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The Spectacle Blog
It would be interesting to see how Rick Santorum would do straight up against Mitt Romney. But we’ll never know how this would work out as Newt Gingrich is pig-headedly insisting on staying in a race he has no prospect of winning.
A friend who is prone to conspiracy theories of all kinds suggested that Newt might be hanging in because he has a secret deal with Romney whereby Romney would put Newt in Romney’s cabinet if he wins in November. “Follow the money,” he counsels.
In Newt’s case I would counsel to follow the psyche. A more likely explanation is that Newt is staying in out of spite and an acute case of self-centeredness that is impressive even for a politician. He can’t possibly believe he has a chance in hell of winning. Last night’s results demonstrate that Newt is not even a strong regional candidate. There is zero prospect that between now and August photos will surface of Mitt doing unspeakable things with winos in a bus station men’s room, which is about what it would take to get Mitt off his current glide path to the nomination.
The other consideration, other than spite, is that there’s just nothing else Newt could be doing with his time that’s more fun than running for president. He seems to like to have his face (and voice) on TV and in the newspapers as much as Jesse Jackson does. And after he loses yet another primary, or primaries, he gets to deliver another long-winded, incoherent, hectoring lecture/speech. (He was a college professor, after all. And probably should be one again.)
The man is a mess. It’s as clear as spring water that he doesn’t care a fig about a conservative beating Mitt Romney, or even that a Republican beats O’Barnum in the fall. It’s only important that he, Newt, be the bride at every wedding and the corpse at every funeral. As sorry as this picture is, we can some take comfort in the sure knowledge that after August Newt will be out of the public eye, ear, nose, and throat and back to working the lecture circuit in the obscurity he has no richly earned.
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More Blog Posts by Larry Thornberry
http://spectator.org/blog/2012/03/14/newts-long-and-sorry-road
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florin| 3.14.12 @ 10:11AM
And Fox News enables gingrich. After Santorum won last night, who do they put on for a long interview? Gingrich. And gingrich's long and windy speech was almost like a victory speech...someone should drag him away because he is only damaging our chance of getting Obama out of office. And it's not just gingrich's ego, it's his absolute hatred for Mitt Romney and his determination to destroy Romney...but don't worry. gingrich is becoming more and more irrational and soon he will be taken away ...
MikeJDP| 3.14.12 @ 10:17AM
FoxNews is about ratings. Newt can clearly deliver those ratings in spite of his numerous shortcomings.
Drek| 3.14.12 @ 10:22AM
Yea, he has shortcomings.
But he also has utter command of a host of issues unlike anyone in our party.
It's as he said last night, implementing change requires substance, and for substance, you actually have to know something............
Santorum hasn't anywhere near the breath of command, utter command as does Gingrich.
And Romney is still repeating his crib notes that his handlers prepare for him, which they thing strike just the right tone for the rank and file to swing behind him. But his tone is off, he doesn't get it.
If anybody's campaign is a "mess," it's the guy who has dropped scores of millions over half a decade, and still can't get his hand around the nomination!
But instead of zeroing in on the guy the rank and file still resist, we get commentary focusing on Gingrich's justified anger, righteous anger at some fraud daring to question his conservative credentials!
And now that fraud is daring to question Santorum's pro-life credentials!
This is beyond chutzpah! This is nothing but an insult to our intelligence and our memory!
Drek| 3.14.12 @ 10:26AM
They haven't "enabled" Gingrich.
If anything, Fox News has been carrying the water for the Romney campaign!
And hatred of Romney is not uncalled for!
Romney, who hasn't a single conservative achievement to boast of, goes out there blasting Gingrich for want of conservative purity.
Now, again, the guy that wrote planned parenthood into his socialized health care scheme, dares to attack Santorum for want of purity on pro-life issues.
We've had enough of Romney, and we've had enough of the Bush apparat behind Romney!
We want real change!
ayrnieu| 3.15.12 @ 3:17PM
So you'll froth about what a jerk Romney is for pointing out what anyone can, but give Gingrich a pass on his running for President with all if these vulnerabilities? How nice. All conservatives need to do, then, next time, is run Al Gore. Just think of all the evil 'carpet bombing' that the 'establishment' guy will run against the conservative hero!
