When those who voted you into that leadership position turn on you and you've become a personalized lightning-rod distraction from the agenda how do you fight?
You have a short memory because his infidelity caused many conservatives to turn on him. He had no support base... not the GOPe, not 'conservatives... not the mushy middle, not the Left... He would've just been seen as trying desperately to cling to power.
Newt tried to illustrate this point when he asked people to be "with him" in the campaign and not "for him" because leading politicians need ongoing and active support or they're done.
I like how the Speaker who got more than 2/3rds of the House and Senate and a Democratic president to pass the Defense of Marriage act is now being attacked for commenting on the shifting political realities. As a historian, Newt is commenting on the obvious from the 2012 election: things have fundamentally changed when you can put "gay marriage" on a ballot and most voters in a state vote FOR it.
I understand Newt's viewpoint because I won't deny reality just because I don't like it. It's a demographic war, a cultural battle lost a decade or longer ago because younger generations don't hold the new view and values as older ones on the issue.
Sadly immigration may end up the same way; despite how fundamentally wrong Bush's "comprehensive immigration reform" was, it may have been the politically smart path. It may have been the GOP's last opportunity to address the changing demographics. The war for those future voters may be over.
Obama may be the first in a very long line of Democrat presidents.
Are you referring to Gingrich’s campaign?
I was referring to back in the day. He was once great. Still is, but no longer in a situation to win the Whitehouse.
I sure hope Gingrich stays very involved. Possibly helping Palin win even.
In my opinion though he cannot directly win. Not anymore.
He sure can support and build though.
He would be part of a very winning team.