Newt Gingrich Has Climbed To The Top Of Donald Trump’s Vice-Presidential List

washingtonpost.com ^ | July 2

[Helicondelta]

The Republican National Convention opens in Cleveland — we are all witnesses — in exactly 16 days.

That means that sometime over the next two weeks or so, we'll find out whom Trump has picked to be his vice-presidential running mate. Trump and his team have said all sorts of things about the timing of the announcement, including sometime soon and in the midst of the convention.

Either way, it's coming. And coming soon.

Trying to figure out a) whom Trump will pick or b) whom he is consulting in deciding whom to pick is, well, tough. But we do have some insight into where we stand in the process thanks to my WaPo colleagues Bob Costa and Karen Tumulty. They wrote this week:

Donald Trump’s campaign has begun formally vetting possible running mates, with former House speaker Newt Gingrich emerging as the leading candidate

[SoFloFreeper]

A lot better choice than Christie or Pence.

I had a lot of hope for Pence, then he crumbled when threatened by Angie’s List. What a fail.

[ChinaGotTheGoodsOnClinton]

I can see why not everyone is jumping for joy on this.

But if you need someone who has dramatically changed the direction of America and who is always the smartest person in the room, it is Newt.

[Resettozero]

Surely we can do better than that?

Which candidates completely fulfill the qualifications DJT has said he's wanting in his running mate AND, simultaneously, will bring voters who otherwise would not vote for DJT?

[ground_fog]

Laura Ingraham nailed him yesterday on his support of Boehner and TPP. Newt is not on board with trade and immigration. I say no

[SubMareener]

I know that Donald J. Trump has studied what happened to Reagan when the New World Order Cabal surrounded him and forced George H.W. Bush on him as VP, and then tried to kill him. While Newt denies attending the NWO orgies at the Bohemian Grove, he sits on couches with Nancy Polosi, etc., and the NWO certainly would think it can control him.

I really don’t think Donald Trump is going to make the same mistake. This “joint fundraising” is not enough to obligate Donald Trump to the establishment, but I am sure they will try to convince him that it does.

Anyway, I still think that Senator Jeff Sessions is the best pick. Perfect fit on governmental philosophy, and complementary on temperament and delivery. Have you ever seen any report of Senator Sessions committing a “gaffe”? Neither have I, but I have noted that Newt has often been accused of more than one “gaffe”. Not to mention the “two candidates, six wives” meme.

[loveliberty2]

Inasmuch as Trump is not the "ideas" (as in, ability to articulate the essential ideas of liberty and rejection of "progressive" counterfeit ideas) then Gingrich's study and understanding of the Founders ideas, combined with his knowledge of the way Washington has been working, and the courage to confront partisans seem to qualify him for this moment--if any mere human can help now.

Trump certainly has clarified for ordinary people an understanding of the consequences of America's departure from the founding ideas!

If, in the words of the Founders, Divine Providence continues to oversee "the affairs of men," and if, in his plan, America is to have a role, then perhaps that explains this phenomenon. (Sheer speculation)

[Walkingfeather]

He is not my favorite but he knows the ropes and how the back room works. Trump needs that. Newt is seen as the counter to Trump and that is important.

[SunLakesJeff]

+1

[Ditter]

Newt would suit me just fine!

[TauntedTiger]

If I were Trump I wouldn’t even joke about bringing a RINO on my team. Gingrich was bamboozled by Algore.

[Ditter]

So what! They were not married to them all at the same time, big difference! Newt would be great!

[poinq]

The point of the VP is to consult, win a state or demographic group, give confidence to the ticket, and/or fill in if the President passes away. Newt can do all of these accept he won’t get any votes. No state or demographic group sees Newt as a reason to vote for Trump.

Newt does have Washington gravitas and experience. So those thinking that is needed will like Newt. He is also very good at explaining things. So when Trump gaffs, Newt can explain.

I would prefer the Dem congress women from Hawaii who is more conservative than many republicans. But I’ll take Newt.

[Fhios]

True that. It’s not an optimum, but it may be his best chance.

I’m just concerned about Newts ability to keep his mouth shut when it should be shut.

I wonder how a new ‘contract with America’ would do coming from the very top.

[jjotto]

Gingrich will be 78 in 2020, and 82 in 2024. Smart as he is, political players recognize that he has no future. Palace intrigue among those who would claim a Trump legacy and no quarter from Newt’s enemies who would not fear future retribution.

[Sooth2222]

Didn't Trump revoke the WaPo's press credentials 2 weeks ago? And they actually believe that they're the first newspaper that Trump's people are going to call to leak significant information?

Whoever is Trump's final choice I hope it's someone who will make heads explode in the WaPo and NYT editorial suites. I like Newt, but I don't think he does Trump quite as much good as some other choices could. (He's certainly a better choice than Christie.)

[Macoozie]

Please, No Newt!
Too Old, Too White, Too Inside, Too NWO, too Global Warmy . . . must I go on?

Chief of Staff? Sure. Top Adviser? Sure.
In the mix of dept/agency heads? Maybe.

Need younger, maybe former military, mentor-able.
Someone ready TO BE POTUS if, heaven protect us, need be.
A Constitutional Warrior to help keep The Donald on the Straight and Narrow.

Look to the States. Let’s put the Washington Genie back in the bottle. POTUS is an Executive to oversee and enforce laws CONGRESS writes and passes.
Let’s get back to regular order and how it’s supposed to be.

[Cedar]

Bad idea. Will not bring in any independent voters, and those are needed to win in November.

[navymom1]

Bill Kristol, George Will, Mitt Romney, Paul Ryan, Ted Cruz, Several disgruntled Ted Cruz supporters, Mitch McConnell, Charles Krauthammer, and the list goes on. Add you people in with the democrats and the destructive rhetoric would put most in a bunker mentality. Thank God Donald Trump is our candidate. It’s about time for some backbone in this country! As for Trump, I don’t mind disagreeing on policy differences, but when I see Trump attacked like I’ve cited here, can you blame me or any supporter fighting back? Enough is enough and especially so when the negativity comes from his own party.

[thesligoduffyflynns]

if this is true...........i sure feel sorry for The Donald-
I would never vote that ticket.

I would vote The Donald and Allen West-

the maybe , just maybe we can turn this nation around.

If Chris Crippsey(sic) is put forth as VP just like Gingrich

we just might as well kiss our red , white & blue collective

arses goodbye.

Jeff Sessions? YUP- he’s a good guy I’d give him & The Donald the vote.