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Subscribe to RSSAIKEN, S.C. -– Newt Gingrich targeted his GOP rivals (saying he has deeper knowledge of history than them) and President Obama, insinuating the president did not study American history.
“One of the things that makes me different from my friends,” Gingrich said of his Republican opponents for the nomination, “is I actually studied history. And unlike Obama, who’s clearly a very, very bright person, who graduated from Columbia and graduated from Harvard, I actually studied American history.”
That was greeted with laughs from the approximately 200 members of the Aiken Republican Club.
Obama’s college education has been the subject of conspiracy theories, claiming the president’s studies were concentrated in Marxism, which has led some prominent Republicans, including Donald Trump and Rick Perry, to pick up on the meme and call for the president to release his college transcripts.
Less than 20 minutes after Gingrich questioned the president’s grasp of American history, he invoked Obama’s Ivy League education as he challenged him to a series of Lincoln-Douglas style debates.
“I just think something about that Harvard law school, that Columbia undergraduate, the elegance of the greatest orator of his generation,” Gingrich goaded, “he will just kind of feel compelled to prove he is unafraid,” to participate in a debate.
Gingrich is already planning to take on his primary opponent Herman Cain in such a debate in November, sponsored by the Texas Tea Party Patriots, which is charging between $200 and $1,000 per ticket.
And, of course, while President Obama is the presumptive presidential nominee for his party, Gingrich trails far behind in most polls.
Gingrich also played to the audience on judges, touting the strength and the ability of the executive branch, to “reshape the courts.” If necessary, it could abolish individual courts, Gingrich claimed, based on precedent set by Thomas Jefferson’s Judiciary Act of 1802.
What a presidential candidate will do about judges and justices is a key litmus test for conservative, especially very conservative voters in South Carolina, particularly on issues of abortion and business regulation.
During his speech, Gingrich also contrasted his ideas with those of his opponents, although he didn’t mention any of them by name. He cited his experience as Speaker of the House of Representatives when explaining why his plan to balance the budget was better than those of his opponents.
“I have to confess, unlike some of my colleagues,” Gingrich said, “I don't have any consultants on balancing the budget. And I don’t have any talking points. I just have a decade of experience actually doing it.”
Gingrich saw a mass exodus of consultants and aides back in June and is $1.2 million in debt.
Gingrich also mentioned he will be making speeches soon in Iowa and South Carolina that will unveil his plan for brain-science research, an issue he frequently mentions on the trail. Because the plan will involve investment in research and development, Gingrich said it will “initially confuse many conservative intellectuals, because one of the things you can’t get across in Washington is the concept of investment. Everything is a cost.”
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That is childish, immature, and inexcusable. Which means it is SOOOO like Newt.
Newt studied it enough to rewrite it, no doubt. He certainly missed the part about it being doomed to repeat itself,...
More of the same with that tired old retread. and really? a crowd of 200? be still my fluttering heart,...
I have a question for the Tea Party of Texas who is sponsoring the debate between Cain and Newt.
Why did you not invite Perry?
Are you paying Cain and Newt? Or just letting them sell their books and CDs?
That's right Northstar! WHY WASN'T PERRY INVITED?!
Both Newt and PizzaMan are shilling in Perrys front/back yard.
The Clear Lake/Woodlands area of Houston, and whichever TeaPeople supposedly will reap the financial benefits.
Slick Rick may be the man behind the TeaPeople curtin in that area. But, it is curious that he won't be participating....Oh, I forgot, debating is NOT Perrys' thing. Not even with those two misfits!
So interesting. And why, fellow liberals, will not Mr. Obama release his transcripts, or any other personal information about himself?
It seems that each of the other candidates are questioned repeatedly about theirs, so isn't a turn-about fair play?
You, winemaker, are questioning the grades of a Harvard Law graduate, a school that takes less than 11% of its applicants? Really? When said law school released that the President graduated Magna Cum Laude? (You DO know what that means, right, for you to have so little knowledge of what it takes to get into Harvard Law makes me feel like you do not know much about higher education.)
Have some one read and explain to you this article: Obama Left Mark on HLS, Marie C Kodma, Crimson Staff writer, Friday Jan 19, 2007. The Crimson is the Harvard Paper.
