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Subscribe to RSSHe may have served as the Speaker of the House for nearly four years, made dozens of appearances on the flagship interview shows of the Washington circuit, and founded a hydra of a political organization so vast that it's nicknamed "Newt Inc."
But don't call Newt Gingrich a D.C. guy.
“I'm not a Washington figure, despite the years I've been here," the former House speaker told reporters at a Christian Science Monitor breakfast on Monday. “I’m essentially an American whose ties are across the country and whose interest is in how you change Washington and not how you make Washington happy.”
Gingrich said he has “many many supporters” who have backed him since the 1980s, but he insists most of that base is primarily “grassroots.”
The presidential contender pointed to widespread criticism of his (35th) appearance on NBC’s Meet the Press as a sign that the Beltway intelligentsia are not in his corner.
"It is impossible to watch television in the last week and not get the conclusion that I'm definitely not the candidate of Washington, D.C.,” he said, noting the positive response he received from voters in Iowa during a campaign swing there last weekend.
“Everywhere I go across Iowa, everywhere I see people randomly, they have figured out I am the guy who wants to change Washington, and they can tell it because the people they see on TV from Washington aren’t happy with me. … I will clearly be the most change-oriented, the most fundamental reform candidate in this race in either party.”
Newt Gingrich at the Monitor Breakfast - May 23, 2011
In his 36th Monitor breakfast appearance, the former Speaker dismissed critics who have called his campaign dead-on-arrival, commented drily about the press’s predilection for “gotcha questions,” and highlighted his policy victories while serving in Congress.
“I have a clear record of significant change in Washington,” he said in his opening remarks.
Gingrich also addressed questions about his personal finances, saying that he is “totally mystified” at the attention received by a Politico story last week revealing that Gingrich once carried a debt of hundreds of thousands of dollars to luxury jewelry store Tiffany’s.
“I owe no personal debts,” he said after noting that expenditures made by himself and his wife Callista are not made with public money and represent only after-tax income.
“If Obama followed our pattern of fiscal responsibility, the United States would currently be running a surplus and be buying back debt from the Chinese,” he said. “I’m happy to say I love my wife. I love many of our family and friends. We’ve tried to be very good to a range of people.”
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RIGHT!
And McCain isn't a Maverick! LMAO
They don't come more DC insider than Newter!
Looks like Mittens is going to have another 'good' week! ;o)
Indeed so, Feisty - interesting that he lives near the CIA headquarters in McLean, Virginia, absolutely home base for a very big number of Washington "insiders."
But you gotta love the guy, his entertainment value alone is marvelous. I wonder how he manages to get around with both of his feet in his mouth?
The Tea Party is probably going to absolutely REAM Gingrich while he's yet on the hustings. Taking odds now, on how long this bum remains in the race.
LOL ........Newt is right again just like his candid opinion on ryan's budget. Newt is not a Washington figure rather he figured in Washington. He meant it the other way round.......is english stupid.
he's flipped some many times now that he's start feeling dizzy.
For some reason that sounds a LOT like Tricky Dick's assertion that "I Am Not A Crook!"
The entertainment grows with each day, Newtie is re-inventing himself, again! Before you know it, he'll claim to be a Dem. and try to run in a primary against Pres. Obama. Claim he invented "change we can believe in". Too, funny, Newt.
Bobble Head Newt is a re-Action figure, re-Publican, re-Actionary, re-Pulsive ;-)
No, he's not a Washington "figure". AS hard as this is to get your mind around, he's actually a Washington caricature.
Maybe it's time to start an office pool. Pick the date Newt will drop-out. My guess is he will be out before Labor Day. Or maybe he's already out and just hasn't said so.
I pick before July 4th.
Poor Newt, now he claims he is not a "Washington figure" just after claiming that what he said, caught on camera, about the Paul Ryan Budget was not really what he said.
Having experience in both state and federal legislatures means a person knows how Government works, knows how special interests work, has a better understanding of things like government shutdown, the disaster of not increasing the debt ceiling; therefore, that person would have a better understanding of how to move to change the way it works. Seems to me that a person should be embracing his/her experience not running from it.
