“As an English major I can tell you the word “grandiose” does have a negative connotation.
I second that. Nowadays it is the more common usage, the default, if you will. Gingrich was practicing a little verbal jiu-jitsu there, taking Santorum’s choice of word and whacking him with it, the way a martial arts practitioner would seize the energy of an attack and use it against the attacker. Takes guts and skill, normally, but if one’s opponent is much weaker, as Santorum is, well...it merely takes a bit of restraint so you only school him rather than fatally injure the pup. “
I love your way with words - what a great mental image :)
Thank you all, it is very good to be appreciated! :)