« BACK  |  PRINT

RS

FRONT PAGE CONTRIBUTOR

Gallup confirms Rasmussen’s lead for Gingrich

By: Neil Stevens (Diary)  |  December 6th, 2011 at 02:30 PM  | 

RESIZE: AAA

Gingrich Romney

We went 10 days without a poll in the field, and then after that, we went another 5 days of no news. That’s nerve wracking when the last poll was so radically different from the past.

But fortunately the new Gallup is in, and it tracks very well with the Rasmussen poll. In fact if we pretend there’s no randomness, the poll lends itself perfectly to a new narrative.

The facts: Gallup tracking poll, five day average, 1,277 Republican registered voters. MoE 3. Landlines and mobiles handled, which is getting redundant to say as only a few laggard pollsters haven’t gotten with the times on that.

Gingrich still has a huge lead. At 37 his wave swamps the rest of the field. Romney stays in second at 22, and again, no other candidate is in double figures.

Notably this is the first national poll that excludes Herman Cain. What’s interesting to me is that Newt is only one point off his 38 in the Cain-inclusive Rasmussen poll, virtually unchanged. Mitt Romney however is 5 points up, Rick Perry is 3 points up. Those two bumps correspond perfectly with the eight points Cain had before he dropped out.

With the random element of polling, it’s probably not that neat and clean, but it makes sense: Gingrich probably already won over every Cain backer he could, so the rump Cain faction split between Romney and Perry. Perry’s still in terrible shape, and we’re still not seeing signs of a national Perry Reboot as his supporters are hoping for.

If Perry is surging at all, it’s an Iowa-specific phenomenon. Right now, nationally, it’s still the Newt Gingrich show.

Crossposted from Unlikely Voter

Tags: , , , , , , ,

COMMENTS

POSTING RULES  |  LOGIN TO COMMENT  |  REGISTER TODAY
  • certainlytruth
    MICHELLE BACHMANN IS A TRUE CONSERVATIVE. ..MITT ROMNEY IS A FLAMING LIBERAL DRESSED IN REPUBLICAN CLOTHING! Newt is a flip flopping half liberal mistake!

    If America doesn?t wise up about Romney, we are lost as a nation. All you need to know about Mitt Romney, his real political record and the Mormon Church and how his presidency could affect America is in this book:

    CAN MITT ROMNEY SERVE TWO MASTERS? The Mormon Church Versus the Office Of The Presidency of the United States of America.

    Please spread this book far and wide in order to stir the American people to the truth on Romney.

    http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/can-mitt-romney-serve-two-masters-tricia-erickson/1103725413

  • http://www.hakubi.us/ Neil Stevens

    It wants its attacks on religion back.

  • papabear

    I’ve never been a fan of Romney, but the Brett Baier interview exposed a damning weakness. Every time I see it replayed, I notice more of Romney’s brittle facade of a smile when challenged. Romney really is pissed that someone is daring to question him!

    The ironic thing is that I was a bit PO’d at Brett Baier. I thought the questions were very straightforward. Maybe treading on Hannity softball territory. Nothing even close to how Chris Wallace would dig into Perry.

    Then I heard about Romney’s indignation at Baier’s horrible treatment!!!

    How could Romney every stand up to Obama?

  • texanlady

    Gave up on Perry a month ago. Really thought he would dazzle but it was not the case. Still wonder if the back surgery did not go well.

  • papabear

    Yelling doesn’t get your point across. It only ensure that we will not be following your link.

  • tailfins1959

    Maybe he can pull off a miracle win in Iowa. I’m watching for but not expecting signs of life from Perry.

  • tailfins1959

    She is not a good manager. She belittles staff and would be an incompetent, micromanaging President.

  • http://www.hakubi.us/ Neil Stevens

    The replay official has overturned the call on the field.

  • papabear

    Hopefully Chris Wallace will give him some tough questions (http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2011/12/romney-will-do-sunday-show-for-first-time-since-2010/).

    If Romney cannot pass this test, he IS the weakest link!

  • papabear

    nt

  • tailfins1959

    EE has the potential to be a more conservative Dick Morris. RS can’t afford to have such things associated with them.

  • Common_Cents

    that’d be an interesting shake-up in the race nobody expects.

  • tomatin

    As Cain went down from 22,16, no polling Perry went down from 11, 8, 7, respectively.

    FYI here are the full results of the new Gallop poll.

    Gingrich: 37 (22)
    Romney: 22 (21)
    Paul: 8 (9)
    Perry: 7 (8)
    Bachmann: 6 (4)
    Santorum: 3 (1)
    Huntsman: 1 (1)
    Cain: — (16)

    Doing the math Gingrich gets 15 points of Cain’s, Paul’s or Perry’s support. Everyone else stayed about the same considering the noise.

  • http://www.hakubi.us/ Neil Stevens

    I’m not talking about Gallup-Gallup.

    I’m talking about Ras-Gallup.

    So yeah, while you’re off talking about old polls, we’lll keep talking about the most recent ones.

  • suzyq

    x x x

  • tomatin

    questions cannot be more different.

    Romney soundly like a petulant adolesent who’s saying how dare you question me.

    While Gingrich takes the punch and then counter punhes with facts that puts the onous back on them.

    “Glass chin” is the perfect analogy for Romney. He just oozes that he was born with a silver spoon in his mouth and he’s entitled to the presidency just because he’s privileged and has been running for president the last 6 years. Obama has this sense of entitlement obviously for other reasons. Of course the difference is the media gives Obama a pass.

  • suzyq

    was referring to Perry

  • Common_Cents

    as an accomplished conservative.

    ?Conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh on Monday reversed himself and signaled support for Newt Gingrich, praising Gingrich as ?the last person? who was able to balance the federal budget and cut government spending. The move is a reversal from earlier, harsh attacks on the former House speaker.

    ?Who was the last person to actually cut government? Who was the last person who actually led a movement that balanced the federal budget? Who was the person that did that?? Limbaugh asked, before singing music from the show ?Jeopardy.?

    Like Rush does, if you cut through the brainstorming of an ideas man over decades and look at who as moved the needle the case is very clear.

    ?He continued: ?You?re not gonna take a guess? That?s right, it was Mr. Newt! The last guy who gave us a balanced budget. Now, there are a lot of other Republicans involved?but Gingrich was Speaker. The last time this budget was ? the last time there was true welfare reform, the last time government was cut, Gingrich did it.?

    http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-57337610-503544/rush-limbaugh-signals-support-for-newt-gingrich/

    Rush doesn?t endorse Gingrich but he does give Gingrich credit for RESULTS, despite whatever spin, rhetoric, egos.

    Like him or not, but to not recognize Gingrich?s accomplishments is very disingenuous.

  • tomatin

    It’s Gallop’s most recent poll that shows Perry tanking.

    I don’t make up the numbers so don’t attack me.

    http://www.gallup.com/poll/151355/Gingrich-Romney-Among-GOP-Voters-Nationwide.aspx

  • http://www.hakubi.us/ Neil Stevens

    Maybe you’ll get it then.

  • bzip

    Well it sure looks like the conservatives want a progressive moderate or either they are completely fooled.

    We have a clear picture of Newt from many years and his progressive ways ranging from supporting the mandate to supporting global warming to death panels to his anti-gun positions.

    We couldn’t have ask for a better progressive yet. My hat is off to those who really wanted an outsider who was far from being progressive – you have done a wonderful job.

    Not that it matters because no matter how much evidence, how many times it has been stated those in denial will remain in denial and spin it anyway they want to pretend their candidate Newt is the ultra-conservative to the rescue:

    The Inconvenient Truth About Newt
    http://www.nationalgunrights.org/the-inconvenient-truth-about-newt/
    ?In 1996, Newt Gingrich turned his back on guns and voted for the anti-gun Brady Campaign?s Lautenberg Gun Ban, which strips the Second Amendment rights of citizens involved in misdemeanor domestic violence charges or temporary protection orders ?- in some cases for actions as minor as spanking a child or grabbing a spouse?s wrist.
    Gingrich even called the anti-gun measure ?reasonable,? and predicted that it would sail through his Republican-controlled House of Representatives with little trouble?

    Newt Gingrich Paid $300K to Praise Ethanol
    http://www.globalwarming.org/2011/04/26/newt-gingrich-paid-300k-to-praise-ethanol/

    Newt Gingrich?s Record: Uncomfortable But True
    http://conservativedailynews.com/2011/11/newt-gingrichs-record-uncomfortable-but-true/
    ?In sum: I?m frankly disturbed by the recent fascination with Gingrich and the amnesia regarding his record. Somehow, conservatives have developed a belief that intellectualism and con artistry are mutually exclusive. Voters have been lulled by the superficially-impressive nature of his speeches.?

  • pj2012

    up in Iowa paints a disturbing unpleasant and resent history of Newt…

  • bzip

    Now for some good news;

    New Hampshire State Rep. Ken Weyler explains his endorsement of Gov. Rick Perry in a letter to the editor
    Gov. Rick Perry’s resume is impressive
    http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20111206-OPINION-112060350?utm_source=RaconteurMail&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=GovPerryintheNewsDecember6

  • http://www.hakubi.us/ Neil Stevens

    Now hush. Republicans are talking.

  • bzip

    I think someone might have posted this somewhere else but its polling data, internal for the Team Perry and its great news for Perry:

    December 5, 2011

    TO: Joe Allbaugh
    FR: Mike Baselice
    RE: Iowa Survey Highlights
    Field dates: December 3-4, 2011
    N = 501 likely caucus goers
    Margin of error: +/- 4.9% at the .95 test level

    NAME AWARENESS AND IMAGE

    Rick Perry?s positive is at 67% among all respondents, and is at 71% among those who have seen a television ad about Perry.
    Among those who share all or most of the views of the Tea Party Movement, Perry is at 78% positive. Furthermore, Perry?s positive image is 71% among voters who are undecided on the ballot test.
    Rick Perry?s strongly positive image increased six points since our Nov. 19-20 survey.
    BALLOT TEST

    At 13%, Rick Perry is now in third place on the ballot test. Gingrich is at 29% and Romney is at 19%.
    Perry garners 19% among voters who attend church services more than once a week.
    Among the voters who have already seen the new faith TV ad, Perry is at 28%.
    Only 24% of respondents are definitely supporting any of the seven candidates on the ballot whereas 67% state they could still change their minds. Moreover, three-quarters of the Gingrich voters indicate they could still change their minds. The race remains very fluid.
    INFORMATION FLOW

    68% have seen, read or heard something recently about Rick Perry. The net favorable reaction to what voters have seen, read or heard has increased for the third consecutive survey. Our message is starting to hold!

  • http://www.hakubi.us/ Neil Stevens

    Internal poll releases like that are propaganda to raise money, nothing more.

  • wonkish1

    Perry’s current F/UF right now is roughly 35/45(neg 10) among *GOP primary voters* and that is probably being generous.

    His fav. is most definitely not 67%. That is a joke. Which makes sense because its an internal paid for by the campaign.

  • tomatin

    You said, “What?s interesting to me is that Newt is only one point off his 38 in the Cain-inclusive Rasmussen poll, virtually unchanged. Mitt Romney however is 5 points up, Rick Perry is 3 points up.”

    I don’t find anything interesting in a flawed poll with Cain in it.

  • http://www.hakubi.us/ Neil Stevens

    But if his own internal has him third in Iowa, then he’s not surging anywhere.

  • http://www.hakubi.us/ Neil Stevens

    Herman Cain was still in the race last week. It’s not flawed, doofus.

  • tomatin

    and I listed the numbers. So you are just being a little sensitive methinks.

  • http://www.changeforrickperry.org louisianapatriette

    From what I’ve seen of his/her posts, anyway. Paul puts out some mean ones, that’s for sure.

  • wonkish1

    When your 35/45 among people in your *own* party your going nowhere fast. I mean its sad, but at some point you just have to wake up to reality and realize hey he’s run out of time and it takes months to correct bad F/UF numbers and that’s assuming you do everything right.

  • http://www.hakubi.us/ Neil Stevens

    I react. :)

  • Common_Cents

    .

  • http://www.hakubi.us/ Neil Stevens

    Again, if you actually look at the polling, he’s up since Cain quit.