Bob| 3.14.12 @ 11:58AM
Well, Gingrich was a commentator on Fox News for some time, so it's no surprise they would give him more air time.
Drek| 3.14.12 @ 6:25PM
He gets the air time BOB because he's much more interesting.
The guy is witty, informative, likely to provide good copy.
Drek| 3.14.12 @ 10:17AM
"The man is a mess............"
What kind of whacked out commentary is that?
We wouldn't had any kind of Republican/Conservative resurgence without him, he was indeed, indispensable, and his knowledge of public affairs, his knowledge of the details of public wonkery are presently without equal in our party. Some such as Paul Ryan are narrowly focused on budget matters, but nobody in our party has the wide-ranging command of issues such as Gingrich, and everybody knows it.
Is he mad at Romney?
Of course, ------------------ doesn't he have reason to be?
Four years ago every single Republican candidate was livid with Romney. Every single one of them.
And this year, Santorum and Gingrich are pissed off at him.
Again, not without cause.
But instead of focusing on the kind of campaign that Romney has run, we get this kind of idiocy that Gingrich is a "mess."
What's a "mess' is that type of brain dead commentary.
Gingrich has rightly observed that Romney is going to find it tremendously difficult to get the numbers of delegates to win outright. That being the case, he has proposed, in this new era of proportional representation at the convention, he has proposed a "conversation" for the Republican party at the end of formal primary voting in early June.
EVERYBODY who is conservative should look forward to that conversation because it would seal the doom of our version of Michael Dukakis!
Gingrich fully knows it's unlikely he'll get the nod at the end of that conversation, not impossible, but still unlikely.
Nonetheless, HE KNOWS HOW IMPORTANT it is that we not get another term of Bush style politics, Bush style appointments, Bush style policies.
What's so damn difficult for you to grasp about that?
Snap the hell out of it!
Stopping Romney is as important for our party, is as important for any type of real recovery as is unseating Obama himself.
Vern Crisler| 3.14.12 @ 10:29AM
One could of course say the same thing about the other candidates.
Bo Darville| 3.14.12 @ 10:36AM
We need to get Newt out of the race so we can see how a sweater vested puritan who talks with his eyes shut will do against the Messiah.
mary| 3.14.12 @ 10:38AM
It's been my experience that those who think evil of others and believe that others are underhanded, are actually those who would do or think these things themselves.
The country did not want Romney in 2008-they still don't want Romney. The Jr. League of Atlanta could have run the Olympics with no problem, and could have stayed in their budget as well.
I am appalled at your resentment and your vicious attacks. Speaker Gingrich has out preformed everyone in Washington, bringing about the Republican revolution, helping to create 16,000,000 jobs with Reagan, 11,oo0,ooo with Clinton. With a Dem. President and a Democrat Congress he managed to set up 4 years of balanced budgets,welfare reform. etc. etc. None of the violations that the democrats and a few rep. stuck. He was not guilty. You can say he has a bad "social" past, but you can't argue with his motives for running or his ability to run this country. I am trying not to be self righteous here, but I think you ought to take a good look at your motives behind this rancid account. In a nutshell, you don't know what you're talking about.
Newt can always go home and make a few more million on 4 more books. Did you happen to read any one of them? And one more thing, before any of you high "faluten" northern elitist come back to the south, you'll need to hire an interpreter. You always mess up. I don't eat grits, live in a broken down house, go barefooted and have no teeth. I do say y'all. I wouldn't want to sound like a northern for life of me. We have opened our homes to people running from the liberal run northern states. Those that are here with us are happy and enjoy our love and happiness. Think about it.
Pat Leath| 3.14.12 @ 2:47PM
Well said. The establishment Republican's want Romney in the White House. He is one of "them". Gingrich would change things in the swamp. It is tragic to watch people crown Romney, he will simply be a part of the swamp.
jennifer| 3.14.12 @ 11:05AM
I do not think this is about Newt's ego at all. This race has been full of surprises, and I think Newt has been right to stay in, to have his voice heard--and not to give up and make way for Rick, whose own success has been a surprise for everyone. Newt has the best and boldest ideas for the economy, energy and the budget. Only Ron Paul has bolder ideas.
