Originally posted by The AP/Baltimore Sun, 1/10/05Newt Gingrich is taking steps toward a potential presidential bid in 2008 with a book criticizing President Bush's policies on Iraq and a tour of early campaign states.
The former House speaker who led Republicans to power a decade ago said he soon will visit Iowa and New Hampshire to promote his book, try to influence public policy and keep his political options alive.
"Anything seems possible," including a White House race, Gingrich told the Associated Press.
The quotable and contentious former Georgia congressman, who runs a consulting firm in Washington, is promoting Winning the Future: A 21st Century Contract with America. He seemed to welcome the thought that a book tour will increase speculation about his political aspirations.
"It never hurts to maximize opportunities. That's the American tradition," Gingrich said. "If I can influence the reporters and political activists in Iowa and New Hampshire, they will influence the candidates."
Asked if he might be a candidate, Gingrich said, "For an Army brat from Pennsylvania who became the only Georgia Republican in the House and the first Republican speaker of the House in 40 years, anything seems possible. I don't think it's very likely. On the other hand, if I have an impact on public policy and do it in a way that is exciting and positive, why wouldn't I want to do that?"
Gingrich said he hopes newspapers in Iowa and New Hampshire seize on issues raised in his book. "If that means that every candidate will be hit by those questions, at a minimum I have helped shape policy," he said.
"And, at a maximum, other things might happen," he said.
Republicans close to Gingrich said he privately has mused about potentially running for president in 2008 or beyond. These officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because Gingrich would not approve of public speculation, said odds are against him seeking and winning the White House.
If nothing else, they said, Gingrich understands that talk could help sell his book, which goes on sale tomorrow.
Why not? Not like he can't go out and make a buck.
What is interesting though is that, with the people who seem to be making public overtures abotu running, Gingrich would be the frontrunner amongst the conservative wing of the party.
Well, just as an attorney, as a human being, I would have thought that if there were recommendations that were so blatantly and flagrantly over the line in terms of torture, that you might have recognized them. I mean, it certainly appears to me that water boarding, with all its descriptions about drowning someone to that kind of a point, would come awfully close to getting over the border, and that you'd be able to at least say today, There were some that were recommended or suggested on that, but I certainly wouldn't have had a part of that, as a human being. - Senator Ted Kennedy, confirmation hearing of Alberto Gonzales, 1/7/2005
Originally posted by GrimisWhat is interesting though is that, with the people who seem to be making public overtures abotu running, Gingrich would be the frontrunner amongst the conservative wing of the party.
I wouldn't bet on it. Most of the true conservatives I know don't particularly care for Gingrich given his rather public ethical and moral lapses.
Tim
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Not to mention that all those blue-staters would be counted on to hate him, and middle-of-the-road Clinton fans would see him as too extreme.
As the GOP-lovin' sonofabitch that I am, I'm hoping Newt doesn't run. He'd sink the party's chances for 2008, especially if Hillary runs...God forbid.
Star wipe, and...we're out. Thrillin' ain't easy.
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I think is the GOP equivalent of those "Al Gore should run again" people on the Demo side. Keep in mind that Dan Quayle briefly ran in the primaries in 2000, so this early silly season can leave anyone to throw their hats into the ring.
I'm interested in selling my youngest daughter into slavery as sanctioned in Exodus 21:7. She's a Georgetown sophomore, speaks fluent Italian, always cleared the table when it was her turn. What would a good price for her be? While thinking about that, can I ask another? My Chief of Staff Leo McGarry insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2 clearly says he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself or is it okay to call the police? Here's one that's really important because we've got a lot of sports fans in this town: touching the skin of a dead pig makes one unclean. Leviticus 11:7. If they promise to wear gloves, can the Washington Redskins still play football? Can Notre Dame? Can West Point? Does the whole town really have to be together to stone my brother John for planting different crops side by side? Can I burn my mother in a small family gathering for wearing garments made from two different threads? Think about those questions, would you? One last thing: while you may be mistaking this for your monthly meeting of the Ignorant Tight-Ass Club, in this building, when the President stands, nobody sits." --- President Jed Bartlett, The West Wing
If Gingrich actually makes a serious run for the presidency and Howard Dean really gets the nod for DNC chair, then 2008 could very well be the year for the third party.
Newt Gingrich's chances of getting the Republican nomination for President in '08 and then winning the general election are only slightly less than Newt Gingrich getting appointed to the Supreme Court by President Alan Keyes in 2010.
Originally posted by redsoxnationNewt Gingrich's chances of getting the Republican nomination for President in '08 and then winning the general election are only slightly less than Newt Gingrich getting appointed to the Supreme Court by President Alan Keyes in 2010.
Awesome.
That said, man, I love Newt. The guy had stones. Some obvious failings, yeah, but he had stones. No Republican since has had his gumption. I mean, cutting the Department of Education? Awesome. Bill Frist and Denny Hastert can't carry Newt's jock.
I loved Gingrich. I wish I had the photo I took with him back in the summer of 94 when some friends from JSA and I saw him crossing the street. I don't agree with a lot of what he stands for, but at least with Newt I always believed, even now, that he meant what he said, even if it wouldn't be popular. I can't see myself voting for him ever but I can at least respect him on his opinions. He's a brilliant guy, perhaps too smart for his own good, and that seemed to always force him a bit out of step with political reality (or real reality as the case may be).
On the upside for the politically progressive, a Gingrich campaign will supply ample fodder for comedy platforms like The Daily Show, especially if Newt's mom ends up on TV again. I, for one, am hoping he runs for office solely on this basis.
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