Might be wise to not sample the product quite so much.
My own surmise is that Obama majored in African American studies, or Black studies, (whatever they were called back when). That he is ashamed of having such a "resume", - and, that his grades were not that good.
He probably aced the LSATS- which is how he got in to Harvard Law.
As I said, this is my surmise- Obama could, easily, prove me wrong- by releasing his transcripts.
I swear...Newt would not know honor if it were staring him straight in the face. Not unlike any republicans these days. Truly a pityful party. I still like the china man and ol whats his name that used to be a democrat. Never hear to much about them.
As to Obama's Law are view status- you do realize that there are always 85-90 editors, correct? That it is an ELECTED- not merit achieved- position, correct?
And, as to his graduating magna cum laude?
http://articles.latimes.com/1999/jun/10/news/mn-46135
So, when he graduated, 76% of graduates got Honors.
76%. You have got to be kidding me. Everybody gets a trophy?
Ok NoJo: what's your point? Nearly 3 years into the Obama presidency, you're now going to argue that he Obama didn't deserve stewardship of the harvard law review, because what, YOU could have done that with one hand tied behind your back?? LOL!! Probably sat in the back of his Chicago law class and what, passed him the answers?? Everyone gets a trophy?? yeah...you've probably got a pile like this one. Or maybe you meant to contrast him with the party guy who barely made the C average at yale after his daddy got him accepted? You mean like THAT trophy President "intellectual"?? Of all of the really, really dumb right wing talking points you dittoheads keep trying, this hs to line up after the birther stuff as reasons the far right is becoming so marginalized. THIS is all you've got??
Looks like the point is - Obama was and is unprepared to lead this country. Three years of failure in the job support that conclusion.
Poor Obama would be out-classed and out-thought in a debate with Newt. And why are you so concerned who the Republicans select or how they do it? Your insecurity is showing. LOL
You can't be serious....please tell me that you're being sarcastic.
Right-on serious. I really hope we get the chance for such a debate. Apparently both sides feel their guy would win. I believe Newt has Obama's number and Obama would be unarmed in a battle of wits.
We the people deserve such a debate instead of what promises to be a media war of 30 second negativity. I am tired of the "Newt didn't do right by his wife" and Obama is a Muslim traditional politics.
If Newt wins the nomination, there will be no place for Obama to hide. Bring on the debate.
College transcripts? History? Where's YOUR history, Gingritch?
And while we're at it Newt, show us your academic transcripts, make public the entirety of your police blotter records, reveal all of your annual income tax returns, copies of all of the checks you've ever written in your entire life while you held a public office, as well as to again to make public your court-docketed divorce cases. And let's not forget your birth certificate, as well as the certificates of birth of your parents and your grandparents. Any (GASP!) perfectly legal, fully-documented immigrants hiding in your ancestral tree? ...And let's see their police blotters as well.
You want to get into a contest of right-wing talking point comparisons with all of the correspondingly absurd historical demands that accompany it, you had better be careful what you wish for.
Plenty of info out there on Newt. Start here:
http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&rh=n%3A9%2Cp_lbr_one_browse-bin%3ANewt%20Gingrich&page=1
Read more: http://www.answers.com/topic/newt-gingrich#ixzz1cJLGYSN0
Where is the Obama body of work and accomplishments? Obama better hope Newt doesn't get the nomination - Newt will wipe the floor with Mr. Hopey Changey. LOL
Dear Grin:
Look at the info you posted. It is a sad life that Newt has led, leaving a trail of broken relationships. How is this going to go over with the "Family Values" crowd? Not too well, I would guess.
Someone said it before me--Newt is auditioning for VP. Why would the nominee pick a VP who left the position of speaker of the house in disgrace? In his personal relationships and in his professional life, Gingrich has left behind a mess for others to clean up.
Thanks, but no thanks!
Newt is running for President, not Saint. I think the "family values" crowd and those who look into his personal life supportive of his decisions under the circumstances. His Doctorate and teaching career are impressive alone. He has authored many well received books on and about several periods of American history.
His Congressional career led to being Speaker of the House. He was named "Man of the Year" by Time for his work on Contract With America which embodied many popular Perot reforms. I see the "charges" against him as political payback and smear. Among the candidates, including the current President, Newt is the best person for the job. You have to see that from his experience and whenever he speaks - he commands the stage. We need a leader and he is the only one to apply for the job.
