Newt Gingrich is the real thing as Romney looks more like Elmer Fudd each passing day
By: Niall O'Dowd | Published Sunday, December 11, 2011, 9:30 AM | Updated Sunday, December 11, 2011, 9:30 AM
Watching the Republican debate last night it really struck me forcefully.
Newt Gingrich is for real.
I fully expect him to win the Republican nomination.
Watching him in close combat with Romney I was reminded of the tortoise and the hare.
Romney had bolted to the front of the pack early but has never put his rivals away.
One by one they had their day in the sun coming close to him but eventually falling away.
Until Newt, the ultimate tortoise who was once so far behind that Romney could hardly glimpse him in the rear view mirror.
But there he was last night, big and bold, aiming deadly zingers at an increasingly flustered Romney who looks more and more like an Elmer Fudd.
Gingrich's line that Romney would have been a professional pol too if he had defeated Ted Kennedy in 1994 was the best line of the night
Romney's problem is that very few Republicans love him -- they tolerate him.
Newt on the other hand has a love/hate relationship going with most everyone.
He is fire to Romney's and indeed Obama's ice-- and he is all the better for that.
Sure there are times he puts his foot in it-- calling the Palestinians an invented people was too much even for the Israeli government.
But Republicans are beginning to sense that, for the knock down drag out fight they need to wage against Obama, Newt is much better placed to take the battle to him.
Like the hedgehog and the fox fable Gingrich is the hedgehog ---he knows one big thing, how to take the fight to Democrats as he did when he became House Speaker ending decades of Democratic rule.
Romney like the fox knows lots of other things but does not give off the impression that he is a true street fighter.
And that is undoubtedly true.
34 Comments
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Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.kaydog1 | Dec 22, 2011, 01:39 AM EST
Newt is no Conservative - Niall's Imprimatur is proof enough of that. It's frustrating, because every day seems to bring a new Obama Administration corruption/crony capitalism/jobs export story (Solyndra, "Fast and Furious", GE jobs to China, Harry Reid windmill jobs to China, Veyron Autos stimulus jobs to Finland, Golden Gate Bridge refurbishment money to China, "Project Gunwalker", Army Innoculation Sweatheart Contract, etc), but it's hard to see where much will change with either of these two RINO'S, Newt or Mittens. After Bush, I swore I'd never vote for a Republican again, and now I face breaking my Oath and putting my Immortal Soul in peril, and for what? Mitt or Newt? (MINOR DEMON - "So, Kaydog, why are you down here burning in Hell?" ME -"Oh, I broke my sacred oath and voted for Newt Gingrich." SATAN- "See, we boxed 'em all into a corner, with choices of Newt, Mittens, or Obammy. What choices could they make? BWAHAHAHA!" MINOR DEMON - "Man, you really ARE the Evil Prince of Darkness!") Meanwhile, Bammy is on another vacation to Hawaii (17 days this time), so I'll enjoy his holiday and try not to be too bitter....Cheers!
GeorgeDillon | Dec 15, 2011, 01:03 PM EST
Reports out of Iowa are that Ron Paul is now the candidate with The Big MO! Go Paul! For no foreign wars and less domestic taxes.
wizardofoz | Dec 13, 2011, 07:18 PM EST
“Newt Gingrich is the real thing” he sure is! He has all the credentials for president of the USA. He’s a liar! He’s on the take! He’s an Israeli stooge! If he gets the nod over Ron Paul, America is finished and so it should be. Only Ron Paul can beat the black puppet (another liar) in the White House. This is the “last chance saloon” for Amerika. Last throw of the dice folks, you better get this one right!
CorknDown | Dec 13, 2011, 09:36 AM EST
I'll tell ya folks, from this side of the pond there are really NO good choices. Romney's only talent is that he looks good in a suit, Gingrich was drummed out in disgrace not so long ago ( but things are forgotten very quickly these days)Bachman is certifiably insane. Forget Perry, everybody else has. The problem is the Republican party has done its best to throw a wrench in the works and obstruct anything that might get the country back on track while Obama tried to repair the carnage (recession, war, stock market crash, rising unemployment all started on the Bush watch)of the last Republican administration. The main thing President Obama has gotten right is that the US is no longer an Island. He has worked to move the US into the world community and economy. I don't beleive he was a great president and that change at the top would be good for everyone, but who is ready and able to lead this country? You'd think the GOP,with the past 3 years to prepare, would have a good clear choice to run. I just hope whoever gets elected will keep the good relations with Ireland our previous presidents have had.