    So yeah. Reading is fundamental.

    You’re just mad because I won’t let you spread misinformation in my post.

  • tomatin

    So you have to give him allot of credit for what that congress accomplished indeed.

    I point out the same thing. Who is the last conservative that was intsrumental in cutting government significantly? It was Gingrich.

    Not to mention it was Gingrich whose congress cut capital gainst taxes,

    While GWB expanded government and Obama is expanding it much worse.

    In my eyes Gingrich has real credibility to shrink the Federal Government.

  • pj2012

    seeing some movement in Iowa, but not so much nationally per Neil Stevens post. However, it’s still a ray of hope for us solid Perry supporters. Elections are still won on a state by state basis so we shall see how this pans out for Perry. Though Newts numbers are high all around they are still soft which means there’s still time for other candidates to gain support.

    12/4/11 – NET LEANED PREFERENCE
    Rick Perry 12 – 11

    Full polling results… http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/polls/postabcpoll_120411.html

  • acat

    responds to Luap Nor. Like a blind pig (with intestinal distress…) this video load of {manure} is exactly what we can expect in the general should we nominate Chairman Newt.

    Mew

  • bzip

    Perry will be on CNN Wolf’s segment 4pm EST on Wed (tomorrow) and Newt will be on the show too.

  • wennejunk

    How about:

    ‘There’s no room in the GOP or Conservative circles for those who bash others for the religion they freely choose to follow’.

    Has nothing to do with Erick and everything to do with being adults.

  • pj2012

    Perry is 3rd place in the Gallup F/UF 12/5 poll… doing better than the rest of the pack.

    http://www.gallup.com/poll/151325/Republicans-Gingrich-Romney-Acceptable-Nominees.aspx?utm_source=alert&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=syndication&utm_content=morelink&utm_term=All%20Gallup%20Headlines

  • http://www.hakubi.us/ Neil Stevens

    We’d ban for that even if Erick never quit lawyering.

  • pj2012

    or at separate times?

  • http://www.hakubi.us/ Neil Stevens

    Since he’s in third nationally now, and that and a buck will buy him a cup of coffee.

  • papabear

    But there has to be signs of life …

  • tomatin

    So your immensely ethical candidate Perry doesn’t have to.

    “progressive moderate” prove it based on Gingrich’s record as speaker.

    You can’t. Unless you like criminals having guns.

  • streiff

    I think “crazy” and move on. The man and his followers are cranks.

  • http://www.changeforrickperry.org louisianapatriette

    Knee-jerk, immediate defense or offense depending on one’s mood, mixed with a pinch of skepticism :D

  • bzip

    My guess is of separate times in the show but Wolf did not make that clear.

  • tailfins1959

    Imagine it being an Obama ad. Gingrich also imagine that and have a response ready if needed.

  • tomatin

    Third place does not matter when your rating is negative eleven.

  • http://www.changeforrickperry.org louisianapatriette

    Since I have some very dear friends who are Paul supporters (though NOT Paulbots) I wouldn’t say they’re *all* cranks. But as even my very dear friend has told me, MOST Paul supporters ARE on the crazy side (see: Lew Rockwell). She says the die-hard libertarians can be pretty scary. Glad I’ve never attended a Paul rally, that might be unnerving :)

  • wonkish1

    And actually worse than the generous F/UF I gave of 35/45.

    Technically acceptable isn’t the exact same thing as F/UF but its pretty much the same thing. So the poll numbers should comport and they do rather closely.

  • wonkish1

    Among Republicans!!! I mean that’s really bad!

  • http://www.hakubi.us/ Neil Stevens

    We already caught you lying once in this thread about Perry’s polling direction. Move on.

  • bzip

    This is bothersome. If and only if you think Perry is the better conservative and best to lead the country – then why give up?

    Does your candidate have to be in the top polling before you support them, is that how we determine the elections is by supporting the one that everyone else wants even if it isn’t the best.

    If you do believe in Perry you should be out there fighting for him, supporting him but if you are wishy washy then I guess I can see this type of attitude

    I believe in perry, I stick with Perry till the end and I don’t care what the polls say. I stand by my principles and will stand by Perry as the most consistent principled candidate out there,.

  • tomatin

    Perry had gone from 11 to 8 to 7.

    Really I can’t make it much clearer. A 4 point drop and he’s not gaining any of Cain’s support.

    How is this progression up? Remind me to not ask you for stock advise.

    Poll

  • http://www.hakubi.us/ Neil Stevens

    The most recent poll was the Ras poll, not the previous Gallup poll.

    Try harder, kid.

  • pj2012

    on Dec 13 – 15.

  • http://www.hakubi.us/ Neil Stevens

    So yeah, I guess he and Obama *do* have that in common.

  • tomatin

    http://www.gallup.com/poll/151355/Gingrich-Romney-Among-GOP-Voters-Nationwide.aspx

  • tomatin

    sorry for the typo

  • bzip

    I personally dislike Paul and really think he belongs a rubber room but..,.

    The content of his ad is something that easily can be used by anyone and used in the general. The content is true and very concerning in addition it is only a small portion of what can be said and done truthfully about Newt in a general election ad.

  • wonkish1

    Talking about different things. Neil was talking about Ras to Gallup(2 very recent polls) and Tomatin was talking about Gallup to Gallup(1 very recent and one from over a week ago).

  • wonkish1

    Probably over 2 weeks ago on last Gallup(before today) if not slightly farther out.

  • pj2012

    I’m not a Ron Paul supporter… far from it… see other comments by me on this thread. I just think we should look at this as a whole. Not cherry pick what we’d like to see or read. Ron Paul’s ad is harsh… that’s a fact.

    This ad could have easily come out the Romney or the Perry camp. Why not see it for what it is… that’s all.

  • http://www.changeforrickperry.org louisianapatriette

    If you believe Perry is the right candidate . . . what’s stopping you from going out on a limb for him? What’s there to lose? Even if he doesn’t get the nomination, then at least you can go to bed at night knowing you did your best and didn’t sacrifice any principles. And besides . . . if all the people who believe Perry is the guy decided to get behind him 100%, without thinking about poll numbers . . . it would be putting a lot of weight behind him.

  • pttx333

    IMHO, you are either FOR a candidate or you are AGAINST one. I chose Perry a very long time ago and have never wavered – never will either. I will either sink or swim with him since I know that he is the only viable candidate for me. Though I will vote for the eventual nominee, I just pray to the heavens that I won’t have to hold my nose again!

    Though I’ve said it before, I will reiterate, bzip – thank you for all that you do for us here on RS!

  • bzip

    Once again the delusional denial Newt supporter.

    How many times has it been hash out and reaffirmed that Newt supports the mandate and has for 18 years?
    How many times has it been shown that Newt has a love fest with Kerry and Pelosi on global warming.

    These are hard cold facts you either can accept or you can go into your denial over.

    How many times must it be pointed Newt has played lobbyist and has had ethic violations and extra martial affaiars.

    These aren’t smears these are hard cold facts that you seem to want to be in denial of:

    Why Newt Gingrich Will Never Be President
    http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2011/11/why-neevberwt-gingrich-will-never-be-president/248456/
    ?The House ultimately voted 395-28 to reprimand Gingrich and order him to pay a $300,000 penalty for ethics violations involving contributions and political activity. It was the first and only time in the history of the House that a sitting Speaker had been disciplined for ethical violations.?

    Newt Gingrich was a lobbyist, plain and simple
    http://campaign2012.washingtonexaminer.com/article/newt-gingrich-was-lobbyist-plain-and-simple

    Gingrich ?Cashing in on Public Service?; ?Lobbying? by Another Name
    http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2011/11/jack-abramoff-newt-gingrich-cashing-in-on-public-service-lobbying-by-another-name/

    Newt Gingrich Supports Health Care Mandate, Cap & Trade
    http://www.unelected.org/newt-gingrich-supports-health-care-mandate-cap-trade

    Interview with: Newt Gingrich
    http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/hotpolitics/interviews/gingrich.html
    ?I think if you have mandatory carbon caps combined with a trading system, much like we did with sulfur, and if you have a tax-incentive program for investing in the solutions, that there?s a package there that?s very, very good.? ? Newt Gingrich

    Gingrich: Focus On My 1993 Mandate Support Is ?Political Amnesia? (VIDEO)
    http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/05/gingrich-focus-on-my-1993-mandate-support-is-political-amnesia-video.php

    Newt Gingrich Supports Individual Mandate
    http://townhall.com/video/newt-gingrich-supports-individual-mandate#

    Gingrich Backs Obamacare’s Individual Mandate Requiring Health Insurance
    http://www.newsmax.com/Headline/gingrich-health-care-insurance/2011/05/15/id/396426

    Newt Gingrich Was For The Individual Mandate Before He Was Against It
    http://www.outsidethebeltway.com/newt-gingrich-was-for-the-individual-mandate-before-he-was-against-it/

    Gingrich Supports ‘Variation’ on Obamacare-Type Health Insurance Mandate
    http://youtu.be/ThwVp0cwOMA

    Newt Gingrich talks Climate Change in 2007
    http://youtu.be/IYv9yd3_3HA

  • http://www.hakubi.us/ Neil Stevens

    I suggested that but he wouldn’t have it.

    I can only conclude he’s a candibot.

  • septembergurl

    Newt is the frontrunner and by a bigger margin than Romney ever had.

    newt – 38
    Mittens – 19

    Interestingly bachmann is third with 9, ahead of Paul and Perry. I’m guessing she has picked up aome cain votes. She’s making a very modest recovery after bottoming out.

    I believe romney won this in 2008 pretty easily. Wonder what it bodes for Nevada, which along with Michigan is pretty key in Mittens’ recovery strategery, should things go badly in the early contests.

    Just saw Mitt had declined the Trump debate. Way to show leadership there, Mittens. Let Paul and Huntsman go first, wait and see if there’s any downside to declining, then announce your own intention not to attend.

  • tomatin

    But I like comparing trends in poll to poll by the same pollsters. No I’m not going to use that old cliche.

  • Common_Cents

    Romney is showing he has a glass jaw and doesn’t want confrontation.

  • tomatin

    I said nothing factually wrong. I was not even attacking anything you said in the original post.

  • wonkish1

    As well. I remember some older Nevada polls that had Romney as not the leader. So its pretty believable that he’s barely holding a lead there or already behind.

  • wonkish1

    Your not doing yourself any favors.

    My father always taught me that your dealt a hand cards, know when to hold them, know when to fold them.

    You misunderstood Neil’s post in the beginning he’s in the right.

  • jswolter

    Here we go again. Bzip has to whip up the attack on all candidates but his one true conservative idol and great overseer Rick Perry.

    So let me get this straight. To be a “true” conservative, you have to be against ALL forms of gun control? Let me guess, you think guns should be sold in every corner convenience store as well. Just because Gingrich supported keeping guns from people CONVICTED of domestic violence does not make him a progressive. There has to be a line drawn somewhere. To me, keeping guns out of the hands of proven irresponsible people helps preserve the rights of responsible citizens. Where do you draw the line bzip? Anyone can have guns? How about those convicted of murder? How about someone who has threatened to kill a person several times?

    So Gingrich loses his conservative credentials if he takes lobbyist money from the ethanol industry? Does Perry lose his credentials if he takes money from the pharmaceutical industry?

    http://www.cnn.com/2011/09/15/opinion/krumholz-beckel-perry-pharmaceutical/index.html

    Now, how about you stop slandering every candidate besides your own. I know you think that its the only chance Perry has of obtaining double digits in any poll in the country but it really makes you look ridiculous.

  • dajeeps

    A while back I was sort of hanging out in the “Paul circle” because of some of the ideological commonalities and the people there made me feel uncomfortable. I was inundated with anti-Israel and anti-Semitic propaganda way beyond the point of being able to ignore it. I was treated as if I agreed with them because I was there and it was quite troubling to me and insulting. There is no honor in getting some of things I want if those are the kinds of people who come attached, and Dr. Paul has done nothing to tone that down. He also stoked the #OWS people whom I regard as abusers of liberty, which is just as much a threat to liberty in general as abuse of power. My opinion is that he has his foot farther in the door of anarchy than civil society, than most people realize, and would likely achieve the same results as Obama, with only a different spin. We would never have another Republican POTUS in my lifetime, and deservedly so.