Were you this forgiving of Bill Clinton, Grin? Actually, I agree with you on some points--Gingrich does have more experience than the other candidates, he's obviously intelligent, and he has some good ideas. He has even criticized his own party (to his own detriment). However, my point was that social conservatives may have a hard time voting for him because of his past. If he's the nominee, though, they will probably hold their noses and vote for him. I just don't think he'll win the nomination over Romney, who has his own weaknesses but seems to be polling at or near the top.
Newday,
And yes, I do imbibe from one of my bottles from time to time. Why shouldn't I for it is an award winning group of veritals. Post your mailing address and I'll send you a bottle of our inexpensive Cab or Zin. I won't even charge you for the $55 list price or shipping.
Bethie from Texas... Just looking for the best person for the job. As you say, Clinton was not the moral leader but was a leader of the country. Most of our leaders had flaws and skeletons - notably Roosevelt, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Clinton. I am looking for a leader - Newt fills the bill.
Remember Carter and the malaise? Carter was a nice guy (eventhough there was lust in his heart) but could not inspire or lead the country. Obama is such a President. He can't lead. He speaks to too few and divides one against the other. It works for community organizing but leads a free nation poorly. Class warfare is the mark of a totalitarian government.
Romney does seem the pick of the media. Looks like some will need to hold their noses come the election. I trust more than a few Libs and Dems will be doing the same in supporting more Obama. That's American politics. I just see someone I can support and vote FOR - Newt. That is rare too.
Ironically, without the partisanship of Washington, Carter has gone on to be one of the World's most respected leaders on Human Rights issues and other issues of International Importance; but the opposition would have NEVER allowed that type of success in DC. Now would they?
Newt sees himself as a gifted brilliant man. Unfortunately for him no one else in this country quite sees him like that.
He's weird. A real nut case who has nothing else to do but run for the presidency.
And I hear he's henpecked. Big time. LoL.
The last thing anyone in the GOP should be judging is President Obama's education. They're too simple minded to understand how intelligent our President is. They're more into the Bible and stuff like that. Like it's the freakin' Dark Ages.
He's got them all fooled, Pat. Newtie likes to string multi syllable words together, and his acolytes translate that to mean he is BRILLIANT! They aren't smart enough to parse the words and figure out that they don't belong in the same sentence.
Obama is intelligent?
To me, intelligence means the ability to learn from one's mistakes- to take corrective action to repair the damage from earlier decisions, and to move forward- chastened, but wiser.
When has Obama exhibited that level of intelligence?
As far as our President's intelligence is concerned I was hoping that his new stimulus plan was going to be Something really new and innovative that would really solve some of our most pressing economic problems and as a result reduce the unemployment rate. But his new stimulus plan is much like the first stimulus plan which fell flat. I think that his judgement is clouded by his ideology. He has yet to explain why he has failed to keep many of his promises.
When? Been 3 yrs now nojoe. To question our president's intelligence? You are truly and very wrong. You republicans sure are a shameful lot.
Let me explain something to you about life- it is not kindergarten.
You get NO points for trying. You only get points for succeeding.
Obama is a failure.
Get it now?
Really...you mean failing like the "mission accomplished" guy? GET IT NOW???
"intelligence means the ability to learn from one's mistakes- to take corrective action to repair the damage from earlier decisions, and to move forward- chastened, but wiser."
Well kiss me goodnight! The "repeal, resent, and put things back to their place" crowd are as sharp as a bag of hammers! NoJo, I respect your opinion if its based on tangible facts and reasoning. "The stimulus didn't bring us out of it. " ...Fair analysis.. However, Things like, Obama is a Marxist, Muslim, American hating, ANti-christ in the flesh, born in Kenya, Document forging S.O.B so all his credentials dont mean squat arguments... These are pointless and speak more about the one speaking than the one being spoken to. I am born and raised int the upstate of SC so I know conservatives, especially evangelicals, but it is frightening watching everyone worry more about party ideology than what works for AMerica
Pat Boston MA: I have to tell you that you really got me to laugh when you mentioned that Newt is "henpecked"....in a "henpecked" competition, I think that most people would agree, that Michelle would win this one hands-down!!