seanomelbourne | Dec 12, 2011, 06:11 PM EST
A fair and balanced statement proudirishlass you are the no spin zone.
proudirishlass | Dec 12, 2011, 11:12 AM EST
It is unfortunate that an intelligent, moral gentleman like President Obama has not received the support from the U.S people that he needed. Every suggestion that he tried to put forward was sabotaged by the republicans. Obama foolishly thought the democrats and republicans could work together for a better America. He is too polite and decent to be among the den of thieves and that is why he is perceived to have failed. He was never given a fighting chance. Newt is a ruthless bully and will bring this country down a disastrous road of destruction. He will steam roll his way to the top. I wonder if he was responsible for Cains demise.
MikeRock | Dec 12, 2011, 10:52 AM EST
Elmer Fudd, Niall? look in the mirror.
CitizenWhy | Dec 11, 2011, 11:16 PM EST
Do the fundamentalist conservatives know that Newt is now a Catholic and therefore, as they believe, surely going to hell? Will they trust a man going to hell in the White House? Will he attempt to take the whole American nation to hell with him?
MegK311 | Dec 11, 2011, 09:14 PM EST
Anyone of the Republicans running for President would be an improvement on the present occupant of the White House. ANYBODY BUT OBAMA.
1IrishMedic | Dec 11, 2011, 09:04 PM EST
Newt is the quintessential "dirty old marshmellow man" and isn't fit to be president of someones trash heap.
allentown | Dec 11, 2011, 07:49 PM EST
When you look at Paul Krugman's eyes, he looks like a man ready to jump out of his suit. He always looks like somebody is about to deck him.
Opoets99 | Dec 11, 2011, 06:27 PM EST
Any of the Republican candidates are rocket scientists compared to the teleprompter reader in chief obama
seanomelbourne | Dec 11, 2011, 04:07 PM EST
Ron Paul might win a three cornered race he seems to have broad support.
SeamusMartin | Dec 11, 2011, 03:36 PM EST
Gingrich is an insult to a newts (salamanders)! He's much more dirty, stinky and slimey.
newnation | Dec 11, 2011, 03:03 PM EST
An American president called Newt, ha that'll be a funny joke for a few years, a self proclaimed snake in the white house for once if he gets there..
Tooreenagrena | Dec 11, 2011, 02:46 PM EST
A new low for me as Gingrich jumps on the anti Palestinian bandwagaon to get the Jewish vote.
CitizenWhy | Dec 11, 2011, 01:03 PM EST
Those of us reluctantly leaning Democrat, although the party is short on its traditional ideals and solutions but big on rhetoric, nonetheless welcome Newtie as the Republican candidate. He will not win and his loss will prevent even more disastrous Republican policies. perhaps even Obama will give up on the Republican policies he favors.
jamthecat | Dec 11, 2011, 12:49 PM EST
As PAul Krugman said, "Gingrich is a stupid man's idea of what an intelligent man sounds like." As keeps getting proven over and over and over and over and over....
Rebelforce | Dec 11, 2011, 12:30 PM EST
Dr. Ron Paul has won each debate hands down. He is the only republican running for president who isn't a clown or insane. Gingrinch, Romney, Perry, Santorum and Bachmann are all George W. Bush clones and warmongerers that will lead the US into more devastating Wars in the Middle East if elected. Ron Paul is the only candidate that appeals to voters whether they be republican, democrat or, like me, independent.
lokionline | Dec 11, 2011, 12:22 PM EST
"It will be nice to vote for a fundamental conservative who is intellectually superior to our current president". I am still laughing at this one... Newt is a legend in his own mind...