I'm thinking Newt will be gone from Iowa just as soon as he finishes his current scheduled campaign tour. June 30th he'll drop out.
Haha, so funny Newt. I love a good laugh to set my day right.
Me thinks he doth protest too much.
So he was an outsider, before he was an insider, but he's now an outsider again? Isn't that what he was saying about Ryan's (worthless) Medicare overhaul? That he was for it before he was against but now he's for it? Wow, ol' Newt's flippin' and floppin' like a fish out of water!
In all honesty, I've never understood the draw to people who claim not to be Washington Insiders. People who truly are not Washington insiders have a tendency to do very poorly when in office because they don't know anything about Washington.
I'd rather have someone who's going to know what their doing rather than someone who has no experience whatsoever.
Newt: not from Washington? Not any more.
Off topic, and the reason I came back after hearing the news about the Missouri tornadoes, is that I was listening to a conversation on MSNBC where a pediatrician was decrying the amount of obesity among teenagers.
Shocked, I tell, you, shocked.
Anyway, he then derisively described the kind of physical education that students get in schools nowaday, in which they don't even bother to dress. And then, the anchor said in a sort of phony, perplexed voice, "Well, that doesn't sound like schools are providing a very good physical education for students." Well, I never.
Then they both went on to blame locals schools for this without any mention whatsoever about how schools have been strangled by truculent and indignant taxpayers, who refuse to pay higher taxes and then complain, much the same way as these two clueless commentators did, about why kids don't do as well in school as they used to.
Sheesh.
The comparison between President Obama speaking to 50K in Dublin & T-Paw announcing his candidacy to a dozen or so... is HYSTERICAL! ;o)))
Tell us again righties how the rest of the world hates the President as much as you do, will ya? LMAO
The Rest of the World loves President Obama, and that is a fact.
I hope Newt stays in until July of 2012, that will really @!$%# up the GOP,.
They won't have time to get the @!$%# in order by Nov 4 1012.
LOVE IT>
He is the best candidate for change, he will change his opinion by the hour if necessary. The only thing he would really like to change is the file footage video tapes of himself.
Indeed. Apparently, he said he was running because President Obama's policies had failed. Sure and if you believe that, then there's a great big bridge in downtown Minneapolis that T-Paw would love to sell you, now that the federal government has fixed it.
All of the Conservatives who like to claim our President has no standing in the world need to see what's happening in the streets of Dublin right now. Untold thousands filling the streets well beyond the ability to actually see the American president with roots in their great nation. An enthusiastic, excited, supportive crowd of spectators cheering the leader of the free world. It's an inspiring sight.
Thanks to the Irish people, btw, for their scattered boos directed at the Birthers when President Obama made an offhand reference to people questioning one's heritage.
I'm watching, too, John B, and while it IS wonderful, I am still wondering what the birthers will have to say about it. Something, no doubt.
He is groveling to those whom he hath greatly offended to his RIGHT. They drag him further in that direction with every denial of what he said last Sunday. THAT was possibly the first utterance of TRUTH from the pursed lips of this egomaniacal retread. Ryan's plan IS "Right wing social engineering" indeed! Noot the hoot'll stay in as long as he thinks he can make a dime off of continuing his faux run. That light at the end of the campaign tunnel gets brighter by the second. Just let him keep talking. They always out themselves in the end. Out by THANKSGIVING. By that time we all will be thankful to say final goodbyes to this political hack.
They will say the Irish will celebrate and drink to anything.
Q. Whats the difference between an Irish wedding and an Irish funeral?
A. One drunk
You're right! And why wouldn't they?
Everything he does weakens America and empowers her enemies. OF course they love that!
When did Ireland become our enemy?
I was just watching the CNN video of 3000 people coming out to cheer President Obama in the town of Moneygall, which only has a population of 300. Last week Newt Gingrich wasn't drawing 300 of his own countrymen in towns with populations of 30,000.
Draw your own conclusions about a potential Gingrich/Obama matchup.....
They aren't, this is a good thing, people showing support for our president, wish more Americans would.
Sick,
Can you provide a single example of Obama weakening the US and empowering our enemies?