  • Scope

    From what I saw on Fox today was that Romney, Perry and Bachmann had not confirmed. Now we know Romney backed out on Cavuto’s. Where is the proof that Perry is attending?

  • goodgovernance

    Here’s the way I see it:

    Romney – not anywhere near inevitable. He can’t dodge the charges of being a phoney (he and his supporters keep saying, “Just don’t look at what Romney did in the past!” but that’s not going to fly). Even if he made it through the primaries, the inevitable shift to the center would bring out all his flip-flopping, please ‘em all instincts, and Obama would go to town on him.

    The 8.6% unemployment rate is also a wake up call. While not all good news, really, it should make us all realize that we can’t count on Obama just self-destructing because of the economy. So the claims by the Romney crowd that Mitt is a shoe-in need to be discounted.

    Gingrich – the guy’s done good things in the past but thanks to his attitude and ego he also helped get Bill Clinton his second term. Gingrich is going to self-destruct at some point. Maybe not in the early primaries but definitely by the general campaign, if he ever got that far. When nearly everyone who’s ever worked closely with the guy dislikes him, that’s a bad sign.

    Perry – not a bad guy, and maybe the back surgery and possible pain meds he’s on contributed to his debate gaffs. I don’t think he’s stupid as some try to claim. But the bottom line is, in the general campaign those sorts of gaffs are not going to go over well with swing voters who will need to be convinced that Perry can do the job — just selling him on his conservative bona fides isn’t going to be enough for them.

    Bachmann, Paul, Santorum – they’re all too narrow spectrum to have general election appeal, and quite frankly, they just don’t come off as “presidential.” Not big enough for the office, I’m afraid.

    That leaves Huntsman, or a brokered convention where we can expand our list of options. Either one will do.

  • http://www.hakubi.us/ Neil Stevens

    Heh.

  • bzip

    Seems you are having a very hard time accepting Newts faults. Oh my, this is too funny.

    “So Gingrich loses his conservative credentials if he takes lobbyist money from the ethanol industry?”

    You seem to have over look: Supporting the Mandate. You have overlook supporting Global warming. You have overlook ethic violations. The list is too long.

    If we were talking about a small item okay maybe just the lobbying ties – I might forget about it.

    But there is a long history, a pattern of many issues – many of which are core principles that Newt has totally failed on. We aren’t just talking about something that happen 20 years ago on one item – we are talking about years of supporting issues we are suppose to be very against.

    So YES, because of News long ongoing “history” and “pattern” of “all” these issues – Newt”s “conservative credentials” should be at the very least questioned and if you had any brains you would see a very serious pattern of Newt’s conservative credentials.

  • pj2012

    it’s weird…The Donald as a moderator… feels a bit unseemly to me anyway.

  • donald_24

    Ethanol subsidies result in higher food prices and famine in 3rd world countries, which leads to civil wars. Higher food prices that result from ethanol subsidies are a tax INCREASE on every American who buys food.

  • goodgovernance

    …then no, 8.6% would be a disaster for Obama. But I seem to recall the election’s in 2012, a whole year away.

    My point is, if the numbers improve somewhat over the course of a year, then the electoral math looks much different than it does now. Even if it’s not a rosy, booming economy, Obama might be able to claim things are getting better, and that might just be enough to squeak by.

    Never count on your opponent doing himself in for you.

  • Scope

    that posts negative info on other candidates? On the contrary, there are plenty of people here that do the same against any candidate that isn’t their choice. Problem with the non-Perry supporters is that she is effective, and informative.

  • Common_Cents

    nt

  • romansdaughter

    As far as I am concerned he is the most principled and I will stick with him to the end. And I too, thank you!

  • wonkish1

    There’s a pretty good chance that the bottom falls out of Europe before New Years. Lets see if the Greeks are actually willing to pay a hedge fund manager par while paying their own banks a fraction of par in their upcoming rollovers starting on the 19th. If they decide to force a reduction on the ones who didn’t take the restructure deal then you have a credit event, boom there goes CDS contract payouts. There goes Allianz(the European AIG). There goes Credit Agricole, and dare I say it there may just go Deustche Bank.

    In several months that 8.6%(as flawed as it is) may look pretty good.

  • pj2012

    and Perry’s speech at the NH state house was a great moment for him. I saw a tiny up tick in a poll, his RC average is still 3% though ; (

  • goodgovernance

    If Europe goes, it’s bad, bad news for Obama and the entire Leftist philosophy of how government should operate.

    But man, it would hurt a lot of the rest of us, too, so I’m not wishing for that to happen. May Europe just suck it up and learn to live within its means. We still need to learn that lesson here, too.

  • determinedconservative

    Hit a home run with me; but more importantly I think it will go over really well with swing voters. The country is crying out for change.

    I still think Perry would be the best nominee (or even better yet would be someone like Paul Ryan, but he’s not running). But the polls show clearly that it’s Gingrich or Romney. Any deviation of support toward Perry now is just splintering the conservative coalition and opening the door for Mittens. If we don’t want to let Romney divide and conquer, we as conservatives need to unite behind Newt. He will take the fight to Obama and make us proud, I really believe that.

  • Common_Cents

    When it comes crashing down, it will be quick and ugly.

    When that happens? Hard to say as the Fed will keep bailing the boat instead of plugging the leak.

  • Common_Cents

    they are concerned with counter party risk. When that fear spreads, things shut down overnight.

  • bzip

    Thanks romansdaughter, pttx333 and all the Perry supporters. To me its about principles, values and standing up for our country with the best candidate that can help our country out.

  • wonkish1

    They are pretty well capitalized and minus maybe a few outliers they should be able to weather the storm.

    The Eurozone is completely different though. There banking system is 3 times more levered than ours is(3 times its GDP) and its Tier one(supposed to be safe) is dominated by sovereign debt from the Eurozone(the problem asset). I mean Credit Agricole(biggest bank in France) is levered 66 to 1. I mean a 1.5% loss on their books and they are insolvent and bankrupt.

  • goodgovernance

    I’d even say it’s Reaganesque. And if Newt can just come across as that guy from here on out, he’s a lock for the nomination and the presidency.

    The thing is, can he really stay that guy? My gut says no, but I’m willing to be proven wrong.

  • avagreen

    **

  • wonkish1

    I mean Italy is on the verge of default and the best their new Technocrat PM could come up with was 10 billion Euro’s in net austerity. But its even worse its actually 20 billion in austerity with 10 billion in new ‘stimulus’. Oh and its worse than that the austerity is practically all taxes increases and the ‘stimulus’ is practically all spending. Oh and its even worse than that they modeled them statically which of course overestimates the tax revenues and underestimates(or equal) the spending. So its probably not really any austerity at all.

    I mean come on! The dumbs***s in the Eurozone don’t even realize the massive cuts they are going to have to do once the credit markets are completely shut off and the question is whether to default and cut or cut enough to somehow pull off a balanced budget in a month.

  • reggie182

    Rush knows that Newt will very likely be our nominee, and that we cut off our nose to spite our face as a party by engaging in gratuitous attacks on him.

  • bzip

    Give it time but NH isn’t a state that I would count on at all :-( .

    It is a shame the endorsement didn’t get much attention. Perry always gives a great speech, I do enjoy listening to him.

  • tomatin

    They actually drive people away from your professed goal of expanding support for Perry.

  • tomatin

    sure makes us want to vote for Perry.

  • bzip

    Not with people in denial and thank goodness not everyone is in denial.

  • avagreen

    Simply because he IS the best candidate, and is beginning to show growth as more people get acquainted with him and the truth about him, not the lies being put out.

    Also think that the community organizing that many are doing on his behalf are beginning to show up. Look, if a nut like Paul can get so much support from his fans, why can’t Perry( a far BETTER candidate)?

    The answer: HE CAN!

  • notpropagandized

    Maybe we can all plug our little Avatar tails into the MotherEarth and illumine the Perry vital signs. Not likely, but he’d be the best if MSM, LSM could be nuked, and then only if you could educate roughly 30+% of American voters on the virtues of COMPETITIVE free market enterprise entrepreneurial capitalism VS brick-WallStreet crony oligopolism VS pre-Occupy NannyState.

    Let’s continue this fight like it’s possible to win. It just doesn’t look that way with the Obama-philes lining up to feed at the public trough.

  • ammy

    You are living in a dream if you think swing voters will go for Newt. He is disliked by those who knew him during his time in DC and has more baggage than the cargo hold of a commercial airline. He will be easy pickings for Obama and his merry band of thieves and his media arm – the msm. Newt will make McCain look appealing before this is all over.

  • reggie182

    Has done nothing to help Rick Perry. Nothing.

  • tomatin

    criminals, illegals, crazy people and terrorists. That’s does not make me anti 2nd amendment at all If you are a stable law abiding citizen you should have any amount of guns you want.

  • avagreen

    Agreed!

  • wonkish1

    Because even a couple counter parties could sting, but I’m not worried about to many in the US going down. The banking sector is sitting on a lot of capital.

    Most people are pointing to the derivatives market if there is going to a problem and it makes sense because total notional is really, really high. And they claim that they are hedged because of their bilateral netting, but when one of your counterparties goes down in your web netting then all of sudden your very exposed. And then you have to pay out while not yet collecting on your derivative from the down counterparty.

    But ultimately not all derivatives are created the same. Interest rate swaps aren’t nearly as risky as CDS is and total CDS isn’t close to as high as it was in 06, 07, 08 at least definitely not in the US.

  • sunshinek67

    ;)

  • tyman

    I think Romney’s house of cards is getting ready to fall.

    You know when I think it started? The night Perry went after him and got him flustered. After Perry uncovered his Achilles Heel, Mittens has really shown that he is not unflappable. Then his interview with Bret Baier.

    If Mitt goes after Newt like he did Perry, they could wind up hurting each other.

    I’m not giving up on Perry at all! He’s a good man and I think he can provide the leadership this country needs.

  • tomatin

    ntntntnt

  • wacowboy

    Rush also said yesterday that the main reason Newt is #1 is because conservatives are tired of being labeled as “dubm”, “Inarticulate” etc. No one can call Newt dumb or inarticulate and so many conservatives are willing to overlook Newt’s foibles for the sake of his oratory skills and intellect.

    An astute observation by el rushbo.

    my question is: Is Newt the shiny new toy and the bling that sparkles and looks nice but doesn’t do a whole lot of good, or can he actually be what we really need?

    I find plenty of reasons to think that he could be one, the other, or both.

  • pj2012

    Jon Huntsman, who slammed Rick Perry over the summer for not trusting scientists on climate change, has now developed his own doubts. – politico.com

    hmmm…

    ?The scientific community owes us more in terms of a better description of explanation about what might lie beneath all of this. But there?s not information right now to formulate policies in terms of addressing it over all, primarily because it?s a global issue,? – Jon Huntsman

    The former Utah governor said Tuesday at an appearance at the conservative Heritage Foundation.

    Read more: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1211/69892.html#ixzz1fnYq1R49

    It’s seems a bit unfair that Perry got slammed on this same idea, and well… you get my point.

  • avagreen

    has helped the supporters of other candidates that are doing so?

    Whenever a positive is posted, someone has to post something to the effect as to why it’s not significant, or not that important, or how “boring” it is, or “really bad”………

    Those kind of remarks are OK, I guess?
    They make my hackles rise as a result …….seems some can’t let anything positive be said about Perry w/o some kind of cold water being posted.

    Thoughts?

  • swami7774

    …by coming off as a stand-up guy.
    Not saying he will, but being a MA resident and having lived under his governorship, I think he’s got it in him.
    I know one thing for certain: he would be a far, far better president than the guy in there now.

  • avagreen

    I hope Huntsman explains this as he’s become of my top candidates.
    Second to Perry, of course.

  • determinedconservative

    I talk to people out here in the heartland and they don’t see him like that at all. They see him as a truth teller and a straight shooter. If anything, the fact that he ran into trouble with the Beltway Illuminati goes over well.

  • swami7774

    He had the resume, the job-creation record, and the look. He just had (has) no clue how to articulate all of that in an inspiring way.

