Something else I'd like to see a spotlight on is the July 1997 GOP-attempted coup to force Newt from his speakership position. The four ringleaders were Bill Paxon, Tom DeLay, Dick Armey, and none other than John Boehner who played perhaps the largest role.
It was Dick Armey's chief of staff who blew the whistle on it and informed Speaker Gingrich that the coup was to take place the following day. Gingrich called a meeting with the schemers, letting them know they were busted. Bill Paxon was the only one Newt was able to strip of his position, since he was the only one Newt had appointed, while the others were elected.
To say there is no love lost between Gingrich and Boehner would be a huge understatement. As the saying goes, when you plot to kill the king, be sure you leave him dead. The prospect of Gingrich returning to power, this time as POTUS, must be John Boehner's worst nightmare. For Newt, it may be a case of revenge being a dish best served cold. Paybacks are a bitch, and I have a feeling that Speaker Gingrich can hold a grudge for a very long time.
I think this is just one of the things that has the GOP Establishment, including John Boehner and his cronies, in an absolute panic.
Thanks lonevoice, you added some very important background. Looking back on that time, Dick Armey also paid the price for his disloyalty. It is very interesting to see how Armey in his current position as a Tea Party leader will respond to Newt. He was on Fox this morning and presents the TP as a group of individuals with common values but not as a group who will collectively endorse one candidate. Peeling the onion, Armey did acknowledge that Romney has a difficult time connecting with TP where Newt is a much more natural fit.
This whole Newt story is a real all-American one. It would make a great movie. I am sure the Hollywood moviemakers would rank it way high, almost in the league of Milk, and The American President. /s