He's right, he's a figure of derision, not DC. While this makes him a Teabagger sweetheart, their numbers seem to be dwindling as they angry themselves to death - so a larger base is needed. Actually, why am I talking about the lizard's "figure" in the first place - BLECH!!
What I really admire about Newt is that he is the rare, rare, rare figure that can unite the people in the Newsvine forums. Seriously! Is there anyone in here that supports this idiot?! It's been a nice change to have us all beating up on the same figure for once. Stay in Newt!!! We need you.
He really needs to avoid the use of "figure"... brings up horrible images.
He is also not sane!
How else do you explain his saying the Democrats better not use his own words against him (vis a vis the Ryan Medicare Killing Bill) because he has already said he "mis-spoke".
@sickofthebickering
"Everything he does weakens America and empowers her enemies. OF course they love that!"
President Obama's administration finally got the man responsible for attacking our country. How long ago did Bush declare "Mission Accomplished"?
It's one thing to have different views on policy, making up stuff is just idiocy.
Newt is definitely running. He says what people want to hear. The problem is, he seems to backpedal most of the time and talks out of both sides of his mouth--mark of a true politician. Any ideas on fixing our nation? I haven't heard of any.
A dropout? He'll cave on July 4th--with a bang!
Hey, Newt... the name of the river that's carried you away is DE-NILE!
It is really funny that some of these guys believe the whole "believe what I say, not what I do thing".
The sad part was many fell for it for years, actions speak louder than words and it finally started catching up to them.
Sorry Newt, we are paying attention to the man behind the curtain these days.
Maybe he's a Wshington 'figurine'. "Dancing Queen..." oh, wait- I 've mixed up Rudy with Noot. Never mind.
DBO - maybe you did score a hit, after all. "Dancing Queen" is Newtie's cell phone ring tone!
That tiara he bought at Tiffany's will come in handy after all...
Let's not be insulting one of the greatest rock groups of all time, ABBA!!
It's begining to look like we almost have a 52 Card Deck(like the saddam ones) of Rejected GOP Presidential Candidates!
President Barrack Hussein Obama is so Beatable in 2012, that the GOP is haveing trouble figureing out which way to go.
Go with Crazy-FlipFlopping-Certfiable NUTS!
Thats a sure Winner!
I wonder how many more entertainers will pop out of the Republican Clown Car for the Presidency in 2012.
As Popeye would say, "It's embarrasking, Olive!"
Holy cow! Is Newtie becoming more delusional by the day....or has he ALWAYS been this crazy?
Sure seems like the right wing nit wits are 'mainstreaming' the stuff these days...
How on earth does Newt say things like that without laughing himself silly?
Newt has not got the common sense to know what is real and what is not. He changes his opinion more than his underwear, which ever way the wind blows you will find Newt.
Newday, thanks for providing a textbook example of a rhetorical question!
Yep, I'm good at them, aren't I Auntie Facist?
bobr, what evidence do you have that he changes his underwear? Show link! lol my bad..................
Do you even have to ask? ;-)
Is this guy the ultimate politician or what? Take the disastrous week he had and turn into an advantage.
Or maybe he's been caught up in his own rapture.
That would be a heavy lift, even for the angels.
Look, I'm a Conservative and will not vote for Obama in the next election. For Newt to say he is not a DC Figure is pretty disingenuous at best. I think his best bet is to get out before he gets in to deep. Way to easy to feed the media, (First Read is a great example) with distractions from credible candidates.
Who are the credible candidates White Collar? So far none in the GOP/TP.
WCA, you just got the first (and probabnly only) vote from me.
Which candidate are you supporting, White Collar?
Steeler,
Well, it's awfully early and I'm sure that regardless of who I support it will be trashed by the majorities here. But right now, I am very intrigued with Herman Cain. His recent announcement was amazing. I like the idea of a REAL Washington outsider trying to fix the mess in Washington.
And I gotta be honest. I love the thought of all the of left that claimed the right was racist for not voting for Obama because of his color, not his ideas, twisting in the wind if Cain is nominated to represent the GOP.
Of all the people running on the GOP side, Mr. Gingrich is probably the only one I'd call a "Washington Insider" (Rep. Michelle Bachmann is a distant second).