  • avagreen

    ….not that I’m a Paul supporter, nor a Pelosi fan, nor a Romney fan, etc..

    http://www.publicopiniononline.com/statenews/ci_19482536
    Long Washington record starting to haunt Gingrich
    By PHILIP ELLIOTT Associated Press

    Click photo to enlarge
    Republican presidential candidate, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich… ((AP Photo/Seth Wenig))
    WASHINGTON?Newt Gingrich’s long political record and Washington ties are coming back to haunt him four weeks before Iowa’s leadoff Republican presidential caucuses.

    The former House speaker was pressed Tuesday in a radio interview to explain his past support of health care mandates, his belief in human-caused climate change, and his advocacy for a certain level of government regulation?positions that irk many conservatives?just as rival Ron Paul rolled out a hard-hitting TV ad in Iowa that uses Gingrich’s own words to accuse him of “serial hypocrisy…

    Beck spent the bulk of his time confronting Gingrich on equivocations on certain issues, juxtaposing the candidate’s past comments with his current positions? and grilling the candidate on the discrepancies.

    Gingrich, at times testy, didn’t back down when pressed but instead launched into lengthy explanations of where he stood and, like the college professor he once was, offered up answers that explored the intricacies of certain policies.

    On climate change, Beck cited a television commercial Gingrich once filmed with Pelosi, a Democrat, on the need to address the issue and recalled a debate Gingrich once did on the topic with Democratic Sen. John Kerry. Some conservatives question the role of humans in global warming.

    Gingrich now says filming the ad with Pelosi was a mistake, and he hedges when asked about humans’ role in climate change.

    “There is evidence on both sides of the climate change argument,” he told Beck.

    On health care, Beck presented Gingrich with audio of his past statements?in 1993 and twice this year?supporting health care mandates for individuals. …”

  • bzip

    Rick Perry dings President Obama on gay rights-foreign aid move
    http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1211/69906.html

    Rick Perry Says Human Rights for Gays ?Not in America?s Interests?
    http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2011/12/rick-perry-says-human-rights-for-gays-not-in-americas-interests/

  • logicalpositivist

    The liberals are already preparing to launch a fusillade against Romney based on his religion. So much for freedom of religion.

    I agree that religious bigotry has no place at RS.

    Let’s make sure that we maintain this site as a bigotry-free website.

  • Scope

    And with the terms you have quoted ava we can surely attach those quotes to names, and they seem to be the ones that have an ulterior motive. Some bring it on soft and some bring it on hard. If someone says they are leaning toward Perry, but may have some reservations, the anti-Perry’s go in for the kill, trying to insure they run from Perry like he’s the devil. I especially love when someone doesn’t go after another candidate, but stays positive with their Perry support, they are branded as candibots.

  • logicalpositivist

    He is clearly the most electable candidate. Yet, the anti-Romney faction of the Tea Party is flirting with Cain, Gingrich, Perry, basically any Republican who is not Romney.

    Romney has spent years making investments in the Republican Party only to see his hard work get repaid in bus tokens.

    I really hope that there are enough Republicans who are fed up with Obama that Romney can beat Gingrich in a long campaign.

    This thing is clearly not going to be wrapped up after Iowa.

    Romney should just pray for Ron Paul to take Iowa. That way, when Romney wins in New Hampshire, he’ll be in a great position to use New Hampshire as a springboard for Florida the way McCain did.

  • bzip

    That is great avagreen – I love that smiling face with the thumbs up. Its wonderful. Thanks :-) .

  • texas214

    Romney gets Paul Ryan’s, Jim DeMint’s and possibly Sarah Palin’s? All of that my very likely happen as DeMint has previously endorsed Romney, Ryan would never endorse Gingrich, and Palin is against anyone who doesn’ come out for the full repeal of Obamacare.

  • logicalpositivist

    Time to move on.

    If Perry hasn’t convinced alienated Republicans that he has got a shot at the nomination by now, he is not likely to come back and win this thing.

    I don’t expect Perry to finish in the top 3 in either Iowa or New Hampshire. The only question is whom he’ll endorse when he drops out.

  • circlegranch

    There is a strong support base here at RS for RP and we are unabashed about it. Enjoy the ride till the nomination and if for some reason, you change your mind we’ll be proud to have ya. Meanwhile, keep reading here and sharing your thoughts. Everybody matters, provided they are respectful and civil which it sure appears you are, so looking forward to your input and observations!

  • politicalgal1

    I, too, am sticking with Rick Perry. There is no doubt in my mind that he is the leader we need. Way too many Republicans have made a decision based on whom they deem the best debater or who is more electable–weak reasons for supporting a candidate. In fact, I am so solid in my conviction that I am traveling from my North Carolina home to Iowa to help Team Perry January 1-3 (lots of friends, family, and business associates there).

    Wish these polls would sample likely voters rather than registered Republicans and Independents. As a former county GOP chair who has created target lists and walking lists for candidates, I have observed way too many registered voters who don’t vote – thanks to voter registration drives. However, if they register but don’t vote it doesn’t help the effort.

  • logicalpositivist

    RasRpt measures likely voters whereas Gallup measures registered voters.

    When you look at the Gallup polls, Cain’s exit clearly benefits Gingrich and no one else.

    Even though I’d like to believe that some Cain voters are breaking toward Romney, the polls don’t seem to bear that out at this point.

    Perhaps some of the Cainiacs are still undecided and will break for Romney once they realize how dangerous a candidate Gingrich would be.

  • wacowboy

    is how deceiving ABC News made it out to be.

    His point was simply that tolerance of different lifestyles does not mean endorsements of them. He is FOR human rights. He is not for selective human rights.

    And he’s right. giving foreign aid to protect/promote human rights shouldn’t have anything to do with the race, gender, or sexual orientation of the humans. Human rights are human rights regardless of any of that stuff. B.O. is way out of line to single out the LGBT community as “more deserving” than others.

    and I agree that Obama has declared war on people of faith.

  • politicalgal1

    indicates otherwise for Perry. A top 3 finish in Iowa is still very much within the realm of possibility for Perry.

  • logicalpositivist

    Rush and Newt have a lot in common. Similar worldviews, similar upbringing, etc.

    But I wish Rush could see that Newt’s problems will not end if he gets the nomination.

    I think that this is one of those rare years where the Republican Party can win with the right candidate, but will lose if it picks the wrong one.

    Gingrich has too much baggage to survive a general election with Obama and a compliant media on the other side.

  • bzip

    “I’ve got several conservative principles and I don’t to turn my back on the them”

    Boy, you just don’t get it. Forget the gun issue then.

    Newt has a “history” followed by a clear” pattern” of not upholding some core conservative principles such as: the mandate, global warming, death panels, crony capitalism. The key words are: “history” and “pattern” that should concern anyone and everyone that is concerned about the direction of this country and governing in a conservative way. Newt has developed a clear pattern and history of big gov’t solutions.

    I don’t want the country in the hands of a big gov’t progressive that has a “history and pattern” such Newt has as being a progressive.

  • Scope

    I personally believe that those that refuse to look at the mountain of anti-conservative positions that Newt is lugging around with him are crazy. So does that mean that you should not be allowed to own guns?

  • Common_Cents

    He is happy w/ any of the candidates and confident they would sign any good spending cut bill from congress.

    Unless Perry pulls off a miracle I see Palin endorsing Gingrich somewhere after SC or FL. She’s gonna stretch her endorsement out as long as she can while still maintaining relevance. Ryan is an unknown, other than he’s probably a lot like Gingrich in many ways.

  • acat

    It’s interesting that the pro-Huntsman chatter started getting noticeable for the first time – here on Red State – after Cain crashed and Newt ascended .. that (plus, of course, polling) continues to tell me the base has not coalesced…

    There’s enough space between Florida and Texas one candidate who does well in Iowa and/or New Hampshire to make their case…. or for one candidate who did well in Iowa and/or New Hampshire to step on his (or her) {tongue} and flame out, ala Cain.

    I’m thinking Perry has a window…

    Mew

  • wonkish1

    At least I haven’t been able to pick out any trend in them like you see in a general(where likely is stronger for GOP than Reg.).

  • politicalgal1

    about the myth of the Clinton (and Gingrich) budget surplus and flaws in the balanced budgets.

    The balanced budget did not come about through tough spending cuts and choices, but rather through a booming economy (temporary dotcom surge). This brought floods of revenue to government coffers. So, what did Speaker Gingrich and his Senate counterpart, Trent Lott, do? They decided to break the spending caps that had been put in place in the balanced budget agreement and increased federal spending! Gingrich also ushered in an era of increased earmarks.

    This tea party conservative is not willing to “hope” that Gingrich’s big government ways have “changed”. I’m sticking with Perry.

  • wonkish1

    In it are laughable they are so far of from the reputable pollsters.

    That is why its an internal…a company that is paid money to produce heavily skewed polling so that they can make news out of it.

  • Scope

    every candidates supporters. Since the beginning of this election season we’ve been seeing “you are not helping your candidate” “your support for your candidate has turned me off from your candidate” “I’m so sick of seeing so many posts for X I’m turned off by him/her” and the best “this is rickstate” “I can see this is becoming Gingrichstate” “This is Cainstate” and on and on.

    Can you please get a little more creative please?

  • wonkish1

    Ryan is definitely an unknown. Of course there was the very public accidental snub, but those 2 guys are a lot alike.

  • seanl

    Gingrich is going to have this thing in the bag by Florida. And Feb. 1st we’ll know who our nominee is going to be.

    If you support anyone else after that date then you are just helping Obama.

  • Scope

    That is the funny part. Many of the other candidates, including Newt don’t have the money to go much further than maybe Iowa and NH. Perry has the money and the staying power to remain in the race long past those two early states. Did you hear that recently he came in with the second highest fundraising in CA, just after Romney. That was with the very recent CA money run.

  • septembergurl

    I think you can go to Heritage if you want the whole quote, he was speaking at some conclave of bloggers there.

    He framed it as responding to different situations rather than flipping: Putting the onus on scientific community to come up with a coherent explanation of data. In light of recent developments showing no consensus on basic facts, not possible or wise for governments to take action, set goals, etc, as they had previously (when H made his statements, etc).

    Also framed it as nationalistic issue, ie , impossible to set goals for all nations when some (China, India were his examples) set different standards for themselves.

    In other words, standard Rep position.

  • lucasblack

    How dare the voters prefer someone other than Romney! Look at all the time and money he’s put into it – he bought the nomination fair and square.
    Think of how poor Rick Santorum feels – he didn’t even get bus tokens.

  • avagreen

    Gingrich?s campaign, which many gave up for dead only a few months ago, has rebounded dramatically.

    Sound familiar? The dead part? ;)

    It ain’t over til the fat lady………

    http://www.newsmax.com/InsideCover/Gingrich-Iowa-South-Carolina/2011/12/06/id/420052?s=al&promo_code=DA91-1

  • pj2012

    all of them.

    It may hurt our feelings when it’s a candidate we support… but the truth needs to be heard so we can put forth the strongest candidate in 2012. As long as it’s honest vetting, not baloney but factual and not twisting of facts to take a candidate down you don’t support.

    We need a tough candidate that will take on the Obama Chicago Machine full bore and win. It won’t be petty folks… not for the faint of heart, it will be raw politics… the worst we’ve seen probably in most of our lifetimes… so we’ll need to be strong.

    Once again we find ourselves in a fight for the last vestiges of the conservative party. If we lose this fight it will be devastating to the strength and power of this country we so dearly love.

  • clowngirl

    Since supposed electability is such a big part of his Romney’s case, it would seem that losing ( big in Iowa and by any margin in New Hampshire) would shout out a “Willard can’t close the deal!” type narrative and cause him to not only bleed but *hemorage* support.

    Seems like Romney’s a candidate who – if he ever hits single digits it’s over. Anyone seen much data on where his supporters might go?

  • reggie182

    Yes, legitimate criticism of Newt or any other candidate is OK, but referring to a candidate’s supporters as “delusional” is not approriate, nor does it help your candidate garner support.

