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Yes, Past Performance Does Indicate Future Results

By: Newt Gingrich (Diary)  |  March 19th, 2012 at 08:33 PM  | 

RESIZE: AAA

From the diaries. . .

Rick Santorum makes an excellent point that “past performance really does indicate future results.” I completely agree—but not just “in Mitt Romney’s case.” Rick Santorum became the third-highest ranking Republican in the Senate in 2001 at a time when Republicans inherited balanced budgets, surpluses, and conservative, pro-life majorities.  Senator Santorum and his big spending GOP allies proceeded to squander this inheritance.

The leadership of the Rick Santorum Republicans proved disastrous:

  • The Rick Santorum Republicans never passed a single balanced budget, after inheriting balanced budgets and record surpluses. They racked up $1.7 trillion in deficits and increased the average number of earmarks by almost 500 percent. The Senator even voted for the Bridge to Nowhere.
  • The Rick Santorum Republicans increased the national debt by 12 percent and voted to raise the debt ceiling five times to accommodate it—even while dealing with a president of their own party.
  • The Senator voted with Democrats and Big Labor to defeat the National Right to Work Act of 1995. He justifies this vote saying he was representing Pennsylvania where forced unionization is the law but today, PA Senator Toomey is cosponsoring nearly identical legislation.
  • The Senator voted with Democrats and Big Labor — repeatedly — to protect Davis-Bacon legislation, an old law on the books that requires the federal government to pay more to its contractors. He was so wedded to big labor that he even voted against waiving Davis-Bacon in times of emergency. By voting to protect Davis-Bacon, the Senator cost taxpayers many millions in higher taxes, deficits, and national debt.
  • The Senator sponsored the “Santorum Amendment” to raise the Minimum Wage 21.4%. He supported Ted Kennedy’s proposed hike in the Minimum Wage. And, in a 2006 campaign commercial, he bragged about his support for a higher Minimum Wage.
  • The Rick Santorum Republicans abandoned their principles, resulting in the worst electoral defeat for Republicans since Watergate and the loss of GOP Congressional majorities in both the House and Senate. This left Congress in the hands of Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid. And in destroying the Republican brand of balanced budgets and spending control, the Rick Santorum Republican failure gave us Barack Obama in 2008.

This is not a record of leadership to be proud of, and in 2006 it resulted in a catastrophic 18-point defeat. I fear it would do so again in the fall of 2012 if he were the nominee.

Unlike Senator Santorum, I did not go to Washington seeing politics as a “team sport.” Instead, I set out to change the game, and was willing to fight the forces of the establishment within the Republican Party to do so. The result was the first GOP majority in 40 years and the largest increase in pro-life votes in House of Representatives history. When I was Speaker, we balanced the budget for the first time since the 1920s — and it stayed balanced for four straight years. We reformed welfare, lifting millions of Americans from poverty. We passed the biggest capital gains tax cut in history, helping create 11 million jobs. And we did it all while paying down the national debt by $400 billion.

If you agree with Senator Santorum that “past performance really does indicate future results,” it means there’s only one candidate in this race who can offer the change our country desperately needs.

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COMMENTS

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  • pieter

    Santorum is the antithesis of the conservative ideal;

    Lies about being a Washington outsider…left college to aspire to life of politics and never left, whether in office or not.

    Lost his last bid for the Senate by over 17 points…greatest loss in that state since the civil war.

    Sold his soul to big business-big labor.

    A hypocrite when describing his preservation of life.

    Admitted “team player” that will forgo his values for political expedient gain.

    Compare this to guy who freely admits that he was wrong about the mandate and had the intestinal fortitude to challenge a sitting republican president over taxes.

    • eburkedisciple

      Compare this (Santorum) to a guy (Gingrich) who has proven twice that he has no moral principles. A guy who is heralded as a narcissistic ego maniac by his fellow congressmen and even his staffers. And the list could go on. The point is that we have poor choices and have to make hard trade offs. We need to start focusing on lifting some men of both character and skill to this noble office. As opposed to a completely unprepared, inexperienced fool we have now.

      • falconrap

        you really need to learn more about the guy. So he had two failed marriages. Reagan failed his first marriage. It happens. Many of our best Presidents had personal flaws. The whole narcissism claim comes from who? That would be the RINO’s that tried to work with the Dems to get him charged with bull ethics violations. Look at who supports him versus who has been against him. Most of the true conservative voices have lined up behind him. Stop listening to the lying media and their inaccurate accounts of the man. Do your own research and see the truth.

        • sulmak

          Maybe longer.

  • tngal

    Waving at all ya’ll here in Tennessee.

    (not the biggest fan of your illegal immigrant stance, but we can negotiate. I’m a little more hardcore you’re a little more relaxed. We can compromise. YOU, I can compromise with. )

  • greyeagle

    Just hang on. It is possible that Romney or Santorum or both can implode. Just keep telling the truth. I voted for you in Florida and will continue to do just that and so will my family.

    • demsaresatanic

      no sense of history, they would of course have been calling on Washington to surrender and accept the inevitable.

  • lynnotting

    perhaps this party will realize that you can’t win by nominating someone who pretends to be conservative or who pretends to more than just a social conservative. Regardless of who wins, the fiscal conservatives will still lose because this party did not vote based on past performances which would have indeed indicated future results. Newt, keep fighting until the end,

  • lquist1

    his record as Speaker balancing the budget 4 straight years. Back when Newt was Speaker, I kind of took for granted that virtually any GOP leader in Congress would push a conservative agenda. After all, it had been 40 years since we had a GOP congressional majority, so we had nothing else to go on.

    After Newt left in 1999, and George W took over in 2001, the GOP congressional leadership went over to the dark side on spending. I had always thought that with a Republican POTUS and GOP-controlled Congress/Senate at the same time, balanced budgets and budget surpluses would be a “given.” The George Bush/Rick Santorum GOP leadership woke us up to what establishment Republicans were really all about. They were cool with tax cuts, but they never really wanted to reduce the size of govn’t, they only believed that if they were in charge, they could use govn’t more “compassionately.” Well, look where that got us-Speaker Pelosi in 2006 and Obama in 2008.

    So what does all this add up to? A very depressing reality. Romney’s a socialist, Santorum’s a “compassionate” conservative in the mold of George W. Of the two, Santorum’s preferable, but neither would really do much about the out of control govn’t we have. The only one left in the race with a proven record of spending discipline is Speaker Newt. But he’s polling at what 10%? I’m afraid if you’re a Tea Party (fiscal) conservative, this year’s election is hopeless.

    • lapert

      Quick quiz, what conservative leader said this in encouraging all conservatives to vote for the biggest expansion in entitlements since LBJ:

      “Obstructionist conservatives can always find reasons to vote no, but that path leads right back into the minority and it would be a minority status they would deserve.”

      • demsaresatanic

        with the advanced degree, by any chance?

        • lapert

          with an advanced degree.

  • http://MichaelHarrington.org Michael Harrington

    The Newt slaps down his opponent with his wit and intelligence again.

    If only you had managed to slow the Mitt March of Madness.

  • sandollar

    I hope there are people in the campaign snooping around the internet- you will surely be feeling the love.
    Things are getting interesting & looking good.
    Don’t even *think* about stepping aside, not even for a second!

    :-) We are cheerful & resolute!
    (Thank you, Sir- a million times. I see the debates with Obama have already begun)

  • shelbysbest

    I have every confidence you would push hard for the necessary reform needed in Washington. I believe you do have a vision for our country and you want to do so much more than manage the decay. Modernizing our bloated government would be so welcomed and in the long run, it would cut costs and allow it to be much more efficient. I like that you would reevaluate all foreign aid, challenge judicial activism, and draw a line in the sand in dealing with other countries. Drill here, drill now, and pay less, has always been a winner and would help shape our energy destiny like nothing else. You are a natural leader and I admire your determination and strong resolve.

    No one has the knowledge, experience and necessary skill that you do to challenge Pres. Obama. Keep fighting Mr. Speaker!

    And, I also know that early in the process you mentioned Allen West as possible V.P. pick. You said you would give him strong consideration. A Gingrich/West ticket would be a win/win!

    We’ve just got to figure out how to keep you in the marathon!

    • lastgopinillinois

      and when the polls open tomorrow morning, I will cast my vote for Newt and all his supporters on the local ballot.
      The only problem is, there is always a mysterious guy standing behind the vote recording machine at our polling places here who DELETES the Republican voters ballots !
      Oh, well, Thank you for your service to our county Mr Speaker, and good luck to you. I am rooting for you.

