Posted on 11/19/2011 1:28:19 PM PST by jessduntno
Reagan and Gingrich (from 1980)
In his 1980 debate with President Carter, Ronald Reagan famously said:
"...I think when you make that decision, it might be well if you would ask yourself, are you better off than you were four years ago? Is it easier for you to go and buy things in the stores than it was four years ago? Is there more or less unemployment in the country than there was four years ago? Is America as respected throughout the world as it was? Do you feel that our security is as safe, that we're as strong as we were four years ago? And if you answer all of those questions yes, why then, I think your choice is very obvious as to whom you will vote for. If you don't agree, if you don't think that this course that we've been on for the last four years is what you would like to see us follow for the next four, then I could suggest another choice that you have.
In an August 26, 1980 memo to Reagan advisers Evans, Laxalt and Kemp, Newt wrote:
When Carter in the debate has a nicely sounding statement on the economy or anything else, Reagan should not answer Carter or discuss the details of Carter's statement. Instead, he should look straight into the TV camera and say:
"You measure in your pocketbook whether or not what he's just said has been true these past four years. If your life is better, you should vote for him; he is the President and he's responsible. If your life is worse you should vote against him; he is the President and therefore he's responsible"
(Excerpt) Read more at bessettepitney.net ...
“Do try to follow along here. Newt did not attempt to link himself to Reagan, he did not write this article and he has never—to my knowledge—ever mentioned this revelation.”
Funny that you say “revelation.”
It really was a revelation to me that this was buried so well, when I first came across it. It was in my memory bank from somewhere back thirty years ago - I too do not remember Newt ever mentioning this - and it took some real digging to find it. The disheartening thing about this revelation, for me, is the way it firmed up my belief in the treachery of the Grand Old Potty.
I think that sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach is that the government on both sides has gone so completely rogue on the American people. That deconstruction of history drove the desire for the total purge of all things Newt from the GOP. It was so complete that I firmly believe this is the proof of it. I don’t think they want Newt anywhere near the White House.
“I will not let the media pick my candidate, by smearing my candidate with unfounded accusations and creative editing of interviews.”
Huh?
No, dear, I am half blind. It is very difficult for me to read anything but very short articles. Ane sometimes I misread a word or two., but I still have a heart for adding to the melee. Sorry.
“They want Mitt . . . it has ever been the “establishment Republican” way to believe that running for President is basically the privilege of the next guy in line.”
Sorry...no, I recognize the Mitt hunger...I meant that they are going further and further to sabotage rather than the benign neglect of the past. It is getting into scrubbing history and “dirty tricks” on our own.
SP’s populism scared the bejeebers out of them. I still think they worry about a third party challenge or a draft.
“Where is this on display in the Reagan library, or what file?”
Still can’t figure out that whole Google, download, or open the file link thing, eh, genius?
“Newt never created crap, talk radio did.”
You were created by talk radio? Huh.
This was written in 1980, dimwit. What did you expect, a PDF? Follow the links, read the books, read something. Either that or have another glass of that 100 proof stupid you seem to be chugging and keep telling yourself how smart you are.
Thanks for this. We need Newt to save this country.
it is the day of the computer, you can made and fake anything on paper and blue screen the monsters in the movies are not real.
hmmmm
In reading that, without thinking about it, I could hear Newt speaking those words. It has his cadence and his succinct ability to cut to the core.
as to why he has never said anything? He greatly admired and cared about Reagan. And he is not given to bragging (which is different than pointing out what he HAS done as illustrations of what he WILL do.
In Watching the debate tonight, I was struck by how many of the other candidates were “When I (capitol “I”) am Commander in Chief, I...” etc.
Newt is more about solutions and examples over “I/me.”
The others, not so much.
Interesting that Ron Paul, the oldest, with more time to’ve had personal regrets about things in his past (when they were asked about it) had none...except that he didn’t pursue what he believes would’ve been a note-worthy sports record. (snicker) Must be comforting to look back on your life and think: “I’m spotless.”
What’s that old saying: “A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.”
“Nice try, and you proof Reagan ever seen and/read this is what.”
You really shouldn’t post while drunk.
It's a good think you wrote that, becasue I was about to drop an elbow on you. LOL!
“In reading that, without thinking about it, I could hear Newt speaking those words. It has his cadence and his succinct ability to cut to the core.”
Well, there’s that...and I can’t imagine him allowing a bogus story at this stage. Plus, it is a small part of a rather obscure piece of writing. The author and time of publishing seem to be consistent and the scans look plain enough to be authentic...fakes usually try to embellish with something over the top.
It’ll be interesting to see if anyone picks this up - it is quite a revelation, I think.
And I agree, if it isn’t Newt (even a young Newt) it has that quirky “I’m looking for something here, wherever it leads...” quality. The problem Newt has with his detractors and the politics aficionados is that he just sometimes doesn’t engage the political filter and says what’s in the academic’s mind. That’s a no-no for them and the thing that I like best.
2.Gingrich wrote this BEFORE the famous debate.
3. Gingrich worked close with Reagan.
4. Reagan was personally aware of Newt's abilities and why wouldn't he ‘use’ him? Peggy Newnan was most known as one of his speech writers - all president's have speech writer's. But Reagan was known to go through the speeches and tweek them...not just read them verbatim - like the POS we have in the WH now. Reagan was no dummy.
5. Ignorance of the above does make it not true.
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