    I’ve seen Newt referred to as “sleazy” and “evil” on conservative websites. He is neither of those things. He is an imperfect human being like the rest of the candidates. He isn’t a pure conservative (neither are any of the candidates….neither was Reagan). Newt has a 90% ratng from the ACU. Because of him we had four balanced budgets and welfare reform. In my estimation he’s very conservative in comparison to GWB.

    Plus at this stage of the game, echoing Dem ad hominem attacks does us no good when we have to accomplish job number one, which is expelling BHO from the White House.

  • jswolter

    I was not talking about Newt’s history as a whole, merely responding to the two pointed attacks you made. I’ll do the same once again. I also notice you failed to defend the associative argument against Perry (Newt takes money from ethanol industry = progressive / Perry takes money from pharma industry = superstar conservative) so I wait patiently for your response on that one.

    Meanwhile…

    Regarding the individual mandate, so the litmus we now use is that if anyone thought the individual mandate was a possible solution at any point in their life then they are no longer a “true” conservative. Guess we throw out the Heritage Foundation along with Newt, Romney, Orrin Hatch, Lindsey Graham, Mike Crapo, Judd Gregg, Robert Bennett, and Lamar Alexander. Let’s make sure everyone keeps a checklist so we can throw these progressive scum to the curb come 2012!!!

    http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=123670612

    http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2010/03/the-republicans-who-supported-an-individual-mandate/37915/

    And speaking of “mandates”, wouldn’t we then include Perry on that list for his mandated HPV vaccination? I’d much rather be forced to buy insurance then be forced to get a vaccination.

    Regarding global warming, yep, it seems Newt was wrong on that one. But is this really a test of conservative principles? The heart of this matter is the science behind the prediction of anthropomorphic global warming. I’ve read some about it (as a good conservative should) and have come down on the side of “let’s not go crazy with carbon reduction schemes” but I’m not a climate researcher nor are any of the politicians we’ve elected. Therefore, they have to decide based on what the research and scientists’ are saying. Unfortunately, due to the structure of the system, the majority of scientists have (for the past 20-30ish years) said that global warming (read: climate change) is happening. Do we really fault someone for believing that possibility? Hypothetical: if the science were correct, would it still be anti-conservative to believe in it? just wondering…

    And this last one is really good. If a politician has an ethics violation, they are also not a “true” conservative. Wow bzip, I really need to see your list of the qualifiers of being conservative. I really hope I can pass it.

    Of course, I expect you to respond and say that these failings reveal a lack of character in Newt. However, I’ll remind you that your original comment blasted Gingrich for being too progressive. Therefore, you need to keep the arguments aligned with that claim or admit your accusation is baseless.

    Still trying to find my brains,
    -j.

  • bzip

    Boy Rep Peter King just hit Newt hard. Basically said when Newt was speaker he was good at vision but at governing he was a disaster and created his own problems and had too big of an ego that caused problems – King clearly wasn’t happy with Newt when he was the speaker. Newt’s ego has clearly been on display in the recent week.

  • ripusa32110

    It was a REPUBLICAN led House of Representatvies that removed Newt as Speaker of the House. Not Pelosi, not Barney Frank, or any other lefty. Please explain why Republicans threw Gingrich out as speaker.
    Frankly, when I listen to some of the men who served in the House with Gingrich, they seem afraid of a Gingrich presidency. It makes one wonder what do they think he would do as president. It is the not knowing WHAT IN THE WORLD Gingrich would do as president that scares me to death. I think his megalomaniac personality could lead to a nuclear war. He certainly could be impeached/removed from office. I have confidence in Newt to do something truly horrible as president.

  • pj2012

    I just don’t know if he has it in him to take on the Obama Chicago Machine full bore.

  • reggie182

    Romney appears to be his only serious competition, and he doesn’t seem to be doing what is necessary to play catch-up.

    Mitt turned down a Lincoln Douglas style debate with Newt, and I think that will not bode well for him. Huntsman accepted, and may take some support away from Romney as a result, as well as from the other candidates in the race who refuse to participate in such a format.

    Newt should (and probably will) call Mitt out on this in their next network debate. Further damage will ensue.

  • Tbone

    get out of town. The smuck is going to lose this primary just like he lost the last one. Good.

    BTW, Romney is not the most electable. That fact that he might do a little better in the scumbag blue states won’t carry those states.

    He turns off real conservatives who will stay home in the swing states.

    As such, Romney is a loser.

  • Common_Cents

    But since it’s proportional, Romney has some staying power to later states as well as other candidates.

    That’d be a tough question to answer on where Romney support would go. I guess it really depends on when it was. I doubt there are any polls like that yet.

    I think an early Romney fall may actually help Perry make a challenge run at Gingrich. That’d be interesting.

  • Common_Cents

    Perry’s part time congress idea for DC won’t go over too well for the DC insiders that support Romney ;)

  • tomatin

    Even factoring the dot.coms

  • politicalgal1

    Voters with records of voting in primaries is better than registered voters with no record of voting in primaries.

  • bzip

    I am sure it will be a waste of time with you because you refuse to look at a “history that sets up a pattern” that defines Newt as a progressive.

    Between supporting the mandate for 18 years, defending it and supporting global warming you would think that would be enough to draw serious concerns but NO you have to laugh off the ethic violations in which his own party voted for and removed him as speaker.

    Why Newt Gingrich Will Never Be President
    http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2011/11/why-neevberwt-gingrich-will-never-be-president/248456/
    ?The House ultimately voted 395-28 to reprimand Gingrich and order him to pay a $300,000 penalty for ethics violations involving contributions and political activity. It was the first and only time in the history of the House that a sitting Speaker had been disciplined for ethical violations.?

    Its not just ETOH Newt was heavly involved in lobbying, i.e. Freddy and the drug companies:

    Gingrich Said to Be Paid at Least $1.6 Million by Freddie Mac
    http://www.bloomberg.com/news/print/2011-11-16/gingrich-said-to-be-paid-at-least-1-6-million-by-freddie-mac.html

    Gingrich made big bucks pushing corporate welfare
    http://campaign2012.washingtonexaminer.com/article/gingrich-made-big-bucks-pushing-corporate-welfare
    Report: Gingrich took money from drug lobby while pushing Bush?s prescription drug bill
    http://hotair.com/headlines/archives/2011/11/16/report-gingrich-took-money-from-drug-companies-while-pushing-bushs-prescription-drug-bill/

    Don’t get me started on HPV – there was NO mandate, nobody was “forced” you can’t force someone or mandate some when there is an “opt-out” in addition, Perry even signed the rescinding bill and made it clear he was wrong. Unlike Newt who still is defending his progressive ways.

    When are you going to stop the denials.

  • bzip

    So lets see we have Rep Peter King and Coburn both coming out against Newt now. Both confirming what many have already suspected (at least the people that aren’t blinded and in denial). I am sure someone will now attack Coburn and/or King calling them loony or some such thing.

    Sen. Tom Coburn: I Will Have Difficulty Supporting Newt Gingrich as President
    http://youtu.be/4uPkZwRFqxg

  • explodinghead

    For those who are happy with the Newt, that’s great. I would merely caution that if he implodes or the media crucifies him before the nomination has been wrapped up, will you support Perry over Romney or Ron Paul?

  • Common_Cents

    hastert, delay, boehner, mcconnel, graham, mccain, etc…

    then ask Rush Limbaugh what he said today about Gingrich’s accomplishments.

  • pj2012

    It looks like Perry getting his second look is real. Also Perry buys $1 million TV time over 3 weeks in Iowa

    “Rick Perry is going all-in in Iowa in advance of the caucuses, plunking down $1 million in broadcast TV ad time for three weeks leading up to the caucuses, a source confirmed.

    A heavy buy in Iowa for a week’s TV time can be bought for less than half that sum, meaning Perry will be reaching a zone-flooding level in a final bid to boost his poll numbers.” -Politico

    CBS News/New York Times
    Updated: 6:30 p.m. ET

    Newt Gingrich has taken a double-digit lead over Mitt Romney among Republican caucus-goers in Iowa, according to a new poll from CBS News/New York Times.

    The poll, conducted from November 30 to December 5, shows Gingrich leading Romney by 14 percent, with 31 percent support to Romney’s 17 percent.

    Ron Paul chases Romney with 16 percent support, and Rick Perry follows him with 11 percent. Michele Bachmann and Rick Santorum trail with nine percent and four percent, respectively, while Jon Huntsman clocks in at just one percent.”

    http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-57337774-503544/poll-gingrich-takes-double-digit-lead-over-romney-in-iowa/

  • lizzie

    the company we keep :) love the happy face w thumbs up elsewhere.

    Rick Perry had me on Nov 10, 2010 when I first saw him on TV – first time anyone ever made Jon Stewart speechless.
    Perry was on “Fed Up!” book tour, and a force of nature. Jon Stewart tried the question about the alleged ‘third world’ types of jobs in Texas, and Perry’s quick draw response was “Would you rather have a job in India or Texas?”

    And, the more I learned, the more I knew: Leadership fuels Confidence, and that is what this really should be about.

    Got to go.
    NCIS night.
    starring former Marine sniper Leroy Jethro Gibbs, America’s #1 TV pick.
    23 million votes right there.

  • politicalgal1

    Gingrich Speaker years and you will find the “lowest deficit” claim is a result of “creative” accounting.

    The national debt is made up of public debt and intragovernmental holdings. The public debt is debt held by the public, normally including things such as treasury bills, savings bonds, and other instruments the public can purchase from the government. Intragovernmental holdings, on the other hand, is when the government borrows money from itself–mostly borrowing money from social security.

    For anyone really interested in understanding Gingrich’s questionable claims about his fiscal responsibility as Speaker, this info from Townhall Finance is worth reading: http://finance.townhall.com/columnists/craigsteiner/2011/08/22/the_clinton_surplus_myth/page/full/

  • reggie182

    Criticize any of our enemies? If there are instances of it they are few and far between. He doesn’t care about the Republican party’ chances to beat Obama. He is a fringe candidate who throws mud in all directions, keeping his die-hard cult of supporters energized to absolutely no practical end.

  • pj2012

    Jon Huntsman will be on Fox News’s “Hannity” at 9 p.m.

    Gingrich and Donald Trump will be on Fox News’s “On The Record with Greta Van Susteren” at 10 p.m.

  • http://www.hakubi.us/ Neil Stevens

    He has kinder things to say about the murderous Vietnamese regime than the United States of America.

  • Scope

    that Perry has confirmed his participation in the Trump debate. I just searched to see if there was any confirmation that Perry will attend, and there is noting there to confirm. This morning when Trump was on Fox, they flashed across the bottom of the screen that Romney, Perry and Bachmann had not confirmed. Not long after, I think it may have been Gretchen Carlson that said that everyone was attending the Trump debate except Ron Paul and Jon Huntsman. Please provide a link of some sort proving your assertion.

  • carolina

    I just learned on Kudlow. That is VERY good in my book. I am now a happy supporter of Newt. He will be guided towards policys that help economic growth. He ‘gets it’. I’m excited about this. Wanniski is one of my hero’s (he died a few years ago, and I still miss his insights).

  • nativetexan41

    has my vote and I encourage more people in Iowa to support him. We need his experience and leadership in DC, he is the Washington outsider and he will bring back conservatism to the Presidency.

  • ffc99

    Pete King does know a thing or two about big egos… Seriously though, if I were Newt I’d take it as something of a compliment that that blowhard terrorist sympathizer doesn’t think much of me.

  • pj2012
  • pj2012

    oops

  • theone3434

    I love it when someone is able to back up there claims with facts and not just opinions. The HPV issue with Perry is ridiculous. If the parent was concerned they could opt out. He was trying to help prevent a deadly disease (which at least means his heart was in the right place). He didn’t mandate (read:require) each female to take the shot…it was administered unless otherwise noted from the parents. Bachmann has shown her true colors on this debate with her ridiculous “a child got mental retardation” from the HPV shot statement. BLATANTLY FALSE. It’s no different than offering elementary school children the flu shot (only it helps prevent a much deadlier health concern).

    Beware the wolf in sheep’s clothing…Gingrich. All you simply have to do is a little research and listen to what conservatives that actually served with him during his speakership think about his leadership style. They will tell you all you need to know.

