Gingrich's Confession

The Baltimore Sun ^ | March 16, 2007 | Clarence Page

[edpc]

The former House speaker recently revealed on national television that he had an affair with a young staffer, who is now his wife, while seeking President Bill Clinton's impeachment in connection with, of all things, Mr. Clinton's affair with a young intern.

Presidential candidates do not normally toss their bonnet into the political ring by publicly announcing that they have had an extramarital affair, but these are not normal times. Republicans have been expressing surprisingly deep disappointment with the choices they have been offered.

And, yes, Democrats are nervous about whether their two front-runners can go the distance.

It's significant in that sense that Mr. Gingrich's confession just happened to follow Sen. Barack Obama's riveting account of his parents' connection to the civil rights movement.

[edpc]

Democrats are nervous about whether their two front-runners can go the distance.

Fewer are buying into Hillary's BS and more are seeing through Obama.

[vaudine]

Did Newt confess who he is having an affair with now? I think the real reason he admired Bill Clinton so much (by his own words) when Clinton was Pres. was Bill's sexual prowess.

I do not want Newt anywhere near the Oval office except as an advisor. He has good ideals, bad morals. The wife he brought to Wash. and ran around on was the wife he had an affair with while his first wife was ill and hospitalized in Georgia.

vaudine

[nmh]

So, the Newster is throwing in his hat?

Or at least paving the way in case he does?

[Jazzman1]

Go Newt Go!!!

[nmh]

What was REALLY low of Newt was he left his wife when she was dying of cancer for the intern.

[seanmerc]

Let he (or she) who is without sin cast the first stone.

[edpc]

I was less interested in what he had to say about Newt and more interested in the criticism of Clinton and Obama.

[Mogollon]

Clintoon committed serial felonies of subourning perjury, perjury, etc., during the Lewinsky & Paula Jones affairs. He deserved impeachment.

Newt was wrong. However, he is right on all the important issues: Abortion, 2nd Amendment, gay marriage, illegal immigration, taxes, the war on terror, etc.. Candidates with a squeaky clean personal life are going to be hard to find when over 50% of marriages end in divorce.

[nmh]

Newt has possibilities.

Considering the trash we have running, McPain and Rudy whom I would NEVER under ANY circumstances vote for ... I do like Newt but didn't like that maneuver.

[uvular]

I wonder if one of the reasons Newt brought up this basically old story again has to do with the new book by Tom Delay, that Rush mentioned the other day? Delay also mentions the affair in his book, and berates Newt's leadership abilities.

[nmh]

"Let he (or she) who is without sin cast the first stone."

Stop it already!

STOP misusing THAT verse and pretend that YOU don't make judgment calls. ALL of us are to DO that - make judgment calls. Newt sinned. He's asked for forgiveness - he already has mine and seems to be sinning "no more".

[Malesherbes]

Line 3 of Clarence Page's little essay: "in connection with." Here he changes the subject to SEX. Clinton was impeached for lying under oath, but liberal hacks like Page insist that it was nothing more than a little sexual pastime.

[Issaquahking]

Duncan Hunter is still on his first one after 33+ years of marriage! Might be an idea to look at another candidate besides Newt. Somone who would have Newt in a cabinet position.

Newt doesn't get the border issue like Hunter does!

[AnnGora]

I guess the "character counts" conversations of ten years ago no longer matter.

I don't understand the Newt defenders. It's not like he committed one little discretion. He is a serial womanzier like Bubba. If that tells you what kind of man Clinton is, shouldn't it also apply to Gingrich?

Remember, Clinton and the little missus went on 60 Minutes to talk about the "issues" in their marriage, but then assured the American public that they had overcome their past troubles. Newt is pulling the same game. Only his 60 Minutes is James Dobson.

He's a weasel. We don't need him in the White House.

[highball]

Let he (or she) who is without sin cast the first stone.

If we worried about that, we couldn't ever talk about Democrats....

