Obama vs. Gingrich — Winning the Future

Pajamas Media ^ | February 6, 2011 | Myra Adams

[Kaslin]

Winning The Future is the title of a 2005 book by former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich. In the book, he outlined his solutions for the problems plaguing our nation – excessive government spending, declining math/science education, terrorism, fading patriotism, and godlessness.

Now fast forward to 2011: “Winning the future” was used by President Obama in his State of the Union speech no less than 10 times. It is his new theme to showcase his platform of infrastructure, education, and innovation as he gears up for re-election.

Could opposing versions of “winning the future” also be a preview of the 2012 presidential race?

Let’s face it: Right now the Republican Party is split between the conservative/establishment wing and the even more conservative/tea party wing. This great schism was on display with dueling State of the Union responses between Paul Ryan (R-WI), the official establishment choice, and Michele Bachmann (R-MN), the tea party choice. The battle lines between these two factions will become even more entrenched as we move closer to 2012.

As I look over the twelve-pack of undeclared presidential hopefuls, there is one candidate who may “win the future” by being the GOP’s best “hope” for “change” in 2012.

His name is Newt Gingrich, and here are five reasons why he could win the nomination.

Gingrich would be acceptable to both wings of the Republican Party.

In order to win the 2012 nomination, the victorious candidate must unite an increasingly divided party. Newt has the potential to emerge as this candidate. He then could help avert an intra-party “uncivil” war that could erupt if a candidate perceived as too “moderate” were to win the nomination. Knowing this, Newt may actively position himself as the uniter candidate.

Gingrich can raise the millions needed to win the nomination.

Newt’s think tank, American Solutions, raised $24 million for the midterm elections, “to mobilize supporters around issues such as repealing health care reform and job creation.”

It has been reported that Gingrich was able to raise $21.5 million for Republicans, with much of that going to candidates and organizations in New Hampshire and Iowa.

Newt’s successful 2010 fundraising is proof that he has an extensive national network of supporters from which to draw when he announces his presidential intentions this spring.

Gingrich is an inspiring leader who knows the issues and offers solutions.

Former speaker of the House, commanding general of the Reagan Revolution, and credited with ending 40 years of Democratic Party rule in the House, Newt Gingrich is a man who knows how to build consensus and lead.

When I asked James Farwell, a longtime Gingrich friend and advisor, to comment about Gingrich’s leadership, he said, “Newt has the rare ability to build coalitions. It’s a talent that has gone largely unsung, but it was on full display when he was speaker, and is vitally important for any president. If he runs, he would dominate the agenda of debate. That is a powerful advantage and provides him with a decisive edge. He has a kinetic quality to connect with crowds, rooted in his ability to present tightly reasoned arguments with good humor and huge intellect. That is a gift and Newt’s got it.”

On the campaign trail, that gift could keep on giving and help Gingrich clinch the nomination.

Gingrich commands the media.

Newt has spawned a vast multi-platform media and organizational empire.

In addition to being a Fox News contributor, Gingrich appears regularly on the Sunday morning news shows and talk radio. But most importantly, he knows how to leverage his brand through being a prolific author, producing numerous films through Gingrich Productions, and mastering social media. Since he resigned as speaker of the House in 1998 (yes I will get to that), Newt’s love of policy and problem solving has spawned various non-profit organizations and political action groups. Besides the aforementioned American Solutions, there is Renewing American Leadership, the Center for Health Transformation, and The Americano, his newest organization with a bilingual web site targeted at conservative Hispanic-Americans.

If you are a Republican primary voter, you are already aware of Newt as a force and his many organizations that motivate, inform, and address your concerns about the future of this nation.

Newt is a great debater.

The first debate for the 2012 nomination takes place on May 2, 2011, at the Ronald Reagan Library.

On stage could be a flock of presidential hopefuls all trying to break through the ice.

Many believe Newt will not only break through, but that he will melt the ice and emerge the winner.

His extensive knowledge of all issues foreign and domestic will wow the audience and build an emotional connection with viewers. For Newt, who just produced a documentary titled Ronald Reagan: Rendezvous with Destiny, there is no better place for him to display his leadership and debating skills than on the hallowed ground that honors his hero.

What about Newt’s personal baggage?

The sentiments I hear most often from Republicans about Newt Gingrich’s chance of winning the 2012 nomination always include a “but.” “I like Newt. He is brilliant, but…”

“He would give Obama a real challenge, but…” “I like him, but … my wife doesn’t.”

“He would be great for the nation, but he has too much personal baggage.”

Gingrich is now happily married to his third wife and has converted to Catholicism.

When he announces for president he must address those personal issues and the cloud that surrounds his resignation as speaker of the House in 1998. Gingrich needs to express honest and full contrition, ask for forgiveness, and move on down the road. Americans are a forgiving people and respond well when leaders or celebrities are truthful and sincere.

“Winning the future,” whether it’s Obama’s new theme or Newt’s 2005 book title, is serious business right now because America is on a path to losing the future. Newt Gingrich, with his potential for party unity, grasp of the issues, command of the media, and superb speaking skills, may be the GOP’s best chance of winning the future and the White House in 2012.

