Posted on 12/01/2006 7:40:42 AM PST by ZGuy
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich last night offered a grim outlook for the final two years of the Bush Administration, saying at best it would resemble President Gerald Ford’s administration and at worst President Jimmy Carter’s.
Gingrich spoke at a private fundraiser for the Virginia Conservative Action PAC. The event, hosted at the home of Shirley & Banister Public Affairs President Craig Shirley, attracted dozens of conservatives to hear Gingrich’s message.
Despite a clamoring among conservatives for Gingrich to run for president in 2008, he offered no indication he would do so. Recently, Gingrich has said he would make a decision in September 2007. He echoed those sentiments last night.
Gingrich’s remarks were wide-ranging, touching on America’s healthcare system, the bloated federal budget and a history lesson about George Washington’s Mount Vernon home—just miles from the site of the fundraiser.
He reserved his harshest remarks for the Bush Administration and Republicans in Washington, D.C. Gingrich called the consultant community “stupid” and said the GOP has wasted money on campaign ads. He said, “2004 was pathetic, and 2006 was worse.”
Gingrich said Republicans—and especially White House adviser Karl Rove—need to recognize why they lost control of Congress. He said Rove should leave his job if he doesn’t get it.
On Iraq, Gingrich said the U.S. won the first campaign there—toppling Saddam Hussein—but has failed in the second, ongoing campaign. He said he opposes the current plan of action in Iraq, and called on the U.S. to launch a new, broader third campaign. In the past, Gingrich has suggested a preemptive invasion of Iran to thwart that country’s development of a nuclear weapon.
He said the American people are more courageous than the Bush Administration realizes—and when called upon to act, they will respond accordingly. “Show them Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s speeches,” Gingrich implored.
What advice would Gingrich offer Bush and Republicans? He named three bold moves he would take: Abolish the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, make English the official U.S. language, and praise US Airways, in the form of a congressional resolution, for its tough stand against six Muslim imams who behaved like terrorists on a recent flight.
He cited the “fiasco” in New Orleans as another embarrassment for the Bush Administration, which has relied on government to fix the city’s problems rather than private enterprise. “If there was no FEMA, New Orleans would have recovered faster.”
The fundraiser was organized on behalf of VCAP by Erin DeLullo, who most recently worked on Ken Blackwell’s campaign for governor of Ohio. Notable conservatives in attendance included former U.S. Rep. Bob Livingston, Media Research Center President Brent Bozell, public-relations consultants Diana Banister and Christian Josi, Townhall.com General Manager Chuck DeFeo, and American Spectator contributor Quin Hillyer. Virginia Delegate Chris Saxman and Corey Stewart, the newly elected chairman of the Prince William County Board of Supervisors, were also in attendance.
Yes, absolutely. It's his turn, isn't it?
Then after him...Elizabeth...then after her...Jeb...then...George P....then Bob Michel...then Betty Ford, etc., etc., etc.
Unfortunately, he's not alone.
Well said
*************
You're probably right, I'm sorry to say, because even as liberal as Rudy is, he's still better than anything the Democrats are likely to serve up.
Newt is on target in my opinion, too. While I don't think he makes a good presidential candidate, it isn't because of his philosophy or ideology. What we need is a "new" Gingrich-type of candidate without the history of demonization.
I know it is upsetting to a lot of folks, but there really isn't a lot of good that Bush can do at this point. He can veto bad legislation and that is about it. He can't lower taxes, reduce the size of government, get conservatives on the bench, secure the border, etc.
I wish he would lead a new Reagan Conservative Republican movement.
We need someone like Newt. He does not wavier on his conservatism or the Constitution.
Maybe not abolished but I'll bet you its jurisdiction could be shrunk down to the size of a damn postage stamp on Alcatraz Island....
I've never heard Newt flip-flop on issues. And all politicos bend their principles. Newt has never broke his conservative principles and that is what counts.
>>>>If he is the nominee, I will vote for him.
Good for you, MM!
If Rudy is the nominee, I will not vote for him.
Gingrich is a clever man and a brilliant thinktank on conservative policies. However I doubt voters would see past his personal baggage and elect him as President.
"The fundraiser was organized on behalf of VCAP by Erin DeLullo, who most recently worked on Ken Blackwell’s campaign for governor of Ohio."
This person in my opinion did a bad job.
Ken Blackwell's agenda was allowed to be 'tarred and feathered' by the media. I am really disappointed he was allowed to be so vilified.
Is Reganomics dead?
Democrats and Republicans do occasionally find some common issues on which to work together on. Btw, Newt doesn't favor universal heatlthcare, AKA "HillaryCare". If you don't like Newt, fine. No need to fabricate untruths about him. There is enough to pick apart.
We are also faced with the following phenomena - as of today, December 1, 2006 - the three Presidential contenders on the Republican side with most visibility are McCain, Romney and Giuliani. McCain is bonkers, Romney's got some terrible negative numbers becuase of being Mormon (why, I haven't a clue) - that leaves Giuliani.
As such, I see no point in getting into a rabid hate session against the man. He may be the bulwark of civilisation against the desolation that Hillary represents. Think carefully about what a disaster she would be not just for America but for the world. Then choose.
Ivan
clever... what are you going to do for an encore? walk upright?
Regards, Ivan
This cannot be stated too often... f _ _ _ ing b _ _ tards.
Gingrich: "ROVE...YOU MAGNIFICANTLY STUPID BASTARD!"
He'd be a great cabinet member.
In many ways -- particularly morally -- Gingrich proved himself the equal of Bill Clinton ... except politically, in which arena he proved to be an empty suit who was incapable of putting his words into action. Gingrich's political stupidity played a large role in getting Clinton re-elected in '96.
Even if there's truth to some of what he says, I can't help but seeing it mostly as a self-serving attempt by Gingrich to try to stake out a niche in the runup to the 2008 presidential race.
Just which of us is the "Republican in Name Only?"
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