When you serve in Congress for nearly 2 decades, when you're two heartbeats away from the Presidency for a time, when you spend most of your time after you leave office hitting the "cocktail weenie" circuit that is the Sunday morning talk show fest...YOU'RE AN INSIDER!
White Collar--I asked in all sincerity. I try to differentiate between extremists at both ends of the spectrum and folks who are mostly in the middle but leaning left or right. I sense you are one of those and I was interested to see who you support. Don't know much about Cain but suspect I will learn more.
I would never say that anyone who opposes President Obama is a racist but I do believe there are some who can't get past his race to even consider policy positions.
Voting for Cain does cut both ways, though. Yes, it does rule out anyone voting FOR a candidate based on race, but it surely runs into a roadblock for the people who would definitely vote against someone based on race.
I wish it wasn't that way and that we've come farther than that, but I personally know some very conservative dyed in the wool Republicans, but they're also racists (though they would deny it to the death) and would either stay home or vote libertarian or some other line instead. This is just a small minority of voters, but enough to make a difference. And of that group a lesser minority would also not vote for a woman or non-lily-white candidate regardless (so no Bachman, Palin, Jindell, etc...).
Steeler, unfortunately there will always be people who can't get past race, religous beliefs, etc when considering policy positions. I just don't believe that those views are soley owned by the right. I have seen a lot hand wringing over the fact that Romney is a Mormon on this site. A few of the folks on here, like you, seem to understand that it's not wise to paint any group with a broad brush.
I have a different vision for what I believe can help this country than what the left has. It was formed over years of life experience and education on what has and has not worked in the past. It doesn't mean I'm ignorant, racist or wealthy.
Thanks, Steeler, I appreciated the feedback.
Maybe you should run for President, White Collar----a lot of us on the left have been hoping for a Republican candidate who does have a vision and plan for our country so that we could have a true debate over ideas that benefits the entire country, regardless of who wins or loses. Of course we hope that the President is re-elected.
I also don't get the anti-Mormon thing---didn't we break down the religion barrier with the election of President Kennedy? And I do hope to see a woman President in my lifetime.
I think you will find that while many liberals aren't fans of Romney, it has nothing to do with his religion. And many of us find Huntsman intriguing.
White Collar Auto
Cain? you want to pay 23% Sales tax?????????
No we CAIN'T
Mike - 464493-
I agree it cuts both ways. I think what might be more interesting, though, is seeing how the 90+% of African-Americans that voted for Obama might vote if it were Obama v Cain. I believe that many feel a bit let down by the President right now. No question that the African-American vote has always been largely Democratic, but I think it may be an interesting.
Not me ... I never said that back in the day, but now that you mention it, tokenism is a well-established tradition in the Republican party. For example, you've got your Clarence Thomas, and you've got your Michael Steele, who was elected party chair to confront the same issue -- na, na, na, na, na -- and then duly ignored, ostracized, and marginalized for the next two years.
If you seriously think that running a pizza franchise qualifies Cain to run for President, especially against the current President, then there's something wrong with your thinking. If you think he should run if only to confront the racist argument, then tokenism applies to you, too.
Have a nice day.
Wow Anna Molly, you really don't like me do you? Our current President was a Senator for 183 days and a state official before that. Can you agree that he has done a lot of "On the Job Training". Don't know if the Left should be throwing out "Qualified to run" comments again, wasn't that what Hillary used against Obama?
I am always amazed that liberals don't have a single good thing to say about Clarence Thomas. He is either a Token or an Uncle Tom with you all. I don't know why you feel the need to label him. I would say he is a conservative judge, but there are liberal judges on the SC as well.
Finally, please tell me where I said that the only reason he should run is to confront the racist argument? See, I am pretty careful with my words and deeds on this board and in life, because there are people out there who can't wait to twist them around to feed there arguments.
And please by all means, I hope you have a Bleesed Day.
There a lot of republicans that will not vote for Cain, because you know, well because, uh well they just don't like Pizza.
Excuse me? Leave it to a conservative to jump to that kind of conclusion. Projection, perhaps? I never said that, nor did I say anything about you on a personal level, except to question your thinking if you believe that running a pizza franchise qualifies Cain to be President. I still question that, and you have not deigned to respond.
