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What We Can Learn From Newt Gingrich’s Shining Moment

You Can Own The Left The Way Newt Just Owned Juan Williams

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ka0LMt5ciRc

You know who was money at the last GOP debate; the Great Green Newt. You know why? ‘Cuz he just jumped all over Juan Williams like a cheap, polyester Disco outfit. If you haven’t watched the YouTube of this, feast your very eyes!

Now; even if you have no intention of voting for Mr. Gingrich, watch this a 3rd time and learn how to tell the politically correct haters of free enterprise to go pound sand. I think four things from this response are useful in trending the American Zeitgeist away from the Left.

1) Newt refused to accept the implicit criticism of Conservatism lodged in Juan Williams’ loaded question. This is critical. Never let a Leftist preempt the logical category before the debate even starts. That is like playing a chess game where you voluntarily agree not to play with one of your bishops. Newt told Juan from Jump Street: “No, I don’t see that.” And also ”only the elites despise earning money.”

2) Newt found an articulate and entertaining way of turning around the name-calling and buzzwords.

Juan: “You saw some of this during your visit to a black church in South Carolina where a woman asked you why you refer to President Obama as “the food stamp president.” It sounds as if you’re seeking to belittle people.”

Newt: “The fact is that more people have been put on food stamps by Barack Obama than any president in American history. Now, I know among the politically correct you are not supposed to use facts that are uncomfortable.” (HT: Jim Geraghty, NRO)

3) Newt tied the issue directly to Barack Obama’s record in office. He showed how leading liberals talk the talk but never walk the walk on improving the lives of the poor and minorities.

Newt: “There’s an area on I-73 that was called by Barack Obama as an area of shame because of unemployment. Has it improved? No. They haven’t built a road, they haven’t help the people, they haven’t done anything.” (HT:Realclearpolitics.com)

4) Finally, he redirected Juan’s entire attempt at character assassination by redirecting the thrust of his answer into positive territory. One more hosanna for The Great Green Newt.

Newt: “One last thing. So here’s my point. I believe every American of every background has been endowed by their creator with the right to pursue happiness, and if that makes liberals unhappy, I’m going to continue to find ways to help poor people learn how to get a job, learn to get a better job and learn some day to own the job.”

So let’s break it down one more time.
1) Directly and emphatically refute the typical preemption of categories the Left likes to engage in. “No, I don’t agree telling a hard truth is racist, sexist, bigoted, small-minded, etc…”
2) Turn it around and call them on their BS. “The fact is that more people have been put on food stamps by Barack Obama than any president in American history.”
3) Tie the issue directly to a liberal in office. “There’s an area on I-73 that was called by Barack Obama as an area of shame…”
4) Give a positive alternative to the demoralizing and insulting Leftist fecal fertilizer. “You can own that job the way Newt just owned Juan Williams.”

Do those four things while in ideological combat with liberals and eyes will pop while heads explode. You can crush your enemies, see them driven before you and hear the lamentations of their metrosexuals. The Great Green Newt just showed us how it was done.

COMMENTS

  • hls87

    He got a big response, but the whole exchange was over trivia and it wasn’t politically effective, even for purposes of the primary. Newt is picking a fight here that simply doesn’t matter and he’s doing it clumsily at best. We aren’t going to save ourselves from cultural and fiscal disaster by employing disadvantaged youths as janitors. We aren’t going to put the left to flight by toying with racial stereotypes about laziness.

    You have to be willing to offend people if you want to do any good in politics, but you shouldn’t go around offending people for the pure pleasure of it. That’s just dumb. It’s also vintage Gingrich. That anyone would offer this video as an example of how to make a conservaive argument is astounding. Newt Gingrich has been an embarrassment for 15 years and he hasn’t changed a bit.

    • barleycorn

      You obviously are clueless and you obviously are not a conservative.

      • jakeofalltrades

        • acat

          (Cheshire grin)

          • jakeofalltrades

            Also: I had forgotten that his name was James Bond Stockdale…

        • aesthete

          It all makes sense now…

    • dp79

      Who newt also routinely disassembled. You must be bold and arrogant to fight these clowns they’re cowards and act as such when you put your foot on it and stand. Please wake up.