Hakodarko | Dec 11, 2011, 12:20 PM EST
You're kidding right? I agree that Mitt grows less impressive by the day, by Gingrich as a "hare"? Hare certainly change direction quickly, and have crazed libidos, but other than that, I can't find any similarity. The truth is, Newt is a man without a real moral compass. He stands for whatever helps him at the time....in his professional or personal life. He a narcissist and a hypocrite, and he will take this country no where but down. Please give Ron Paul a thorough hearing....not just rumors, hear what he really has to say...and why.
lokionline | Dec 11, 2011, 12:18 PM EST
Oh Joy! Well... at least the US electorate -- the part the Republicans fail to prevent from voting at least -- will have the opportunity to vote for, or against, the architect of the 'tone' that has crippled the US congress since the 'Contract with America' was promoted by Gingrich in the 90s. This presidential election will be an even nastier and defining fight for the coming generation than any we have previously experienced.
larslofan | Dec 11, 2011, 11:32 AM EST
Note to Catholic church: Thanks for your further double-blind hypocrisy in delivering the sacrament to Newt, a serial adulterer. It just goes to show, the church will dole out the blood of Christ to anyone if they're rich enough (and twice divorced).
larslofan | Dec 11, 2011, 11:29 AM EST
I love the hypocrisy of Newt. Here's a thrice-married man who often boasted of his infidelities and conquests, but suddenly found fundamental hard-line Catholicism as a result of his third wife (who was his mistress during his second marriage. This only further proves the blind double standard of those who vote Republican. So much for "family values, passionate conservatism, and, wait for it...ETHICS. Did the Republicans forget that Newt was the only Speaker of the House EVER to be convicted on ethics charges? Did they forget he had to pay a $300K fine? Republican's are blind with selective memories and ethics of their own. They should be ashamed of themselves for coddling this turd.
PhlutiePhan | Dec 11, 2011, 11:10 AM EST
Along the lines of just what the meaning of "is" is, I would want to know the feeling of Independents toward Gingrich. Independents in PA which was a key swing state salted away the campaign of J-Mac just because of his apparent lack of judgment with Sarah Palin. Newt obviously has a female issue as well as a greed factor with the 1.6 mill retainer. It is not a matter of how the typical Republican feels but just how the independents feel and will vote.
faberm1 | Dec 11, 2011, 10:24 AM EST
I am a Texan and if Paul doesn't get the nomination, I will vote for Newt without holding my nose, twisting it off or whatever other nonsense is mentioned here. It will be nice to vote for a fundamental conservative who is intellectually superior to our current president. Newt knows how to govern and he will do so. I would relish the chance to see him debate Obama to articulate with clarity the two paths available to America today: The President's/Democrats' charge towards Socialism, / or Freedom, Free-Enterprise, and the system that has made us the most prosperous, free, and powerful nation on earth.
eileenkny | Dec 11, 2011, 10:02 AM EST
Huntsman is the only Republican that could meet President Obama on his own level but it won't happen. He's too intelligent for the Tea Party extremists. We can only hope that something, anything, comes out about Gingrich and that it will knock him off his self-constructed pedestal.
RedBranch | Dec 11, 2011, 10:02 AM EST
A 'street fighter' as President, no thanks. Mitt is a safe set of hands.
kerryknorpp | Dec 11, 2011, 09:51 AM EST
My Republican friends here in Texas are accustomed to holding their noses to vote for the party candidates, but for Newt, they will have to twist-off their whole nose.Sad for the U.S. that such a pile of trash would be a serious contender. God help us?
NYCsheridan | Dec 11, 2011, 09:47 AM EST
Ron Paul surely gained votes from this debate. But you won't read it in the media.
NYCsheridan | Dec 11, 2011, 09:46 AM EST
And "Dubya" was an idiot. Just like his clone Perry. Can you say "Tex-Ass? I bet you can.
NYCsheridan | Dec 11, 2011, 09:45 AM EST
colkelley, claiming, idiotically, that Obama can't debate without a teleprompter is hilarious. It also proves you can't comment without a sound bite force-fed to you by Rupert Murdoch.
NYCsheridan | Dec 11, 2011, 09:44 AM EST
Newt looks a helluva lot more like Elmer Fudd to me. And he's a lying, hypocritical creep. But neither one will beat Obama, so it's really a moot point.
colkelley | Dec 11, 2011, 09:33 AM EST
Romney looks and sounds like a computer-generated amalgamation of everything that constitutes a professional politician. He is nothing and yet he is everything. Romney could get up and say "Tell me what you want to hear today" and he would not be changing anything about himself. Don't really love Newt, but he is intelligent and he actually speaks HIS mind. In a debate where Obama cannot use a teleprompter with questions that are not given to the candidates beforehand Newt will make Obama look like the stammering idiot he has proven himself to be over the past three years. However, we have to remember that, according to the Liberals, Dubya stammered because he was stupid while Obama stammers far worse because "he is so brilliant his mouth can't keep up with his brain." Hogwash.