Newt Gingrich was a mentor to Rick Santorum when Rick was first elected to the House of Reps.
Later, as Senator Santorum, he allied himself with Sen. Trent Lott (Republican, Mississippi), and was part of the coup that tried to force Newt Gingrich out of Congress. Speaker Gingrich eventually resigned.
Newt Gingrich had a religious epiphany a few years back. I suspect he holds no feelings of vengeance, but cannot but help find the situation in the debate amusing.
Paybacks are a bitch!
I appreciate that historical factoid. Learn something every day!
I think Boehner is nervous of a President Gingrich. It would pose a serious threat to his current position. And Newt does not like RINO Boehner even one tiny bit.