Bill| 3.14.12 @ 11:19AM
The Southern Brawl:
1. Romney 2. Gingrich 3. Santorum
So far, 356 delegates from the South have been allocated to top 3 contenders. Romney leads with 160 delegates, followed by Gingrich with 116 delegates, and lastly Santorum trails both contenders with just 80 delegates. Even though Santorum won 4 southern states but he is far behind than Romney and Gingrich.
It ain't over yet in the South.
We have to see what happen in the upcoming contests in LA, AR, KY, and TX.
Gingrich still has chances.
Mike 3/505| 3.14.12 @ 11:33AM
which way did you count the FL delegates?
Bill| 3.14.12 @ 12:00PM
WINNERS TAKE ALL.
Mike 3/505| 3.14.12 @ 12:25PM
OK...So once Florida decides, along with the Chairman of the RNC to actually follow the rules, Gingrich will pick up some of them also, correct? Or am I missing something?
Regards,
Mike
Bill| 3.14.12 @ 1:41PM
It has a slim chance in splitting the delegates in FL. Romney got FL.
Mike 3/505| 3.14.12 @ 11:32AM
Of course Newt has an ego. What politician doesn't? Having said that, I firmly believe newt really wants a "conversation." He is the only one of this crew that has well and truly thought through each and every one of these issues and has developed a well-thought-out plan for resolution. The White House reaction as of late regarding gas prices shows just how the "conversation" can affect our future. As a party, we need to hold that conversation and develop our platform...not just accept whatever "direction" the party hacks impose on us.
ER| 3.14.12 @ 11:35AM
WOW! How ungrateful Sir Thornberry. Newt provided the first breath of fresh air in the primaries that somehow the VOTER might decide our nominee and not the Republican elite or ever-so-wise pundits like Mr. Thornberry. Our Federalist system was designed to allow various voices to be heard during the election process; I have never read of any "anointment" process in the Founding documents. Therefore, using the tried and true Liberal tactic of name calling the Speaker ( "a mess") for adding an important voice to the National debate seems odd. Senator McCain refused to allow serious debate of this radical in the White House in 2008 , and we the voters have suffered as a result. I do like the liberal Romney moving farther to the Right, and in large part it has been due to Newt. Whaddaya know, just like the Founders envisioned...the people's voice being heard!
Mike 3/505| 3.14.12 @ 11:39AM
What he said!
Bob| 3.14.12 @ 11:57AM
Cue all the "real conservatives" coming out and denouncing Rick's social conservatism...
All this talk about a brokered convention, it's happening because of Newt. As long as he continues siphoning away delegates from Santorum and Romney. You always read about how either Santorum or Gingrich alone could beat Romney in this state or that state, but Romney keeps winning states because the vote gets split between Gingrich and Santorum.
And the conspiracy talk again? First it was Paul, now Gingrich? What, is Romney paying off everyone involved now?
Patrick E| 3.14.12 @ 12:21PM
In a straight up matchup,I would guess Santorum would have also beat Mitt in Michigan,Ohio,Alaska,Georgia,South Carolina. Doubt he'd have won the others in any instance.
Going ahead,Santorum would certainly win LA,Texas,Wisconsin,Indiana,West Virginia,North Carolina,Pennsylvania,Missouri,Montana,South Dakota,Nebraska,Arkansas if Newt bolts.
Hard to see Santorum winning California or New York in any case.
Anommynous| 3.14.12 @ 12:59PM
Rick's got a good shot in IL, too.
Zombie Reagan| 3.14.12 @ 12:52PM
It boils down to this. Evangelicals would prefer papists to a Mormon whom they consider cultists. That's it. that's what dictates who wins the nomination. Pure old fashioned bigotry.