As for on-the-job training, President Obama was not only a US Senator (one of the few who, according to Jay Rockefeller, actually READ the intelligence reports), but was also a state legislator before that, and a Constitutional law professor before that. I didn't buy it when Hillary said he wasn't qualified, especially since he was smarter about the Iraq war than she was. If she said it about Cain, on the other hand, and especially on foreign policy, I'd have to agree.
Amazed?! Really?! Well. I don't feel the "need" to label him, but I do believe the shoe fits because he's not qualified to be a Supreme Court Justice, conservative or not. Antonin Scalia, for example, is qualified, even though his temperament and views are not to my personal taste. Thomas's lack of qualifications was evident from the start, and has been further borne out by his complete lack of distinguishment on the Court. Thurgood Marshall, he ain't. Not to mention the whole thingy with his wife's obvious conflicts of interest that he seems to lack enough lawyerly ethic to perceive. Being "conservative" is merely having a slant; it is not a qualification.
I didn't say you said that. I merely set a dilemma trap and you walked right into it by failing to address my points, in favor of accusing me of twisting your words. It's a good trick for most occasions, especially when speaking to the press, but it rarely works on me.
Altogether, your response to me is just what I would have expected from someone trying to insinuate himself here as reasonable, but who's really not, right down to the phony wish that I have a "Blessed Day." I won't insult either of us by returning it.
Get the president of France on the phone, call the UN, scramble the fighter jets, and oh yeah hold the anchovies.
"I am always amazed that liberals don't have a single good thing to say about Clarence Thomas. He is either a Token or an Uncle Tom with you all. I don't know why you feel the need to label him. I would say he is a conservative judge, but there are liberal judges on the SC as well."
I would say he's a lousy jurist, but that's just me. He has not demonstrated much in the way of strong jurisprudence, and when he has his views are so radical that the late Chief Justice Rehnquist (another conservative) often refused to give him the task of writing the majority opinion because it wouldn't be able to hold that majority together.
There's a reason Thomas' legal opinions are not required reading in most law schools. By comparison, Justice Scalia's dissents and concurrences are often required reading because they contain heft and substance.
As for Mr. Cain, the fact that he won't even announce a plan for Afghanistan until he's sworn in (as he doesn't have all the facts or intel) is a disqualifier. You don't have a plan at all, other than the plan the President is following is wrong? That's not exactly a stirring reason to vote for you, sir.
Anna Molly,
I wish most people a Blessed Day so yeah, I meant it.
You do seem confused though in trying to set a "dilemma trap" whatever that is. You in fact said " If you think he should run if only to confront the racist argument," .
Your points seem to have been that any time a minority is represented in the Republican party they are merely tokens. No accounting for qualifications or ability. I simply disagree. I don't think that either party promotes people based on race. I think they promote the person who best articulates and represents their position at that point in time. Maybe that's naive.
Yes, I am a pretty reasonable person, but you seem to have decided that anyone with a different vision is unreasonable so I leave you with my favorite quote and promise not to bother or respond to you again:
There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance — that principle is contempt prior to investigation.--William Paley
Hey Spotts: I dont know what kind of a jurist Thomas is. What I DO know is that his family (wife) earned nearly $700,000 in salary from openly conservative organizations ( Heritage Foundation etc) . I DO know that he failed to report that money on his financial disclosure statments for OVER a decade. He signed those statements under penalty of perjury! ( How does one forget about $700,000 in household income???) He said it was "an oversight" He then filed ammended disclosure revealed even MORE "oversights. He then consistently ruled in FAVOR of the causes those conservative organizations promoted! In addition, he has openly taken part in political strategy sessions sponsored by the Koch Brothers, something a federal judge should NEVER DO!
AT the least, he has undermined the integrity and impartiality of the USSC! AT worst, the money was a quid pro quo , bribe, even tho it probly couldnt be proven. But if it walks like a duck etc etc. The man is crooked, and has severely undermined the faith of the American people for the Supreme Court.
That is why I for one think he ought to step down, and if the DEMS retake the House in 2012, a real possibility, an impeachment inquiry/investigation should be initiated! After all his dealings, the man has shown himself to be UNFIT to serve on the highest court in the land because he has broken faith with the people of the United States!