  • ripusa32110

    I sincerely believe these two men and many of their colleagues who were in the House with Gingrich believe Newt is a dangerous man. Not just typical Washington power play junk but something tangible and real. I know I am terrified of a Gingrich presidency, but why are Leboutillier, King, Coburn, Scarborough and others so terrified?

  • cheetah2

    I don’t give up until he does.

  • acat

    but Willard can’t handle a Fox interview!

    Gimme a break!

    [/stossel]

    Mew

  • sunshinek67

    Perry is planning a massive bus tour in Iowa, with a 600+Iowa strike force while Gingrich is reportedly scrambling to pay off massive campaign debt, finally got his first phone call today in Iowa offices, and operating with what I would consider a skeleton crew compared to the other 3 campaign powerhouses. And the first vote is 3 weeks away. Huh~

  • cheetah2

    http://www.redstate.com/erick/2011/12/01/the-horserace-for-december-1-2011/

    He said it is a good ad.

  • cheetah2

    it is an effective ad and posted it as an example of what Gingrich will be up against.

  • Common_Cents

    Kudlow was tough and Gingrich didnt cry that he was unfair.

  • Rhampton

    Seems to me the narrative of “the nefarious RINO Washington insiders perverting the 2012 race to save their hide” is wearing a bit thin. Why is it that 59% of registered Republicans polled by Gallup are choosing either Gingrich or Romney? Even worse, the dynamic duo are winning 61% of Conservatives and 64% of Tea Party supporters. There is something else going on, but I do not have an explanation. Inside the anti-establishment, populist conservative/tea party movement, (intended) actions are speaking louder than words.

  • clowngirl

    He needs to put the question regarding his debating skills to rest. And show he has a solid understanding of important issues.

    I’m sure he could find and interesting forum and I’m sure Newt would eagerly agree to debate him . (He wouldn’t need to beat Newt, just do well on his own merits) It would give him a leg up on Romney who turned down such a debate.

  • reggie182

    Is vigorously propogated by a candidate that is not truly a Republican and is a coddler of people who wish to kill us.

    That is the plain simple truth.

    There are plenty of ads that can be run against any of the Republican candidates. Let’s not promote the ones put forth by those we find politically repugnant.

    I don’t support Rick Perry for the Republican nomination. Yet, should he be nominated, I will knock people over in a way that would make Dick Butkus proud to vote for him over BHO.

    One thing I won’t do is an at early stage in the campaign carry the water of the BHO campaign.

    Like it or not, the choice is almost certailny going to be between Newt and Mitt. A choice is going to have to be made. Once it is, it will be infinitiely preferable to Obama.

  • haumea

    …poll at above 50% “acceptability” at this point – Mitt and Newt.

    If Mitt goes down in flames, Newt runs away with it.

  • avagreen

    which I’ve also seen on this site and others.

  • pj2012

    and that’s why i think Perry will do just fine in debates with Obama.

  • avagreen

    And speaking of ?mandates?, wouldn?t we then include Perry on that list for his mandated HPV vaccination? I?d much rather be forced to buy insurance then be forced to get a vaccination.

    See #1
    http://peskytruth.wordpress.com/2011/07/19/rick-perrys-negatives/

  • bzip

    Thanks so much pj2012. I hadn’t seen the Jon Stewart show with Perry on, believe it or not. This was a real treat, Perry did look and acted so relaxed and comfortable and he sure made so great points while he was on the show.

    Thanks again this was a real treat. Perry was brilliant :-) .

  • tomatin

    Don’t forget that Perry supporters constantly challenge other conservative’s integrity here just because they support other candidates.

  • avagreen

    He’s a an undercover leftist, IMO, disguising himself as a “conservative”…..hence the loonies that find him attractive and which support he does not decry, but seems to relish in it.

  • http://www.changeforrickperry.org louisianapatriette

    Wow…(*respect for Perry skyrockets*) I’ve never gotten the feeling that Jon Stewart was a particularly friendly sort of guy…certainly not a Jay Leno, from what I’ve heard. Oooh, can’t wait to watch these. Thanks for the heads-up, pj2012.

  • Scope

    Ron Paul surely is seen widely by most rational people as a kook/flake, however, it doesn’t mean that people are going to flock to Paul because of the ad. Even kooks and creeps can produce ads that do bring a focus on truth and facts. A stopped clock is correct twice a day. Surely Paul will not gain any more support from the ad, but it does take the argument against Gingrich to the public, which so many others have not been unwilling to do. It doesn’t help Paul, but the message can help others in the race who see Gingrich in the same light.

  • pj2012

    it’s a side of Perry people don’t get to see in the debates. I think his handlers should have let him do interview from the very beginning and not hold him back as they did. Then maybe the few poor debates wouldn’t of hurt him so badly and that meme of him not being so bright wouldn’t have added insult to injury.

  • Stan

    Right on, Tbone!

  • Scope

    Then you have to also recognize that he was on the Cain Train for the last several weeks. No matter what Cain did or said, Rush defended him. How’d that work out for Rush? With Rush’s die hard Cain support, with no knowledge of Cain or his organization, Rush lost much of the credibility that he once enjoyed. Sad ending.

  • clowngirl

    It’d be an embarrassment! And just show that the field is to crowded and nobody’s closing the sale.

    As to Romney investing and investing himself and getting no GOP love — that’s not really resonating with me. After all Romney didn’t switch from “Independent” to “Republican” until the Fall of 1993 – shortly before declaring he was running for office. And the Massachusetts GOP made him their candidate against Ted Kennedy and later their Governor. Doesn’t seem like he had to pay a lot of dues to get there.

    Whatever investment Romney has made in the Republican party pales compared to that of Governor Perry or Speaker Gingrich who both have significant conservative achievements. If the nomination were to go to whoever has done the most for the Republican Party, that wouldn’t be Romney.

  • circlegranch

    Sorry, avagreen, to reply here to your comment because my comment is unrelated to yours but I had to find a home for my disgust so I could vent. In actuality, my rant here is ultimately tied to Rick Perry and the lousy treatment he’s gotten from Fox.

    ..I just flipped through and landed on Hannity as he was interviewing Jon Huntsman so I decided to hang around and listen. I’m not a supporter of Huntsman’s but I’m apathetic about him. I don’t hold any grudges against the man; he is a conservative and has a very good record as gov of Utah but he never inspired me. With that said, he got a grilling from Hannity that was uncalled for and very unprofessional. Sean takes it upon himself too frequently to play judge and jury on which candidates get positive notoriety and which don’t. Suffice it to say, if Cain or Gingrich had gotten cornered by Rachel Maddow or another Leftie host as he treated Huntsman tonight, Hannity would be outraged.

    In the inteview, Hannity’s entire tone was defensive and sarcastic. He obviously has hopped off the Cain Train and is basically on board for Newt now. That’s fine but he should be able to temper his bias or else just don’t do interviews. He challenged Huntsman’s refusal to go to Trump’s debate and when Huntsman took a few swings of his own at Trump, Hannity ended the interview by basically brow-beating and/or threatening him by saying he’d be hearing from Trump for the comments made. He then said Huntsman’s daughters may have to come up with a new song or something to try and smooth things over. That’s uncalled for. Huntsman’s daughters are proud of their dad and like we Perry supporters, are pretty sick and tired of the hand-picked few that Fox and talk radio chooses to fawn upon. Also, during the interview, Hannity cornered him about serving as ambassador to China and Huntsman responded that in a time of war when your country calls, you serve, just as his two sons are doing now in the military. Hannity said something to the effect that he’s so fundamentally opposed to Obama that he himself would not be able to serve. Mr. Hannity, thank God and the very brave men and women of all branches of our military, our CIA, our FBI, our police and National Guard–thank God that none of them holds the same narrow, petty, biased, partisan positions you hold because if every person that opposes Barack Obama had walked off the job, hung up their military uniforms and just said, “Hey, I don’t agree with you so I cannot serve under you.” think where we’d be! Does Hannity think Gen. Patraeus (sic) supports Obama? I highly doubt he does, but he’s an American soldier first. He’s a patriot first. And a man or woman of honor that puts country first serves when duty calls. Yes, Huntsman could have turned down the position but not doing so does not make him an Obama sympathizer. Hannity also criticized him saying both Huntsman and Obama could have done a better job in China with trade issues. Maybe Hannity himself is afraid of Trump so he felt it necessary to bring out the long knives on Huntsman.

    Shame on Sean Hannity for his bias, his obstructive agenda to make sure one of his friends gets the nomination.

    Forgive me, one and all for spelling and grammar errors here. I’m very angry and very disgusted that high profile people on our side of the aisle play the same rotten games we so despise from our opponents.

    Hannity owes Jon Huntsman and his daughters a public apology. He crossed the line of civility and decency. He doesn’t have to agree with Huntsman’s positions but to use the occasion of an interview to intimitate a man with the courage to run and try and put his platform out there is wrong. The media is too powerful; they pick the winners and losers. Hannity is so worried that Gingrich is going to get his overdue vetting and complains he’ll be besmearched and ridiculed. Mr. Hannity should look in the mirror once in awhile and he’d see a media hack looking back at him.

  • http://www.changeforrickperry.org louisianapatriette

    Except for me, it’s domestic and foreign issues that creep me out; on economics I think he’s on the right track. I mean, sure I’m okay with getting rid of the Federal Reserve; we ought to at least give it a darn good spanking. We shouldn’t print money like there’s no tomorrow, either. But then he freaks me out with his willingness to legalize marijuana, LSD, heroin, etc. and his foreign policy.

    My grandfather says that if Iran tried to nuke us but the bomb crashed in the ocean, Paul would say, “See! I told you it couldn’t reach us!” instead of saying, “These people are trying to kill us and we must act accordingly.” Grandpa also took an envelope sent from the Paul campaign (we got one too) and used it for target practice. I was busy in my own way with the envelope: my mom was reading Paul’s letter aloud and asking, “Did Perry really support TARP? Is Texas in debt?” Thankfully I had the answers at the top of my head, but I hope we don’t get any more of those envelopes. The day Paul mentions the Bilderberg group is the day I have a coniption.

  • greyeagle

    However, as more is know about Newt, it may become buyer beware.

  • http://www.changeforrickperry.org louisianapatriette

    Nobody holds it against you. Everyone’s frustrated with the media bias against anyone who’s not named Romney or Gingrich. If they’re treating Huntsman like that, when Huntsman is not even a viable contender (in my opinion), then that’s proof positive to me that they have an agenda. Hang in there, we’re going to survive this and give them all a good lesson.

  • Common_Cents

    Rush realizes the media are still a big enemy. He points out the bias and treatment of R vs. D in the lefty media. That’s why he defended Cain. He’ll defend any R that is targeted by left wing media.

    What does that have to do w/ Rush correctly pointing out that Gingrich is an accomplished conservative, probably the most since Reagan.

  • Scope

    Switched to Piers Morgan interview, and a picture of Newt, happy and smiling together was shown. Did a search and sure enough there is Newt smiling and happy with Michael Moore.

  • seanl

    who was constantly on Obama’s nutsack during Obama’s brief time in the Senate, would attack a conservative?

    Coburn is also an old political enemy of Newt Gingrich going way back to the 90′s. Even during Newt’s glorious Contract with America days Coburn sparred with Newt frequently. Coburn has never liked Newt. Why is it so surprising he doesn’t like him now?

  • greyeagle

    Polls is merely a small snapshot and can be twisted anyway the pollsters want. They are interesting, but rarely completely hit the mark. I listen to speeches, a little on debates, and read their platform and make a choice the. However, with Governor Perry that didn’t happen. I already know what he stands for, and what he would do. He means what he says and says what he means. Would he get everything of what he is proposing? No, but he will work with Congress and follow the constitution. He is a staunch conservative, pro-life, defense hawk, secure the borders, cut spending and treat everyone equally. Most of all, he can put people back to work quickly. I am surprised that the GOP would ignore the true conservative in the group with executive experience and who could actually do the group as President. He was my governor and I will support him no matter what.

  • http://www.hakubi.us/ Neil Stevens

    Did you even read the post? Do you have substantive criticisms or just general whining?

  • greyeagle

    You are premature with your recommendations, however, you have another horse in this race.

