Gingrich backs off 'racist' label for Sotomayor

AP ^ | June 3 2009 | JULIE HIRSCHFELD DAVIS

[VictoryGal]

WASHINGTON (AP) — Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich says he shouldn't have called Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor a racist.

In a letter to supporters Wednesday, the Georgia Republican said his words had been "perhaps too strong and direct." Sotomayor (SUHN'-ya soh-toh-my-YOR') would be the first Hispanic and the third woman to serve on the high court.

Gingrich said last week that she was a reverse "racist" who should withdraw her nomination, based on a 2001 speech in which Sotomayor said the decisions of a "wise Latina" would be better than those of a white male without similar experiences.

Gingrich conceded that Sotomayor's rulings have "shown more caution and moderation" than her speeches and writings.

[VictoryGal]

Once again, Newtie demonstrates why we can't rely on him.

[gorilla_warrior]

I was surprised at his original honesty and frankness, and I am not surprised he's backtracking. After all, he's a Republican. We all saw what happened when Gingrich met with Clinton during the shutdown - he caved in, which allowed the media to pin the shutdown on the GOP. There is one rule - never, never apologize. Ever. Especially when you're right! Sotomayor is a racist. The GOP just doesn't have it in them to stand and fight. The GOP has been selling America out to liberal fascism for 70 years. Enough is enough.

[rom]

Indeed. Either Gingrich:

A) Came to the initial conclusion hastily.
or
B) Is backing off for PC reasons or pure political reasons.

Either way, he’s not to be trusted.

[bdeaner]

Something is going on. Limbaugh is now suggesting she may be pro-life after all. Newt is backing off charges of racism.

Read between the lines, folks. Read between the lines.

[ken21]

amazing.

the democrats use race to control the country.

[VictoryGal]

I’ve been super busy at work so I haven’t been able to listen to Rush lately. You say he’s backing off Sotomayor too?

[porter_knorr]

spell it out for us.

[DwFry]

...another Republican candy ass

[mad_as_he$$]

I would really like to get Newt in a high stakes poker game. I could make a lot of money.

[Altura Ct.]

Of course he did just like a good little boy.

[mad_as_he$$]

The mythical “they” have spoken and the puppets obey.

[wiseprince]

“Wiseprince” backs off support for Gingrich

[ClarenceThomasfan]

I don’t think that Rush is backing off Sotomayer. But I did hearing him talk about her being possibly pro-life and if it is true he may have to look at her in a different light.

I think Rush is playing the Dems and trying to create some concern among them about Soto being pro-life. Just a hunch. But I didn’t buy his “new intrigue of Sotomayer line” for a second- Rush is too smart for that.

[Buckeye McFrog]

when Newt goes squish I guess it’s time to measure Senora Sotomayor for her black robe...

[bdeaner]

spell it out for us.

Could be several things. One, they may know who the alternative pick could be, and realize this pick is much better than they can hope for.

Could be they think she is Obama's Souter -- someone who appears to be a liberal crank on a variety of issues, but as a Catholic, veers pro-life (whereas Souter when picked by Bush Sr. was thought to be pro-life but has been more pro-choice). Has she said something under the table to the Republicans?

Are Republicans using speculation of her pro-life leanings as a way to stir up Demonrat opposition to her nomination?

I don't know. I'm encouraging speculation about what might be going on behind the scenes to explain these sudden turnabouts among conservatives like Rush and Newt. I trust Rush and Newt. They are died-in-the-wool. They know something.

[Iron Munro]

Is there even one major republican figure (other than Srah Palin) who can stand by a strongly worded statement for more than 24 hours or so?

[bdeaner]

You say he’s backing off Sotomayor too?

Rush has been saying there's reason to believe she may be pro-life. And if so, he would support her nomination.

That's a big change in his rhetoric.

[Iron Munro]

Other than Sarah Palin, is there even one major republican figure who can stand by a strongly worded statement for more than 24 hours or so?

[TomOnTheRun]

Or it could be that Newt just made intemperate comments like he has dozens of times before. This is not the first time he’s walked balk his word and it won’t be the last.

The problem with Newt is that he always waits to change the tone and direction of attack after it’s already more or less fixed.

[A. Patriot]

One mildly politically incorrect comment destroyed Trent Lotts’ career. What's good for the goose is good for the gander.