Anna Molly:
Thanks for calling this "White Collar Auto" guy out. There is no shortage of people on this board who try to palm themselves off as moderates when they historically comport polarized or extreme viewpoints, consistently.
I don't get what the tactic is, or why it's used. After all, isn't that a part of the connie "schtick", to be "bold", to not shy away or shrink from a position once it is taken? I thought that's a part of what connies prided themselves on. "Stay the Course" I think is how Bush termed it.
Nice job again.
Personally,... I think he resigned and retired from the field because he wanted no part of locking horns with you in an argument. :o)
BTW Anna Molly:
Have a "Bleesed" Day!! *Chuckle* *Snicker*
Yeah Greg you sure have me figured out. Nice catch on the typo. That's the strongest post you've ever made on this site.
I figured you thought I was one of the 47% of illiterates in Detroit, but then I can't be now can I? They are all Democrats.
Just how far north of 8 mile do you live impostor?
White Collar Auto,
The question that Quiet Eye put to you in post#11 was:
White Collar Auto:
Relevance? What's the current position of my domicile got to do with TARP? I don't get the connection.
Gee Greg, I don't know. You bill yourself as Greg in Detroit. I bet you don't live anywhere near Detroit so you have no credibility right out of the gate. Why don't you come over to Peterboro and Cass and I'll show you what decades of Democrat corruption have done to my city. Maybe you'll understand why I want REAL change in the way my government acts.
Question my ability to "Lock horns " with a blogger? Are you serious? Intellectually, you seem to be a midget with low self-esteem looking for validation from behind a computer board.
White Collar Auto,
The question that Quiet Eye put to you in post#11 was:
I want whatever 'Doughboy' is smoking, must be some good stuff!
Not a Washington figure? OK, but girth is irrelevant.
The Temptations had it right. Ball of Confusion. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Qh-8ZMoLeY.
He proved it: there IS a parallel universe.
"Quitting while you are ahead isn't quitting."
If you're willing, the Smithsonian does not have a specimen of a doofus.
Inflicting pain on other is poor etiquette.
"I want whatever "Doughboy" is smoking....
Vote for Ron Paul and he will get it legalized for you!
Yet more reasons why I could never be a politician---inability to say things like "I'm not a Washington figure" with a straight face. Inability to complain about the treatment I received on my 35th appearance on MTP. Inability to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars at Tiffany's and then wonder why people possibly see this as an issue.
This guy is so smooth with his BS never even skips a beat while lying his ass off. He is the most dangerous of them all.
You can tell when he is lying Barb, you can see his lips move.
He's not a Washington figure? He was Speaker of the House!
Newt must know that he can't win. Maybe he's got a book to sell... or plans to make more $$$ giving speeches.
Suuuuuure Newt. Whatever you say, buddy. Tell me more about how I should live my life please.
White Collar Auto - You seem sensible. Can you explain why you would not vote for the person most responsible for saving the Detroit Auto Industry from itself? Aside from that, as much as I disagree with some things - at least there is a sense of intelligence and part willingness to preserve a bit of what is left of government by the people, instead of outright selling it to who can afford to buy it - which appears to be the GOP platform.
Sure quieteye. I was thrilled that Obama chose to continue the policies that Bush started in Loaning money to the US Auto Industry through TARP. In fact tomorrow, Chrysler will be paying off their Government loans in full and ahead of schedule. They have now been able to secure loans through "normal" channels, that were unavalable due to the Bank crisis, which they had no part in.
Don't know how much you know about the Auto Industry, but saying that the Government saved us from ourselves is pretty narrow minded. If the general public had a clue about Federal regulations, requirements, etc that are put on this industry, they would be shocked. $4 gas and banks unwilling to give car loans pretty much put us over the edge. The UAW recognized this and stood up and adjusted the contracts. Believe me, the non-represented workers have been hit as hard if not harder.
Finally, when you say the the GOP appears to be the only party that is willing to sell it's soul, you have jumped the shark with me. It's a Washington problem, not a party problem.
