Romney's 1994 Problem—and How Gingrich Could Benefit

The Atlantic ^ | Dec 13, 2012 | By Major Garrot

[Jim Robinson]

While Gingrich was ascending to Speaker of the House on the back of the "Contract with America," Romney was waging a senate campaign with a much less conservative platform

To anyone who thought GOP front-runner Newt Gingrich attacked Mitt Romney Saturday by joking he was only one loss to Sen. Edward Kennedy away from "career politician" status, think again.

Compared to what Gingrich could have said, that was no attack. It was practically a Cinnabon served with cold milk.

Romney remains a well-funded, well-organized candidate with a raft of supporters in many states. But he's weak -- so weak his campaign advisers now envision a long slog in pursuit of the nomination -- one that could last until the California primary on June 5. This is what passes for optimism in Boston. It reminds me of Hillary Clinton's optimism after then Sen.-Barack Obama fought her to a tie on Super Tuesday.

Two points about the Romney-Clinton optimism convergence: we all remember how well it worked out for Hillary; that Romney and his team now see a fight for the nomination lasting until June even before a single vote has been cast bespeaks a grudging acknowledgment -- bordering on panic -- that Gingrich's momentum is real, debates are unlikely to rattle him and playing the long game is the only option left.

The deeper issue for Romney is that Gingrich, who has managerial and temperamental issues of his own, is just about the worst Republican challenger he could face at a time when undecided Republicans are trying to decide if Romney is an ideological cipher.

In this regard, 1994 is very tough on Romney. The contrast between Romney and Gingrich in this year of GOP ascendancy and congressional clout unrealized since the days of Eisenhower and Truman that many conservatives...

[Jim Robinson]

...may find it disqualifying.

[Jim Robinson]

Mitt Romney on the Contract with America:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Jzno_apP1Q&feature=player_embedded

Mitt doesn’t like Republicans laying out a plan an in Washington. Says Republicans and Democrats should work together to find solutions.

[dirtboy]

Yep, while Newt was successfully running hard to the right of Clinton in 1994, Mitt was trying to flank the Swimmer to the left on abortion.

It really demonstrates that Mitt has no core principals other than the pursuit of power for himself.

[American Quilter]

Thanks for this article, Jim. It’s a good reminder of how much Newt accomplished in 1994, and some younger FReepers may not be aware of it.

I’m not crazy about Newt, but I prefer him to Romney.

[SENTINEL]

Mitt is a more successful Version of Bill Clinton legislatively, in the following three ways.

1. Anti-Gunner. Clinton was only able to get through a 10-year assault wepons ban, while Romney in 2004 as governor, signed a "Permanent Assault Weapons Ban" into law.

2. Commie Health Care proponent. While Clinton's secretive nationalized health care summit headed up by his wifey went down in flames, Romney actually designed, championed and signed into law the nation's first version of Obamacare.

3. Gay Marriage. Clinton was barely able to get "don't ask don't tell" forced onto the military, while Romney presided over the first state in the country to legalize gay marriage.

Gingrich is FAR from perfect, but he presided over the impeachment of Clinton....ROMNEY IS CLINTON !

[true believer forever]

Plus, Newt has a new Contract with America:

Newt Gingrich's 21st Century Contract With America

Part 1:  Legislative Proposals

1. Repeal Obamacare 
    
2. Return to Robust Job Creation
    
3. Unleash America’s Full Energy Production Potential
    
4. Save Medicare and Social Security
    
5. Balance the Federal Budget
    
6. Control the Border by January 1, 2014 
    
7. Revitalize Our National Security System
    
8. Maximize the Speed and Impact of Medical Breakthroughs
    
9. Restore the Proper Role of the Judicial Branch
    
10. Enforce the Tenth Amendment

Part 2:  Day One Executive Orders 

• Eliminate the thirty-nine White House "Czar" positions
   
• "Mexico City Policy" of Respect for Life

• Restore conscience clause protections for Healthcare Workers

• Respect Each Sovereign Nation’s Choice of its Capital
   
• End the Attorney General's Assault on the States

• The Keystone Pipeline

 

Download Newt Gingrich's Contract with America

 

Because he knows where the bodies in DC are buried...

(and lots of other reasons, too)

[SENTINEL]

He needs to add to this a first day pardon of railroaded Border Agents Ramos, Campeon, and Diaz.

I don't know how to get ahold of his campaign....this would permanently put him on top in the primary and general IMHO.

[true believer forever]

At his campaign site, newt.org - he asks for suggestions from supporters for other executive orders, as the list will be added to right up until October, when Newt plans to reveal 200 EOs he will sign on Inauguration Day, before the Obama plane lands in Chicago.

I am working on one, that there be an executive order that restaurants can give their end-of-the-day food to shelters and ministry organizations that feed the hungry. I work with a lot of inner city kids - who absolutely love Gingrich btw - and that EO would help a lot to feed hungry people. Do you have any idea how many donuts Dunkin Donuts throws out every night, or KFC, etc?

I am still working on my EO, I am trying to make it sound professional and not too stupid or naive...