    • LDahl752

      and I agree completely!
      Why are people not seeing this? Are voters so forgetful or lazy that they don’t remember what he accomplished? Have they seen the story about those 4 or 5 Congressmen he pulled together, who kept talking on the floor of the House, night after night for about 3 hours, with the CSpan cameras still on, to counter all the leftist lies about Reagan? How he started planning in 1980 to take over the House in 1992 — he missed that by two years, but I forgive him for that. He planned that for over a dozen years!

      There simply is no one more dedicated or determined to make real, positive changes in D.C., and I believe that’s why the establishment didn’t get behind him. They worry that their cushy lives would be disrupted, and that’s more of a concern than the challenges we face in this once-powerful and once-prosperous country.

  • rednation

    A vote for Newt is a vote for Romney and has been for some time. He just does not poll well enough.

    There is no other purpose of him staying in other than to win it for Romney or deny it to Santorum.

    Newt has had plenty of very big gov failures and on big ticket deal breaking issues, like 20+ years of AGW support. Rebuking Paul Ryan for right wing social engineering, and he’s a Tofflerite, which many here are apparently ignorant of.

    On every Santorum violation, one can name even worse ones for Gingrich in the area of big government solutions. In fact, a search of his history is really eye opening.

    He’s mostly an opportunist, the few good things in the 90s were short lived and expedience based. He fell out with conservatives, in fact.

    He’s an amnesty candidate, which is another red flag and is not conducive to conservative theory.

    Of course:

    ?Obstructionist conservatives can always find reasons to vote no, but that path leads right back into the minority and it would be a minority status they would deserve.?

    Cheers to the OP for remembering this little nugget. Anybody wanna google that to find out what he was talking about?

    Newt needs to drop out and endorse Santorum.

    • http://www.nighttwister.com NightTwister

      If Santorum can’t win it in his own right, he doesn’t deserve to win it. That goes for all the candidates.

      Personally, I’d much rather have Romney than Santorum, so even if you’re right it still works for me.

    • http://908StraightSt.wordpress.com/ mbecker908

      Newt is the only one of the three who has any conservative accomplishments as an elected official. Santorum has zero. Newt is proposing some specifics that are conservative. Anything Santorum has proposed with any specificity, it’s Obama lite. See his tax plan and his desire to regulate the internet.

      • cbartlett

        Newt is also the only one talking about specifics to fix the economy. We need real specifics to defeat the Obama hope ‘n change. There are way too many people out there willing to give him another 4 years to accomplish it. We need Newt to articulate and explain another, better, path.

  • antisesquipedalion

    if it doesn’t catch on with our Jersey Shore electorate, so be it. it’s still the right thing to do
    at least Obama is listening

  • Melody Warbington (rwm52)

    a regular poster here at redstate, but also a reader. Like most families, we may not all agree on everything 100% of the time, but we enjoy a healthy debate and range of solutions to the issues we’re facing. Those in office would do well to take heed of those solutions.
    And speaking of solutions, your website offers plenty of those as well.

    As noted in two diaries I wrote about your speeches here in Birmingham last week, you have my support. I was proud to vote for you in the AL primary, and I thank you and Callista for the autographed poster.

    My favorite line in your diary is “I did not go to Washington seeing politics as a team sport.? We’re tired of the GOP caving to the Democrats (their good friends). It’s time for a Chuck Norris roundhouse kick to the status quo in Washington. You’re just the man to deliver.

    Newt 2012!

    • http://www.newt.org Newt Gingrich

      Callista and I are honored to have your support.

      Your comment touched on two of the central themes of my campaign: big solutions and changing Washington. Nobody thought we could create a Republican majority in 1994, but we did. Nobody thought we could balance the budget, but we did for four straight years. And nobody thought we could reform welfare, but we did even after President Clinton vetoed it twice. I know how hard it is to take on the entrenched special interests in Washington, because I?ve done it before. America desperately needs big changes in Washington, and with your help, I know we can do it again.

      • APA Guy

        You have this Indiana Hoosier’s support, as you are clearly the man to restore this country’s greatness and have the record of success we can believe in.

        • mikelindell2

          Congressman Santorum has gotten a free pass for too long. He is just as much of a fraud as Romney but has somehow stayed under the radar enough to not attract proper scrutiny. You didn’t mention his tax plan which might be a bigger joke than his liberal record. It is one of the least conservative plans imaginable-no wonder he is scared to have another debate.

      • Melody Warbington (rwm52)

        While we have your attention, might I ask you to consider throwing your support behind a grassroots effort to get more citizens involved in the process from the local level up called the Precinct Project. More details are provided
        here, here and here.

        A regular here who goes by the moniker, Cold Warrior, has been and is instrumental in coordinating this effort as well as putting the data together. No doubt he has much more he could share with your campaign if you’re interested. He can be reached through the third link which is his blog.

        • lineholder

          (Welll done, Melody, BTW).

          I’m also going to brag on Melody a bit (sorry, Mel, but you can get mad at me later, okay?) By following Cold Warrior’s advice, Melody is one of our patriotic citizens that has become directly involved inside the political process. It provides a means of having a direct voice in who obtains political positions of power within her state. I’m extremely proud of her (as if you can’t tell that already).

          I hope you will consider looking into the Precinct Project, Mr. Speaker. It’s a worthy effort, to say the least.

  • rednation

    At least he was a tactical choice with influence due to JC standings, and the prevailing view of his greater likelihood to win in the area running, but Newt told conservatives to shut up and “get in line” to support a liberal Acorn loving pro-choice gay marriage stimulus backer that infamous primary.

    And no logic existed as an excuse unlike for Specter. And Sweater Vest backed Hoffman, BTW.

    http://michellemalkin.com/2009/10/20/dear-newt-gingrich-meet-ronald-reagan/

    Of course, this de facto mortgage crisis lobbyist like influence peddler is better than Romney, but in the primary Santorum still rates the nod…

    • Melody Warbington (rwm52)

      The Conservative Party candidate whom Scozzafava was running against, Doug Hoffman, recently remarked about Newt?s endorsement of his rival, ?I would advise other conservative republicans: Don?t hold this against him.?

      NEWT2012

      • lapert

        Yes, he says a lot of things were mistakes now that he is trying to look like the conservative hero again. How many mistakes will he be admitting to when running for a second term?

        Personally, I’d rather he own his decisions than pretend he now thinks they were mistakes.

        • http://908StraightSt.wordpress.com/ mbecker908

          a mistake. The guy had a voting record on the left side of sitting Senators when he was one.

          • lapert

            any of the things that we think he is mistaken about.

            Three politicians, three different tactics for covering up the fact that they act out of political expediency rather than conservative convictions. I don’t much care for any of the three but I find it comically absurd when they point out the tact of the other and act as though they are pure at heart.

            In terms of the effectiveness of the tactics, well if this is as close to a controlled test we are going to see we have to conclude that Romney’s is the way politicians should go.

          • acat

            Until then, we’re stuck voting for human beings .. and they’re all flawed.

            In my opinion, the one who recognizes that he effed up, ‘fesses up, and takes the consequences is the one I want.

            Mew

          • lapert

            I don’t believe for a second that one who claims mistakes long after the fact when it happens he is currying favor with those who thought they were mistakes at the time is recognizing he effed up, at least not in the act itself.

            The one I want is the one least likely to be a total disaster as an actual leader. The one who had his caucus abandon him, and his campaign staff quit on him isn’t exactly the one that demonstrates an ability to lead.

            Of course, Santorum also lacks qualities I would expect to find in a leader, which is probably why he has never been one. Which leaves the very imperfect Romney, wouldn’t be my ideal choice by any stretch but of the group before me he is the only one I see as even the least bit credible in that role – my expectations wouldn’t be high but I can see him very easily rising to the level of a totally average, uninteresting President.

          • acat

            Are you skipping the chapter titled “Contract with America” ?

            That said, if Romney clinches the nomination, I’ll vote for him, but from my perspective, he’s not the best of this bad lot.

            Mew

          • lapert

            That chapter shows that he couldn’t beat Clinton at this game, probably helped him win reelection and alienated the people he was leading.

            I read that chapter and don’t see it as a tribute to his leadership abilities at all, quite the opposite I see it as him squandering the opportunity before him – if he had been a better leader then he may have been able to follow through with his plans and already be four years past his two terms as President.

            If, by some miracle, he comes away with the nomination, I will vote for him.. But, like you with Romney, I don’t see him as the best of this bad lot.