Pat in Boston, MA, what is so wrong with the Bible? It is the backbone of most of the laws society abides from. You know do not steal, do not kill... Maybe like our illustrious President you prefer the Koran? You can have your pitiful little opinions about politics and your liberal viewpoints. But do not go where you are not prepared to be faced down when it comes to the Bible. By the way, the majority of Americans are of a Christian background and we are educated and intelligent not in the Dark Ages!!! Unlike your obvious preference which advocates the subjection of women and war against anyone who does not agree with their religion.
Esther, why would Obama prefer the Koran? He's a Christian, and he has stated his beliefs publicly in many forums. No self-respecting Muslim would ever say, "Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior" as Obama has done, on National TV. Muslims believe Jesus was a prophet and performed miracles, but they do not believe that He was God's Son. Get it?
You may not like Obama, but sorry--he is a person of faith, a Christian. MANY of us liberals are people of faith, and we're a lot more tolerant and respectful of others' religious beliefs than people like you. You don't seem too "educated and intelligent" when you spout lies about our President!
Pat, 100 + !!!!!
The sad part is that the Aiken Republican Club thought it was funny (& Newt knew they would).
Do they not see the lack of logic of accusing a graduate of Harvard Law school of not studying American History? It seems to me that law school (from any US college) is primarily American History.
Hey, these are the same genius' who thought it was funny to boo an American soldier, speaking from a war zone, because he is gay; thought it would be a good thing to let a young man die for lack of health insurance and cheered executions.
Its called goating your opponent to do something pointless, only to prove your own point which is of little value. Newt is a fake politician, his goal is money and only money. Keep in mind he still owes a big diamond bill.
You can bash Newt all you want........
but Obama tried for 3 years and FAILED.
Maybe it's time for him to return to the Chicago Gangster UnderWorld.
Obama's friends/criminals ( ex Gov.Blago, Tony Rezko, Bill Ayers , etc.) are waiting there to welcome him,unless they're still in jail , that is....LOL
Obama can work for ACORN again ........just remind him that ACORN changed it's name because of their corruption.....but "Barry" won't mind a little corruption.
Leona, if Obama has "failed", can you say obstruction, as in GOP? The man does not stand a chance when the GOP wants to accomplish nothing but make him a one term president.
That tiny Acorn has grown into a mighty Oak tree Leona.
I don't even know where to begin..... I remember being in school and hearing about how unreliable the news in other countries was because it was state run or something to that effect. And that's what makes us (USA), different from the rest of the world because we got the truth.... Rupert Murdoch ... what have you and others like you done to us?
Hey LEONA and all the rest of you teatards, biethers, religious fanatics, flat earthers, and all around anti American Republicans, get used to Obama because he's not leaving office until January 2017. And if your Republicans filed a similar collection of worthless candidates such as Palin, Bachmann, Newt, Perry Cain and the rest of them for 2016 like you have for 2012, a Democrat will win that time around too.
Charlie: Please give me the definition of the word "biether"? I looked this word up in the dictionary and gee, guess what?...I couldn't find it...oh, by the way...Palin is not a candidate...
To Juanita - He didn't say Palin was a candidate. If you learned to read he was referring to a candidate field for 2016. Open your eyes.
The whole issue of higher education coming these folks is too funny. They get all the wisdom they need from the likes of limbaugh, Hannity, and Beck - and the three COMBINED have not accumulated enough college hours to accomplish a 2 year Associates Degree! Check it out
Gingrich also mentioned he will be making speeches soon in Iowa and South Carolina that will unveil his plan for brain-science research, an issue he frequently mentions on the trail. Because the plan will involve investment in research and development, Gingrich said it will “initially confuse many conservative intellectuals, because one of the things you can’t get across in Washington is the concept of investment. Everything is a cost.”
Ha, Oh, Geez they will be confused at the difference between a cost and an investment, for a minute there I thought Newt was going to actually lay it right on the line and say his party would be confused by the concept of brains and science.
Investing!!? That's just more of the same failed stimulus policy! LOL!!
The 200 members of the Aiken Republican Club? Are these folk rich? And the article said they laughed at Newt's comments. I guess that means they were breathing?
