Newt Gingrich: An Entirely New Series of Debates

The Note ^ | 12/10/2011 | Jonathan Karl

[TBBT]

At the start of each debate, the candidates usually jot down a few notes as soon as they step to the podium. What does Newt Gingrich write? At the start of each debate so far, he has jotted down two names: Maggie and Robert. Next to Maggie he draws a smiley face. Next to Robert he writes the words “be short.” Maggie is Gingrich’s 12-year-old granddaughter. She tells Grandpa Newt that he does not smile enough and at each debate she keeps a count of how many times he smiles. Robert, his 10-year-old grandson, complains when Gingrich’s answers are too long. He sees both pieces of advice especially important tonight — he’s got to be positive and focussed on what he sees as the big issues.

[TBBT]

Gingrich expects that in this debate and the ones to follow he will, for the first time, be the piñata, bearing the brunt of the attacks from the other candidates.

How will he respond?

Gingrich has told his aides he will resist the temptation to counter-attack.

“He is going to go up there and act like a president, not a politician,” says Gingrich spokesman RC Hammond.

Tough course to navigate. You can only resist so much. Eventually, he may have no choice but to mount a assertive defense. Otherwise, if he doesn't the attacks will stick and do their intended damage. Also, people are looking for a fighter. Newt doesn't need to start the fight, but once started he should show that he can fight back if necessary.

[ClearCase_guy]

Every time Gingrich has the urge to strike back, he should strike out at Obama and at the media. That seems to be how he has reacted in previous debates, and it's worked pretty well so far.

He should specifically mentioned that the "pinata of the month" has consistently been whoever threatens Romney. The entire political establishment (Democrats, GOP & media) all clearly want Romney to be the nominee. Newt should (and probably will) point that out. He could point to Palin, Bachmann, Perry or Cain to verify it.

[sodpoodle]

Well thank the journalist for mentioning Newt’s grandchildren.

I commented on another thread that perhaps Gingrich the grandfather was reflecting on the America that his grandkids would inherit & his reason for running.

Notice how we have read about Amy Carter, Chelsea Clinton, the Romney sons, the Huntsman hot daughters, the Obama girls, the Huckabee bubbas, Paul’s son Rand, Bachmann’s adopted kids, Santorum’s sick child, Perry’s wonderful wife, ad nauseum - all designed to highlight the ‘special family’ dynamic. Never Newt - and now we see what an involved and inclusive grandfather he has become.

Newt has changed - for the better and maybe he can change America’s fortunes for the better. JMHO

[org.whodat]

New debate same old, old, old, worn out political insider rino, newt.

[matthew fuller]

"That seems to be how he has reacted in previous debates, and it's worked pretty well so far."

I tend to agree with you- BUT, staying "above the fray" didn't work at all for GWB. I think that most agree that he should have fought back more.

[hinckley buzzard]

It is an interesting point, and will make the debate well worth watching. We will see how he handles being unambiguously in the lead.

[mmanager]

Very well put sod. I believe Newt understands that he is in the last quarter of his life and that playing the game is no longer important. Whether it be his ego of going down in HISTORY or his true desire to right this country for his grandkids, I frankly don’t care. He understands the HISTORY better than any previous president. He understands and articulates all issues in this complex world. Newt is the man for these troubling times.

Jesus got nailed on a cross for forgiveness of our sins. Newt has came out asking for that forgiveness in his new found faith. Why not FReeper’s?

What say you (not you sod) that continue to bash and bring up Newt’s mis-givings of the past? Hell, I couldn’t run for the dog-catcher. But I love my country and would die for it!

[ClearCase_guy]

Yes, staying above the fray is a bad strategy. Based on what I’ve seen of Newt, he will skillfully slap down anyone who deserves to be slapped down.

[sodpoodle]

There is a stark difference between GWB and Newt. Bush held back because that was his nature. Newt will not ‘hold back’ - I suspect he will respond with a can of whup a$$ disguised as soda pop.

From a distance a raptor may appear as a seagull.

[matthew fuller]

I agree, Newt is absolutely not shy, and can and will likely respond devastatingly.

[mmanager]

Ping!

[mylife]

This is nothing new, Gingrich has approached all the debates in a presidential manner.
There is no doubt that his demeanor in the debates has propelled him to the front of the pack.

What we need to look at now is substance

I look forward to tonight’s debate.

[Prokopton]

Newt has came out asking for that forgiveness in his new found faith. Why not FReeper’s?

I forgive Newt, and I forgive Clinton. What does my forgiveness have to do with someones fitness for the presidency?

[CainConservative]

Great advice for the kids. Kids know grandpa's a leader...Go Newt go!

The Newt led Republicans took over the House of Reps after Repubs spent 40 years in the wilderness.

That’s leadership!

And now we control it and soon the Senate as well under a President Gingrich and his new Contract With America.

Thank God, Republicans are overwhelmingly (DOUBLE DIGIT leads everywhere for Newt) on board for that scenario.

[Glenn]

Debate? Tonight?

I'm always the last to know.

Who is carrying it?

[Raebie]

ABC, 8:00 EST.

[montag813]

Newt. Mittens. Bachmann. Sanctimonium. RuPaul. Is this all there is? Barf.

[RitaOK]

I am impressed. A thoroughly cute story. I like cute. In fact, I like Newt.

[BigEdLB]

Perry, maybe?

[Glenn]

Thanks!