[seanmerc]

Get a grip. I'm not misusing that verse. The point is that it's hypocritical for us to condemn someone for things we are all guilty of.

"You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not commit adultery.' But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart." Matthew 5:27-28

Newt HAS expressed remorse and asked for forgiveness. He doesn't need my forgiveness [he hasn't wronged me]--he needs the Lord's forgiveness. If he has repented of his sin and accepted Jesus as his Savior, then he has the Lord's forgiveness.

I cited the original verse ('let he who is without sin...')to point out the hypocrisy of those jumping on the Newt-bashing bandwagon. Thus, you misunderstood me and misrepresented my intent. You were wrong.

[USMMA_83]

Please see the post right above yours. The man is low...very low. A scumbag. My mother has terminal cancer, my dad won't leave her side for one minute. This man, Newt, started sleeping with another woman while his wife - who helped make his political career - lay in bed with cancer.

[USMMA_83]

What happened on e-harmony? That's more interesting than ol'scumbag Newt!

[AnnGora]

Watching paint dry is more interesting than ol' scumbag Newt...

[seanmerc]

I am very sorry to hear of your mom's illness. My mom died of cancer so I understand some of what you're going through. I pray that the Lord will provide you comfort and strength throughout this ordeal.

I do not, have not, and will not condone adultery under any circumstances. Having said that, I believe that Mr. Gingrich recognizes that what he did was wrong and has asked for forgiveness. Since the Lord has forgiven me much, I must forgive others much. Take a look at the story of the woman who anointed Jesus' feet and the parable of the two debtors in Luke 7:36-50.

I'd highlight Luke 7:47: "Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little." For those condemning Newt, I'd ask you to be honest with yourself: have you been forgiven much, or have you been forgiven little? If (like me) you have been forgiven much, you should love (and forgive) much. Thanks for listening!

[USMMA_83]

I understand all of that. Who am I to forgive him? I'm a nobody. That being said! Let me add that it's all too convenient for him to ask for forgiveness now that the elections are being fought (or about to). Asking for forgiveness from his wife and kids would be appropriate...when did he do that? Now? Or immediately after shacking up with his current squeeze? Even people on death-row, who profess to be are born again are executed. It has nothing to do with forgiveness my friend. It has to do with character. His is flawed. Will continue to be flawed.

[newcthem]

If Newt is not going to run, this "confession" may have been a great piece of strategy. Hillery has forbidden the Dims from bringing up the Pervert's impeachment, but Newt gets it right back in front of the public by admitting he had an affair, the same time as Bubba...........Sure gets Bubba's ( and Hillery's) role in the impeachment back out to center stage. I f Newt is not a candidate, it won't impact on his reputation greatly, but it can cause damage to Hillery's. Not Bad!

[USMMA_83]

Yes...yes...but what happened with e-harmony?? I'm on the edge of my seat!

[streetpreacher]

No he didn't. He left his wife who had cancer (I don't believe she was dying or died) for his second wife. He left his second wife for the intern.

[showme_the_Glory]

Duncan Hunter, still trailing in some polls.

Duncan Hunter, still no divorce.

Duncan Hunter, still no cross dressing.

Duncan Hunter, still against abortion.

Duncan Hunter, still no affairs with staffers.

Duncan Hunter, still for stopping the bleeding (illegal immigration) on the borders with good fences.

Duncan Hunter, still for traditional marriage (1 male, 1 female).

Dunacn Hunter, still a war vet.

Duncan Hunter, still against FREE trade.

Duncan Hunter, still for the RKBA.

[PDR]

you've got your stories all mixed up. it never happened.

[seanmerc]

That takes us back to "Let he [or she] who is without sin cast the first stone." I'd submit that I have never met anybody who doesn't have character flaws. We are all flawed, imperfect human beings. We are all in need of forgiveness. "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23 The Good News is that God is willing to restore each of us, in spite of our flaws. Thankfully, the Lord is a gracious, compassionate, forgiving, restoring God. None of us deserves it, yet He freely offers it to each of us anyway. He is truly amazing!