[pepsionice]

The problem here is that he’s in the same position as McCain...where only sixty percent of the Republicans out there really would show up and vote for the guy. The others aren’t exactly thrilled.

[hosepipe]

I’d vote for Richard Simmons wearing a hot pink turkey suit instead of Obama..

[nathanbedford]

Posted on another thread today:

Gingrich is to be credited for being right on energy over all and to be early in his opposition to Obama's energy policies. He is to be faulted for pandering to Iowa farmers in advance of the caucus. Gingrich is not perfect, and he sometimes supports rinos in congressional districts in New York, for example.

But Gingrich is a conservative, more conservative than anybody out there right now except perhaps Bockman and Palin. He is the most effective debater and speaker. He has more intellectual candlepower than all the rest of the Republican field combined. He is the closest thing in politics today to men possessed of varied and deep talents like Teddy Roosevelt and Winston Churchill.

Let us assume that we take the White House in 2012 and begin changing policy in 2013, what new policies do you want to put in place? First, you must get the government out of the way so that the economy can reignite, Ronald Reagan style. Second, you must, dare I say it, "transform" the government so that it actually works. Gingrich has said that it cannot be reformed, it must be radically revised, and I think he is right. It must be massively privatized, a Gingrich idea or at least an idea that he is advancing. We need someone with his drive and powers of persuasion in the bully pulpit to force such reforms to completion. He demonstrated as speaker in shutting down the government that he would take reform to the hilt. Do you expect Romney, Pawlenty, Daniels, or Huckabee to do that? I do not.

I expect Bachmann or Palin would take reform all the way, either would be my first choice, but neither can be elected.

Gingrich is sound on foreign policy and would put the country back on a rational track. We confront threats from radical Islam, operating for now in tandem with the radical left, and the ambitions of an emergent and aggressive China. Our trade policy must be rationalized along with a tax policy, energy policy, environmental policy which are undercutting American business and exiling it to foreign jurisdictions. Gingrich possesses the breadth and depth of comprehension to work a comprehensive reform. Only Romney on his record rivals Gingrich in this respect but he is disqualified on abortion and health care.

Gingrich is not without his demerits, a zipper problem being principally among them, but on balance and compared to the rest of the herd he possesses the experience, the talents, and the conservative bona fides to deserve more respect certainly than he gets on these threads.

Now that I have quite consciously ignited a firestorm, I ask in closing, if not Newt, who?

[USSR Didnt Fall]

Gingrich not perfect?
Watch this its stunning.

http://vimeo.com/6445068

[magritte]

This is Newt’s time to run ... I’m a supporter as well ... guess that makes around 3 of us on FR ... magritte

[MrEdd]

I will vote for a committed conservative.
There will be at least one running just as there was in 2008.

if the Republicans don’t run one they are not in competition for my vote.
If members of the party don’t support only committed conservatives in the primaries, then they are choosing to try to win without commited conservatives.

If that causes them to lose, they will probably whine about it like they did in 2008.

[bwc2221]

Anyone who thinks Newt is the answer doesn’t know the question.

[Captain Kirk]

Do you also support his stands in favor of TARP, the Prescription Drugs boondogle, and No Child Left Behind?

[Kaslin]

I have no plan to vote for Newt, but he would definitely be better then that arrogant pos who is currently residing at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave

[reaganator]

Total destruction and elimination of our nation is at risk.

The destruction of the United States of America will also be the destruction of mankind’s last best hope for individual Freedom and Liberty.

Is having the perfect conservative candidate more important than this?

Is anything more important than this?

Withholding your vote because the Republican Nominee is not all you want him or her to be will be a vote to put the world on the path to total tyrannical domination.

A third party vote will be a vote for the same result.

The leftists, anti-capitalist, be government socialists must lose power, or we all will be lost.

[Pining_4_TX]

Newt is a complete fraud. How can you trust anything he says when he changes every 5 minutes depending on his audience? He is the John Kerry of the Republicans, and I will not vote for someone who will say anything just to get elected.

[SoConPubbie]

Withholding your vote because the Republican Nominee is not all you want him or her to be will be a vote to put the world on the path to total tyrannical domination.

Problem is, at least in the last election, the GOP put up a candidate that would only get us to the point where Obama has us a little bit slower.

Sorry, but no more "Our guy is less bad than their guy" politics for me.

Either the GOP puts up a true conservative this next POTUS election, or I'm voting my conscience and finding a candidate who actually represents my values and principles.

McCain did neither.

[subterfuge]

This is one of the early articles where the media begin picking the Republican candidate for president. Naturally, they want an easily defeated, recycled hack like Newt or Huckabee.

I’ve got two words for Newt: ‘Global Warming’

[bwc2221]

I would vote for Newt (or a collie) over Obama too. But, there is no way I would vote for him in the primary. Newt can best be summed up in a single word; OPPORTUNIST.

[GOPyouth]

I distinctly remember Newt throwing a hissy to the press after his ride on Air Force One, saying Clinton ignored him. It didn't take long for the White House to release photos of Clinton and Newt having a meeting on the jet.