          • http://908StraightSt.wordpress.com/ mbecker908

            Heh. HillaryCare couldn’t even get a hearing in the Democratic Senate. Four straight years of balanced budgets. Welfare reform, passed.

            Did he finish the job? No. But at least he started it and made significant headway, which is one heck of a lot more than you can say for Santorum. He was part of “the team” that gave back the progress Newt & Co made.

          • lapert

            Hillarycare was before ’94, Gingrich didn’t win – Clinton lost and unfortunately learnt from it.

            Clinton campaigned in ’92 on welfare reform, passing it was seen as a victory of his and helped his ’96 campaign. The government shutdown was a political disaster and the ‘balanced’ budgets weren’t balanced (and I happen to be more with Cheyney on this anyway), were driven by increasing tax revenue and didn’t come with any decrease in spending. Frankly, I don’t think he made much headway at all, nearly all of the contract with america died uneventfully in congress and politically he stopped any momentum the Republican’s had coming out of the ’94 win in its tracks.

            That said, it is more than you can say for Santorum.

          • acat

            Until then, we’re stuck with arsenic, strychnine, or cyanide .. and I’ll take arsenic because it’s the most survivable.

            Mew

          • lapert

            In the meantime we will just have to disagree on which one is the arsenic.

          • http://908StraightSt.wordpress.com/ mbecker908

            I also know that Newt was in the final throes of driving a stake through the heart of House Democrats at the time of that vote and he led the public outcry. He was absolutely involved in it’s death.

            By current account, the reason the shutdown was a disaster was that Dole went to Clinton and gave up about 24 hours before Clinton was set to cave.

          • demsaresatanic

            Newt was a leader against Hillarycare. Clinton lied about welfare reform and vetoed it twice; he ultimately signed it out of fear that it could cost him re-election, and Newt led the charge on that as well. Your comment about budgets and spending are spectacularly uninformed; Clinton’s proposed budgets were pared down by billions by the Newt congress.

            One of your silliest posts, which is indeed an accomplishment.

          • WillWong

            for trying to divide the country yet again on the color of the First Lady!

            “Gingrich: Obama Must Apologize for De Niro?s ‘White First Lady’ Remark

            Read more on Newsmax.com: Gingrich: Obama Must Apologize for De Niro?s ‘White First Lady’ Remark

            http://www.newsmax.com/US/DeNiro-Gingrich-michelle-obama/2012/03/20/id/433251

          • benson1

            You notice Newt didn’t ask De Niro for an apology. He took it to the top.

            Poor Obama he just can’t get a break. he he he

          • WillWong

            Afterall, as a former Speaker of the House, he knows where the buck should stops! You also noticed that Michelle Obama was present in the fundraiser and De Niro was just trying to pander to her! While Newt took it to the top, he did give De Niro quite a tongue lashing too! They (De Niro and Obama) both deserve each other and the head slapping!

          • Common_Cents

            After crucifying Rush for remarks, the media then goes on attack on everyone on the right, making them denounce and apologize for Rush on camera. Gingrich was having none of that.

            Gingrich has read the lefts Alinsky playbook and uses it effectively right back at them. Look at the gas price issue, he got in obama’s head about that. Obama is now out on an energy tour lying to America. I just hope American’s aren’t that stupid to buy obama’s BS.

          • Melody Warbington (rwm52)

            a singer flipped off the audience and proceeded to sing a profanity laced song. Rush is going after him for it – RUSH

          • falconrap

            That’s going to leave a mark. I wish all these actors weren’t so politically detached from reality. It must be nice to be a rich actor who doesn’t have to worry about food and utilities going up in price 10-15% or more in some cases. When is the last time he had to step out of his car and fill up his tank and worry about the impact of that final dollar value?

            Newt needs to just keep bringing it.

        • tnguy

          I’ve bagged on Gingrich as well, but he admitted that sitting on a couch with Pelosi was one of the dumbest things he’s ever done.And has had numerous other such admissions. At least an admission indicates he knows what’s right, whereas Santorum generally acts clueless about his numerous missteps.

          I think conservatism is Gingrich’s instinct…it’s what he believes in. He just applies himself poorly, and has occasionally gone against that instinct when he thinks it makes him appear more statesman-like. It’s a definitive flaw in him, but less of a flaw than the other 2 have.

          With Santorum (and Romney, for that matter), his instinct is only conservative in matters directly related to his faith. Most of his instincts tend towards big government.

          But not to worry, Gingrich is essentially out of the race now.

          This primary season is a catastrophe, and republicans have no one to blame but themselves.

          • lapert

            Or he is admitting to them as mistakes now because he thinks that is what will endear him to the voters he is trying to convince. His ‘mistakes’ aren’t from some distant past, they don’t all come from the same false assumption, they all seem to opportunistic of him.

            I don’t think conservatism is his instinct – I think having his ego stroked is his instinct and when he first got into politics conservatism offered him the best opportunity. As soon as he was chased out of the House his causes were at best a mixed bag with some clearly premised on non-conservative ideas – ironically many of his mistakes were in this period when he wasn’t beholden to an electorate. Ethanol subsidies, medicare part D, cap and trade, individual mandate, space colonization – he tends just as much towards big government solutions for the issues he cares about as the others.

            You are right though, he is out of this race and the primary season as been a catastrophe from the start.

          • xymbaline

            You’re making quite a number of assumptions about someone whom you don’t know as a person.

            A Smart person stays within his own verfiable knowledge before making assumptions.

            You’re violating that principle.

          • lapert

            Of course I am making assumptions, so is anyone who is making a determination whether Gingrich’s admission of mistakes is sincere or opportunistic.

            Coming to the conclusion it is sincere is just as much a violation of that principle as not – or is it verified knowledge that people for running for office mean what they say?

          • Common_Cents

            There has been little talk about encouraging citizens to get involved in the local party precinct to influence candidates and recruit more conservatives.

            I’d think you would be the right person to champion this transformation of the Republican Party. Maybe call it Contract with Conservatives. You have the right team in Perry, Cain etc…pushing against growing power in DC and trying to return power to the states.

            I think it could reach a great audience and get the attention of the tea party folks.

            It’s too bad America can’t get past headline bashing of the relentless “Newt Baggage” attacks and not looking at accomplishments.

            Also too bad the 3 other spineless candidates lowered themselves to talking to each other agreeing to skip the GA CNN debates in order not to face you.

          • Melody Warbington (rwm52)

            those things you throw out, but Santorum and Romney actually voted for them. Records are important, and without question, Newt has the most conservative with regard to actual legislation.

            And my point in making the comment that Newt admitted his mistake is that Romney has yet to distance himself from Romneycare and his appointment of liberal judges and Santorum from his non-conservative votes.

          • lapert

            I think it is much more revealing what one advocates for when not in or running for office than what they vote for in office.

            I’d also point out that in their shared time Santorum and Gingrich have near identical voting records and Romney hasn’t voted on nearly any of the things mentioned because he was never a legislator.

            But yes, as I said above, each has taken different approaches to explaining their deviations. To oversimplify it:
            Newt claims they are mistakes
            Santorum claims they were right
            Romney denies they happened (or at least are what you think they are)

          • Melody Warbington (rwm52)

            Newt claims they were mistakes. This is true. They were.

            Santorum claims they were right. This is not true. They weren’t right.

            Romney denies they happened. This is also not true. They happened, and they were not right.

            So regardless of the timing or reasons why, 1 of the 3 admits mistakes. Santorum at least makes an attempt at justifying or explaining his votes. Romney needs a caput-in-recto extractor (see here).

          • lapert

            Maybe it is the expectation of voters that politicians are liars, or maybe not but the one approach that is saying what he thinks the voter thinks true (while it may be the truth it was a mistake it doesn’t mean Newt actually believes it was a mistake) is the one that is performing the worst.

          • acat

            null

          • lapert

            It is pointing out an observational fact – Newt is performing the worst of the three to date (and in all likelihood for the foreseeable future based on pols in upcoming venues). What ever strategy he is taking it is clearly not working.

          • garfieldjl

            I honestly believe you are the only one in the race that can beat Obama.

            Partially because Obama’s own baggage gets in the way of attacking you, but my primary reason is that I believe you have the solutions this country needs while Romney has no plan, and Santorum gets sidetracked on social issues too easily.

          • demsaresatanic

            he is really lying because he doesn’t really mean it. Is that advanced degree of yours in dime-store paperback psychology?