Sorry White Collar Auto,
You are sadly mistaken. Bush did not establish bailouts for the auto industry, his was directed to the financial industry. President Obama bailout the auto industry, which both GM and Chrysler will be paying back at a premium.
Remember you conservatives tried to paint him as a car salesman. Now you want to credit Bush. Just like you are trying to credited Bush for caputuring Bin Laden.
Rewriting history is a dangerous thing when everyone has access to the truth via the internet. Better luck next time, dude.
Douglas-
You sir (assuming sir), are putting words in my mouth. What is it with the people on this board and their generalizations? Who exactly is this "you" that you speak of? "you are trying to credit Bush", "You conservatives"?
And please go back and study up on TARP. "YOU" may learn a thing or two.
Sorry Douglas - "YOU" have zero credibility when "YOU" speak in sweeping geralizations.
Oh yeah, Douglas - "Rewriting history is a dangerous thing when everyone has access to the truth via the internet"
Just a little advice, just because you read it on the internet, doesn't mean it's true.
Geeeez.
You're both right and wrong, White Collar. You are right that President Bush used TARP funds to bail out GM and Chrysler in December, 2008.
However, it is incorrect in that TARP was not supposed to be used in that manner. President Bush invoked executive authority to declare the provision of TARP that excluded GM and Chrysler from assistance was "non-binding" after a cloture vote on a separate auto bailout failed in the Senate 52-35.
And I seem to recall when President Obama agreed to a second round of lending, prominent Republicans decried it as "taking over the auto industry". I remember seeing hammer-and-sickle "Government Motors" bumper stickers becoming prominent, and many dealers blaming the President when their dealership was targeted for closure as a result of both GM and Chrysler filing Chapter 11 anyway.
White Collar Auto,
The question that Quiet Eye put to you in post#11 was:
White Collar Auto: Is this the money support you are saying Bush gave the Big 3?
April 19, 2006: GM announces a $1.1 billion loss for the first quarter. Wall Street institutions call for permanent closing of several assembly and feeder plants.
If memory serves this was in 2006 and Bush told the Big 3 management to pound sand. He gave them a few minutes meeting in a hallway on his way to the crapper or something.
Spotts1701 and Daryl:
You guys sound like you live here. You both sound like you have a clear memory of how this all went down back then. If Obama had not been President at the time I would be dumpster diving for meals right now. One Senior Manager I spoke to in Chrysler Finance (Intnl. Taxation) admitted that much.
Chrysler, GM, Ford, and much of the country's economy would be history right now, and Sarah Palin would be caught saying Michigan was an African nation.
What a dweeb. seriously.
You would think that he would show more appreciation to the system that has provided him with obscene amounts of money to spend at Tiffany's.
Give it up Newt. You just keep punking out. Nobody wants you.
Former Speaker Gingrich,
I call BS on that statement.
Right Newt, that's why you had to kiss and make up with Paul Ryan over the budget comment to make "Washington" Happy. Puuhhhlease.
Good to see you Bryan - it's been awhile!
My wife delivered twins on April Fools. Been a little pre-occupied to say the least. Easing back into the First Read scene. Thanks for the welcome back.
Congrats to you and your wife Bryan. Welcome back.
Bryan E -
Congtratulations and welcome to our two newest PA Dems! Hope all are doing well. I'm guessing "pre-occupied" is an understatement!
Talk about timing! lol
A hearty CONGRATS to you & the wife, along with your two new bundles of joy!
Bryan: I can't begin to guess how busy things are at your house. Congratulations, and my very best wishes to all of you.
Thanks all. Now if you could wish the wife and i some sleep, that would be awesome. We are in DESPARATE need of it. LOL! At least i'm not a Washington insider pretending to be an outsider. So i've got that going for me.
Congrats, Bryan!! Please give whatever details you are comfortable sharing---boy v. girl, names, how much sleep you're getting, etc.!
Sure. Two girls Kaylee and Brianna. When born they were 18 an 18.75" respectively, weighing 5.9 and 5.10 respectively. They were born 5 weeks premature, so we were in the NICU, but only for a few days.
