Posted on 02/23/2012 7:15:07 AM PST by RoosterRedux
Newt Gingrich didn’t have a game-changing moment in Wednesday night’s Arizona debate.
But the former House speaker’s newest approach to the Republican presidential race — staying above the fray, avoiding attacks and focusing on the issues — proved to be a winner for him anyway.
“Newt’s last two outings were disjointed and low-energy,” said Rick Wilson, a GOP strategist who is unaligned in the presidential race. “Tonight was markedly better.” But Gingrich had more ground to make up than the other candidates in Wednesday’s debate. More than his GOP rivals, Gingrich has used his debate performances — often marked by scathing attacks on the media — as a springboard for jump-starting his erratic campaign. Many attributed Gingrich’s sole win this primary season in South Carolina to a confident performance in a pre-primary debate.
As his poll numbers have continued to dive, the debate was seen as one of Gingrich’s last opportunities to regain traction before Super Tuesday on March 6. The question is whether a good debate performance can translate into major momentum so late in the game, especially with Rick Santorum now challenging Mitt Romney for first place.
“He dealt himself back in the game with some of the Newt magic,” Wilson said. “But Newt doing well now comes out of Santorum’s numbers, not Mitt’s.”
Gingrich laughed and smiled during the debate, leaned back in his chair on several occasions and beamed when Romney gave him several pointed looks during his responses to questions. When asked to use one word to describe himself, Gingrich responded with: “Cheerful.”
“He looked relaxed and looked like he was having fun,” said Chip Saltsman, who was Mike Huckabee’s campaign manager in 2008. “Definitely in his element.”
(Excerpt) Read more at politico.com ...
I just heard Laura Ingraham talking about this on her program. There’s an article today, I think she said in the NY Times, about the Ron Paul/Mittens bromance. Apparently when Paul’s campaign jet had mechanical problems somewhere, Romney offered Paul the use of Romney’s personal jet. Paul didn’t accept the offer, but he did accept the offer of staying at Romney’s vacation home in Massapequa. Recently Rand Paul told the media that he would be honored to be considered for the position of Mitt Romney’s VP. Laura Ingraham speculates that Romney has courted Ron Paul by promising to consider Rand for the VP slot if he wins the nomination.
It makes as much sense as anything else, I guess.
I too will NEVER vote for Romney.
As someone who loves dogs, I have no great issues with that. It all depends on other factors. I have far more concerns with many of his positions on important issues, such as illegal aliens and Obamacare, and feel that this issue is just to distract from them. Let’s focus on what is important. And, no, this dog issue does not make him a psychopath. That is ridiculous.
“Getting his son on the ticket this year as VP or set up for a run of his own in 2016.”
I posted the following on another thread a few minutes ago and have been posting this as a possibility for quite a while but after last nights debate and todays statements by Rand Paul I do believe it may be a done deal.
You’ve got it. I believe they have a deal. Paul and his PAC has attacked any candidate that appears to challenge Romney. What would be in the deal for Romney? Ron Paul would not only make the attacks on Romney, but would agree to not only not run as a third party but to endorse Romney. What’s in it for Paul? Romney puts Rand Paul on the ticket as VEEP. RP sees his son carrying on his legacy. RP lied about “breaking news” to get on the Hannity radio show to read a letter he had written denigrating Newt. Rand Paul would meet the geographic critera for a veep selection as being from Ky. which is far enough South and as being perceived to have Conservative and Tea Party support.
I just read this morning on Fox Nation where Rand Paul says he would be receptive to an offer to be Romney’s VEEP. I believe this may be a new emergency strategy to pull some Ron Paul support from Ron to the faltering Romney and possibly some Tea Party and Conservative from Santorum after his poor performance in last nights debate.
I think this is a possible scenario and is likely being carried out. I think they all three are slimey and unprincipled enough to do this.
Massapequa? Do you perhaps mean Lake Winnipesaukee (in NH)?
