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Clash of the Titans: Imagine a 2012 Clinton/Gingrich Face-Off
Townhall.com ^ | July 22, 2010 | Jackie Gingrich Cushman

Posted on 07/22/2010 6:54:13 AM PDT by Kaslin

Instead of commenting again on the ability of the Democratic House and Senate to ignore pay-as-you-go when they feel like it (i.e., passing unemployment benefits without paying for them), I have decided this week to indulge in a bit of folderol. In thinking through the following possible scenarios, just image what could be:

Sept. 6, 2012

After an 18-month roller coaster ride that has left most of the nation exhausted and confused, the final players have been determined for the last two months of the presidential campaign.

After former House Speaker Newt Gingrich received the Republican nomination last month, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton formally received the nomination last night. President Barack Obama interrupted the official roll call, delivered a short panegyric to Clinton, and moved that she be unanimously selected as the Democratic nominee.

So end eight months of drama and excitement for the Democrats.

No one could have imagined the 2008 match-up that some in the media had dreamed of, Clinton vs. Gingrich, would come true four years later.

But America is the land of opportunity.

The journey to this point has been tumultuous and unanticipated. Many believe this outcome to be risible and shake their heads in bewilderment.

How did we end up here?

After the Republicans won back the House in 2010, the assumption was that they would provide the necessary balance to Obama. Many pundits thought this would allow him to move from running against the ghost of George W. Bush to running against the House Republicans.

After two years of watching Obama campaign against Bush and two more years of listening to him blame Bush, the electorate was totally bushed about Bush.

But instead of smoothly transitioning to a new opposition, Obama received three flank attacks simultaneously: one from those who really believed his campaign slogan of 2008 (remember change we can believe in?), the second from Democratic moderates in his party and the third from the far left.

Those who believed in and voted for change became increasingly disillusioned over the continued passage of unfunded bills, as well as the Obama administration's rude treatment of the electorate. The tipping point appears to have been Eric Lichtblau's article "Across From White House, Coffee With Lobbyists" (New York Times, June 24, 2010), which reported offsite meetings between White house officials and lobbyists.

"But because the discussions are not taking place at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., they are not subject to disclosure on the visitors' log that the White House releases as part of its pledge to be the 'most transparent presidential administration in history,'" wrote Lichtblau

For moderate Democrats, the tipping point appears to be the continued unpopularity of the Obama administration's policy push to the far left. While his words were moderate, his agenda was liberal. The juxtaposition became too evident to ignore.

Those on the far left were almost happy with the policy and progress, but grew tired of Obama placating the moderates. Couldn't he just be proud of being a radical liberal? They were.

While trying to make everyone happy, Obama made no one happy. The factions broke apart eight months ago and turned to the only high-profile party-uniter on the horizon, Hillary Clinton.

Obama bowed out of the race at the last minute, citing the need to spend time with his family.

Clinton has been cheerful and gracious on the campaign trail.

The Republican run-up has been no less exciting. It began with a wide-open field. By early this year, a dozen candidates were vying for the nomination. Gingrich was in the middle of the pack, with great name identification but strong feelings for and against him on both sides.

Known as a visionary, Gingrich ran a campaign of ideas and solutions. Ironically, Gingrich has taken a page from the campaign plan used by former President Jimmy Carter (often dubbed by Gingrich as one of the worst presidents in modern history). Gingrich, an Army brat that served as a congressman from Georgia for 20 years, quickly and quietly knocked out the other Republican contenders. (Disclosure: Newt's my dad.)

For those of us who write about politics, we can only assume that this lineup is the result of many prayers. For two months, we will have a campaign full of big personalities and even bigger ideas.

Hold on, the fun has just begun.


TOPICS: Editorial
KEYWORDS: 2012gopprimary; climatechange; climatecrisis; clinton; gingrich; greenjobs; greenshoots; hillary; hillary2012; hillaryclinton; mentalmasterbation; newt; newt2012; newtgingrich
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To: Stand Watch Listen

It’s worse than I thought.

They’re in a love seat.

UGH!


61 posted on 07/22/2010 8:33:22 AM PDT by Westbrook (Having children does not divide your love, it multiplies it.)
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To: Kaslin
"Jackie Gingrich Cushman"

I wonder if this author isn't a little suspect? The title would probably be better if it were "Clash of the Titanic Scoundrels of infidelity!!!"

62 posted on 07/22/2010 8:36:30 AM PDT by SierraWasp ("Contempt of Congress" used to be a minor crime. Now it's a badge of honor!!!)
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To: TomGuy
u are implying that anyone who disagrees with you hates Newt.

No, I'm not. I made it very clear in the first post exactly who I think hates Newt. Do you hate Newt? If so, why?

That is word-twisting — an activity alinsky-types use to redefine the discussion in their own terms — so they can win by putting the opposition on the defensive.

Sorry, I'll have to take your word for that. I've never read Alinsky nor do I ever intend to.

It sounds to me like you're trying to pick a fight. And show how superior you are. Either that or you're gay and feeling a little bitchy today.

63 posted on 07/22/2010 8:38:24 AM PDT by Do Be (The heart is smarter than the head.)
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To: Kaslin

Newt wouldn’t get the GOP POTUS nomination, ever!


64 posted on 07/22/2010 8:46:20 AM PDT by johnthebaptistmoore (If leftist legislation that's already in place really can't be ended by non-leftists, then what?)
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To: Kaslin

I could listen to Newt talk about America’s history all day long, but that’s where it ends. He has soiled himself on more than one occasion... he will never be president.