        • recentlyenlightened

          own his decisions and admit that they were mistakes. Thank goodness I have never been in the national spotlight. My political journey has been all over the map. I was a petulant democrat in the early 90s to spite my father, a “sophisticated” democrat in the late 90s b/c my cool, hip college profs told me to be, a libertarian at the turn of the century and now I am described by my father-in-law as a “rabid conservative”. I’ve made a lot of mistakes looking back and I owned them all when I came to conservatism and all my friends called me a hypocrite. What changed? I got pregnant. I realized that it wasn’t about me anymore. It’s about the future and the generations to come.

          Newt says he had a similar epiphany upon becoming a grandfather and I believe him b/c the same thing happened to me.

          Further, he has put a specific plan, in writing, on the internet for all to see. More specific, by far, than his opponents. He addresses the issues that I see as most important to turning this nation back toward the light of freedom. Those being repeal of Ocare, energy independence wrt national security, job creation (eliminating cap gains tax and increased oil) and streamlining the federal government. I think putting that plan up indicates his determination to accomplish his goals with transparency knowing that we, the people, have a means of holding him to it.

          Further even, he has a record of achieving the things that he says he can do, like balancing the budget and welfare reform.

          This is what I believe in and what I know needs to happen soon! I’m standing with Newt for all these reasons. And @ rednation, if that’s delusional then so be it. I’d rather be proud and delusional this time around then get in line and behave b/c, once again, the establishment, in all their wisdom, has deemed that I should believe in their guy. A guy that literally gives me the will(ard)ies every time I see his face on tv.

          • lapert

            And I applaud your own journey. But you do realize that his grandchildren were born (1999 and 2001) before his mistakes with Pelosi, or supporting Dede, or advocating for Medicare Part D.

            I’m sure that an event like that can change ones views, but his timeline doesn’t fit the story. Which makes it seem more like a convenient ploy to tug at voters emotions than to come up with a real answer to why it is suddenly a mistake now that he is once again trying to attract conservative voters.

          • falconrap

            that people actually think stuff like that even matters. Who cares if he sat on a couch with Pelosi because he wanted conservatives to be part of the conversation? Who cares if he supported Dede when she was the party nominee vs. the independent? They are minor political mistakes that mean squat in the real world.

            What I care about is that Newt was in the House, late at night, in front of CSPAN cameras, pushing the Reagan conservative message to the masses. I care that he was part of the leadership pushing these policies through the congress and getting the key ones enacted. I care that he worked with Republican candidates to make and support the “Contract with America” and that, once taking control of the House for the first time in my life, he pushed as much of it through the Congress as the Senate would allow. I care that he stood his ground against Clinton and Dole and forced the balanced budget and welfare reform through the wheels of Government to be enacted, giving us 4 years of balanced budgets, the only time in my life that this has occurred.

            What I really care about, is when a politician, regardless of the nuances that they speak of on the trail, actually stands up and votes for conservative principles, and pushes those principles whenever possible. All this other extraneous bull you seem to care about is…well…bull. What politicians do is the ONLY thing that matters. They all make mistakes and say things that are either untruthful, misleading, an exaggeration, or an ignorant mistake. Holding them to what they say is ridiculous. Holding them to what they actually do, is the only way to go.

          • demsaresatanic

            have on trivia is pathetic. I have more respect for those who just come out and say that they hate him because of the affairs, at least they are being honest.

          • recentlyenlightened

            I will vote R in the general. Anyone of our candidates will be leaps and bounds better than Obama. However, I’m clinging to my principles and every ounce of hope until the nominee is crowned.

          • steeltube

            Why not? Its not like he has anything else to do in his life right now. At least not until such time he again rejoins the media (yes-the same media he has been bashing for cheap applause lines for months) and resumes his “talking head” career.

            It saddens me to see so many here lose sight of a basic truth about Newt and HIS “past performance”-and that he is absolutely without question ethically unqualified to be elected to any public office. Like so many others before (and since) he came to “change Washington” only to find it was HE who ultimately underwent the change. Not content to return home and resume teaching after losing a 395-28 vote on an ethics charge he decided to stay in DC and become an influence peddler, lobbyist, “consultant”and creature of K Street. This is “past performance” he consistently lies about (see his evolving Fannie Mae explanations) is ashamed to talk about and should be an AUTOMATIC REJECTION of his candidacy.

            I won’t even bother to get into all the OTHER stuff. I think we already saw in Iowa and Florida what a negative campaigners “dream candidate” would look like. It’s unthinkable the amount of damage the Obama campaign would do to the entire GOP with Newt heading the 2012 ticket.

          • westcoastpatriette

            You seem unable to hide your stupidity as you insult the most capable candidate in the race and your diatribe reeks with hatred and innuendo. Shame on you for your cheap shots at someone who has achieved more in his lifetime than you, I am sure.

          • runner12

            Santorum’s voting record and is the reason I could not vote for him on Super Tuesday, despite my agreement with him on most social issues.

            I just could not support someone who had such an abysmal fiscal record and who has failed to admit that these were mistakes on his part.

            I chose to vote for Gingrich instead. Is he my ideal candidate? No. But out of the three that are left, he seems the most likely to be serious about fixing the big government, overspending mess we are in now.

            Good diary, Mr. Gingrich. The public needs to be made aware of Santorum’s past voting record. It is essential to good government that our citizens make the most informed decisions possible.

          • streiff

            steeltube has been banned twice before.

          • westcoastpatriette

            while Newt is here taking the time to comment. Seemed just like the tactics Romney uses. Thanks for letting me know.

          • mikelindell2

            15% flat tax and $2.50/gal gas would make a potent platform, Mr. Speaker. I’m not sure everyone is familiar with the fact that you are the only candidate who is proposing a flat tax. Also, make sure to talk about how lower gas prices mean lower prices for everyday goods that people buy.
            Please make clear that you are the only small government conservative in the race. Santorum is a big government, big spending, Big Labor Republican and Romney is essentially a liberal.
            You are the only person who has actually solved the same issues that face our country currently (deficits, entitlement, high unemployment, gridlock in Washington). This record makes you best to fix the country and best to match up against Obama’s record.
            There’s no question what you will fight for and accomplish in Washington, you’ve already proven it. Please keep fighting now.

  • westcoastpatriette

    I just want to say thank you for taking on the manipulative media and publicly calling them out for the biased sharks they have become. I am so praying that something happens to turn things around and I would love to see what you could get done in Washington. Thanks for all you are doing and I hope we hear more from you here at RS.

    • demsaresatanic

      president welfare, president apology, president algae etc . That will attract the stooge media; you will do the rest.

  • Finrod

    And welcome back, I remember you posting here several years ago and even remember you mixing it up in the comments a bit. Keep up the good fight, there’s still a lot of ballgame left to play.

  • unsk

    Great to hear from you. You’ve got my vote – don’t think of dropping out.

    If I may make a suggestion. I think you need to go after the corruption and crimes of the FED and TBTF hard. Romney, Santorum and Obama are all very vulnerable to that issue, and there are many, including many independents who could vote for you in open primaries, that would get behind your candidacy if you did. People are frankly pissed off that the elites in Washington are stealing their money by the truckloads to bail out their Cronies at the Big Banks.

  • http://www.doctor-bob.biz rsklaroff

    …The Newt MUST REMAIN AN ACTIVE CANDIDATE.

    Listened, for example, to Pamela Geller last night; she laments he may not win, but I reminded her that Santorum losing PA on 4/24 could prompt him to see the benefits of withdrawal [after having lost everything else in the interim].

    Both are speaking @ the PA Leadership Conference this weekend [Gingrich is the closer on Saturday]; Mitt is sending Nikki.

    It’s almost numbing to compare the content he constantly conveys with the inarticulate/superficial quotes emanating from his competitors.

  • http://www.timothy-bladel.com/ center77

    for starters few more wives, and a Republican leadership that forces you out. More ads with Nancy and god knows what else. You should have just stated you case and not gone down Romney’s path of breaking the 11th.

  • PGDeFreese

    indeed!

  • Xasteius

    no text

  • clowngirl

    n/t

  • naharu89x7

    They say that truth is the first casaulty in war, but that seems to be the case in politics as well.

    Mr. Gingrich, I have come to profoundly respect and admire you not only for your past accomplishments, but for you taking the position of “the people’s companion”. I don’t know what strategy you have, but I know you wouldn’t stay in the race after Romney has won as many delegates just for kicks.

    Romney is a nice guy, but I fear he will be the new John Mccain if he is the nominee. Please prevent this from being a “lesser of two evils” scenerio. Please unleash your master plan soon. Give the people someone they can vote for with pride.