I must ask of those who support him, if he can't keep a vow and promise to his wife, why should I believe that he'll keep his promise to the people he doesn't even know?

[surfer]

Gingrich is just another progressive poser...

[MrEdd]

Ah yes. whining that an across the board conservative - something that was on the ballot in my state and thus got my vote is "Demanding a perfect candidate"

Pre-whining before the primaries begin in defense of an open borders shill.

your LaRaza dream is just as much destruction of America as the one you paint in your little whine.

The ballot box is plan B. I intend to live in the America I grew up in restored. It may not happen politically. You can bet no whiny little amnesty apologists are going to make me compromise on American sovereignty.

Nor feel any twinge for not supporting their pocket RINO.

Snivel and simper all you want in support of your little Pelosi shill, Fakingator. I'm not buying.

And Get used to whining - this candidate isn't going even as far as Romneycare.

[BillyBoy]

I think the truth about Newt is the opposite of the talking points in this puff piece. The facts:

Gingrich would be unacceptable to both wings of the Republican Party.

The moderates think he's a "scary" fire-breathing intolerant hothead, the conservatives think he's a sellout because he continually pushed for DIABLOs like Dede Scozzafava and did a global warming ad with Nancy Pelosi. This guy's "disapproval" ratings are probably higher than Obama's.

Gingrich wastes the millions needed to win the nomination.

Newt Gingrich has turned off GOP donors in droves. He is rude and abrasive in public (I can state this from personal experience after meeting him in Ames, Iowa during the 2007 straw poll), he constantly flirts with the idea of running for office again and begs for money, only to use it to promote more book sales and speaking engagements for himself. The base has gotten sick of it.

Gingrich is an uninspiring former leader who knows the issues and uses them for self promotion

The last time he held any kind of office is 13 years ago. Since then, the GOP has shed the Gingrinch years as a bad memory of what NOT to do when in the majority, and has successfully taken back the House in the post-Gingrinch era, relying on new movements like the tea party. Nobody is begging for a return to the 1995-1998 era GOP.

Gingrich is ridiculed and was destroyed by the media.

During the Clinton era, Slick Willie managed a comeback mainly because the media made Gingrich the face of the GOP, and successfully portrayed Clinton as a victim of Newt's evil schemes. He has proven to be no Reagan that can transend the media image and get the voters to rally to his side and love him.

Newt has been a one-trick pony and limited his appeal.

Unlike other former Congressional leaders that have gone on to be ambassadors, cabinet members, Senators, or even powerful political leaders in the private sector, Newt never did anything beyond a career in the House of Representatives. He's still living it up and making big books writing books about the '94 revolution. How many former House Speakers retired from office and then went on to win the Presidency? It's probably been over a century.

Newt is a poor communicator

His vast array of historical knowledge and quick-witted responses as a pundit is great, but Newt has proven to be a terrible voice for the GOP brand. Sonny Bono warned Newt that he was jeopardizing the GOP's success in the House by making it all about him. Newt didn't listen.

Don't forget Newt’s personal baggage

"He's happily married to his THIRD wife". That about says it all, doesn't it? There are probably many American men who have been through a bad marriage and perhaps even a divorce, but few can identify with such a "colorful" history as Newt's "private life". Newt vows he loves Callista with all his heart. Of course, he said the same about the first two wives (and was married for 20 years), until he cheated on them with the next wife. Who's to say Newt will stay married to Callista in the future? And that's nice he converted to his wife's faith and is now a "devout Catholic". One wonders how he feels about the church's teachings about divorce.

[marsh2]

Gingrich co-sponsored regulating 15 more contaminants under Clean Water Act
Source: Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments (H.R.3392) 93-H3392 on Oct 27, 1993

The environmentalist views of Gingrich: http://www.googlesyndicatedsearch.com/u/nationalcenter?q=%22eye+on+newt%22&sa=Google+Search

Sample:
It seems that Secretary of Interior Bruce Babbitt and House Speaker Newt Gingrich have something in common — they have both been engaged in War on the West. In recent Congresses, Newt Gingrich has consistently voted for legislation that would have made life even more difficult for already struggling Western families. Here’s just a sample:

He co-sponsored H.R. 341 during the last Congress, a bill offered by Gerry Studds (D-MA) that would not only have re-authorized the Endangered Species Act but strengthen it in ways that increase the potential for abuse.

He co-sponsored H.R. 987, a bill that established additional Wilderness Areas in the Tongass National Forest, making sustainable forestry uneconomic in this high unemployment area.

He voted for the Montana Wilderness Act (H.R. 2473), setting aside 1.6 million acres in Montana for Wilderness Areas.

On immigration

We need a guest worker program to ensure that guest workers pay taxes, get driver’s licenses, buy auto insurance, abide by the law, and that filters out criminals and potential terrorists. The program should not be an automatic qualification for citizenship, though eventual citizenship should be held out as an opportunity.

Source: Gingrich Communications website, www.newt.org Dec 1, 2006