Speaking of dogs, I’m absolutely convinced that Newt Gingrich is the junkyard dog we need to rip Obama a new one and send him running back to his Chicago slime pit with his tail between his legs. Newt has plenty of DC experience as Speaker, executive ability from his many enterprises, and a silver tongue that’s razor sharp! He’s fast on his feet, delivers it straight up with no hemming and hawing, and is often witty. His work with American Solutions was very impressive and as we’ve seen recently, Newt is able to put into words what the vast majority of Americans really believe. His fevered brain also has plenty of ideas for making government work better for taxpayers. Is Newt pure as the driven snow? No - none of the presidential candidates are in line for sainthood. Whatever Newt’s “baggage”, it pales next to Obama’s habitual lying and outright corruption - and unlike Obama, Newt is 100% American! Newt is like Larry the Cable Guy: send him to DC and he’ll “Get ‘er done” for all of us. Junkyard dogs are not show dogs, but they’ll save your bacon! I am damn mad at what Obama and his bootlickers have stolen from us - you should be too - and I want someone to represent me. Newt Gingrich is that man! Sic ‘em, Newt!
Great minds and all that...:)
What you wrote is pretty much exactly what I think. Resent events cement the scenario in mind, because as you wrote: “I think they all three are slimey and unprincipled enough to do this.” BINGO!
Now that it’s his turn in the spotlight, Santorum’s weaknesses are on full display. He could conceivably win the primary process still (unlikely, but possible), but he’d get chewed up and spit out by the Obama/MSM tag team in the general.
Conservatives need to rally around one candidate — someone who can beat Romney and Obama and also manage to get things accomplished once elected. Gingrich is the best fit for that role.
It’s time. The vetting has occurred. With Super Tuesday looming, those who have been withholding their endorsements for maximum effect (yes, I’m looking at you, Sarah Palin) need to make a stand very soon, to push Gingrich to victory in enough of the Super Tuesday states to take control of the nomination fight.
“despicable (if not a psychopath).”
I would think sociopath, I read “The Sociopath Next Door” by Martha Stout, ph.d. and have come to the conclusion that many politicians may well be socipaths.
“When asked to use one word to describe himself, Gingrich responded with: “Cheerful.” “
I think that his answer reflected that he thought the question was inane.
Santorum's one word "courage" zinger sounded like "thee protests too much".
Thank goodnes WE do not have to mortify our flesh to receive the GRACE God poured out for us through the blood of His Son.
But we DO need to pray--humbly--that God be gracious--despite our sinful selves--to give us a leader who puts his trust in Him, and His Holy Word, and not in his own sorry---self!
Like any leader, Newt has a large ego--but I truly believe he DOES place his trust in His Lord and Savior.
Now about Obama: ahhhh--wellll---he does have a large ego.......!
Yes, I believe that’s it. She did say it was in NH, if I recall correctly.
That would be correct...Romnuts has a ten million dollar home on that lake which is ALREADY being referred to as the 'summer White House' by the Red Hampshire media. Wolfeboro is already freaking out wondering how town roads will be able to handle the increase in traffic...
Wasn’t that pitiful?
Describe yourself.........me,me,me,me, I’m wunnerful. Courage is reserved for warriors - not wannabees.
(BTW - Have you been following the Jason Young trial??? Another Scott Peterson IMHO)
I see it a bit differently. Romney's attacks themselves were never as effective as Newt's own mistakes in trying to counter them. I think the two things that most damaged Newt in Florida were 1) his attacks on Bain Capital from the left, and 2) the moon colony idea, which I think was something he mentioned out of desperation. And I say that as a Newt supporter.
Prickly Newt is dangerous. Relaxes Newt is fantastic. He needs to remember that from here on out, and in the general election if he makes it that far.
I thought the Speaker’s “cheerful” answer was great...a “back atcha” to all the naysayers who say he’s a grumpy old man :)
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