  • http://www.nighttwister.com NightTwister

    *no-text*

  • civil truth

    And I see that you are specifically responding to Sen. Santorum’s earlier post rather than just giving us a campaign spiel. That’s a plus.

    It would be good if you would participate in the discussion threads if one develops – that much of what RedState is about, conversation.

    Hope your visit back soon.

  • acat

    Newt Gingrich (or the staffer responsible for writing and posting this) I offer congratulations on a diary well written.

    Mew

  • http://908StraightSt.wordpress.com/ mbecker908

    And, for all your warts Mr. Gingrich, at least when you held office as an elected official you built a record of solid conservatism.

  • avagreen

    Don’t make yourself (or whoever wrote this ) scarce.

    Let’s hear more!

  • jc230

    I think you’re the best candidate, but unfortunately you’re not gathering enough delegates as compared to Romney or Santorum. As much as I dislike caving, I’m wondering if it’s time for you to step out of the GOP race? I like Huckabee, but there came a time in the 2008 GOP primaries that it was time for him to drop out. When he didn’t it was believed by many that Huckabee’s ego was taking charge rather than his charming, common-sense personality people like me appreciated. I hope your ego isn’t in charge of your decision to stay in or drop out. Currently, it doesn’t look promising for a Newt GOP candidacy for POTUS. Best to you.

  • aesthete

    While Newt, Dick Armey, et al weren’t perfect, they were the last ones to try and attempt conservative reform in national politics.

    Since then, we’ve had… Rick Santorum.

  • recentlyenlightened

    NT

  • http://UnitedConservativesofVirginia Cargosquid

    Conservative? Not by the current definition.

  • texastory63

    In 1984 I met you at the Republican National Convention after you gave your “What would Indy do?” speech to Young Republicans. I cast my first vote for President Reagan that year and have been doing sensible things ever since.

    Please sir, for the country stand down and endorse Santorum. He is not perfect and needs to re-read the 10th amendment, but he is in a better position to stand up to the Country Club than you are.

  • lineholder

    Just want to let you know that I believe you’re the one most capable of providing the kind of leadership that our nation is in need of right now, Speaker Gingrich.

    Depending on how things go, I hope that you and a few others, such as Gov Perry, will follow through with the 10A idea that was mentioned.

    Maybe you can actually chat with us for a while sometime.

  • antisesquipedalion

    about the word NO. Newt is NOT dropping out. we need him in the race.

  • michaelbowler

    but staying in the race will give voters somewhere other than Romney that Santorum and Paul are not providing.

    Should the convention come up with Romney not having received the requisite number of delegates, there exists an opportunity to force some political moves that may result in a positive outcome…otherwise, we get Romney on Romney’s terms.

    That would be unacceptable.

  • LDahl752

    This guy makes a good case for Newt staying in the race.

    http://www.politijim.com/2012/03/case-for-newt-staying-in-race-and.html

  • drycnty

    @texasstory63

    With all due respect you couldn’t be more wrong…

    Santorum is not ” in a better position to stand up to the Country Club than [Newt]“. Quite the opposite in fact. There is nothing in his career to support the idea that he would stand up to anything. Moreover, there is nothing in Santorum’s record that shows any leadership of any kind on Conservative principles.

    The only reason we are even having this discussion is because Mr. Santorum himself failed to do the right thing when he should have. After finishing a distant 3rd in South Carolina and Florida, then dead last in Nevada only Santorum’s petulant and sanctimonious nature kept him from bowing out. If Mr. Santorum had dropped out when it was the honorable and right thing to do Speaker Gingrich would be running away with this race.

    Frankly I’m shocked that so many of my fellow Conservatives have been bamboozled by the media who desperately want Santorum to be Obama’s opponent. Even the Great One Mark Levin has daily been twisting himself into a pretzel defending Santorum’s incessant acts of political suicide. No, I don’t think that Levin is caving to the media rather it is his own ego that prevents him from taking back his endorsement of Santorum when any honest appraisal of Santorum’s record is one of failure.

    Rick Santorum is not now nor was he ever a true Conservative. He has throughout his career tried to divert from his tax and spend big government record by being an extremist in his rhetoric on social issues.

    The simple irrefutable truth is this: Rick Santorum is no Conservative. Moreover, if he were to be the GOP nominee we would lose 40 states on a good day. Obama and the left wing media would hammer him with his own words: “man on dog”, comparing homosexuality to slavery, his crusade against porn, that Protestants aren’t Christians, and on and on and on…

    There is only one Conservative in this race and his name is Newt Gingrich. No, he is not without his flaws but he has been a consistent Conservative fighting unlike any other for those principles for over 30 years. Most importantly, Newt Gingrich has an actual record of achievement. Furthermore, Speaker Gingrich has a history with the Contract With America in doing EXACTLY what he campaigned he would do if elected.

    There is no other in this race that can claim those two mantles. Period.

  • recentlyenlightened

    n/t

  • LDahl752

    You couldn’t be MORE right!

  • benson1

    While Ricky and Romney were trying to outdo each other or copying Newt’s talking points because they don’t have any of their own.

    Here?s what Gingrich was doing.

    Came up with slogan 2.50 gal gas.
    Did a 30 minute video explaining how to do it.
    The conversation about gas prices began to take hold
    The president had to go out and start making speeches about gas prices.
    Gingrich used the speeches to ridicule Obama policies and understanding of drilling.
    The president had to go out and make some more speeches about gas prices.
    The presidents Energy Secretary pronounced he wasn?t interested in bring down gas prices
    Gingrich called him on it telling people this administration wanted European gas prices $9 and $10 dollars.
    The presidents Energy Secretary had to back pedal on his original statements
    The presidents mouth piece Carney ridicules 2.50 a gal gas saying not possible.
    Gingrich made another speech outlining why it is possible.
    The president mouth piece Carney had to back pedal on his statement.

    There was no National conversation about gas prices in the media or anywhere now it?s a main topic.
    Obama?s poll numbers have declined since this became a hot topic.
    Obama is still out making speeches about gas prices and drilling referencing 2.50 a dollar gas. Who could he be talking about. Obama is talking about releasing oil from our reserves. Obama has ask the Saudi’s to up production while say upping production won’t bring gas prices down.

    So who is inside Obama’s head when he’s not slapping it around.
    I guess you’d have to say Gingrich.
    This is how it’s done people. This is how you defeat your enemy. You take his weak points and enlarge them for all to see and then make him try to defend them.

    Anyone who doesn’t think Gingrich will kick Obama’s sorry Ass out of the White House isn’t thinking. He’s already shown you exactly how to do it. Gingrich’s strategic vision reflects the influence of the ancient Chinese warrior Sun Tzu whose tactics he used successfully as speaker.

    Looks like Obama had to make another speech. Lets see what Gingrich has to say about that.

    http://www.shreveporttimes.com/videonetwork/1519340500001/Newt-Gingrich-Press-Conference

  • texastaxpayer

    This article while most likely accurate doesn’t help us achieve one fumdamentaly important thing. Fielding a candidate that can truly contrast himself with Obama. Attacking Rick maybe personally gratifying however it does little to unite the conservative base and lessons our chances of defeating Romney and by extension Obama. I would think your energies would be better spent targeting the “front runner” and trying to get us to a brokered convention that actually benefits you personally. One must wonder what motivates you to take this tactic at this time? Since the beginning of this race *read farce* Romney has been treated with kid gloves by all the candidates in the field. Can we now count you among these even after his despicable behavior toward you personally? It saddens me sir to see you working to further divide the base benefiting Romney whom you yourself describe as a factually challenged Massachusetts moderate. Poor showing sir.

  • http://www.newt.org Newt Gingrich

    Thank you for your kind words. I believe deeply in the need to return power and responsibility back to the states. Before Washington passes any new law it must ask whether that law usurps powers that below to the people and the states. That?s why plank #10 in my 21st Contract With America is the Tenth Amendment Enforcement Act, which engages local officials and citizens to identify areas that can be transferred back home.

    Governor Perry first impressed on me the importance of enforcing the Tenth Amendment, and I?m honored to have his support and leadership in this effort.

  • pieter

    Cain, Perry, Palin, Sowell. Most of us respect their opinions…why are they not out prominently speaking on his behalf? Surrogates are supposed to bring to light certain truths such as what is contained in this Santorum article.

    I suspect most will be upset at the little discussed history of Santorum and reconsider the proven benefit of a Gingrich nomination. This will not occur if Palin et al do not make the concerted media effort soon.