Palin 2012


65 posted on 07/22/2010 8:50:08 AM PDT by Gator113 (God save the Republic.....)
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To: Kaslin

A big no to each, has beens and both have baggage.


66 posted on 07/22/2010 9:00:31 AM PDT by RicocheT
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To: Kaslin
Clinton seems like a planned part of lefts agenda.

This current administration is full of Clinton people. The Sestak bribe brought to light how much Bill is also involved. Obama will nationalize the major sectors of our economy.

Then Hillary comes in and brings us under a global umbrella UN Soros agenda. The Clinton machine is already in place.

Hot Air " Audio: Hillary Clinton brags about starting Media Matters ,2007

"putting together a network in the blogosphere and a lot of the new progressive infrastructure, institutions that I helped start and support like Media Matters and the Center for American Progress…”

67 posted on 07/22/2010 9:13:48 AM PDT by opentalk
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To: Kaslin
Jindal OUGHT NOT to run. Neither of his parents was an American citizen at the time of his birth,

Besides, he's a number-crunching wimp. Give him a green eyeshade and lock him the back room. Call me when he has the thugs who broke the guy's leg and beat up the girl after the Republican Meeting in NOLA. And the whining he did while Obama fiddle-fatted around after the Big Spill?

This guy has missed the bus and his opportunity to play in the political big leagues.

68 posted on 07/22/2010 9:23:40 AM PDT by Kenny Bunk (Think about this. The Party of Constitutional Restoration. Program, Plan, Leaders, Courage.)
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To: Kaslin
Jindal OUGHT NOT to run. Neither of his parents was an American citizen at the time of his birth,

Besides, he's a number-crunching wimp. Give him a green eyeshade and lock him the back room. Call me when he has the thugs who broke the guy's leg and beat up the girl after the Republican Meeting in NOLA. And the whining he did while Obama fiddle-fatted around after the Big Spill?

This guy has missed the bus and his opportunity to play in the political big leagues.

69 posted on 07/22/2010 9:23:52 AM PDT by Kenny Bunk (Think about this. The Party of Constitutional Restoration. Program, Plan, Leaders, Courage.)
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To: Howie66
Howie, I am very worried bout Global Warming and Greenhouse Gases affecting the life of my pets. Newt is the man for me, providing he takes some macho voice lessons and loses 50 pounds. I am so impressed with this man, that I have invited him to address my PETA Meeting.
70 posted on 07/22/2010 9:27:07 AM PDT by Kenny Bunk (Think about this. The Party of Constitutional Restoration. Program, Plan, Leaders, Courage.)
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To: Kenny Bunk

lmao


71 posted on 07/22/2010 9:29:56 AM PDT by Howie66 (I can see November from my house.)
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To: Clara Lou

What’s wrong with Newt? Who is the alternative?


72 posted on 07/22/2010 10:09:32 AM PDT by LouAvul
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To: TomGuy

newt is a repulsive jerk... that is why he has little support.

LLS


73 posted on 07/22/2010 10:33:15 AM PDT by LibLieSlayer ( WOLVERINES!)
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To: Kaslin
Your dream left out:

“Frank Luntz just held a focus group where minutes after Clinton was selected... she leads newt 26 to 4 among attendees... Scott Rasmussen held a phone poll tonight where Clinton leads Newt 68 to 22% amongst Likely Voters”.

LLS

74 posted on 07/22/2010 10:39:04 AM PDT by LibLieSlayer ( WOLVERINES!)
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To: G Larry

Anyone that supports newt bores most Conservatives.

LLS


75 posted on 07/22/2010 10:40:21 AM PDT by LibLieSlayer ( WOLVERINES!)
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To: SueRae

Thank you Mam.

LLS


76 posted on 07/22/2010 10:41:27 AM PDT by LibLieSlayer ( WOLVERINES!)
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To: Do Be

If he had said anything LIKE that, I’d be upset too.

What he said was that LOCAL Tea Parties, should meet with LOCAL NAACP groups, to determine whether they had common concerns with State and Federal Gov’t, and how best to address them.


77 posted on 07/22/2010 10:46:30 AM PDT by G Larry (Democrats: expediting the Destruction of America, before they lose power...)
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To: matginzac
Would that be the architect of the 2006 mid term disaster... the one where the next day during his news conference, Bush blamed him to his face?

BTW... Not only did I vote for Palin in ‘08... I sent her and what's his name a grand to help them.

LLS

78 posted on 07/22/2010 10:48:06 AM PDT by LibLieSlayer ( WOLVERINES!)
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To: G Larry
If he had said anything LIKE that, I’d be upset too. What he said was that LOCAL Tea Parties, should meet with LOCAL NAACP groups, to determine whether they had common concerns with State and Federal Gov’t, and how best to address them.

Thanks for the correction but, to me, it makes no difference. The NAACP is nothing but a racist organization that's lying about the Tea Party and trying to stir up trouble. I believe Newt knows this. Everybody else does. So, for him to say they need to discuss their common concerns is disingenuous. He's playing politics, giving the NAACP more credence than they have ever had.

This is not the PC kind of crap I want to hear from the next president. Too much is at stake right now.

79 posted on 07/22/2010 11:11:59 AM PDT by Do Be (The heart is smarter than the head.)
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To: LibLieSlayer; matginzac
Would that be the architect of the 2006 mid term disaster... the one where the next day during his news conference, Bush blamed him to his face?

You mean Karl Rove? Not sure who "the Architect" was supposed to be. Guys, please be more explicit who we're talking about here.

80 posted on 07/22/2010 11:49:30 AM PDT by lentulusgracchus
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