dick Nome| 1.19.12 @ 8:38AM

SLick WIlly usuaqlly had help in unzipping, if it was closed to begin with. Newt is no Slick Willy.

POST American| 1.19.12 @ 7:50AM

"----And according to Nancy Pelosi
every single aspect of our lives MUST
be subject to inventory in the name of
'fighting global warming' in the authoritarian
Globalist RED China model. Again, that's
every single aspect subject to monitoring,
data collection and enforcement."

Putting aside Gingrich's personal conduct
---he, like McCain, like Romney, like Perry,
like the Bushes, like the Clintons --and of
course, like the Bar-Rockefeller Obamas
---is a Globalist. A full-blown, 'on board'
player----from his glory days during the
RED China sellout ----through the
unspeakably criminal micro-chipping
agenda -----right up to now.

Globalism ------------IS-----------TREASON.

There can be no more debate about this.

Globalism, and the CON of 'Free Trade'
is, was, and always will be rooted in
unaccountable elites operating through
credit and psychopathic USURY.

It is, was and always will be, at core,
about EUGENICS and ---ultimately,
genocide.

WISE UP or you there, whoever you are,
will continue to witness your micro-managed
----------------------END------------------------.

------------THIS IS NOT A JOKE--------------

Dixie Pixie| 1.19.12 @ 1:00PM

Post American....I am impressed.
That was almost a coherent post.
It even had complete and identifiable sentences.
And most surprising of all, it was even relevant to the topic at hand.

Much better laddie.
Keep improving and you will become an enlightenment to Clint and Jack.

irish19| 1.19.12 @ 8:37PM

"That was almost a coherent post.
It even had complete and identifiable sentences.
And most surprising of all, it was even relevant to the topic at hand."
I think this is one of the signs of the Apocalypse.
Or else a heavier dose of Thorazine.

Dixie Pixie| 1.19.12 @ 9:20PM

Positive encouragement does work Irish19.
It just takes time.

Besides the first signs of the coming Apocalypse are now to numerous to discount.
It is only the due date that is in question.

hardcard| 1.19.12 @ 8:03AM

I smell a soros!!!

Mimi| 1.19.12 @ 8:15AM

MONEY..TALKS !

Casey Abell| 1.19.12 @ 8:11AM

Somewhere Quin Hillyer is throwing a party. A really rockin' party.

Frank Drackman | 1.19.12 @ 8:13AM

Wait a minute...
I thought his X-wife died from Cancer like 30 years ago...

Dick Nome| 1.19.12 @ 8:39AM

She denies she hass passed on. Their two daughters also deny it.

martin j smith| 1.19.12 @ 8:13AM

Do not watch FOX NEWS -- (to teaghan ) and anyone else they have gone Crony Capitalist Dark Side. The use of a former spouse against a contender for Political office is a joint Romney Obama Production. If I were Newt I would record the interview and if it included personal attacks against him I would not address them directly but allude to the interview as a Political tactic showing thefear of Newt.

Mimi| 1.19.12 @ 8:28AM

O.K.....What do I think ? Newt MUST have been in an UN-LOVING marraige, got no respect...for anyone to hang on to this much anger after 14 years, and pull this interview 5 days before a criticcal Primary when the ex was running for President ...takes the word revenge to a new level....NO WAY could she have ever had it in her to LOVE,and HONOR Newt!...
Calista..? Thank God he has her...come what may she will be there.
Let the ROTTEN APPLES fall where they may.!
Maybe old news won't fly!

Drunken Sailor| 1.19.12 @ 9:38AM

Ex's have very little credibility. Who pays attention to them? Drama queens, that's who, and lord knows the media and sadly America is full of them. We have become a reality show/American Idol nation and it shows. This entire race is becoming a sad joke.

Jeremiah Smirking| 1.19.12 @ 8:38AM

ABC wants to air this during the debate tonight, so that voters won't watch Gingrich kick everybody's ass again. The Oprah scags will be watching this.

bill| 1.19.12 @ 8:42AM

Speaker Gingrich's record:
-orchestrated the 1994 GOP revolt
-balanced the budget 4 straight years
-reformed the welfare
-passed the crime bill
-impeached Bill "Serial Rapist" Clinton

Gingrich is trailing Romney in the polls but he can engineered a "come from behind" victory in SC. Gingrich is from neighboring GA, a sharp debater and candidate without money and organization, unlike Romney or Obama.
It's 1980 all over. Let's hope and pray for Gingrich.