  • Patriot’s Tool Box

    If you want to win this thing you need to get us out of NAFTA putting the 50,000 vacant manufacturing shops back to work on three shifts as they once were. It is your move!

  • mvangeest

    You are right that Newt has caused the White House to respond on a topic they want to be silent on. That’s a powerful strategy; one that Santorum and Romney don’t employ. I thought early on, watching Newt in debates, that he COULD take it to Obama and beat the snot out of him in a debate. But I also had to acknowledge that Obama will probably not agree to debates, so how would Newt prove himself the Debater-in-Chief? I see now how Newt debates Obama — and it’s in the mainstream media! Smart move!

  • irishgirl

    There’s no denying that Newt knows how to bring it. And frankly, (since my preferred candidate is out) what I’m looking for among the 4 left is a nominee who can expose the issues which are important such as gas prices, jobs, etc. My household plans to vote for Newt in Texas in late May.

  • http://www.newt.org Newt Gingrich

    This is precisely why I am staying in the race. Our plan for $2.50 gasoline has put President Obama on the defensive unlike any other campaign has been able to do. That?s the power of big, bold solutions. As I travel across Louisiana this week, we will continue to expose the president?s energy excuses and fantasies. For starters, here?s a list of President Obama?s top five energy whoppers that my team put together: http://www.newt.org/2012/03/19/president-obamas-top-five-energy-whoppers/

  • tommyfrisco

    Best Conservative Record – Newt wins
    Made The Biggest Impact (for good) While In Office – Newt wins
    Proudest Of His Record While In Office – Newt wins
    Most Experience – Newt Wins
    Most Knowledgable On Foreign Issues – Newt wins
    Most Knowledgable On Domesitc Issues – Newt wins
    Best Economic Plan – Newt wins
    Best Energy Plan – Newt wins
    Most Articulate – Newt wins
    Best Debater – Newt wins
    Most Intelligent – Newt wins
    Confronts Obama – Newt wins
    ConfrontsThe Media – Newt wins
    Inpires Voters – Newt wins (standing ovations in debates)
    Bold Ideas – Newt wins
    Best 1st Day On The Job Plan – Newt wins

    Proponent Of Gov’t Run Health Care – Mitt wins
    Proponent Of Cap & Trade – Mitt wins
    Proponent Of Higher Minimum Wage – Mitt & Rick (tie)
    Best Team Player (status quo) – Mitt & Rick (tie)
    Proponent of Bigger Gov’t – Mitt & Rick (tie)
    Best At Blaming The Dems For His Bad Record – Mitt wins
    Best At Blaming The Repubs For His Bad Record – Rick wins
    Best Union Supporter – Rick
    Accomplished The Least While In Office – Ron Paul wins

    Note: I tried my best to leave my opinions out of the above list, otherwise, the list would have been longer.

  • demsaresatanic

    calling out Romney while Rick was down in the weeds letting Romney do the dirty work.

  • jeffreywturner

    Half of Rick Santorum’s 16 years in Congress (4 years in the House and 12 in the Senate) was overlapped by Newt Gingrich’s time in the Congress. Can’t we just compare their voting records during this time? In other words can’t we just look at their votes on common bills and see what % of the time they voted the same way?

    I suspect, given that each consistently received very high marks from all of the conservative interest group ratings systems, that they probably voted the same 90% or more of the time. In fact, I am pretty sure Santorum voted for each of the balanced budgets Newt loves to brag about, as well as Newt’s signature legislative accomplishment – welfare reform.. So for Newt to act as if Santorum’s Congressional record is so horrendous is a bit disingenuous IMHO.

  • Finrod

    Santorum was in the House for 2 terms while Gingrich was moving up in the House leadership. Santorum went to the Senate as Gingrich was becoming Speaker.

    If you want to compare, compare the four years Gingrich was Speaker (1995-1998) with the four years that Santorum was third in the Senate majority leadership (2003-2006). Remember how we had 55 GOP Senators in 2005 and still couldn’t get what we wanted passed? Whose fault is that?

  • jeffreywturner

    Rhetorical. We all know the answer.

    I know abortion is a pesky issue, but it just so happens to have killed more Americans in the last 38 years alone than every war we have ever fought in the history of the Republic combined, plus all capital punishment we have ever inflicted. Unless you think money (ie: taxes and spending) is more important than life itself, then there is no more important issue.

    That said, despite the disingenuous accusations from Romney and others about Planned Parenthood funding, Santorum’s voting record on the issue gained him a perfect 100% rating from National Right to Life every year of his career, and no major politician speaks more eloquently and passionately on behalf of the weakest members of our society than Rick Santorum.

  • benson1

    I really liked that.

  • jc230

    What do you think will happen at the convention? Who attends the convention? All the same people who have been endorsing Romney along the primary route. Endorsing Santorum or Newt is also highly unlikely. Having someone new who hasn’t been vetted, again, is highly unlikely. Romney is successful in everyhimg he’s sought after both in the private sector and government. He has the most well rounded experience. He’s far superior than Obama, a man who has lowered the bar on having leadership and wordly experience, since taking office. I would have liked to have Newt gain more traction, but he hasn’t. Santorum is not going to win the general election. Now, I need to be practical. Common sense tells me Romney is going to be the GOP candidate.

  • WillWong

    here on RS after a series of well received Diaries which touted your record and defended you against Romney’s smears. Good to see you posting here and interacting with us.

    Without a doubt, you are the only person with the tools and the experience to turn this country around. Your $2.50 a Newt Gallon led the conversation and had the President and his non-energy secretary scurrying around for answers. Santorum, Dick Armey and others took your lead and started talking about gas prices.

    I believe that each person has their own calling. You Sir, in my opinion is the man prepared a long time ago for a time like this. Your experience with the Contract with America allows you to create the 21st Century Contract with America. Your knowledge of Healthcare, Energy, Foreign Affairs, Welfare Reform, and the Economy makes you the most capable person who can grasp the enormity of the problems facing this country and provide bold and workable solutions.

    As you prepare for the rest of your campaign and the next debate, be assured that I and my family will be praying for you and for the rest of America to open their eyes to see the depth and breadth of our problems and be persuaded to vote for the Reagan Conservative with the skills, knowledge, and experience to solve those problems. God be with you!

  • xymbaline

    We, the True Conservative/Tea Party faithful, have 5 months to form and implement a strategy to take away the convention from the old alligator interests.

    Fortune Favors the Brave.

    Let’s take it to ‘em.

  • circlegranch

    Yes, Romney most likely will be the nominee because polling shows 80% of the GOP thinks he will. The dirty little secret, though, is that still only about 30% WANT him to be the nominee. Read Thomas Sowell’s article from yesterday. Read it and digest it. Don’t immediately blow it off. You are reading what will more than likely be the truth, not just today, but on November 7

    http://jewishworldreview.com/cols/sowell031912.php3 “The ‘Inevitability’ Vote”

    Romney is where he is because he’s the had the money to carpet bomb everybody in his path. He will not have the same momentum after the convention. He remains stiff, completely illegitimate on healthcare which was to be our path to victory. They are trotting out his wife to try and soften him and put a likable face on the man that has used dirty tactics throughout this campaign (and she does a fine job). We’re falling back on Paul Ryan now to try and sell the budget crisis message that Romney can’t put over the plate.

    Condemn and bully all you want, but at least read Sowell’s words of wisdom. You won’t agree with them but he does speak the truth and the truth is what we are going to have to face here very, very quickly.

  • lapert

    How do you compare the House where you need to a majority (i.e. your own caucus) to the Senate where you functionally need 60 votes to proceed on anything of importance. Not to mention one had a president of his own party who is the de facto party leader and the other had a president of the opposite party.

    You can look at their shared voting record in the house and on bills that went through bot the senate and house when they were there – you won’t find much difference but that isn’t all that informative.

  • jeffreywturner

    They were in the House together for 4 years. Also, look at the bills voted on by both the House and Senate while Gingrich was Speaker and Santorum was in the Senate. I’m telling you their voting records are almost the same. Its easy for Gingrich to claim credit for balancing the budget when he took over right before the massive influx of tax revenues generated by the dotcom bubble and left right before the bubble popped.

    Also remember, Santorum was never more than a whip. He never ran the Senate. Even so, he was able to get the Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act passed, and he helped get 2 conservatives onto the SCOTUS.

  • demsaresatanic

    and with a Dem president at that, and the Santorum Senate which squandered the opportunity we had with the House, Senate, and WH.