  • seanl

    2nd amendment. Why again should I care what he thinks?

    Plus he is another one of Newt’s political enemies from the 90′s. He is hardly an unbiased observer of the process. It is personal with him.

  • http://www.changeforrickperry.org louisianapatriette

    No one should run for President with that in their closet. Not even a Democrat.

  • circlegranch

    when Michelle Malkin was attacking him over HPV. They NEVER stood up for him anytime another candidate or the likes of Ann Coulter, Pam Geller or Jennifer Rubin went after him. I have stated here and do so again, if Perry had rec’d a third of the favorable exposure on talk radio that Cain and now Newt and ultimately, Romney will get, things would be different.

  • circlegranch

    I think I’ll shut up for the night. Surely do appreciate your kind words.

  • greyeagle

    You have managed to locate documentation for a lot of Newt’s flip flops in positions. There is going to be a lot more come out. Newt is certainly not a conservative and never has been. I agree with you, he is a liberal Republican. This has gone back at least 20 years or more. Frankly, am amazed that the Evangelicals are accepting this guy as a conservative, when it is obvious he is not. People can vote for him, but be prepared for what you get. Another Liberal in the oval office that does not have conservative values.

  • seanl

    Newt sat next to a liberal on a talk show and smiled!!!! Stop the presses!!!! Clearly that means he is a communist!!!!

  • greyeagle

    Roger Ailes changed the positions of FOX News after Beck left. This has resulted in them trashing Conservatives like Perry and Huntsman. Chris Wallace has been the worst, but it sounds like Hannity was pretty ugly too. Perry is regularly belittled and trashed on the “Five” I don’t watch much anymore.

  • greyeagle

    from Oklahoma gave a negative review of newt. Tom is pretty conservative.

  • greyeagle

    Is always questionable as a rule. They are wrong more than they are right.

  • tomatin

    Because I support a GOP candidate I’m crazy.

    You really need to apologize.

  • greyeagle

    You have hit the nail on the head. I think it is going to wind up as a case of “buyer beware:

  • http://www.hakubi.us/ Neil Stevens

    They try hard late to take credit for accuracy, but troll like crazy early.

  • snowshooze

    I did that last night.. and it took 12 minutes for the response, which means he had to be on it like a duck on a junebug…
    Ha.

  • greyeagle

    Don’t be too sure about Florida going for Newt. More of his baggage is appearing. He is a liberal and Florida is a lot more red now. We will see.

  • pj2012

    What about the 2000′s? He’s on Greta now… easy interview. I think Newt will govern as a moderate and that’s okay if that’s what you want. I like Newt as a person… I always have. I just don’t think he’d be a great president. He must be peeking in the polls now for sure…

  • tomatin

    It would be a break from your ad hominem attacks against other candidates and their supporters.

  • tomatin

    duh there is no record.

  • izoneguy


    Statement by Gov. Rick Perry: U.S. Senate Should Reject Nomination of Liberal Judicial Activist Caitlin Halligan

    AUSTIN ? Gov. Rick Perry today issued the following statement:

    ?As New York Solicitor General, Caitlin Halligan used her liberal interpretation of the law to target pro-life Americans, gun owners, and gun manufacturers, and otherwise use the law as a liberal political tool. The last thing the American people need on the second highest court is another liberal judicial activist, like Ms. Halligan, who lacks respect for the U.S. Constitution.

    ?The nomination of liberal activist Caitlin Halligan to the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals should be immediately withdrawn by the President. If the President refuses to withdraw this misguided nomination, the U.S. Senate should reject her appointment to the second-most powerful court in the country.?

    Ms. Halligan?s confirmation has been vigorously opposed by the National Rifle Association, Gun Owners of America, and Committee for Justice. Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously rejected her confirmation earlier this year. In 2003, as Solicitor General of New York, Halligan attempted to hold gun manufacturers liable for criminal acts committed with handguns. She filed briefs in federal court arguing for the unconstitutionality of the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, which the National Rifle Association described as providing ?essential protection?for the Second Amendment rights of honest Americans[.]?

    Halligan also filed an amicus brief in arguing that federal RICO laws should be used against pro-life groups. She repeatedly attempted to hijack the federal court system in order to impose her own political beliefs on the general public.


    Senate Republicans Block Obama Judge Pick Caitlin Halligan

  • Tbone

    to hold a Republican primary, caucus or whatever those cornpones call it.

  • izoneguy


    Statement by Gov. Rick Perry on Obama Administration?s Use of Gay Rights to Make Foreign Aid Decisions

    AUSTIN ? Gov. Rick Perry today issued the following statement:
    ?Just when you thought Barack Obama couldn?t get any more out of touch with America?s values, AP reports his administration wants to make foreign aid decisions based on gay rights.

    ?This administration?s war on traditional American values must stop.
    ?I have proposed a foreign aid budget that starts at zero. From that zero baseline, we will consider aid requests based solely on America?s national security interests. Promoting special rights for gays in foreign countries is not in America?s interests and not worth a dime of taxpayers? money.

    ?But there is a troubling trend here beyond the national security nonsense inherent in this silly idea. This is just the most recent example of an administration at war with people of faith in this country. Investing tax dollars promoting a lifestyle many Americas of faith find so deeply objectionable is wrong.

    ?President Obama has again mistaken America?s tolerance for different lifestyles with an endorsement of those lifestyles. I will not make that mistake.?

  • pj2012

    It start at the 6.0 mark.

  • pj2012

    that’s dumb… he still has a record, business involvements etc…

  • determinedconservative

    Sounds like he was able to explain himself, which is something I really like about him.

    And Ron Paul? C’mon–on foreign policy he makes Bill Ayers look like a moderate. He has no credibility with me at all.

  • determinedconservative

    GOP voters have told Gallup that Newt and Mitt are the only two acceptable nominees. Mitt is not acceptable to me; therefore I want to get behind Newt. Simple as that.

  • determinedconservative

    But right now it looks like the only candidate who has a realistic chance to beat Romney is Gingrich.

  • trevorb

    Let’s see if he can continue to climb. no doubt some of this is because Herman Cain dropped out.

  • center77

    from places like Freddy MAC. Perry had money donated to his campaign, but not personal money. the amount was something like 28,000 over ten years, out of like 30 million in 2010 alone I believe.

    But the real point is, Meets not conservative because he is not conservative. He thinks conservatism is what he says it is. He is not a outsider at all, the only reason the establishment is scared of him is his baggage, but even they are mending fences hoping that he may get it done. I watched the beck interview and thought, oh my hidden socialism, what fun.

  • seanl

    Because it is a better reflection of the kind of politician he is when he holds elected office. The rest is just noise.

  • pj2012

    was just noise too? Sorry… it’s the whole candidate person I look at not just pieces here and there.

  • pj2012

    ?Are we going to have real change in the country or are we going to have frugal socialists??

    http://hotair.com/archives/2011/12/06/bachmann-newt-gingrich-is-a-frugal-socialist/

  • seanl

    nt

  • JSobieski

    Her history of bringing about change is inferior to all the other candidates except for Ron Paul.

  • pj2012

    and I stopped liking her after she appeared to become an attack dog in debates for Romney against Perry.

  • snowshooze

    Anything for a buddy.

  • pj2012

    Truth is the same for any candidate… why should Newt get a free pass when other candidates don’t?

  • seanl

    And his “baggage” is not appearing. It is reappearing. People are well aware of his alleged baggage. And guess what? He is 37% in the polls and no one cares.

  • seanl

    from Newt on very personal issues, but you think it is irrelevant what your opinion is on a an extremely relevant political (not personal) issue.

    I do hope the irony is not lost on you.

  • seanl

    ntt

  • seanl

    she may be a bit bias. Just a thought.

  • pj2012

    I choose not too. I don’t care about his personal issues… of the past 90′s. I’m more concerned with what he’s done and said in the 2000′s.

  • pj2012

    I don’t demand perfection… bizarre is your comment suggesting that I do. You don’t know me… I’m a fiscal conservative though, if that helps.

  • seanl

    You keep on attacking my candidate with his alleged “baggage”, yet you keep on sliming away from answering an extremely reasonable question, which indicates some sort of shame you have with your own candidate.

  • pj2012

    yourself… I’m not slimming your candidate. That’s funny… everyone knows Newt has baggage… even Newt knows he has baggage… what planet do you live on?

  • pttx333

    I am a very senior female and, trust me, not ALL “old people love him (Newt)” – never have and never will. I, along with other “old” folks, have lived through his baggage years … ad infinitum … and are quite sick of his getting pass after pass regarding his extremely poor taste/choices in all areas – not just in his personal life either.

    Don’t bet the farm that Newt will end up the nominee … IMHO, you would lose if so.

  • avagreen

    About Obama and his prior-to and out-of-office duties. errrmmm……..teaching saul alinksky in the classroom.

  • pj2012

    nice to see someone got it… I think it when right over “seanl” head.

  • avagreen

    Too many of us have lived through what we are merely reading about here. ‘course, it’s not the sanitized (glossed over) version being put out for Newt’s new recruits.

  • pttx333

    Yep, I have a veeeery long memory – which is sometimes quite detrimental – but I forget very little.

    I get sick and tired of things being glossed over and plan to just throw out there what I’ve personally lived through! Our very history is in the final stages of being totally rewritten by the evildoers, and I will not go down without fighting it tooth and nail. I know what I know, see what I have seen and will not allow anyone to gloss over anything that I know to be absolutely false after it is revised.

    I’m so glad we have you here at RS, ava! What a jewel you are to each and every single one of us! Your enthusiasm, you optimism and wonderful personality gets everyone going. Thanks for all you do!

  • wonkish1

    I’m just saying that in the case of Republicans there hasn’t been much discernable difference between the two groups. LV numbers seem to held A, then B, then C(not A), then A(not B), etc. Trying to grab a pattern out of LV vs. RV in the primary polls so far is like trying to find one in a squirrels playing.

    So agree that LV is better, but speaking practically I can’t tell really any difference in the results they are producing this cycle.

  • lucasblack

    Just because they don’t vote the ‘right’ way? I’m not a Paul supporter, but if he convinces a plurality of Iowa voters that he’s the right guy, then good for him. Should NH have lots it’s first in the nation primary because they voted for the equally far-out Pat Buchannan? With comments like that, no wonder the Paultards feel persecuted.

  • jswolter

    Its funny that you claim I’m in denial when you flatly disregard any wrongdoing by Perry’s mandate of the HPV vaccine. The “opt-out” was flawed. In addition, making people file forms to get out of your lunatic progressive policies does not a good conservative make.

    http://www.politifact.com/texas/statements/2010/feb/06/rick-perry/perry-says-hpv-vaccine-he-mandated-would-have-been/

    In addition, I am not ignoring 18 years of history nor laughing off ethics violations. My point was and still is that you are holding these things up as proof that Gingrich is progressive which I think is a flawed litmus test. Instead of answering my points directly, you’ve moved on for the third time into new declarations of Newt’s progressive ways.So, I’ll play this game once again.

    Your current arguments are as follows:

    1st Post: Gingrich is a progressive because he:

    1) supported restricting the gun rights of convicted criminals
    2) lobbied for the ethanol industry

    I questioned why these are litmus tests of being a conservative and you did not answer. Instead, you moved on to say that Gingrich is a progressive because he:

    3) supported the individual mandate in the 90′s
    4) supported ?green conservatism? in 2008
    5) was convicted of ethics charges during his time in the House in the 90′s.

    Once again, I asked why these are litmus tests of being a conservative. Given the prevailing wisdom of the time, the two positions are not outlandish. And if they are, do we disregard any conservative who has done the same? In addition, Newt has now declared the mandate unconstitutional:

    http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/video/gingrich-individual-mandate-unconstitutional-15073261

    Regarding the ethics violation, you can use it to attack the character of Newt, but not his conservatism.

    But you ignored my point again and then went on in your reply to claim that Newt was progressive because he:

    7) was convicted of ethics charges
    8) lobbied for Freddie Mac from sometime in the 1998-2007 time frame
    9) lobbied for Pharma in 2003

    So the thrust of your argument now is that either being a lobbyist is anti-conservative or being a lobbyist for those two companies at that point in time is anti-conservative.