      • jakeofalltrades

        Not a paulbot.

    • Repair_Man_Jack

      Do all Conservatives just agree that they are bigots and then try answering Williams’ question. Williams was mplying that criticizing BHO for the growth of EBT Card issuance was De Facto racism. Newt was correct to nuke him. If that was your point, I would tend to believe you don’t have one.

    • Martin Knight

      Did you start paying attention to politics yesterday? Do you honestly think that any Republican running for President will escape being accused of racism no matter how politically correct he tries to be?

      That said, you somehow managed to free-associate Newt’s comments about food stamps and the poor work ethic among far too many youth into playing with “racial stereotypes.”

      Perhaps you’ve got some racism of your own to deal with if any talk of food stamps and laziness automatically makes you think of non-white people …

    • lineholder

      Because that is exactly what Newt was promoting in his comments. In regards to people who are poor who are dependent on government having a weak work ethic is concerned, he’s right. Many people develop a strong work ethic through their work experiences. How can they succeed in doing so if they never work???

      What the left promotes is an attitude that encourages people to think of themselves as victims, more often than not by some element of society, and to feel sorry for themselves and to wallow in self-pity. Work is productive in the fact that it aids in development of strong positive human characteristics, such as initiative, responsibility, accountability, determination, perseverance, dependability, reliability, being able to set goals…all of which the individual is capable of succeeding in doing independent from government.

      In this context, Newt presented Conservative principles exceptionally well!!!

      • unclefred

        NT

    • funwithknives

      What is it about “example” you tellingly seem to not comprehend?
      In this cauldron we call America you cannot help offending SomeOne, ‘fer Cryin Out Loud. Tip-toe around percieved sensitivities and you might as well stay home. no- one has the right “….to not be offended.” {like Eric Holder is not offensive?}
      He was asked about Work Ethics and even Bill Cosby has echoed the EXACT same sentiments, right here in Motown. Bill gets asked back ,everywhere he goes. Embarrassment? Think ‘COS gives a rat’s donkey about that? He just does it, ’cause it is right and has truth,contained within.
      I’ll take that ,all week long, Thank You

    • http://punditpawn.wordpress.com punditpawn

      His comment about the massive-overpaid New York union janitors being able to be replaced by 30 kids who need jobs was a home run.

      Too many benefits for too few skills consolidated in a few union workers, many with weak resumes, coupled with a system that encourages and almost mandates Government trough-slopping for the less than fortunate.

    • romeg

      Your eyes and ears examined or your head examined. What you are describing bears NO resemblance to the video you are referencing.

      Newt was being and doing what Newt does best: Standing up for conservative principles and the conservative movement. Using verbal Jiu Jitsu, he completely disarmed his adversary (Juan Williams), utterly eviscerated the charge of racism implied by Mr. William (whom I like and, generally, respect) and articulated a vision for improving the lives of all Americans.

      If you don’t like Newt, just say so. To resort to outright distortions of what is clearly visible in the 4 plus minutes of video serves only to make you look like a complete fool.

  • WA_Cowboy

    yup

    • mndasher

      n/t

    • earlgrey

      thing going on?

      • Repair_Man_Jack

        Good newt: Compelling and fiery champion of Conservative ideals. Knowledgable enough to refute just about any garbage you’d here from a hollow Stephanopolis wannabe.

        Bad Newt: Wants to be seen as “intellectual.” Will fall for leftist tripe in order to be seen with the “smart set.”

        • earlgrey

          because he has said and done so many stupid things — Bain attacks, really?

          The left has a lot of unhinged flame throwers and that is how I see Newt sometimes. I am grateful to have him. I just cringe sometimes.

          If he was (IMO) more consistent (in the right way) I’d support him for Prez, but he just messes it up a lot.

  • pdawk

    He had a pretty good crowd that seemed to be rather juiced up after the debate last night. Of course, Newt being Newt repeatedly brought up how great he did at the debate last night, which is his right but comes across a bit arrogant.

    I will say that seeing Newt in person does cause you to take a liking to the guy. If he didn’t have so much personal and professional baggage I might be considered to vote for the guy, but at the end of the day it is about winning.