[nmh]

"No he didn't. He left his wife who had cancer (I don't believe she was dying or died) for his second wife. He left his second wife for the intern."

I'm uncomfortable bailing out on a spouse who has cancer. So why did he leave his SECOND wife?

Think He'll stay with his THIRD wife?

This makes me uneasy about his JUDEMENT and CHARACTER.

I really LIKE Newts political views and stances politically but PERSONALLY ... I don't like that and it sets a horrible example. Our culture is suffering from this - broken families, divorce, affairs etc.. so I'm not sure I want HIM as the example leading the charge with more moral decay.

It's really come down to a moral crisis in this country. We have to dig up someone whose clean and not part of some nut job religion ... .

[nmh]

#24 straightened it out.

Newt is on his THIRD wife.

Lovely.

[streetpreacher]

I certainly wasn't defending him, just pointing out the facts. It doesn't make him look more palatable does it?

[Neenah]

I think what most everyone wants is a "new face" and not a "retread ".

Sorry, but I also thought that what he did with Dobson was purely contrived, political and was used to "benefit" both men.

Shoddy at best. JMHO.

[nmh]

Unfortunately it doesn't.

I'm at a loss on a GOP candidate ... that's decent and a Mormon isn't one I'd vote for either ... I prefer Christians that can actually live the doctrine to some extent ... three wives is too many and as a I mentioned it speaks ill of his character and judgment.

I can only hope by now that people have learned SOMETHING from Bill Clinton ... while he was to the left politically and Newt to the right politically, personally they both couldn't be loyal to their wives. Newt dumped them. Hillary went along with it hoping a male would propel her politically. They had their personal agendas ... but this is not what we should want for a President.

[nmh]

"Get a grip. I'm not misusing that verse. The point is that it's hypocritical for us to condemn someone for things we are all guilty of."

You're amusing. We are ALL guilty of sin however I don't share you're utopian nonjudgmental world in silence. You conveniently fail to acknowledge that we ARE to make JUDGEMENT CALLS - just as YOU have done in chastising others to MAKING JUDGEMENT CALLS. Can you say the word HYPOCRITE?

"You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not commit adultery.' But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart." Matthew 5:27-28

I'm happily married and don't look AT or TO other women for sex. My spouse is wonderful! So STOP ACCUSING ME of YOUR issues.

"Newt HAS expressed remorse and asked for forgiveness. He doesn't need my forgiveness [he hasn't wronged me]--he needs the Lord's forgiveness. If he has repented of his sin and accepted Jesus as his Savior, then he has the Lord's forgiveness."

I'm confident he's asked the Good Lord for forgiveness and HOPEFULLY, the "SIN NO MORE" will kick in since he is now on his THIRD WIFE.

"I cited the original verse ('let he who is without sin...')to point out the hypocrisy of those jumping on the Newt-bashing bandwagon. Thus, you misunderstood me and misrepresented my intent. You were wrong."

Let me help you out alittle ... accusing others FALSELY - lust etc with women when perhaps it might be YOUR issue doesn't speak well of you. It is HYPOCRITCAL for YOU to JUDGE others but that thought seems to totally escape you and crimp your self righteous style.

Contrary to what you would like IGNORNAT people to believe, when Christ spoke to the woman it's been debated that the MEN THERE had also slept with her and NOW condemning her - that is the proper context of the verse YOU misuse. Jesus forgave her and told her "go and sin no more".

Also you conveniently forget, repeatedly that we ARE to make judgment calls just as YOU Have in assuming we covet other women when married - how wrong YOU are. I don't do that. I LOVE my spouse and want NO OTHER.

John.7:24

[24] Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.

In the case of Newt, THREE marriages is a bit much.

Also note that the Judeo Christian God is not "REALTIVE" as you would like Him to be. He's rather clear about sin, judging it and having fellow Christians try to keep others FROM sinning - in order to do that, you DO need to identify the sin and work with the person to help them overcome it. So, maybe it's time you stopped preaching this "relative" crap.