Mike W| 1.19.12 @ 8:57AM

Don't hate the messenger. This lady is simply telling us what we already knew - Newt is one big steaming pile of dog turds. Support him and prepare to have your heart broken.

Anthony| 1.19.12 @ 9:00AM

Now there's a joke if there ever was one!!! ABC lefty news whores debating ethics!!! Talk about an oxymoron.
Brian Ross has once again crawled out from under his rock to once again do what no media whore whould do to a D.
Gingrich has helped his enemies with his past, no question, however, the whores in the MSM leave no opportunity unturned to do as much damage to Rs as possible at the most sensitive time.
Now, if Newt had only committed rape like Bill Clinton, ABC, like its fellow reprobate network, NBC, would be far more sensitive to airing these allegations. Yeah right!!!
ABC is a joke, and hopefully, like Newsspeak, will soon be bought for $1.00.

Tommy Frisco| 1.19.12 @ 9:05AM

I had already become a Newt supporter, but I would have been disgusted by this flagrant display of media interference into our GOP primary regardless of who I supported. Using an ex-wife to slander one of our candidates right before a critical state primary is just about as low as journalism can get. This is similar to the MSM running a story, just days before the Nov 2000 election, about GWB's DWI arrest.

I sincerely hope there is a backlash from this. I'd like for all South Carolina primary voters to submit a protest vote for Newt just to show we're sick and tired of the MSM propaganda. We don't live in Russia. We do not have to accept this from our media.

The MSM protected John McCain up until he won the nomination then they turned on him just like they will do with Mitt Romney.

I'm fed up with this crap! I'm going to send a donation today to Newt's campaign just to show my disgust toward the media. That may not be how you want to send a message to the MSM, but we all should do what we can to counteract these attempts to corrupt and influence our GOP primary system.

rufus levin| 1.19.12 @ 1:30PM

GLORIA ALLRED IS PISSED THAT SHE GOT OVERLOOKED IN THIS ABC DEAL!!!

POST American| 1.19.12 @ 9:06AM

AS our sources inform us that
some 74% of all campaign donations
from those actually serving in the
armed forces are going to Ron Paul---

"Understand, Gingrich made a name for
himself pushing the sovietization and
EUGENICS agendas of the infamous
Tofflers. He presided over the handover
of the entire American economy at
US taxpayer expense during the 90's.
He was brought in and brought up in
the early 90's to short circuit the GENUINE
Constitutional awakening that was then
underway. He's also an ardent proponent
of the most unspeakable aspects of the
genocidal EUGENICS agenda ---mandatory
mircochipping of mankind. This man is
not just a creep or a mercenary like the
others ---he is EVIL."

-------Actuarial psychopathy
-----------begets Globalism
--------------and archetypally true to form
brings in ever more bottomless ---EUGENICS---.

This is what it is and where we are.

Make NO mistake.

With the overturn of the US Constitution
(ie NDAA 1031) ---we are undeniably IN
the 11th hour..

We are dealing with the ABOMINABLE
at the service of full-blown ABOMINATION.

'New--'IT' ----GINGRICH is them.

--------------------WE ARE THE 'ITs'.

rufus levin| 1.19.12 @ 1:29PM

NOW DONATIONS FROM ARMED SERVICES FOLKS IS NICE, BUT THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF MILITARY FOLKS, AND HE BARELY COLLECTED ANY MONEY AT ALL...EITHER THEY ALL DONATED A DIME EACH...WHAT PAUL IS WORTH, OR JUST THIS IS A SPIN TALKING POINT THAT PAULITES HAVE REPEATED OVER AND OVER UNTIL THEY THINK IT ACTUALLY MEANS ANYTHING TO REAL VOTERS.

nathan| 1.19.12 @ 9:14AM

Ex spouses, the gift that just keeps on giving! LOL

That aside, are any of you remotely bothered that Newt's net worth when he came into Congress was around like 10K? After 20 years of being in Congress and not having any other job it was aroung 8/9 million? I mean does the line from Casablanca "I'm just a poor corrupt official" come to mind here? Does Newt, being a lowly member of the House come by all that increased wealth honestly? Really? Or ethically? No insider trader, nothing remotely that would have us wondering if in the words of James Michiner in his book "Hawaii" about the missionaries who went to Hawaii "they went to do good and they did well indeed"?