    I think Newt performance kept Romney from running away from the crowd in South Carolina and I expect that he will finish within 5 points of Romney despite what the polls say.

    Romney was here this morning and Perry is in later today, so the pearl of the Pee Dee is getting its fill of campaign season.

  • Wubbies World

    I just wish he was consistent with it, and even more importantly I wish other republicans had the spine to answer questions like this.

    If Romney had the ability or wherewithal to answer questions like this he would already be the nominee. Alas, he doesn’t and never will.

    • lineholder

      more often coming from Repub candidates. It definitely resonated well in SC, and I think it would resonate just as well in other states.

      Here’s to hoping that they become more consistent with it, eh?

    • bigdgranny

      “… I wish other republicans had the spine to answer questions like this.” I agree, but I also wish they had the KNOWLEDGE to answer questions like this.

      • funwithknives

        of The Reality Show We All Want? {Hope Springs Eternal}
        Now, if the other 4 would just get on board.
        It is this kind of substatinive , fact based discourse , we need and require. Focus group that!!!

  • pttx333

    Juan’s head back to him. Juan’s question was race baiting and absolutely uncalled for, and I applaud Newt for taking him down. It is long overdue that Juan should be called out, if for no other reason than being a moron who seems to always get a pass on things he says.

    • conservativemusician

      And I thought Newt really ran away with it last night. He had always been my second choice after Perry, but he is hinting now that he may drop out if Romney’s margin of victory in SC is a lot, which would be a shame because he is a better candidate than Santorum if Perry drops out.

      Excellent debate overall last night and Newt and Perry were both very strong in their responses. Hope that both of them will stay in at least through FL.

      • pttx333

        magnificent and got some great applause. He’s really nailing it, and I’m so proud of him.

        Hadn’t heard that Newt may drop out. I would imagine that he just doesn’t have the capital to carry on. But, you know, Newt is what my Mom used to refer to as a “Peck’s bad boy” – don’t know where she got that term. Newt is just that, though – he will be good/great/lovable one day and really bad/mean the next. Unreliable fits Newt to a tee – you never know where he’s going to land and what mood he is going to display. He is the master at a take-down, though, just like what he did to Juan. I would not want to be on the receiving end of his tongue!

        • conservativemusician

          Loved his answers on the military and his staunch defense of our troops. His personal experience serving in the military gives him a lot of credibility on this issue. Also the line about SC being at war with the federal gov’t scored a lot of points in SC and even had Nikki Haley applauding and Rush said today that Perry probably had his finest debate last night, so that is a great endorsement.

          I really hope it is not too late for the voters in SC and FL to give Perry a second look. I fear, though, that many are starting to buy the media spin that Romney cannot be stopped. The Perry hating on the other blogs is pretty intense today. Also, the pressure will also be coming to bear very soon on all the non-Romney candidates to either consolidate around one Romney alternative candidate or drop out and endorse Romney. I still think it is too early for this to happen, but apparently we in the Perry camp are in the vast minority on this view. I will be hanging in there to the end with Perry, whatever happens. He is a good man and I wish him and his family the best.

          BTW,here is the link about Newt’s possible exit from the race after SC:

          http://www.nationaljournal.com/2012-presidential-campaign/gingrich-says-he-may-stay-in-race-even-if-romney-takes-s-c–20120117

          (h/t NationalJournal)

          • jfree

            but Gov. Perry inched up this morning in the RCP national average.

            http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2012/president/us/republican_presidential_nomination-1452.html

          • pttx333

            Perry. I don’t mind at all being in the minority (so they say) – I’ve been in the minority (so the polls said) supporting Perry in our Governor’s races, and, surprise-surprise, he has never lost. Don’t ever count him out! I’m behind him all the way – only he can say he is done, but he is no quitter. If he doesn’t quit, then neither will I.

            Thanks again, jfree.

  • http://www.planettron.com NickDeringer

    The real winner last night: Juan Williams. He went in to take on Gingrich and his remarks about food stamps and in spite of Gingrich’s crowd pleasing response Williams succeeded. Newt’s response is not playing well with the African-American community. This will hurt him and the GOP in general.