I really get sick and tired of humanistic LEFTISTS and other problematic people totally distorting what God says to suit THEIR agenda. God really doesn't want us to wander around out there with our eyes closed. He wants us to recognize sin, avoid it and help others avoid it - if not it is also true that your sin will find you out. It is part of the calling of a Christian to be an ambassador and salt - to do this requires acknowledging sin and discouraging it =t ought to do with your philosophy of ignoring it and remaining SILENT.

[Theo]

Sorry, but I also thought that what he did with Dobson was purely contrived, political and was used to "benefit" both men.

Dobson had nothing to gain; he's about as famous as he's going to get, and doesn't need Newt to boost his popularity.

[MEGoody]

Well, so much for Newt's chances at the Presidency in 2008.

[MEGoody]

Let he (or she) who is without sin cast the first stone.

I won't cast a stone at Newt, but I can judge the kind of behavior he is admitting to as wrong. And I know for a fact it will have an impact on his chances for the Presidency. I certainly won't be inclined to vote for him.

[r9etb]

So, the Newster is throwing in his hat? Or at least paving the way in case he does?

I'd be much more impressed if Newt had confessed without there being a possible presidential run in the near future.

I see it as a bit of Clintonian cynicism. Newt reminds me a lot of Bill Clinton -- except that Clinton kicked the crap out of Newt politically, every time they went toe to toe.

[streetpreacher]

Sadly, he represents about 90% of what passes for theology today. It's antinomianism pure and simple.

[r9etb]

Let he (or she) who is without sin cast the first stone.

You wouldn't be using that comment to scold another, would you? Casting the first stone, eh?

[seanmerc]

"You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not commit adultery.' But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart." Matthew 5:27-28

I'm happily married and don't look AT or TO other women for sex. My spouse is wonderful! So STOP ACCUSING ME of YOUR issues."

Read the Scripture again. It's not a question of if you're looking at a woman with lust now. It's a question of whether you have EVER done that (before or after you were married). Not only that, it's not just the physical act of adultery. If you have ever LOOKED at a woman with lust, in God's eyes, you are guilty of adultery (just like me and every other man).

It's God's word, not mine. I didn't distort it--I quoted it. If you have a problem with it, you can take it up with Him. It's obvious that you like to argue. It doesn't seem like you want to have a rational, scripturally-based discussion; it seems like you're content to cast a broad net of provocative statements. Give it your best shot; maybe you'll be able to out-argue God. Then again, maybe not.

I find it interesting that you reacted so strongly to God's word. Perhaps it struck closer to home than you'd care to admit. There's an old saying that if you throw a rock into a pack of dogs, the one that yelps loudest is the one that got hit.

[nmh]

I'd be much more impressed if Newt had confessed without there being a possible presidential run in the near future.

I see it as a bit of Clintonian cynicism. Newt reminds me a lot of Bill Clinton -- except that Clinton kicked the crap out of Newt politically, every time they went toe to toe.


Thank YOU!

As I was about to move on ... THAT though was something I forgot to mention. I'm beginning to see Newt as an insincere opportunity. You are spot on, that SUDDENLY he feels this need to repent PUBLICALLY ... so he can LOOK GOOD. After ALL THESE YEARS, THIRD WIFE he is compelled to REPENT when Rudy's been kicked around with how he handled cheating on his wife ... .

Well, I wasn't born yesterday and I am disappointed in Newt pulling a fast one like this ... from my perspective it colors him in a very negative way and makes him MORE UNTRUSTWORTHY. He's no better than any other cheat ... it's a pity ... I really LIKE his political views but I learned from Clinton - how one DOES handle their PERSONAL MATTERS! It's ALL about CHARACTER and INTERGITY. Newt lacks this ... and I am VERY SORRY TO SAY THAT.