Mike| 3.14.12 @ 2:07PM
I object strongly to your anti-American comments. Is that you Obama? People are choosing on personality and issues, not bigotry. Sorry to burst your left wing bubble. (Decrying bigotry is rich coming from you; who think anyone who has even met a Jewish person is evil)
cate| 3.14.12 @ 3:53PM
Sorry, but this social conservative partially agrees with Mr. Zombie R's premise. I don't understand why because as a Catholic, I thought that LDS was another Protestant sect. Thankfully, the Republican establishment seems to understand this so it will not dictate who wins. As long as the two party system exists, popular vote primary elections are still illusory--the party establishment decides.
MikeJDP| 3.14.12 @ 4:27PM
Evangelicals and Catholics don't believe that Mormons are Christians AND liberals are afraid that Mormons are too Christian!
JimH| 3.14.12 @ 12:53PM
Mitt is not my first choice by long shot, but the time has come to accept the inevitable. Failure of the opposition to unite behind one candidate is one of the reasons Chavez has maintained power in Venezuela. I’d hate to see this happen here. The best is the enemy of the good (enough). If you can’t stomach supporting Mitt, at least try to increase the House and obtain a Senate majority.
Grant | 3.14.12 @ 3:07PM
Larry, I saw your name and thought there was going to be a good baseball story. Between the 3 of them, who would you pick to debate Obama and the snarky lying commentators? I'd go with the best, Newtzilla. Every one of you will vote for whomever gets the nomination and so will I. They all have the best chance to beat Obama. No one is riding this one out. If Newt drops out, Romney can spend all his money trashing Rick.....then Newt rises and vice versa. Let it play out.
Patrick E.| 3.14.12 @ 3:09PM
I doubt Santorum can win Illinois unfortunately. He could do decent enough downstate. Maybe do pretty well in Rockford area and the Quad Cities. Still,i think he will get beat in Chicago metro. Most of the Republicans are rino's and socially liberal. Many of them voted for BHO last time too. They will go for Romney.
OLDRAY| 3.14.12 @ 3:28PM
Newt has more on the ball than Tyrell ,Hillyer and Romney put together. The American Spectator and the stale crew at GOP Hq are going to give us another John McCain to lose againstObama. Sad to think , this could cost us the Senate and House as well. what a disaster.
cate| 3.14.12 @ 3:35PM
I admired Newt's work as speaker and I share many of his views, but I would never vote for Newt. He certainly is a mess. Three marriages, two divorces, cheating on two sick wives, using the kids from the first wife to attack the second wife in the midst of this campaign, not to mention ethics problems while he was in office. And then his has the nerve to try to tell us he's now reformed and a good Catholic. Well if he is a good Catholic, he should understand the temporal consequences of forgiven sin. Newt has sacrificed his enormous potential on the altar of his own ego and personal desires. And for the sake of her marriage, I hope wife #3 stays healthy.
Grant | 3.14.12 @ 4:05PM
Cate, We're not voting for "Husband of the year". This election it's "Save the USA and the Constitution". A non Newt vote or non Romney, Santorum vote is a vote for Obama. If Romney is the nominee, it will be our duty as American patriots to drag him over the finish line.
cate| 3.14.12 @ 4:27PM
Sorry Grant but I spent years teaching the Constitution to college students--a fruitless task in post modern society. What the average voter, left or right, thinks they understand about the Constitution and elections is the problem. Actually this election is all about the economy, not the Constitution. But to speak to your point, all of the Republican candidates share similar command of Constitutional principles and the same basic interpreting philosophy. Where they differ is in their personal integrity. If a man has no integrity in his personal life, do you really believe he will operate with integrity in his public life?
Drek| 3.14.12 @ 6:23PM
Cate,
for the answer to your parting comment, {a Parthian shot...?} check out the personal and public life of Alexander Hamilton.
Gingrich is a 68 year old man who is most unlikely to go emulating Ed Kennedy by chasing skirts around the Oval Office.
Scorpio51| 3.14.12 @ 5:09PM
Cate you are the type of voter I worry about. Since you didn't bother to find out the facts on Newt I'm not going to help you.
