BLANKLEY: Newt’s past and future leadership

washingtontimes.com ^ | 12/21/2011 | Tony Blankley

[TBBT]

Candidate has already proved his high office credentials as House speaker

Almost all political commentators agree on one thing: The Republican presidential campaign is unlike any we have experienced. It is not a campaign of steady trends and continuities, but rather of emotional reversals and discontinuities. Perhaps this is so because the past three or four years have been a shocking time of discontinuities and reversals for America. Really, America has been bewildered, shocked and disoriented since Sept. 11, 2001. The economic collapse and the unprecedentedly statist policies of the past three years have just compounded the anxiety. The rise of China, the fall of Europe and the chaos in the Middle East has been startling in their swiftness - and the lack of American leadership as these dramatic events unfold is sending a shudder throughout the world.

We don’t know what to make of events. We have not been convinced that either President George W. Bush or incumbent President Obama have had a clue about how to make things right.

[TBBT]

But what kind of candidate is most likely to be able to make sense of the terrible events and forces that weigh down our country, be capable of vividly describing our plight and what needs to be done and convince the public that he has the intelligence, courage, experience and sheer will to force events favorably to America’s historic interests and needs?

As I have chosen to phrase that question, the question answers itself. It is the GOP candidate currently at the top of the polls, my former boss, Newt Gingrich.

[PapaNew]

He’s not perfect by any means but seems to be the best of the bunch at this point. I think he should be able to beat Obama despite what today’s polls may say. It will be the white-haired wrinkly dude against The One again, but this white haried wrinkly dude would do much better than the first because he’s much a more substantive and proven conservative (flaws, warts, and pudge notwithstanding). Obama should not be a very popular candidate, even with his upcoming attempts at razzle-dazzle and fast shuffle.

[sickoflibs]

"...my former boss, Newt Gingrich."

[ZULU]

The DEMS WANT Romney to run. Its pretty clear why.

Romneycare, Mormonism, Flip-floping and a basci libeal approach to social issues.

With Romeny they can’t loose EVEN IF they lose the General Election and he is elected. He would be a sort-of Right Wing Hillary Clinton in the Oval Office.

They MOST fear Gingrich. He is the smartest and best oratorically equipped candidate in the Republican Field.

And I guess Christie doesn’t “get” why Romney isn’t sweeping the field because Christie, as a New Jersey Republican, really doesn’t understand that being a conservative means more than trying to balance a financial ledger.

[ConservativeDude]

that is a good article, and makes many excellent points

[big'ol_freeper]

Spot on.

[VanDeKoik]

“They MOST fear Gingrich. He is the smartest and best oratorically equipped candidate in the Republican Field.”

Exactly.

He is the one that can go into any media venue and take charge, and isnt afraid to go toe-to-toe with them.

[Donald Rumsfeld Fan]

And I guess Christie doesn’t “get” why Romney isn’t sweeping the field because Christie, as a New Jersey Republican, really doesn’t understand that being a conservative means more than trying to balance a financial ledger.

both bush and newt agreed on principle.....but bush lacked newts cajones.

[newzjunkey]

"...my former boss, Newt Gingrich."

Given how much we've heard of Newt being reviled by former staff and colleagues how is this NOT an important counterweight to that drumbeat?

I've been wondering for awhile what Blankley would have to day. I'm glad he finally went on record.

[GreyFriar]

Thanks for the post. In the article Blankley explains how Newt kept the Northeastern Republicans within the Republican fold, thus frustrating those 200% conservatives, but enabled Newt to have a majority to pass the legislation that achieved conservative goals.

I also like Blankley’s closing line:

“In dangerous times, the safer choice for president is not the candidate who has always played it safe, nor is it the candidate who has not already faced and defeated adversity.”

[Salvation]

Newt has changed dramatically. Here are some FR links about his conversion.

Clemson Palmetto Poll finds Gingrich (38%) momentum growing, most S.C. GOP voters still uncommitted
Gingrich Threatens GOP's Chance to Nab Independents

The Evangelical Case for Newt Gingrich
Gingrich Represents New Political Era for Catholics
Gingrich Represents New Political Era for Catholics [ecumenical}
Newt Gingrich on Catholicism and JPII
Why Newt Gingrich Converted to Catholicism
Exclusive: Newt Gingrich Opens Up on Catholic Conversion and Embracing 'Overt Christianity'
Newt Gingrich on his conversion to Catholicism
Gingrich Keeps Quiet on Catholic Conversion (received into Church over the past weekend)
Exclusive: Newt Gingrich conversion details; plans release of JP2 documentary
Gingrich to Become Catholic During Easter Season
The Newt Evangelization: Gingrich to become Catholic

[zot]

Good article. Thanks for the ping.