    Charles Blow makes it official this morning: Newt Gingrich and the Art of Racial Politics

    It’s great to shoot from the hip, but watch out for collateral damage.

    • conservativemusician

      Williams got his butt handed to him by Newt. Newt was espousing conservative principles about hard work that everyone should applaud, regardless of race.

      Also, Newt’s answer about Obama being the food stamp president was right on the mark. Obama has abandoned the black community, so it about time that someone called him on it.

      • jakeofalltrades

        Which is also good news for Newt, who would probably enjoy going back for a third helping.

        Hat tip: Common_Cents

        • http://www.planettron.com NickDeringer

          Because that’s all you’ll get out of it.

          It all helps Romney. The longer Newt, Santorum and Ron Paul stay in the race, the longer they split the anti-romney vote.

          • jakeofalltrades

            Since Perry lost your support.

          • texasref

            And in other news, Nick supports “None of the Above” for president.

            Good luck with that.

      • http://www.planettron.com NickDeringer

        Politics has become an arena sport. What Newt said is great for a Fox News Contributore but now for a presidential candidate. Jaun WIllimans will get an increases in fans, Newt will get an ego boost, and Romeny will get the nomination.

        It all helps Romney. The longer Newt, Santorum and Ron Paul stay in the race, the longer they split the anti-romney vote.

        • funwithknives

          examples. Look for absolute numbers in agreement, and look to who is more motivated this election.
          Empty wallets,fed up , no-job Americans, and lied-to voters, or African-American/Move-on/ CAP Obama supporters. Which is the greater number, Nick?

          Shoore ain’t Curtain NumberTtwo.

        • texasref

          FTW

    • Common_Cents

      Are you surprised the guy sees racism everywhere he looks?

      He went to a tea party just to look for racism and didn’t find any so he complained about the organizers having “token minorities” make presentations.

      You cannot win w/ idiots like this. The guy is a brainwashed hack.

      Yet 98% of blacks supported obama and there was NO racism whatsoever!! Obama won 98% on merit! haha

      • jakeofalltrades

        Either of which is pretty damning to those who voted for him.

      • texasref

        well spoken as usual

        • Common_Cents

          cleaning toilets in a church for her first job. Gingrich would say the same message to any group.

          Morons like Blow crying racism wolf only weakens and cheapens true racism. They devalue the real thing with all this political motivated crap.
          The charge of racism should be equally as serious as the offense.

          • lineholder

            that have been made today by MSNBC host Alex Wagner?

            Quote:

            “Booing a black journalist on an issue affecting not just black Americans, but white Americans, poor people on MLK day is a really telling moment, I think in this Republican race. The thing that they are trying to establish is this narrative of ‘the takers versus the makers.’ The Republican Party has been doing this over and over again and it’s a bid to re-envision the American social compact. Basically, if you can’t make it in this society, too bad, we are cutting you loose,” Wagner said on Al Sharpton’s MSNBC show.”

    • Tbone

      They ain’t votin’ for no Republican.

      OTH, Americans, who may or may not be black, who understand the value of hard work, a good education and appreciate an equal opportunity to be successful do vote Republican.

    • tngal

      Cain doesn’t like to be referred to as African American, and he would have smiled and told him where to get off. he was real big on pulling up your bootstraps. White, black, camo, he didn’t care. You want it, you earn it. But as Cain’s out, all bigotry can come to the fore.

    • texasref

      The African-American community is worthy of respect and a hand UP not a hand OUT.

      You may not be a liberal, Nick, but your comment was sure spoken like one.

      Go Newt Go!

    • texasref

      Newt hit a home run and SC is going to reward him with at least a strong 2nd place finish that he can earn enough delegates and momentum to run strong all the way through Super Tuesday.

  • tngal

    I’m vacillating between Newt and Romney. Newt would chew obama up and spit him out. Plus he can be hard line and we need that against some of the libs in congress. I really could care less how many time the guy’s been married. I’m my husband’s fourth wife, and we’ve been together 28 years, so that’s piffle.

    On the other hand, Romney is much more to the right of everyone else when it comes to illegal immigration. At least he’s putting on the airs that he’s against amnesty. And since that’s my number one issue it holds some sway, But he’s such a flopper its hard to believe he’ll act the way he promises. Then of course there’s romneycare. Uggg. The Bain business didn’t bother me as it did some on here.