You're not going to marry Newt, we're just electing a President. But you go ahead and vote for Obama.
cate| 3.14.12 @ 5:29PM
Thank you for your concern that I needlessly factor a candidate's personal integrity and moral character into determining whether he or she will be able to make the right choice under extreme pressure. How Bill Clinton of you. Check out Newt's long record as a politician--you will find that he is not quite the conservative you imagine. We are not just electing a president but the leader of the free world. I prefer to have one who does not think with his zipper.
louise| 3.14.12 @ 4:08PM
Usually I like your columns Mr. Thornberrry....not this one. You are very wrong about Mr. Newt. This is the most important election in our lifetime, and Newt knows it. Neither Santorum nor Romney have the intelligence or the ability to correct the system.
I am almost 69, Newt's age, and I can tell you that
he could be really enjoying life, but I sense that
he feels a serious responsibility to correct what
has been done to this country in the past years.
Garfield| 3.14.12 @ 4:09PM
I think people should give up on Newt giving up.
I think he intends to make sure that Romney is not the nominee, I think Santorum has to prove he can take on Obama-lite.
Scorpio51| 3.14.12 @ 5:05PM
Mr. Thornberry you know nothing about Newt Gingrich. If you did, you would realize that Newt loves this country and will fight for the conservative message. This election could be our last one to take back this nation. Newt can do this and will fight this all the way.
He's the kind of man I want leading our country.
The American Hitman| 3.14.12 @ 5:21PM
Why do you think they call it the American Hitman? What, was "Bob" to busy to do the Newt hit piece this week?
Patrick E.| 3.14.12 @ 6:47PM
How does his staying in help stop Romney? It only helps him.
Craig M.| 3.15.12 @ 8:44AM
Newt's presence makes Mitt "The Hitman" Romney have to spread out his resources. Also, he has to be negative on two people instead of one.
And in addition, Newt and Santorum together regularly get 60% of the total vote, leaving 40% for Romney and Paul. Romney can't get the needed votes that way.
Ken (Old Texican)| 3.14.12 @ 7:00PM
Thornberry......
KISS MY ASS!
Elmer Fudd himself has the right to run. If I wanted an anal exam, I could run and possibly win.
Hang in there Newt and keep guiding the conversation!
kf451| 3.14.12 @ 10:32PM
Hang in there, Newt!
pshy| 3.15.12 @ 2:03AM
First you'll want Newt out, then you'll want Santorum out, then Romney gets the nomination. is that how it's suppose to work? Not so fast, this is America. We don't anoint our Candidates, we elect them. All in good time as the
Fat Lady hasn't started singing just yet.
I'm glad Newt Gingrich is staying in the race. He has every right to do so and has much to offer to the dialog of this campaign.
JohnInFlorida| 3.16.12 @ 8:04PM
I posted this on another site but it seems appropriate here as well.
Some have said that it is ego or revenge or hate that causes Gingrich to stubbornly hang on. I happen to disagree with them.
There are some (me included) who believe that neither Romney or Santorum can defeat Obama because:
1.) There are many people who say they will refuse to vote for Romney under any circumstances and I believe them. Call them the "won't hold my nose" crowd.
2.) On the other hand, Santorum alienates another large group with his penchant to try to legislate morality and his "holier than thou" attitude. Call this group "the non-evangelicals".
Can these two groups, when added to the lefties and the clueless, cause Obama to be re-elected? I"m not sure but I'm sure it's a very scary thought!
So, perhaps it's not ego, hate or revenge that motivates Gingrich ... perhaps it's really as simple as his grandchildren, Robert and Maggie. He looks at them and visualizes what they will face if Obama is not defeated. He then looks at Romney and Santorum, sees them as incapable of defeating the Obama machine and says "I must soldier on".
Farfetched? Perhaps. But ... Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Gingrich is not insane. If he cannot amass 1144 AND he believes that none of the others can beat Obama then he MUST do something different. The available alternative is to work to deny 1144 to any of the others and force it to a convention fight. He has admitted that there is no telling what will happen at a brokered convention but uncertainty leaves open the possibility of success. It's a long road to the convention and much can happen along that road. Once Gingrich drops out he has NO influence over what happens and it appears that is just unacceptable to him.