It's entirely possible that he asked for forgiveness earlier. That still does not eliminate the possibility of the contrived nature of a broadcast discussion of one's sins designed to court the Christian Right.
If you wish to believe in the sincerity of Newt's discussion of personal sins in a public forum, and that that discussion was not done for political gain, I will not stand in your way. I am skeptical.
However, the foregoing does nothing to change my mind that he is one of the better political thinkers in the GOP. I like Newt and just wish he didn't come with such personal baggage.
Points well taken.
He's my man, too. I'll vote for the GOP candidate and although I would like to see it be Newt, there are several that I consider more than qualified for the job.
Regardless of the outcome, this is the kind of discussion and airing the situation needs and will benefit from in a big way.
Let it all hang out, and then we will go along with the one who comes out on top!
"In 2000, for example, James Dobson issued a personal press release specifically to "clarify his lack of support for Senator McCain." "The Senator is being touted by the media as a man of principle, yet he was involved with other women while married to his first wife," Dobson said. He also cautioned that McCain's character was "reminiscent" of Bill Clinton's--possibly the ultimate insult in conservative circles."
Steve Benen, High Infidelity
High Infidelity
As Dobson frames the issue, infidelity is not about saints and sinners, it's about character. A candidate's personal life is perhaps the very best measure of his or her character. This is not about casting stones, glass houses and hypocrisy of those questioning a candidate's fitness, as they have not placed their character at issue by proclaiming they should be the next leader of the free world. It is solely related to character of the candidate.
Sadly, as brilliant as Newt is, he has twice broken marriages with his infidelity. Dictating divorce terms with the first wife while she was in the hospital recuperating from uterine cancer related surgery also reflects poorly on his character. The character issue causes me concern with Newt. This is truly a lesson that we should have learned from the Clinton administration.