    I’m seeing little difference in entitlements, growth, spending, military, etc. They all promise to curb this or reduce that.

    I want to love Newt as much as I did Cain. I want to proudly wear his t-shirts and send money and plop down a sign in my front yard. Volunteer and phone for him. But I’m just not feelin it. Not with any of them.

    • texasref

      but if we are to defeat Romney, we must take a plunge with the imperfect Newtster. If I can do it, so can you. I mean, even Ron Paul would be better than Mittens!

  • forgiven

    I cannot see trusting him with our country when he could not be trusted to be true to two wives and families. I cannot see the adulterer and adultress in the White House.

    • WillWong

      the Apostle who wrote more than half the books in the New Testament.

      Newt is not quite at that level….but I like the idea of redemption where a guy who has been forgiven much will love much. A redeemed adulterer with God given gifts might just be the person for a time like this……Sometimes in life, a person who has been given a second chance at rewriting his legacy may go at it with much more vigor and a passionate man with great vision and skills is required to right this sinking ship!

      • westcoastpatriette

        and last night was the first time I decided that Newt is my second choice and I would rather vote for him than Romney, Paul or Santorum.

        There are so many factors to consider but when all is said and done, I still believe that Perry is a stronger more trustworthy man than Newt. I think Perry would be the peoples’ president. he has purer motives, is humble enough to admit when he has gotten off track and has been growing into a solid conservative with the record to prove it for many years. So, when I look at the whole picture, my guts tell me Perry is a man that can be trusted whereas Newt has not convinced me of that yet.

        • westcoastpatriette

          Accidentally hit post comment while I was editing above, I wanted to emphasize one more asset that I see in Perry that I find endearing and why he remains my first choice. I think he, more than any other candidate, has a truer handle on federalism, the Constitution and just how horribly it has been shredded by both parties. No matter what people say to me about Newt’s conservatism, he has too many huge waffles — waffles that I tie into his need to show off his brilliance to everybody — for me to trust him. I guess part of what I am saying is it is time for new blood in Washington and Newt represents old blood.

          • snowshooze

            Is he keeps driving home the point of back funding to the States.
            That is one extra brokered transaction which should be absent.
            Don’t allow the Federal Government to take the money in the first place.
            Any time they touch a penney, you lose a quarter.
            Cut them out of welfare, cut them out of unemployment, SS…
            The States joined to form the Federal Government for mutual reasons of defense.
            They weren’t looking for a Manager.

          • westcoastpatriette

            And I wish Perry were stronger in that regard. But he is definitely headed in that direction.

          • WillWong

            Perry reminds me of the older brother who did no wrong…..and Newt reminds me of the prodigal son who had so much baggage but when he turned around……his life affected many!

            I have a feeling that Newt’s final chapter might be more glorious than his earlier ones! Just something to think about as SC goes into her Primary this saturday!

          • westcoastpatriette

            Perry doesn’t strike me as the angry, self-righteous older brother. He’s more like a young David growing slowly into finally becoming Israel’s leader.

          • WillWong

            Just that in trying to cast Newt as the prodigal son, which he clearly is suited for, baggage wise, someone has to be casted as the eldest son. Maybe Mitt Romney? That makes more sense…..The eldest son has a sense of entitlement….like he is the next in line, sort of the establishment candidate!

          • forgiven

            westcoastpatriette (Diary) I agree.

          • WillWong

            How old was Reagan when he was elected to the POTUS? Moses when he led the Israelis out of Egypt? How old was Churchill when he was called to lead England through WW2?

            Old blood equals experience……moses spent 40 years in the wilderness being prepared for his life’s calling…..

            Newt spent 12 years in the political wildermess being prepared for his greatest challenge….to lead this great nation through her greatest challenge?

          • westcoastpatriette

            I was just going to go bed and when I saw New Blood it reminded me of my comment this morning (yes, it was still morning here). Geez…actually, I was thinking about Moses, too, trying to turn all of these guys into biblical characters. LOL The best of ‘em had huge failures and long times in the wilderness developing their character.