He was lit up by the ethics panel right? Only speaker to have that honor?

Time for him to go away. On the money issues alone. And on the medicare drug benefit and fanny and freddie and just on so many other things.

And frankly he really isn't the smartest man in the room.

And isn't all that much of a conservative.

NEXT!

Drunken Sailor| 1.19.12 @ 9:41AM

Nathan, not saying Newt was totally ethical but don't you think it's possible that all those books he wrote made him some money? Hell, Obama just claims to have written TWO and look how much that made him.

KennesawJack| 1.19.12 @ 11:00AM

Thank you, DS. Sometimes it's just too easy, isn't it?

nathan| 1.19.12 @ 11:40AM

Gentlemen

What did he do, write Harry Potter? Two books netted him 4 million each in royalties AFTER taxes? (We're talking NET worth here folks.) If you all believe this, well how many bridges in North Carolina can I sell you?

Again, his own ethics panel lit him up, the only speaker of the house to ever earn such an honor.

Newt is more of a monarchist then presidential. He has shown throughout this campaign season that he has no more use for the Constitutional restrictions on the office of the president than Obama does. You all do recall don't you that he does favor the McCain "amendment" to the NDAA don't you? The one that eliminates the Fifth Amendment from the Constitution? You all remember that at Sean's "freedom" concert in New Jersey he told an adoring audience that he supported stopping the building of mosques in this country until Saudi Arabia allowed Christians were allowed to worship freely in that country? Where pray tell is that in the First Amendment? And what was equally bad is hearing the crowd cheer and Sean not correcting him. Tom Paine's in order to secure our own rights we must defend the rights of those we hate? I guess THE SMARTEST MAN IN THE ROOM skipped class the day that was taught right?

Elect this man president and all you have is the the right wing version of BHO. Tyranny from the right is no more acceptable than tyranny from the left folks. And all the good intentions don't matter.

And what is so fascinating here is just like four years ago, Newt is being so open about himself just like OBH was. We knew OBH was a left wing socialist. He didn't hide it. Well Newt is the right wing version of him. He doesn't really do much to hide it either.

Conservative? Again, what does it take for him to show you all that he has no principles, no ethics, and will start violating his oath of office probably the moment after he utters the words?

Do we really want four more years of Bush/Cheney? They did their best to shred the Constitution. Read "Takeover" sometime. He's just going to be more of the same, maybe god help us, worse.

If you all want to drink this Koolaide, free free. But we've seen this before. I'm passing thank you.

Drunken Sailor| 1.19.12 @ 12:26PM

Two books? Try again, Newt was in the house from 1979-1999. In that time he wrote:

The Government's Role in Solving Societal Problems, Associated Faculty Press, Incorporated. January 1982 ISBN 978-0-86733-026-7
Window of Opportunity. Tom Doherty Associates, December 1985. ISBN 978-0-312-93923-6
Contract with America (co-editor). Times Books, December 1994. ISBN 978-0-8129-2586-9
Restoring the Dream. Times Books, May 1995. ISBN 978-0-8129-2666-8
Quotations from Speaker Newt. Workman Publishing Company, Inc., July 1995. ISBN 978-0-7611-0092-8
To Renew America. Farrar Straus & Giroux, July 1996. ISBN 978-0-06-109539-9
Lessons Learned The Hard Way. HarperCollins Publishers, May 1998 ISBN 978-0-06-019106-1
Presidential Determination Regarding Certification of the Thirty-Two Major Illicit Narcotics Producing and Transit Countries. DIANE Publishing Company, September 1999. ISBN 978-0-7881-3186-8
FictionGingrich co-wrote the following alternate history novels and series of novels with William R. Forstchen.

1945 Baen Books, August 1995 ISBN 978-0-671-87739-2

Don't like him if you want, your entitled to your opinion but lets not accuse him of ethics violations unless you have proof. Afterall even the house had to drop all but one charge against him and that was for claiming a tax exemption for a college course run for political purpose. Charlie Rangel just got a slap on the wrist for his tax issues.