  • jc230

    Here’s my concern, what’s your five month plan? If it’s to back Santorum, it’s a losing proposition. He won’t win the general. Despite my admiration for Newt, Newt and Santorum can both be labeled “old alligators.” I’ve had to look at why Romney isn’t resonating. On balance he’s a highly successful person on every level. He’s successful personally, professionally, in business and government. So I wouldn’t think of him to have a drink with, he’s rather reserved. He’s labeled a moderate. Newt and Santorum have legislated moderate laws and policies. True conservatism is an ideal, it doesn’t exist in a purist form or candidate. What Romney brings is a life long desire to be the best he can be, and he’s fulfilled his desire. I believe he will bring that track record to the WH. It’s taken the primary season for me to cone to this conclusion. Newt hasn’t won the hearts of most Americans (low delegate count) and Santorum is a moderate legislator with social baggage. If I’m not mistaken, the Tea Party’s focus is on fiscal conservatism not social.

  • funwithknives

    {from 11-06-2010} and yet this is what we got, TEA Party or no.

    If you can’t move intelligently, and with purpose, in that time frame what in heaven makes you think this de-centralized movement can do it in 5 months? Time’s up . It Is On……
    Politics moves at it’s pace and at what voters will accept, not what you fantasize. Your heart and mind should talk.

    *Kicking at the darkness until it bleeds daylight* might make you feel good, but to what real end? This is simply about NO MO’ BHO and everything else is subordinate.

  • tommyfrisco

    on our export market. It has doubled in the last ten years. You should also consider what robotics and other technologies have done for productivity. You should also consider what unions, corporate taxes, mandates, and regulations have done to encourage the exportation of manufacturing jobs.

  • westcoastpatriette

    Romney’s creating such ill will and hostility within the party, he is making it nearly impossible for anyone except his small group of supporters to invest in helping him get elected. When it comes right down to it, he really is not much better than Obama — at least not when it comes to character. He is consumed with winning at any cost and by the time June rolls around, the contempt most of us feel for him will have intensified.

  • Melody Warbington (rwm52)

    . .

  • cbartlett

    Excellent article – I wish every Romney supporter would read it and come up with a response as to why this analysis is wrong. Don’t think anyone can argue this logic.

    One additinal point to add to Mr. Sowell’s excellent work: Obama has been setting up to face Romney since his inauguartion. He has interjected class-warfare language every time he has addressed the nation on every issue. (Do you really think Occupy Wall Street was an accident?) He’s just waiting for Romney to officially get the nod to unleash the only argument that the sheeple always fall for. No way can Romney defeat Obama.

  • jc230

    Okay, I read Sowell’s article, a great man and thinker. Sowell talks about Romney and inevitability. I haven’t bought into Romney’s inevitability. Originally, I was a Huntsman supporter and when he dropped out, I became a Newt supporter.

    Sowell points out Romney’s outspending the how the other candidates,Santorum and Gingrich, were not on some of the state primary ballots.

    First, about the money and attack ads, that is a similar reaction (analogy) of a small independent book store upset because the big bad WallMart (box store) is coming into town. Or, a small-tech start up frustrated that they cannot compete competitively with IBM.

    Imagine, capitalists upset with Capitalism?

    Second, as for Santorum and Newt not getting on state primary ballots, please. There is no excuse for poor execution. I don’t care how much of a running start Romney’s team had.

    Sowell mentions how Obama’s ready to pounce on Romney. You think he’s not ready to pounce on “any” GOP candidate. Between Santorum’s re-election Senate commercials alone, his debate comment about taking one for the team, and his recent social commentary on contraception and porn enforcement will render him a serious out-of-touch Neanderthal in the general election. And the guy I love, that so many love to hate, Newt has plenty of news media releases, commercials, political punditry, adultery, political enemies that will render him unfit. No matter who the GOP candidate is, they’ll be taken to the wood shed by Obama and his operatives. Look, it’s taken the 2008 and 2011 GOP primaries up to this point for me to get on the Romney bus. On balance, he’s stable, accomplished, principled and wildly wealthy on his own merit. I’d like to have achieved in my lifetime what he’s achieved. He’s everything we Conservatives and Republicans espouse. Success, integrity, fortitude and determination. Since when do we think playing nice is how we achieve success? What I’m starting to realize is how smart he’s playing the game. Smarter than his opponents. I now realize this guy can win and he’s going to win the way he knows how, strategically. This is who should win the WH. We’re far from political civility. Who knows if we’ll ever see it in our lifetime. This isn’t about inevitability, money or Romneycare, every candidate has real baggage. This is about a man, Romney, who is smart, driven, successful, strategic. He epitomizes individual ingenuity yields success, he lives, he embodies the American dream. So let’s dislike him for this? As for Romneycare, it was the Conservative thought leadership of the time. Newt bought into it, the Heritage Foundation wrote white papers supporting it. There is no way Romney will support Obamacare upon winning the WH. Is it problematic, yes. He’s got to be ready for the Obama onslaught that will dissect this topic. But, as I mentioned earlier, all the candidates have many blunders that will not hold up under the mainstream liberal-media scrutiny.

  • lindafrances

    So Newt is helping RomneyNAND the GOP now? In Louisiana the delegates are given proportionally based on a 25% threshold. If no one get 25% the delegates can go to anyone.

    Gingrichs attack on Santorum hurts the conservative cause, and helps Romney. If newt can get Santorums numbers down and romney’s numbers up to 25% Romney gets all. If Romney wins we can thank newt for going after the conservative instead of the liberal. What do you think the chances of seeing vpnewt Gingrich? They are looking good.

    I know I am not voting for Romney no matter who is vp. I will go third party or write in a candidate as mt protest to the GOP/establishment cheating lying and pushing another liberal on us.

  • prior21us

    but it is people like you that helped lose the election for us in 08. I had to hold my nose and vote for McCain, because a vote for a 3rd party, or not voting at all was, and is, a vote for Obama. If you are unsatisfied with the candidates that the GOP is giving you, then do something about it by getting involved at the local level and helping to build a conservative base. Not by throwing a fit and taking your ball and going home. I don’t believe that Romney is our ideal candidate, but if he becomes the nominee, I will vote for him. Then I will get back in the trenches and help to build the base as best I can. You, should do the same.

  • WillWong

    Mr. Speaker,

    You are right in staying in!

    The real Santorum is starting to emerge! I am just hoping it is not too late for people to realize that!

    http://www.newsmax.com/Politics/Republican-primary-campaign/2012/03/21/id/433413

  • westcoastpatriette

    Would love to see what progress could be made if you and Governor Perry could work together under the Tenth Amendment Enforcement Act . It will take a concerted effort of the States working with a willing president to push back against an abusive federal government that has trampled on the peoples’ rights for years. Thank you for recognizing the importance of restoring state powers reserved under the Tenth Amendment.

  • lineholder

    We’ve entered an age where federal government’s one-size-fits-all solutions that are being imposed on us at present are far more likely to make matters worse in the long run than they are to actually resolve any of our problems. Getting it back down to the local level may be our last hope on many things, so I’m extremely glad to hear you reinforce your decision to stand by our Constitution on 10A positions.

    Plus, I happen to think if we had a few people like yourself, Gov. Perry, former Gov. Palin, etc., that the left obviously views as threats to their ultimate goals, pursue a 10A format, this could really keep the base energized going into November. (And we might get to play a little “operation chaos” of our own that throws the MSMs narratives for a loop, LOL) That’s just my opinion on the matter, FWIW.

  • cbartlett

    Getting power back to the states and out of Washington DC is the only way we can save this country. The liberals and MSM do NOT understand this and I sincerely hope you stay in and fight to get this message out. We appreciate your efforts!

  • LDahl752

    In many cases it won’t be easy, though. There are many states who have such huge budget problems, they already rely too heavily on the central gov’t. They have been bought, and state gov’ts have abdicated their responsibilities. It will take awhile, but power and decision making must be restored to the states. D.C. is out of touch and out of control.

  • APA Guy

    Of course, welfare reform and capital gains tax cuts were nice as well. Keep fighting and don’t quit this race! We need you now more than ever.

  • civil truth

    Especially with a specific response.

  • acat

    Kudos to the Gingrich campaign for demonstrating clear understanding of how to do outreach.

    Mew

  • vangoghssister

    It’s one thing for a candidate to drop by and post a diary, it’s another thing altogether for that candidate to return and take part in the conversation that ensues. Thank you for doing that!

