As Alana pointed out, according to Public Policy Polling, Newt Gingrich is now at the top of the GOP field. And for understandable reasons: he’s performed quite well in the debates, he’s generally excellent during television interviews, he’s targeted the press in almost every debate, and he hasn’t gotten into any spitting matches with the other candidates. He has, in fact, gone out of his way to praise the other candidates. He’s “Uncle Newt,” to quote Fox’s Brit Hume. As the other candidates dissolve or self-destruct and as Mitt Romney continues to face a ceiling on support among conservative voters, Gingrich was bound to rise.
But here’s the thing to keep in mind: other candidates rose, too, before the white hot presidential spotlight turned on them and, to one degree or another, burnt them up. So far in this campaign, Gingrich has avoided that kind of scrutiny, precisely because until now he hasn’t been considered a front runner. Now that he is, he will increasingly become a target. We’ll see it with the press first – and then, if necessary, we’ll see it from the other candidates.
Gingrich has one thing going for him: Unlike Herman Cain, Rick Perry, and Michele Bachmann, he is used to playing on a big stage. He’s been a national figure for many years. And he knows, at least to some degree, what to expect.
The danger for Gingrich is that he’s something of a target-rich environment, from his personal life (including cheating on two previous wives), to his commercial with then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi raising concerns about climate change, to his past support for the Medicare prescription drug plan and an individual mandate in health care, to the $300,000 he received from embattled government mortgage agency Freddie Mac, to much more.
Some of the coverage will be tough and fair; some of it will be tough and unfair. But tough it will be.
Most of the other challengers to Mitt Romney have fallen like bowling pins. Gingrich possesses some far greater skills than they do – but arguably he has some greater flaws as well.
It’ll be fascinating to see how he does as he becomes the focal point of attention, which will – if his rise in the poll continues — be more intense than anything he’s ever experienced (and he’s experienced a lot). For well or ill, it’s the nature of our nominating beast.
Gingrich is the most intelligent, politically smart, communicative–and popular?–candidate. So naturally he will be smeared now that he looks like a candidate who could actually WIN over Obama. Plow on, Newt.
How much of Newt Ginchrich's baggage old news? Can you imagine the reaction from the press if the Republican challenger brought up Jeremiah Wright, Tony Rezko, Bill Ayers and bitter clingers? I also wonder how much of this matters this election cycle?
How much of Newt Ginchrich's baggage old news? Can you imagine the reaction from the press if the Republican challenger brought up Jeremiah Wright
I disagree that the other candidates may "target" or attack Gingrich, who has been consistent enough in not attacking them, and was masterful in praising the other five who spoke at the Iowa GOP Ronald Reagan dinner while slamming, with subtle innuendo, the other two who were noticeably absent by choice. n nThe bigger question is whether the social conservative and anti-establishment factions of the GOP toss their rigid stances aside, and succumb to "debater-in-chief" hysteria. n nIowa may confound all the punditry.
Why do people think that serial adulterer and inveterate liar Newt will appeal to the American people? Newt blamed his patriotism as an excuse for cheating on his wives! Come on! If an American soldier can be brought on charges for committing adultery. Why should Americans knowingly vote for a candidate who holds basic American values in contempt?r nr nWhenever someone in the GOP presidential field comes to lead, he or she is suddenly deemed the smartest, most wonderful candidate in the world. Sorry! That’s just not true. r nr nNewt Gingrich has a monarchial view. The rules of society are for the little people, not him. He happily admonishes others for not living up up to morals that he holds in contempt. There’s no way I want this man to be held up as any kind of hero to my kids.r nr nThe real problem is that the GOP candidates are just a poor lot in general. Look at Herman Cain. The man claimed that America was past racism. What does he do when presented with claims of sexism? He immediately falls back on being attacked because of his race. There are just too many women coming forward to pretend that something isn’t amiss. Michelle Bachman? Queen of the whoppers and just crazy. Ron Paul? I admire his integrity. It’s nice to actually have a Republican who shows Ronald Reagan’s view that torture is wrong. Unfortunately, he has issues. Rick Perry? Uh, why bother. MItt Romney? Who is this guy? One day he’s pro abortion and gay marriage and then he’s not! So, we know he’ll say anything to get elected. Huntsman? Sadly, a smart guy who just hasn’t caught fire. r nr nI just wish conservatives would get their act together and stop pretending that we don’t have a lousy field and try our darnedest to draft someone.r nr nI know we’re in trouble when Pat Robertson warns that extremists are pushing candidates too far to the right. r nr nFor goodness sake! Newt once suggested that children of welfare recipients be placed in orphanages! That just won’t play in Peoria! Heck! Could we draft Colin Powell?