[CondiArmy]

These people who doubt Newt's hand in the '94 revolution obviously were not really paying attention in 1993 and 1994. As one who was a C-SPAN junkie in those days, I say Newt constantly making speeches, chairing discussions, working to get the conservative message out. At least once a week you could see him on Cable (before Fox) or hear him in Rush. He, and possibly Dick Army (and the Clintons), willed the Republican Revolution of 1994. And of course the Contract was the lightning rod which attracted the Conservative energy.

[Once-Ler]

These people who doubt Newt's hand in the '94 revolution obviously were not really paying attention in 1993 and 1994. As one who was a C-SPAN junkie in those days, I say Newt constantly making speeches, chairing discussions, working to get the conservative message out.

I hate to burst your pride now that you're thinking you're so smart and all, but that's just silly. Anyone who watches Cspan already has there mind made up. The Republican Revolution in 94 had more to do with congressional redistricting after Republican gains in state legislatures and Governors in 1990. Those state gains were the result of grass roots organizing, and Newt is a big picture kind of guy.

I'm not trying to slam Newt. He was the majority leader for the time. He certainly was a factor in the 94 elections as was Rush and Newt was a fantastic whip. I agree his speeches on Cspan were inspirational and convincing and he used the medium well. He was the strategic mind behind the house banking scandal and that eroded rat voter support. I commend his efforts, but I don't believe Newt was a major factor in the 94 elections. Republicans would have won with or without Newt. Newt made it a stronger victory and took charge while Dole coasted.

Newt also made some terrible strategic and personal mistakes as Speaker. As Speaker he was a polarizing figure and contributed to the re-election of Clinton. We lost seats in 96 and 98 as a result.

Then came Dubya. Yahoo!!!!!