"Initially confuse many conservative intellectuals----------------------------------------."
Conservative? Intellectuals? In the same sentence? Now, I'm more dazed and confused than ever.
Scotty. Beam me up. Too dazed and confused down here.
This writer has the meaning of "meme" all wrong. Another illiterate "journalist". Gingrich could probably teach him a thing or two thousand about writing as well as history.
This has to be one of the saddest times in our country. We have people who want to be our leaders and they are wasting time wanting to see the presidents transcripts from college. First it was his birth certificate now this. Why don't they just come out and say it. Because he is a man of color they don't believe that he was smart enough to attend harvard. First we had Trump saying we needed to see if he had the grades to actually attend harvard. Never mind the fact that president Obama graduated with honors. Now they say we need to see his transcripts because we need to know what kind of courses he took in college. This man is our president and whether we like it or not, he should be shown the same respect that Reagan, Bush and others have received. The US continues to make itself look like a racist, foolish country because we have people still wasting time on this mess. It is so sad to see these people so desperate to get a foothold that they resort to this kind of nonsense. Newt is the biggest hypocrite their is. He wanted to impeach Clinton while he himself was having an illcit affair. We need to tell people such as these to go away. They are racist, devivsive and just downright stupid. Barack Obama is not some college kid applying for his first job. He is the president of our country and as such deserves better than this. If these so called leaders want his job, fine, let them come forward with legitmate arguments, but this mess about his birth and education is hurtful and only serves to prove every misconception that there is about our country. We as a people need to do better. I know that we can. Let us live up the high mark that we supposedly have set for ourselves. We must keep moving for higher ground. Let us have no dealings with Newt or any other person who has to stoop this low to try win public office. We must give them no space in our thoughts because when we do, we lower our standards
Damn straight Willle!
Well there must be some reason for not releasing certian information.
There is. Because there's no need to. He is the President of the USA ! He just is a little darker than all the other rays of sunshine before him. Goodness folks! If ever there was a "Manchurian Candidate", I promise he wouldn't be of any apparent ethnic background and his name certainly wouldn't sound like anything except names of the gospel!! Just for kicks put on a ski mask and gloves the next time you have to go to your bank. Same premise...
"We have people who want to be our leaders and they are wasting time wanting to see the presidents transcripts from college. First it was his birth certificate now this"
Well -- when you have NOTHING to run on, no ideas, no solutions other than the failed polices of the past, NOTHING to offer except fear and hate, birth certificates and college transcripts are the kinds of things you talk about. One of these tedards hanging around here was on another thread whining about a bracelet the first lady was wearing. Those are the kind of trite, insignificant and worthless things you bring up when you have NOTHING worthwhile to say.
Newt who ?? Mitt in 2012 !!
ali, please! " . . . deeper knowledge of history than . . ." they (have) this is 7th grade english. thank you!
Yes, the first canidate for expanded brain research in this country is The Newtster himself, if they can find one..... Check out the latest NH speech by Perr-y for other brain defect studies
Which role does this fool see himself in Douglas or Lincoln. Steven Douglas is probably the better fit but unlike Gingrich he opposed Southern ambitions and was not a serial adulterer. As far as US history is concerned the one that Gingrich espouses reads more like a Harry Turtledove novel than the one we actually have.
JKH
IT really don't take much intelligence ,or understanding of the problems facing our country TO reach the conclusion that NEWT SPOKE THE TRUTH
Newt knowledge and understanding of ALL the problems facing our country , is comparable to NEWT the professor and the rest are students including Obama
For those that want to name call and bad mouth Newt best be thinking what they do ,Because when you name call and bad mouth some one of Newts experience ,knowledge and intelligence , the end result is you only make fools of your selves
Balance that Tiffany's account.
Greetings friends...
Without much following the thread...
the article and call for debate itself is very interesting...
who knows whats in store...so why not we LISTEN first, what Newt Sir has in mind!?!
LOVE AND RESPECT YOU ALL.
ONE of Yours.
This is really,really sad! First Mr. Gingrich accused him of having a Kenyan anti colonial mentality(a rebellious slave?) and then of not knowing the American history(allien?). Now let's consider the source of this message-Newt Gingrich:-
- a pot calling a kettle black(an adulterer against adultere Bill Clinton)
-a debtor who wants a hand on the US treasury (to pay off his debts?)
