Posted on 05/12/2005 6:26:40 AM PDT by areafiftyone
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich conceded Wednesday that he might run for president in 2008, but said he will spend the coming years focusing on changes needed in the nation and less time talking about his own political ambitions.
"The message I'm trying to send is we need to have a discussion over the next three years about really big changes," he said in an interview with The Associated Press.
"We need some time spent by would-be political leaders talking about their vision for the future and answering big questions - before they run out and hire the consultants and the 30-second attack commercials," the former Republican lawmaker said. He said leaders must look at transforming the nation's health care system, improving its educational system and returning the nation to the days of a balanced budget.
Gingrich made his remarks during a three-day visit to Iowa, where caucuses launch presidential campaigns every four years. His trip included signing copies of his book "Winning the Future: A 21st Century Contract with America," his vision for national change.
By mixing in a series of political appearances during the trip, Gingrich raised questions about his own future. Asked if he would be a candidate in 2008, he said, "I might be, I don't know."
He repeatedly returned to his policy proposals and said he wants the debate surrounding the next election to focus on those issues. But Gingrich said he wasn't optimistic that a debate over ideas is possible in the current media-driven environment.
"Only if we have enormous discipline," Gingrich said of the wide-open presidential race. "What it lends itself to is 650,000 articles about what consultant got hired and who raised the most money, who has the right pollster and all of the trivial. That is a downside of politics."
Gingrich was the architect of the "Contract With America," a conservative, legislative list that helped Republicans win control of the House in 1994. He resigned as House speaker in 1998 and quit Congress after Republicans lost seats in midterm elections that year - even as then-President Clinton dealt with the Monica Lewinsky sex scandal.
Don't worry, Newt. The GOP base has already ruled you out.
But I think many conservatives, including me, have ruled HIM out.
You beat me to it.
Go away, Newt. Just go away.
Gingrich's a joke. Anyone who shacks up with Hildabeast doesn't deserve my respect, much less my vote.
The question is why not. His chances of getting the nomination are slim at best.
He's trying to be Hellery's VP. Who in the world would give a dime to this has-been's campaign? His immorality trumped his intelligence and he needs to get off the stage.
Guiliani is out on the speaking circuit with the very religious Peter Lowe group, and Pat Robertson has just warmed to him. I believe he will eventually win over conservatives, if only as the best chance of stopping Hillary.
That doesn't mean either of us have a chance...
He should run as Hillary's VP since he is so enamored with her.
You know I had the same thought!
It would be better for the GOP's chances in 2008 if Newt didn't enter the race. The Dems effectively destroyed him aided and abetted by his own personal baggage.
He can rule out getting my vote if he keeps kissing up to Hillary.
Methinks Tommy Franks will jump in the fray. Franks/Rice 2008
Gringrich needs a reality check.
Hey, Newt, why was it you left the House of Representatives?
[See, Newt, you are politically damaged goods. The GEICO gecko stands a better chance of getting elected.]
RUDY! RUDY! RUDY!! I would vote for Rudy rather than Newt! I think there will be other good candidates coming up in the future, but if it comes down to Rudy or Newt I will definitely pick Rudy!
Newt needs to get out of the beltway, smell some fresh air to clear his head.
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No. Gingrich doesn't have even a remote chance.
Gingrich Says He Hasn't Ruled Out Run for President
WOW! Talk about breaking news.
For the record neither have I.
Anyone else read this?
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