The GOP had momentum for a year until the government shutdown showdown between Newt and Bubba the Rapist in late 1995. When Newtie folded like a cheap suit, it was all over.
Newt’s plan was to use the Debt Ceiling.
Except he couldn’t keep his mouth shut and he had to tell everyone how smart he was, so he bragged about it months in advance.
And the Clinton Treasury Dept was ready with emergency measures which dragged on. Then Newt did the shutdown
Gingrich’s pants were unzipped at the time. He and Bubba shared a lot of the same immaturities. Both products of broken marriages, parallel lives in some ways.