Vote for whoever you want but he did accomplish much during his time as Speaker and is just as qualified as anyone else up there. More so than some. Let me know when Jesus runs for office so I can vote for the perfect man.

KennesawJack| 1.19.12 @ 12:39PM

I have four of them in my library, DS. Nathan, surely you realize Newt has had a bullseye on his back ever since he forced Wright out the door (talk about making boatloads of money from one book!). There has never been one iota of evidence to support any of the ethics charges against him save that one ridiculous reach on his college course. Newt, himself, admitted he agreed to the fine just to get it behind him (and the nation). If the aforementioned Jesus was running on the Republican ticket, I have no doubt the MSM would find someone willing to go on camera and alledge he was getting some of Mary Magdalene and maybe even Peter. This is not a level playing field we have here, Nathan. You're the one who needs to put down the Kool-Aid.

Occam's Tool| 1.19.12 @ 1:55PM

1945 kicked ASS!, by the way.

rufus levin| 1.19.12 @ 1:27PM

AMAZING. MAYBE HE WORKED FOR AND EARNED THE MONEY HE HAS....??

Derek Leaberry| 1.19.12 @ 9:34AM

Newt Gingrich is a glowing example of America's social dysfunctions. Twice divorced. Unfaithful to his first two wives. In a self-centered society, Speaker Gingrich rivals Barack Obama and Bill Clinton in their hyper-narcissism. Maybe the cretin is what the country deserves. But he is not what the country needs.

bill| 1.19.12 @ 10:33AM

Bill Clinton is a "Serial Rapist."

rufus levin| 1.19.12 @ 1:21PM

JFK was much better at it....he got the secret service to sneak women, and Marilyn Monroe, into the White House through the steam tunnels...yeah...those ole Democrats like them skanks a lot...they don't even bother to MARRY or live with them....just a roll in the hay by folks that then pretend to stand up for "women's rights"...ha ha ha....such f-ing hypocrits.

Occam's Tool| 1.19.12 @ 1:56PM

Caesar Augustus arranged to have Livia's 1st husband killed. He did OK by Rome.

KennesawJack| 1.19.12 @ 2:40PM

Not to mention a guy named David who treated a fellow named Uriah somewhat harshly but otherwise did a pretty good job a being king.

bill| 1.19.12 @ 9:39AM

Breaking News!

Gov. Perry will suspend his campaign.
It's a sad and somber day all across America. He waged a spirited campaign and his name will remain with Reagan, Goldwater, Jack Kemp.
We'll remember Perry's sacrifice in defeating Obama and nominating a good GA conservative, Gingrich. Under the new circumstances:
SC Primary results:
Winner: Gingrich
2nd: Romney
3rd: Santroum
4th: Paul
Please help nominate Gingrich!
Hello, SC! Please VOTE GINGRICH!

Drunken Sailor| 1.19.12 @ 9:43AM

Interesting. Bill you've shown racist roots but on this one you just may have something. Will be interesting to see who, if anyone, Perry backs before the SC Primary. I had high hopes for Perry but they just didn't pan out. Maybe later down the road. Or maybe some back door deals have been made?

bill| 1.19.12 @ 10:13AM

Not so quickly! Drunken Sailor!
Gingrich just took the lead (32%) in the SC poll, followed by Romney (29%), Ron "Black power" Paul (15%), and Rick "PA Moderate" Santorum (11%). Gingrich can win in SC, as I have predicted. He needs to repeat his Monday's "fabulous" debate performance tonight's debate, and transform that in the ballot.
Gingrich is no perfect, but far better than Romney or Paul or Santorum.

Drunken Sailor| 1.19.12 @ 10:30AM

Now if Gingrich's ex-wife doesn't succesfully torpedoe him he may be able to pull this off.

bill| 1.19.12 @ 10:35AM

Those stupid liberals will play "dirty tricks" to win the election, it's in their blood.
Since Gingrich is the only viable candidate in the GOP field, they'll make him the "scape-goat."

rufus levin| 1.19.12 @ 1:24PM

WHERE IS GLORIA ALLRED....ABC IS OUT OF THERE AREA OF EXPERTISE.....THEY GET A WRINKLED UP OLD ANGRY BROAD THAT HAD AN AFFAIR WITH A MARRIED MAN, DESTROYED THAT MARRIAGE AND MARRIED THE MAN, AND THEN DEMANDED THAT HE ONLY BE FAITHFUL TO HER....WHILE SHE COASTED AND LUXURIATED AND IGNORED THE MAN....HE WAS GOOD ENOUGH FOR HER TO CHEAT FOR...BUT WOW....NOW SELF SANCTIMOUNIOUS RIGHTOUSNESS HAS FURY ON THE LOWEST RATED TV NETWORK OUT THERE.