    There is merit to the argument that lobbying for expanding Medicare is bad conservatism. However, Newt is denying these claims and I tend to take candidates at their word until there is overwhelming evidence against them. In addition, this goes to the heart of the debate over conservatism. Whereas libertarians believe all government intervention is bad, conservatives believe in limited government . But we have to define what is limited government. If you believe that all government assistance to the elderly and poor is bad policy then I can see where you’ll disregard Newt as a conservative. However, I know few if any conservatives who take that position. We can argue over the extent of Medicare and Medicaid, but do you want to abolish both of these things completely? Is that being a conservative for you bzip?

    Care to actually clarify what true conservative principles you are using to characterize Newt as progressive?

  • snowshooze

    It’s ok. I haven’t really attacked either Newt or Romney..
    Other than to voice my well founded concerns.
    I do prefer Perry. He is the best selection as far as I can tell.
    Did you catch the Huckabee interview?
    Gingrich blew it.. he came out with more government solutions.
    Perry was not afraid to say ” No, the Government is not going to be in the business of…” a few things. Boldly stating his position in a point blank question where Newt was talking in circles again.
    Bachmann came off as sane..
    I didn’t know Santorum could talk. He is a mixed bag. He struck me as just a bit odd…in his answers. I didn’t care for them, perhaps I shall watch again and sort that a bit more.
    Really, I do not consider myself “All Perry, all the time” ,he just makes the most sense.

  • snowshooze

    It’s ok. I haven’t really attacked either Newt or Romney..
    Other than to voice my well founded concerns.
    I do prefer Perry. He is the best selection as far as I can tell.
    Did you catch the Huckabee interview?
    Gingrich blew it.. he came out with more government solutions.
    Perry was not afraid to say ” No, the Government is not going to be in the business of…” a few things. Boldly stating his position in a point blank question where Newt was talking in circles again.
    Bachmann came off as sane..
    I didn’t know Santorum could talk. He is a mixed bag. He struck me as just a bit odd…in his answers. I didn’t care for them, perhaps I shall watch again and sort that a bit more.
    Really, I do not consider myself “All Perry, all the time” ,he just makes the most sense.

  • Common_Cents

    Talking about religion and gays in the military. Nothing wrong w/ the first part celebrating Christianity, perfect. But gays in military? I don’t even agree with open gays in military but this is poor timing.

    WOW. Perry needs to fire whoever.

    Perry is getting away from Jobs, jobs, jobs which plays to his advantage and track record in TX. Why?????

    When the economy is burning down people care much less about social issues, not that they aren’t impt.

    This ad would play right into firing up Obama’s supporters that are currently soured on Obama. Why light a match to this group to now support obama once again?

  • sunshinek67

    Nooooo text

  • http://www.changeforrickperry.org louisianapatriette

    EXCELLENT timing, goes well with Perry’s statement on foreign aid for gay rights or whatever nonsense that was. Loved the ad, made me feel like crying, little sisters went into thunderous applause, etc etc etc.

    Caramel for me.

  • izoneguy

    That last ad was great.

    No republican will garner votes from hardcore Obama supporters,
    so Perry won’t curry favor with them.

    Time to fire up the right side of America.

    Newt & Mittens won’t go for Obama’s jugular.

    Perry will and he will smile while he does.

  • wbf

    I love this ad!

  • acat

    Social issues have a much higher impact in the primary.

    Gays in the military is an issue that resonates, especially in the south… where most of the early primaries are going to be.

    If Perry wants to win ‘em, he needs those voters to see him as “most in line” with their viewpoints.

    Mew

  • Common_Cents

    It’s ironic that Perry supporters are attacking Gingrich for the same slice of the pizza. When Romney has a glass chin and Gingrich is freeing up his voters.

    Perry, Bachmann, Santorum etc..supporters should be hoping Gingrich takes out Romney’s support. Then they could mount a run on Gingrich.

    Simply waiting for Gingrich to slip or attacking him will do no good. The guy has been used to this for 15 years.

    Oh the irony.

  • snowshooze

    Each one offering a different taste.
    Are Perry supporters attacking… rather than criticizing?
    I do not read these so much as attacks.
    Ron Paul attacked. Bachmann attacked.

  • Common_Cents


  • JSobieski

    In what years since 1976 has the deficit been lower in real terms than during Newt’s speakership?

  • sunshinek67

    ….. :)

  • sunshinek67

    :(

  • Common_Cents

    frugal socialist won’t stick and will only hurt her.

    Bachmann will hang it up after IA, endorse Gingrich.

    Maybe she’ll run for Senate and knock out Amy Kloubachar.

  • Common_Cents

    “Today?s filing deadline is only a recommended deadline for presidential candidates. Ohio?s presidential primary is currently scheduled for June 12, and the actual filing deadline for presidential candidates is March 14. Today?s filing deadline in Ohio applies only to individuals hoping to run in state, local and U.S. Senate races.

    The Ohio secretary of state, however, has suggested that presidential candidates adhere to today?s filing deadline as a precautionary measure, since a new law pushing back the filing deadline until March 14 hasn?t taken effect yet.

    The other state whose filing deadline is today is Oklahoma. According to local news report,s Gingrich has successfully filed for its March 6 primary.”

  • znjs

    I can tell you she has exactly 0% chance of taking out Kloubachar. She’s lucky to be in the district she is in, most of the state thinks she’s crazy.

  • Common_Cents

    Crazy for electing Kloubachar, Al Franken. I don’t know what’s in the water, but I drink bottled and filter mine. hehe

  • wonkish1

    Doesn’t fit her that well. Its a suburban and exurban district that is more fiscally conservative than socially conservative(while a decent combo of both).

    I have family in her district and they always tell me the same thing. They like that she’s GOP and delivers the votes, but they think she embarrasses them a little. They want a Ryan, McCarthy, Cantor, Mulvaney, Hensarling, etc. type and they would prefer if she was in the southern Minnesota district where she would fit in a little more.

  • sunshinek67

    “The former Speaker of the House has struggled to raise cash and build out his political organization as he still works to recover from the rocky start to his campaign.”

    Remember, he took off to Greece in June for a couple of weeks to “study” their financial crisis. He missed Missouri deadline. Great at delivering 30-60 second soundbites, though, from his internal Mensa think tank. A candidate that mismanages his own campaign and yet we are expecting him to manage the country lol! See an earlier thread of mine, intelligence sells books, so too does scandal. Wink Wink to you too my friend ;)

  • Common_Cents

    Now that’s a real conservative.

    Meanwhile obama is bragging about wasting $1billion on a campaign, and other primary candidates are going to slop around 10′s of millions in the primary.

    Accomplishing so much with very little money. That is the unconventional I want running the federal government.

  • snowshooze

    He’ll get around to it when he feels like it.
    He proved the point of that with his last staff that jumped ship.
    They have egg all over their faces right now.

    Newt has his bullhorn, he attracts media, and he doesn’t feel like running forever.

    I don’t think he is going to have any problems getting out his message. I believe he is having message problems though.

  • sunshinek67

    Front runner surges in polls, struggles in debt. Virtually no get out the vote crew, no television advertisements. From May-Sept of campaign amassed 1.2 million in debt, of which 451946.00 moby dick private jet travel most expensive.

    Talking about the Tiffany’s account too lol

  • Tbone

    idiots, fools, potheads and the satanic political spawn of those likewise fools and idiots who voted for Ross Perot.

    “if he convinces a plurality of Iowa voters that he?s the right guy, then good for him”

    Yep, good for him but let’s spray Iowa with Agent Orange.

  • sunshinek67

    —– nt

  • sunshinek67

    —– no more text ——

  • sunshinek67

    saying you will vote for a candidate and actually getting out there and casting the vote are 2 entirely different scenarios sometimes. Also, I will suggest that Perry has supporters that can’t get enough sleep at night to get to the polls on primary-election day. I have yet to see anywhere on the blogosphere or on the news, I am for Newt Gingrich or bust. Perry and even Paul and Romney have rabid supporters lol

  • snowshooze

    Ya know… Romney… he’s been running for years.
    Too bad, he is just running in circles though.
    If Newt makes a single step… he has covered more ground.
    No but really, I don’t think much cares about his campaign crews opinion of what he should be doing.
    Oh.. I overstated the obvious again.

  • snowshooze

    He could just about do this all by hisself…
    No stickers, no flags, just Newt.
    Now for those with a name recognition problem, they have to chase the TV crews around in hopes of accidentally getting a spot on the news.
    Oh, he may very well have a think tank, but I don’t think you could even tell him anything and expect him to pay much attention.
    In this, I think he is unique.
    Everybody already knows Newt Gingrich. Mostly.
    So what else does a ground game provide that he might have some interest in?
    That little gig with Hermin was fun, but I think the two brainstormed that up all by themselves just for laughs. And it really didn’t hurt anything, but I am not sure what it helped.
    Possibly Newt got a good chunk of the Cain crowd for that seeing how things have unfolded.

  • sunshinek67

    -notext!

  • sunshinek67

    including the now infamous Greece cruise to “study” their financial predicament. He is going to get clobbered probably more than any other nominee that we could ever put forth, he just simply has too much. I do not want to see him fail, he is or was my 2nd choice for the nominee simply because of his debating skills and the reform of the 1990′s.

    I am starting to look at Huntsman and even Bachmann again should Perry come back to Texas. I want a true conservative as a nominee, not a squish or one wrecked with one scandal after another. Gingrich will lose the independents and the women vote. MSM hasn’t hit full throttle on Gingrich dirt, I think they actually want him as the nominee, lots of stuff to go over and rehash for our viewing pleasure ad nauseum.

    Love Perry’s answer to Wolf today about a VP nod.

  • sunshinek67

    I’ll vote for Gingrich, baggage and all, if it comes down to it. And I think the idea of a 3rd party is just terrible terrible for those literally rabid legal drug loving Paul supporters. He just reminds me of a bitter old man delighting in the fact that he has such a cult base out there reminiscent of the Rocky Horror picture show frequent fliers from days gone by that will absolutely ensure Obama another 4.

    I think he lives in delusion, as does his supporters, that he has any real chance of winning the Presidency with a 3rd party nod. He just wants to make a point, ‘I run because I can’. Total self-serving narcissist. But that’s democracy.

  • donald_24

    Gingrich actually saved money by flying on private jets because, if he flew commercial, he would have been hit with huge baggage fees.

  • sunshinek67

    :D

  • Common_Cents

    Romney can’t find anything better than that? Plus he is going to expose his own glass jaw now for a counter punch.

    “Gingrich dared to speak truth on teens’ work ethic”

    “Parents used to make their children work after school, or on weekends, or during summer break, to earn extra money to buy what they wanted. They gave them a list of chores to do to earn their allowances. No chores, no allowances. Today, parents find it easier to skip the chores and buy their kids what they want, which is no good for anyone and no good for society.

    You know what is good? This conversation, and others like it. No subject this important should be off limits. After all, how do we fix a problem if it is considered taboo to even mention it?

    Newt Gingrich had the courage to mention the problem of America’s vanishing work ethic, and emphasize the need to restore it. And for that, Americans should be thankful.”

    A good short read here:
    http://www.cnn.com/2011/12/07/opinion/navarrette-newt-gingrich/index.html

  • Common_Cents

    Informative Interview.

    http://archives.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/1112/07/sitroom.02.html

    Here’s Perrys interview transcript as well:

    http://archives.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/1112/07/sitroom.01.html

  • avagreen

    which I’ve told them in a hard manner and often.

    Ailes is the one that got rid of Beck when he thought the TP and conservatism wasn’t as popular as it once had been and Ailes wanted to cash in on the “moderate new” crowd.

    I wish them success for in doing so, they’ve alienated the conservative folk.
    I wish everyone would plug into FOX contact page and tell them (every address on the page) what you think.
    BTW, Hannity and nsp@fox (or whatever it’s called) isn’t a working email. Sometimes, if a email box is full you can wait until midnight and send it again. ;)

  • Common_Cents

    Not the left lame stream media.

    Ask Bachmann Coulter Malkin about that.

    there is the difference.

    If Perry was continually trashed by the left Rush would have defended him.