Since returning from the hospital, the girls are doing great. growing real fast and i'm loving every minute of it. My wife, however, is hardest hit because we have a 2 year old boy at home (EJ). So while i get to go to the office and chat, she really has her hands full at home with the three of them. But we remind ourselves that it won't be long before they are sleeping through the night, and some semblance of normal will creep back into our daily lives.
If you ask their Poppa (wife's dad) what we had, he says: "A pitcher and a short stop". Yup, there likely to play alot of softball. That is of course if the republicans don't take that away from schools too.
Bryan E., PA
Congrats and welcome back on board. unfortunately, you're witnessing Newt wrestling Gingrich.......it's become a series.
God bless your wife, Bryan----to quote another ABBA song (which you're probably too young to remember)---she is a Super Trooper! Congratulations on the newest members of the softball team!
daryl -
From here, 1980 seems like a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away......but I still have the vinyl, too!
Newt is the ultimate sell-out, he'll say anything, do anything to achieve his cause. Unfortunately (for Newt) the Internet no longer lets him masquerade as it did in the 90's. You can search video of him with his double speak on every issue, and it's why he won't go anywhere in this race. I can't stand Newt or his politics, but knowing he's a more "moderate" Republican says everything about the race... The Republican party is on a race to find the biggest right wing conservative nut job for the candidacy.
Newt Gingrich is like the French Politician who said "There go my people. I must find out where they are going so I can lead them."
Newtie Tirebiter not a politician but a girl delighter, Newtie Tirebiter just a regular person like you. You can find him pop-in-off at Pop's sodium shop with a punch of Tea Heads. Newtie Tirebiter just a politician like you. Like me? Like youuuuuu!
I doubt many people reading this forum would get your Firesign Theatre references to George Tirebiter. Thanks for bringing back some old memories, though.
Well, some of us are old enough to get the reference, unfortunately!
This just in, Louis Anderson says, "I'm not fat", Larry Bird declares, "I'm not tall", and Generalissimo Francisco Franco responds, "I'm not still dead."
He's also not a white male, or shorter than average. Those cameras the mainstream media uses simply cannot be trusted. It's a conspiracy.
And I guess his being the speaker of the house was obviously taken out of context. Anyone reporting on his long career as an established insider in D.C. is just flat out not telling the truth.
OMG! LOL! And neither is Cain....
Lecturing Americans To ‘Reread’ Constitution, Herman Cain Confuses It With Declaration of Independence
http://thinkprogress.org/2011/...
Are you surprised? Many Tea Party people I work with do the same thing. They also confuse it with the Federalist Papers or quotes from Jefferson or somebody else or just falsely claim it says things it clearly does not.
It's not a very big document and doesn't take long to read. Understanding it may take a little bit longer, but not much. I admit there are a couple things they may not be crystal clear or not directly addressed due to the time it was written, but that's what we have amendments, laws, and the courts for.
The main thing that people really don't seem to grasp is that it is just a framework for how things run from that point on. Since it grants certain powers to different branches such as the power to enact laws, then any law passed by congress is by definition an extension of the original Constitution. Occasionally laws are found to be un-constitutional, but that is usually decided more based on precedents of rulings on settled law and the amendments and not as much on what is in the Constitution or the Bill or Rights as most Tea Party people seem to think.
Which statement is more credible?
Gingrich: 'I am not a Washington figure'
[Obama]'s Not A Big Spending Liberal’: Chris Matthews Show, MSNBC, Jan. 2011.
Going with Gingrich.... does FR try and find a silly headline to set up the moonbats with their feeble atempts at humor?
Trying to please the new conservative base must be very challenging for Newt. He has to appear to be against big government that he himself was once part of. He must feign support for a budget he totally disagrees with just to get the support of the latest faction of nut-job repukelicans. Then there's the whole morals issue with multiple scandalous affairs leading to embarrasing divorces, like his first, where he left his wife DYING OF CANCER! I'd hate to be him yesterday, today, or tomorrow.
he's right... he's not a 'washington figure' he is a 'I've already been kicked out of washington once' figure
Ahhhh, rebranding Washington style.
Newt Gingrich = Outsider
John Kerry = Man of the People
Nancy Pelosi = Brilliant
Dan Quale = Vice President (oops, that happened)