The GOP desperately needs a decent candidate. No RHINOS or false Christians - and yes Mormonism is NOT Christian! What's really interesting with Mormonism and Islam is the link to SEX after death and sometimes on this earth - the ORIGINAL "prophet" Smith is the one that stated polygamy is acceptable - it is NOT and was struck DOWN by the U.S. Supreme Court at the time so polygamy "went away" for some because it was deemed that the U.S. is a Christian nation and that is NOT Christian and polygamy isn't.

You'd think, that,that ALONE would deter people from still following Smith's teachings since obviously he is a false prophet - NOPE! They just got rid of polygamy and kept the other false teachings and made sure they have a squeaky clean veneer. Some people cal see through this stuff. The guy might be nice ... but I question his judgment in following a FALSE RELIGION. Mormonism has a very troubled history.

My God, wants one man and one woman for marriage - from the beginning. Even though people disobeyed that doesn't mean it was God's desire. When one looks closely at those that had more than one wife in the Bible - NOTHING GOOD came from it - David, Abraham and Sarah and Hagar etc.. He tells us NOT to do this but people do and so there are consequences and still people insist on doing what's wrong.

I really don't know what the answer is for the GOP this year. I can't vote for Rudy, McCain or the Mormon and now Newt is trying to pull a fast one - air the dirty laundry and beat the media to the punch ... doesn't sit well with me - NOT when it's being done YEARS AFTER THE FACT.

I like folks like Bret Shundler. Leads a fairly clean life. Pro AMERICA, against abortion, PRO capital punishment, PRO gun rights, against the homosexual agenda, against ILLEGAL immigration but you know what the GOP is compromised. Taking stances like this intimidates the GOP - especially being PRO LIFE - against abortion. So we wind up with fence sitters or flexible RHINOS. The GOP really has to do some serious soul searching. The stakes get higher EACH YEAR. We have a royal mess in DC now with the Demoncrats trying to run the show in the most despicable ways. Their does coma a point of no return .... with whom we put in charge and in office ... . I wonder if we are not there already.

[seanmerc]

No, not at all. Check out posts 20 and 27 on this thread if you genuinely want to understand.

[seanmerc]

P.S. Newt hasn't even said he's running yet.

[nmh]

Ah, you gave me a new word, antinomianism.

"derived from the Greek anti, which means "against" and nomos, which means law. As a general principle, antinomianism teaches that moral laws are relative in meaning and application instead of fixed or universal."

ABSOLUTELY!

Of late we are seeing partisan hypocrisy.

It's destroying us too!

[nmh]

"P.S. Newt hasn't even said he's running yet."

Then why do you think he's making this big public confession?

Read between the lines ... at the very least he's testing the waters for a run.

[Little Ray]

Who is throwing stones? We're just not going to vote for him...
Elected leaders MUST be held to higher standards than ordinary individuals.

[nmh]

"Elected leaders MUST be held to higher standards than ordinary individuals."

YES!

We sorely NEED good clean people as leaders and as examples. To be a leader should require them setting a HIGHER standard than the ordinary cheat and liar we deal with on a daily basis.


When Clinton was President he claimed oral SEX is not SEX. The fall out has been kids believing that too and engaging in THAT because of it. We can't have this sophomoric nonsense coming from a "leader". We 've had too much of it already.

[USMMA_83]

What does your rant have anything to do with the fact that Newt is an opportunist and worst a habitual liar and cheat? Ok, so God forgives him, you forgive him...hey, while we are at it, let's forgive Bubba, Hitlary...who else you want to forgive and make them eligible for President of the United States?

[seanmerc]

To me, it's a larger issue than just who will be elected President. One of the many differences between Newt and the Clintons is that Newt asked for forgiveness, but Bill and Hillary have never asked for forgiveness. I wonder if they even realize they've done anything wrong.

[r9etb]

No, not at all. Check out posts 20 and 27 on this thread if you genuinely want to understand.

I understand what you said ... do you?