    As I am sure you are aware, Obama will be making a campaign stop here in Oklahoma tomorrow evening and briefly the following day. His focus will be the area around Ripley, OK (southeast of Stillwater/Oklahoma State University) which also happens to be the area where my state will begin building her part of the Keystone Pipeline that will run down to the Texas border. I love that we are effectively poking our collective finger in his eye. It will be interesting to hear what he has to say about gas prices and the effect of drilling that won’t make people laugh at best and boo at worst. I’m sure he’ll bus in supporters from somewhere! I wish I could be there to hear it myself. I hope that you or Governor Perry will have someone present who can report on what actually is said. When you or Gov. Perry have time, would you explain to us how each state that would be involved in the building of the pipeline can go ahead as planned with or without “permission” from the federal government and how this falls under our rights as pertains to the 10th Amendment?

    Thank you again for dropping by and taking time to talk with us, it is very much appreciated!

  • benson1

    I want to Newt’s website and copied the url address and passed on the five energy whoppers to my email list and put the entire thing on my Facebook page. I like how Facebook adds a brief description about the article to spark interest and allows a thumbnail of the site it’s from. I also added it to many of my comments on other conservative websites and other websites to.

    If you have a blog, Facebook page, email list and use comments on different blogs this is a good way to get the word out. I hate twitter but for those that use it and think it’s great, get out there.

    I do this with any new video on Newt’s site and add interviews from Sunday morning shows and Hannity. You get the idea.

  • falconrap

    are the best candidate left in this race. If Romney wasn’t able to carpet bomb you in Florida, where I live, I think this race would be very different today. Please stay in this race, keep fighting, and force the delegation to make a decision that the party as a whole can agree to. Or, better yet, find a way to start winning more of the delegates.

    Keep up the fight Mr. Speaker. If you manage to somehow overcome all of this and get the nomination, I won’t have to hold my nose at the voting booth.

  • Finrod

    Republicans have never been able to pass anything of importance in the Senate because they’ve never had 60 Senators since the number to override a filibuster was changed from 67 to 60.

    So the Bush tax cuts never passed, the Reagan tax cuts never passed, welfare reform never passed, …..

    The 60 vote thing in the Senate is an excuse. If Republican leadership in the Senate had wanted to pass conservative legislation, they would have found a way. Instead they let the Democrats set the agenda and even lost control of judicial nominations through McCain’s detestable Gang of Fourteen.

    Santorum was part of that leadership, and he deserves his share of the blame. Go back to 2006, I wrote a scathing indictment of Bill Frist, Senate Majority Leader at the time (I used the username ‘bee’ then), but that really should apply to all of the GOP ‘leadership’, including Santorum.

  • lapert

    I didn’t say you needed 60 members of your caucus, you need 60 votes – it is possible to get votes from the opposition party. In fact, to do almost anything meaningful it is a necessity.

    All I’m saying is it is a lot easier to pass bills when all you need is your caucus to go along (and even easier when yo don’t have to be held accountable for them becoming law because you know they will die in the Senate) than when you need to reach across the aisle. You can’t directly compare records of one person who lead under one circumstance and one who lead under the other.

  • eburkedisciple

    but the fact is that winning isn’t everything. We are losing all our principles. Most Republicans cannot be distinguished from Democrats. All Americans are frustrated – on both sides. Perhaps we will have to suffer a little longer in order to purify our understanding and valuing of liberty. Voting for a “winner” that keep us headed to destruction (even if at a slower pace) is unsatisfying and unwise. Romney is not a suitable leader for the Republican party and is not worthy of a vote from anyone who wants to see conservative ideals upheld.

  • http://UnitedConservativesofVirginia Cargosquid

    nt

  • eburkedisciple

    Newt is another Big Government republican. Combine that with a man of little character and someone his own staff and friends consider an egotistical narcissist. Now, don’t get me wrong. He is better than Romney and may be the best choice. Just don’t flatter him with accolades of “a record of solid conservatism”. See how low we have sunken.

  • benson1

    was here at Redstate in Newt’s diary.

    This is the one I’ve passed on to everyone via email, Facebook and blogs.

    Short, sweet and to the point. That translates into effective.

  • marlahughes

    out there and very visible in supporting Newt. NOW. Their supporters need to hear from them why their votes need to go to Newt instead. Every state should have at least one campaign stop with each of the former candidates speaking on Newt’s behalf if possible.
    Put that speech up on YouTube so it can be disseminated through Newt’s supporters to other voters. Or, just have each of them put up a YouTube video supporting Newt. We can get it out there.
    We could even have a ‘Day of the Newt’ where all the former candidates and other influential conservatives put their videos up at once. Get some media attention that way, maybe.

  • falconrap

    quite well, don’t you. Sorry, but the more one looks at what Newt has actually done, mostly forgotten, since the 80′s on, the more and more one comes to the conclusion that he doesn’t match the description you have given (accept that all Presidential candidates are egotistical too some degree or another).

    You seem to forget that he got rung up on trumped up bovine feces charges because he forced a balanced budget and welfare reform. What a big government guy he is (my eyes are rolling out of their eye sockets as I type).

  • demsaresatanic

    no leftist stooge could have put it better. As you so aptly point out, “see how low we have sunken.”

  • LDahl752

    Pushing thru welfare reform, and finally getting Clinton to sign it on the third passage, doesn’t sound like expanding gov’t to me. Four consecutive balanced budgets is some no Congress has done since he left. When the Dems filed all the ethics charges, simply to get revenge for the wins in 1994, why didn’t he have more support from his fellow Rs in the House? Because he made them all work too hard to get the Contract accomplished? Because he may have stepped on some fragile toes?

    The “establishment elitists” in Congress are the real problem, both Ds and Rs, and Newt didn’t care about being anyone’s buddy. He cared about getting things done. He still cares enough about the country to stay in this race in order to keep the REAL issues in the conversations. For that I applaud him. He’s fighting old-guard Rs, the media and uninformed voters who have long forgotten how massively successful and visionary he was in Congress. Those other wishy-washy Rs in D.C. care more about their next election than they do about the USA.

    He left in Jan. 1999 even though he had been re-elected in Nov ’98, largely because the Rs in the House had abandoned him. A lot of those people are still there, and they should be ashamed.

  • aesthete

    During the overlapping periods, Newt was a leader, and Santo was a follower. Arguably, he has always been a follower — but he was much closer to a leadership role in the Bush years, and was and is a huge proponent of huge government and compassionate conservatism. If you liked the Bush administration, vote for Santo. If you think some dude who got kicked around by MA Dems is what we need, have at it. I’d rather have the author of the Contract with America. He’s not anywhere near my top choice, but he’s the only one who’s done more than talk about conservative accomplishment.

  • LDahl752

    for his hard work on getting nearly all of the Contract promises accomplished. Then he comes out and criticizes him this year. Yet, Newt still gives him credit. Go figure. Newt has also given credit to Santorum for working hard on welfare reform. Go figure. I guess loyalty doesn’t always go both ways.

  • texastaxpayer

    I don’t see Newt doing much of it now and frankly I think Rick and Newt sniping at each other is counter productive. Though I do see your point on reading through this a second time. Perhaps a little too aggressive…

  • sashamanda

    There is only one person who can rightly claim to have lowered the debt, and that makes Gingrich the most qualified person to run. Now more than ever. We’ve had two really great Republicans in the last 50 years. Gingrich is one of them, and it breaks my heart that Republicans treat their heros with such disdain. Linda, wish I were as eloquent as you!

  • sashamanda

    While the “conservative” media has not been reporting this, it seems that many of Romney’s companies got taxpayer subsidies prior to being sold. (Bain’s specialty was mostly leveraged buyouts, not new starts). Presumably, part of the millions in profits Bain realized was from the subsidies. Then, too, Romney has been less than honest about his direct investments in Fannie and Freddie, about his overturning the health department ruling that exempted the use of abortificants at religious hospitals, and about his company committing Medicare fraud. As governor, his record was very poor leaving the state with a bigger debt, higher taxes and fees, and a job record of 47 out of 50. He does have loyal contributors from Wall Street hedge funds and banks, from K Street lobbyists, and from green energy companies.

  • http://www.timothy-bladel.com/ center77

    and Women have overwhelmingly rejected him. Its laughable to call him the only person for the job.

  • Finrod

    In other news, if I won the lottery, I’d be set for life; if wishes were fishes we’d live in the ocean; and if 0=1 then anything is possible.

    Sorry, but Santorum’s one-legged conservatism won’t be enough to defeat Obama.

  • WillWong

    turning around this country! We may not elect him! But Santorum and Romney will just manage the decline! Obama will accelerate the decline. Newt will turn it around! Take your pick!