Mimi| 1.19.12 @ 10:07AM

God Bless Perry....I hope he's V.P.

Ken (Old Texican) | 1.19.12 @ 12:48PM

copy/paste alert!

Ken (Old Texican)| 1.19.12 @ 12:07PM
"GIVE US BARABAS...GIVE US BARABAS!!!"
And with that, "we the people" crucified Jesus.

Other than Sam Houston, Rick Perry may very well go down in history as the greatest Texas Governor in history.

If Obama wins in November, I am personally thanking God that Perry remains Texas' Governor...of the largest economy among the United States.

In case anyone here has forgotten...Texas IS the energy State of the Union and Perry is the Governor. In that first debate, Perry simply thought he had listed the Energy Dept first....lost his train of thought momentarily, and was gleefully leaped upon by the MSM...as well as some turds here at TAS.

OK, Turds, just who in the Republican contenders is more intimately aware of the devastation the Energy Dept. along with the EPA...has wreaked upon low cost energy? Duh!

ONLY Governor Perry........scared the living sh*t out of the Democrats, since Sarah chose not to run.
So,
the Democrats, their loving MSM, and some true dumbasses here at TAS fell for their propaganda.
Well,
I hope you turds enjoy your punch-bowl.

When Governor Perry gets back to Texas...whoa nellie!
If you think he was a strong tenth ammendment proponent before this trashing...just grab your asses and hold on tight!

He tried his best to EXTEND the blessings of liberty and prosperity Texans enjoy... to your own stupid bankrupt States.

You "the people" now have to choose among Mr. Milque Toast, Mr. Wife Deserter, or Mr. Prude.

One little fact you may have forgotten; Texas can charge any amount of $$$ "separation fees" we choose when exporting oil and gas interstate.

OOPS!
(the correct term escapes me at the moment, but watch your gas pump. Does anyone remember the proper term for "taxing depletion" ?)

Remember when the discussions erupted about Texas becoming a "no-fly zone" due to egregious searches to airline passengers here in Texas being objected to?
Hah!
You ain't seen nothing yet!

Since the day of his announcement to run...I found myself of two minds. On the one hand, I thought "what a great President he would be." On the other hand I thought " The stupids won't get it."

He was the only clean, Christian man in the race who had accomplished huge strides for his State and the country.

But the people screamed ..."Give us Barabas, Give us Barabas."
How did that work out?

KennesawJack| 1.19.12 @ 1:44PM

Ken, if Obamarx wins do ya'll have room over there for one more Georgia boy?

Ken (Old Texican) | 1.19.12 @ 2:05PM

you bet your ass, Jack!
Give me a call on my cell...713-569-3896

KennesawJack| 1.19.12 @ 2:21PM

Thank you, Sir! I have a particular fondness for San Antonio and San Angelo. Mostly San Antonio. I always thought being one of the river boat guides would be a great way to spend retirement. (Not to mention ogling the lovely Texas Senoritas!)

Occam's Tool| 1.19.12 @ 1:56PM

As long as Paul is 4th.

Mimi| 1.19.12 @ 9:48AM

Looks to me the PRO-NEWTS are still hanging in there... the CON -NEWTS are still con.
We did our judging long ago and when it comes with who we think can SAVE the Country, we took the Newt-baggage on the chin...It's called ....setting PRIORITIES. Now a forgiven sinner by his own admission....Newt , Get the SHOW ON THE ROAD!
Looks that way, he just blasted the "O" on refusing the KEYSTONE- PIPELINE....The latest of the thousand OUTRAGES !

Peppermint Tea| 1.19.12 @ 10:04AM

but Mimi, Newt converted to Catholicism.

bill| 1.19.12 @ 10:14AM

bur Peppermint Tea, Obama is a Muslim, then converted to Christianity, just to become president.

