Posted on 11/20/2006 12:05:27 PM PST by do the dhue
The controversial former House Speaker seems to throw his hat in the ring as a GOP presidential candidate, and promises that health care reform will be the big issue. An exclusive FORTUNE interview.
(Washington) -- Even a crisp Guinness stout can't chill the note of exasperation coming out of Newt Gingrich's mouth. "You still don't get it, do you?" he asks.
The subject is the 2008 presidential race and whether the former Speaker of the House will run. The news is that Gingrich is running, but not on any official campaign trail.
The radical realist who defied conventional wisdom 12 years ago by stealing the House out from under the noses of entrenched Democrats now plans a surprise attack for the presidency. "I'm going to tell you something, and whether or not it's plausible given the world you come out of is your problem," he tells Fortune. "I am not 'running' for president. I am seeking to create a movement to win the future by offering a series of solutions so compelling that if the American people say I have to be president, it will happen." So he's running, only without yet formally saying so.
While other potential competitors like Arizona Senator John McCain, former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani and Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney build staff and hire consultants, Gingrich revealed to Fortune that he plans to create a draft-Newt "wave" by building grassroots support for his health care, national security and energy independence ideas--all of which he has been peddling to corporate audiences over the past six years. "Nice people," Gingrich says of his GOP competitors. "But we're not in the same business. They're running for president. I'm running to change the country."
(Excerpt) Read more at money.cnn.com ...
Newt's got a few skirt-chasing issues, I'm afraid.
If he runs he has my support.
So does Rudy.
Not happening.
No bias here.
When the Republicans took over Congress in '94, I was very impressed with Gingrich. Eventually, I thought his personal issues discredited him and his leadership.
In any case, his name has become so poisoned, he wouldn't stand a chance and would unify the opposition.
LOL!!
They still don't get it. And I'll support Newt to hellandgone if he can create a mood for the kind of change he outlines. Screw Newt's "baggage." We all have baggage.
What's his obsession with health care?
While I don't think Gingrich is a viable candidate, I think you're right that there should be a new Contract With America. In fact, I think each election cycle there should be one from the Republicans, as a way of keeping the issues (and progress or lack thereoff) before the voters. The Democrats want people to have short memories about their governing and be elected on vague promises. The Republicans should exploit that.
Honest Abe couldn't win in today's day and age!!
Oops. "Thereof." Pardon the typo.
This is why the DBM is giving him so much time. If he becomes the nominee, they'll go back to the Gingrich that Stole Christmas 24/7. What a difference the love fest that Nancy Pelosi is getting.
Hear Hear!!
Newt is my former Congressman. I don't think I would not ever vote for him again. He has a big problem with loyalty.
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