          • WillWong

            I only get so much time and opportunity during the day to post….at night, I can go back and review the postings and see which ones are interesting and merit a response. Old Blood versus New Blood sounds interesting! Surely Obama represented New Blood and McCain Old Blood in 2008 and see where that line of thinking got us!

    • DefendUSA

      Barack Obama’s paramore is on some tropical island with a love child and you want to chastise Newt for past mistakes? Please. Romney and his “Dream Act” support will make me sell my soul elsewhere.

  • formotioncreative

    In the late 90s, my church in northwest Washington chose to teach the high school youth led by a youth pastor, of Puerto Rican and Black American descent from a tough background in Brooklyn, to work as janitors at church for a small wage. My daughter was one of them. She’s now an accountant who makes time outside of work to contribute to her community as do all of the youth she worked with in church. The kids were allowed to turn up the church sounds system playing loud Christian rock while they worked under supervision and got the job done. They built life-long bonds in the process.
    Communities in Northwest Washington have many high school students of all economic backgrounds working in raspberry fields for their summer jobs. They work side-by-side with migrant workers and like doing it. Liberals think it’s a sin for kids to get out of their living rooms and their big government schools to take low-brow jobs. Conservatives prove the opposite; it builds good character.
    It was ironic to see this question proposed by a man who could be related to our youth pastor. In Juan’s defense, I believe I’ve seen him offended by Fox contributors when they say “it’s going to be Romney” as so many of us have been (past tense intentional). The job-training-for-youth subject should get more attention. I look forward to seeing many inspiring stories about young people working and being glad for the opportunity.

    • DefendUSA

      Not to divide the country with issues of race, and rather get all of those who can work out there doing it…Try not to mention colors or ethnicity because the point is that an ethic to work is learned.
      We are all more capapble than we are ever given credit for and as long
      as what is broken remains so, colors and ethnicity will never matter.

      • formotioncreative

        This means I’m not a red head anymore, just a head. Perfect.

  • indieinvirginnie

    Maybe.

    Juan is certainly smarter than that question would indicate. Maybe he wanted Newt to do with it exactly what Newt did. It is common knowledge that conservatives drool with the anticipation of seeing Newt on the debate stage with The One. Which is sort of like wanting to see a particular team go to the Super Bowl because you think their uniforms create a pleasing contrast with the decor of the arena.

    I drool a little, too. But then again, I don’t mind admitting that, being a Southern redneck, I am a sucker for lowbrow entertainment.

    • Common_Cents

      It’s hard for people to shake the victim mentality when they’ve been brainwashed their entire lives that they are victims and are owed something.

      • indieinvirginnie

        Juan is a true liberal, and everyone in that club is undoubtedly supplied with a family-sized pack of victim- cards, which can be used at any of a variety of convenient locations. I can’t shake the feeling that that was a little rote and party-line for Juan, though.

        Can we create a new job-description for Newt? Official debate prep guy. Or official snark-meister. Hell, the House Dems created a theretofore-non-existent position for the Hon. Clyburn. Why not us?

  • mspector

    [quote]He got a big response, but the whole exchange was over trivia and it wasn?t politically effective, even for purposes of the primary.[/quote]

    The fact is that sometimes small points raise the biggest issues. Williams wanted Gingrich to wallow in trivia; Gingrich raised the bar with his last statement: get them on the job and let them learn to own the job. It isn’t about food stamp statistics, it’s about work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit, two qualities that are at the very core of conservatism. We have to break away from the dependency mentality, and Gingrich called for that in no uncertain terms. I haven’t been a fan, but kudos to him on this one.

  • aj_0000

    Wake up and vote for Newt. It?s our only hope to stop Romney. If you like Santorum or Perry, that?s great. But neither of them is in a position to pull it off. A vote for anyone but Newt is a vote for Romney. Please, you have the power to save us all from the disaster of a Romney nomination. I?m begging you.

    • texasref

      Second the motion

  • Tbone

    probably the conservative part.

    • jakeofalltrades

    • pttx333

      idea that Juan has ANY conservative part. Thanks for letting me know. /s/

      You are SOOOOOOO funny! ;-)

  • http://www.nighttwister.com NightTwister