Mimi| 1.19.12 @ 10:20AM

Right and he recieved ABSOLUTION in Confession and recieving PENANCE.
In my day, the Nun said it was an eraser!
Being a Catholic I think this Sacrament helps you go on and able to look yourself in the mirror, restores your spirit, takes away the worst killer...GUILT ! I know other branches think the same...basically GOD FORGIVES....his son has died for us...WE are RESTORED and so is NEWT GINGRICH !

Margie| 1.19.12 @ 8:50PM

Only Jesus Himself is able to remove guilt.
Love ya, Mimi.

David| 1.19.12 @ 10:06AM

Well, it appears that Santorum got screwed about 2 weeks ago now that we know he ACTUALLY WON in Iowa by 34 votes. Imagine the mojo he would have come out of Iowa with after being in 4th place a couple of weeks earlier. I guess when he brings it up in the debate tonight, as he certainly should and has every right to do, he will be called a whiner by some of you morons.

If Romney were any kind of man, he should bring it up at the debate and congratulate Santorum for his win.

It should be interesting tonight.

bill| 1.19.12 @ 10:16AM

Santorum VOTED AGAINST "Right-to-Work" law, SC is "Right-to-Work" state, Santorum is a "dead man walking," even though Perry bows out, Santorum cannot win in SC.
Defeat Santorum and Romney and Paul. the three stooges.

Indy| 1.19.12 @ 12:21PM

Santorum was representing PA at the time, I understand your point especially for SC voters but this vote he can explain.

Can Newt defend his recent comments supporting "green conservatism"?

We have a bad lot to choose from.

Dai Alanye | 1.19.12 @ 6:43PM

Bill seems to be stealing his talking points from The Paulites.

Mimi| 1.19.12 @ 10:23AM

This was a terrible ERROR by the IOWA GOP !

bill| 1.19.12 @ 10:37AM

I don't care. Because Romney and Santorum, are both, "big government New England Moderate Rockefeller Republican."

Indy| 1.19.12 @ 12:22PM

I agree and stick a fork in it, the primary process needs a complete overhaul and no more Iowa / NH first.

Blueboypink| 1.19.12 @ 10:21AM

Lest you forget, Marianne was Newts second wife. I feel no sympathy for her, she had none for Newt's first wife. What goes around comes around
At least Newt's first had the dignity to keep her mouth shut.

Dai Alanye | 1.19.12 @ 6:46PM

Never mind sympathy for Marianne, save your sympathy for conservatives who had hopes for Gingrich. The man's hubris ruins his chances time and again.

rhortus| 1.19.12 @ 10:38AM

The Year of The Patrician? I doubt it.

Otis the Hand | 1.19.12 @ 10:41AM

"Gingrich was leading House Republicans to impeach President Clinton over his affair with Monica Lewinsky."

A left wing hack could not have characterized it better. I expect more precise thinking from the Spectator. I think perjury may have had a bit to do with it. I suppose Clinton was disbarred due to an affair also.

Quartermaster| 1.19.12 @ 1:35PM

Perjury and obstruction of justice were teh charges. The Senate, under another RINO, Trent Lott, refused to give the country a real trial and the verdict the evidence dictated.

And the GOP is good for exactly what?

Legarto Rey| 1.19.12 @ 10:55AM

"Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned". The only real progress feminism has wrought has been at the expense of men. Sadly, same old bitter women rant ruins another trad-con. Evangelicals and trad-cons are the most clueless manginas of all.

Anthony| 1.19.12 @ 11:14AM

According to Drudge, Newt's Ex. has changed her story from 2010 and now is saying Newt told her, "You have to share me".
Hey, at least Newt asked, unlike Jessie Jackson, John Edwards, and the serial sexual assaulter- in- chief, William Jefferson Blythe Clinton, aka Slick Willie, oh, and the swimmer himself, Ted Kennedy.

bill| 1.19.12 @ 11:26AM

God Bless Gov. Perry. he endorsed Speaker Gingrich. We must rally behind Gingrich and help elect him. Gingrich has southern heritage and conservative credentials, and can "destroy" Obama.

Ken (Old Texican) | 1.19.12 @ 12:52PM

Hey Bill...copy/paste alert!