Posted on 02/11/2007 11:29:59 AM PST by B Knotts
He's back. A conservative back-bencher who fired up a lackluster GOP and grabbed victory in 1994, Newt Gingrich is being tapped by the newly out-of-power group to help map a return trip. "Unlike anyone else in the party," says a prominent GOP insider, "Newt knows how to fight back." A potential 2008 presidential candidate, Gingrich has been meeting with Republicans at closed-door House GOP retreats and suggesting ways to squash the Dems.
Initially, the former speaker urged a less in-your-face approach, advising Republicans to put it in idle and wait for the Democrats to "implode on their own," one GOP lawmaker tells us. "Newt advised not to get out in front of them too fast, let them make some mistakes," says the lawmaker. Well, it hasn't happened fast enough, and now Gingrich is sounding the attack charge. At a second retreat of conservatives this month, he challenged them to bark loudly and often at Democrats and use parliamentary moves to thwart the opponents. His first order to conservative rabble-rousers: Take over the GOP message. Next, he suggested tactics and rules to delay legislation and tricks to trap Democrats. Finally, drop a bomb the media will love. The GOP did, slapping Speaker Nancy Pelosi's demand for an "Air Force Three" to fly her home to San Francisco. Says a leadership aide, "He brings up things that we didn't even know about."
Newt is great behind the scenes and as a "revolutionary" but once he got in, Clinton and the lefties turned the tables and bounced him in a few years.
Thank goodness Newt doesn't reside in the "New Tone" camp.
It's truly a shame that Newt isn't a bit more telgenic and that he has those skeletons. He really is a great tactician and a brilliant guy.
That is not necessarily a credit to Newt, but self-revealing discredit to those presently impersonating leaders in the Republican Party.
Says a leadership aide, "He brings up things that we didn't even know about."
Well, I would say it is their JOB to know about 'things'.
They never cease to amaze me.
If conservatives want a bulldog to fight the dems blow for blow, only Newt can and will do that.
Salamanders for Newt!
I agree with you 100% - I love to hear his speeches.
http://www.DraftNewt.org - updated everyday with great articles and speeches.
Agreed. And I think Newt could catch on with the American people, once they really get to know him.
I know, man. When he resigned in disgrace, boy he sure showed 'em!
I think it's a little bit of both, really.
Exactly what do you mean by "skeletons"? I keep hearing about them, but nobody gives details. Does he like boys? Has he been convicted of any crimes? Did he sleep with Hillary?
That's revisionism. He didn't resign "in disgrace"; he resigned because the GOP didn't do well in the '98 election, and there was a coup attempt.
Newt resigned to save the party. He had become a lightning rod for the dims and it was only going to get worse.
Please quit the history revisionism. Newt's resigning was an act of sacrifice, not cowardice.
What GOP candidate has a clean record? They all have some skeletons in the closet. Newt is a political wonk, a true intellect on promoting and advancing conservative policies. But his public style leaves a lot in question for many folks. I like Newt and would like to see him run. There lies the biggest stumbling block. What is Newt waiting for? Labor Day is too far out. Too late. Say yes now, Newt!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.