This country deserves better!
Greetings friend Von & ALL,
From get to I believe this is going to be perceived as in party lines (I mean the divide)...and it becomes apparent from how it is received with Grins ;-)
I am hoping it creates a platform to understand ALL parties and learn on why ANY is relevant to CITIZENS, while we decide whom to standby with, to SERVE for ALL CITIZENS.
I agree if is intented to be along the INDIVIDUAL lines...not worth the debate...so as to not worth the expense of even voting machinery, when ONE has to vote hastily only along party lines :(
I totally agree with you, "the country deserves better!" even to the extent of saving every public penny towards job creation and social welfare.
Just humble thoughts, LOVE YOU Von & ALL.
Yours.
Because I've heard it all. Newt will push whatever the "flavor of the week is". Being talking points and policy direction decided in conservative media and think-tanks ; public and private. everyone of these guys are pushing things they have ran against or opposed in the past. The ONLY consistent man I see in election is ... Ron Paul. Love him or hate him, he has been advocating the same policy and stance on the issues, regardless of whatever the "flava of the week" is. I don't agree with him in MANY ways, but I must respect integrity.
If my memory serves me correctly, didn't Newt Gingrich resign in disgrace after the 1998 mid-term debacle that he led? And 13 years later, he is still a "disgrace" to The Republiscum Party!
Yes. He was one of the 90's architects of the politically naive, "Contract With America," and demanded the damaging closure of much of the Federal government for weeks at a time in a budget battle standoff with the White House, because he wanted to get back at Clinton for slighting him regarding his ride on Air Force One. As the national economy began improving under Clinton, Gingritich's extremist tactics and GOP experiments damaged the GOP brand in the polls, and so he was rejected/ejected by his own Party. Meanwhile, Newt's army of moralizing, bible-thumping, religious-right hypocrites in the GOP continued to bash Clinton for him initially lying to cover up for his having a blow job.
One of my friends in Wisconsin also sent me this text message:
"The Newt Gingritch Era of the 90's will give you a preview of what to expect if you vote the Republican Tea Party into power in the Oval Office, in 2012. They will among other things fascist, police your bedrooms for immoral behavior and then check on the wombs of our women to make sure they stay pregnant. Maybe they'll shut down your government into a state of anarchy if they find out you're having premarital sex or looking at porn when you're supposed to be attending their Churches on Sundays, eh? Or if you're really sick and need government-subsidized health care, maybe they'll do what Newt did, he divorced one of his wives while she was in the hospital with cancer."
Newt --- you're last century's news. Your own people forced you to resign. You're a wana-be, has-been, never was and you're going NOWHERE.
Harsh but true - Mitt 2012 !
But Newt promised wife # 3 that she would some day be First Lady!!!
Or is that wife # 4?
LoL! I don't think Obama should have to show a college transcript, he's not trying to get back into college! If Rick Perry would spend as much time practicing debates as he does with this birther and transcript bs! he would would be doing better in the polls!!!!
It really doesn't matter who gets elected President or what party rules Congress. It's always Washington politics where nothing that gets done that matters, and the taxpayer is on the hook for the messes created by Congress and the President.
Gingrich is so full of himself and convinced of his own intellectual greatness. The President of the United States has much more pressing things to do than "debate" a has-been politician/adulterer/party hack. A debate between Gingrich and Bush would have been interesting, though.
The only way Callista Gingrich will ever become First Lady is if Newt Divorces her, like he did his other wives, and she marries a Democrat!
The most likely way Callista will become First Lady is for Newt to win the Republican nomination and debate Obama in a three hour unmoderated debate. Seems we both want Newt to win the nomination. If Newt wins the nomination, he will be President and Callista First Lady.
That would be a good thing for this country.
So Gingrich can get his paramour some more jewelry. Do the "Values Voters" really want a slutty adulterer and his paramour in the White House? Face it: according to "Christian values" as interpreted by right-wing used-car salesman, Newt is a slut. So is Callista.
Pattie in Maryland
So good to see you stand up for Christian values. LOL
Answer the question, grin. Newt's past adventures cannot be denied, and they will come back to haunt him big time. You know what they say--"Karma is a b*tch!"