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WOLFEBORO, N.H. -- Saturday evening is a big night for Newt Gingrich. Not only is it just three days before the New Hampshire primary, it also marks the first presidential debate since the barrage of negative attacks against the former House speaker in Iowa kicked into high gear.
“It’s fight night. We’re excited,” Gingrich spokesman R.C. Hammond told a small group of reporters following a Gingrich event here.
Standing in front of a large military tank with a fighter jet hanging from above, Gingrich wasted no time before taking a jab at GOP rival Mitt Romney.
“I look at this tank lovingly because I remember Michael Dukakis,” he said as he started his speech inside The Wright Museum on WWII history. (Dukakis was the 1988 Democratic presidential nominee, who was featured in a picture riding in a tank.) “And it’s just a reminder that governors of Massachusetts don’t always make good presidential candidates.”
Gingrich gave one of his most energetic speeches on the trail Saturday afternoon before a crowd of at least 400 people. And as a historian, the museum was an ideal setting for him. This impassioned townhall performance from the former Speaker comes has he is struggling in recent polls in New Hampshire and nationally. He has to finish strong here and win South Carolina to have a chance at becoming the Republican nominee.
“We have 2 weeks to clarify in South Carolina that he [Romney] is a Massachusetts Moderate and that he has a whole series of experiences and values that are the opposite of the South Carolina Republican Party,” Gingrich told reporters following his event in the same resort town as Romney’s summer home. “If we succeed in doing that he won’t win in South Carolina. If we don’t succeed, he might win.”
Debates have always been a strong suit for Gingrich but the last presidential debate was more than three weeks ago on Dec. 15 in Sioux City, Iowa. Since then, he has moved far from front-runner status, finishing just fourth in the Iowa caucuses earlier this week. Potential good news for the Gingrich campaign? Two debates in 12 hours this weekend.
Gingrich told reporters after one of his largest events since his poll numbers began to drop that he will prepare for this debate as he has all along.
“Drink a diet coke, call Maggie and Robert [his grandchildren] and get their sophisticated coaching advice,” he said, adding he will try to remember the tips of “slower, smile, shorter, clearer.”
Gingrich said not to doubt his strategy of not talking to paid consultants before debates as he has “two debate coaches with a winning streak.”
Even though it’s “fight night” for the campaign, Gingrich may not directly attack Romney – at least not by the way he defines going negative on an opponent.
“I'm not going to go after Mitt Romney. I may define the reality of a Reagan conservative and a Massachusetts moderate,” he said. “I don’t think telling the truth in a happy and pleasant way comes across as negative, it may come across as the truth … may have to ask Gov. Romney how he feels describing accurately his record.”
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"I may define the reality of a Reagan conservative"...So says Newt, but..
Why not go for being a Bush "Compassionate Conservative"...nevermind!
He's going to DEFINE what the reality of Reagan was?
Except for Reagan's 11th commandment, (Reagan being the Great Man that he was), he would rather have had the Grinch thrown out of the Republican party.
Reagan coined the phrase "Compassionate Conservatism" The Grinch needs to get a bit of reality (get off the drugs, or "ON" some depending on your political bent) before he can explain anyone elses!
I sure hope the knife fight is on youtube tonight! Its going to be a lot more entertaining than a normal blah,blah,blah Republican debate, that's for sure!
There is nothing nice about the Republican/Reagan/ Bush brand of "compassionate conservatism". What is that anyway ? .... Is it Republicans saying "we're sorry" to the middle class when it has been savaged and broken in the last 31 years, and the rich have made out like bandits, under their 'trickle down' economic philosophy ?
All I can hear is the Elton John song going through my mind, "Saturday"
i wonder how many time the phrase"Reagan Republican" will be used tonight.
I am guessing 20 times.
After 20, it is not a label anymore but a mantra...
Elton who?
I don't like Romney, he does not take kindly to anyone questioning or clarify an answer. George Stephanopolous is not taking any of his dancing on the head of a pin
Gingrich is a megalomaniac.
A lot of words come to mind to describe Gingrich. “Happy and pleasant" are not among them.
you speak the truth.
I'm not a Gingrich supporter, nor would I ever vote for him, but "Happy and Pleasant" are not words that come to mind when I think of Obama either.
Hey, CNT...is there a resonable explanation for you NOT thinkin' POTUS Obama is "Happy and Pleasant"?
If it's racial or blind hatred, do tell.
Conservative - What dignified and thoughtful doesn't work for you? Obama "four more Years" 2012!
Obama is a slimy, lying, constitution breaker, clueless-about-the-economy wonder. Although, from reading the idiot rants on this page, it's clear to see how such a clearly unqualified individual could be elected to the presidency. There needs to be a constitutional amendment stating that morons not be allowed to vote. Maybe we can avoid another 4 years of utter failure!
Hey Laura.....tell us how you really feel, but first take a deep breath and then write a rational comment.
Laura - Don't throw away your right to vote with that Constitutional Amendment. I doubt you could find your polling place but maybe some inbred Corny-Repub could help you find it.
Laura: I suppose you are saying that the Bush administration was a success because 750,000 jobs were being lost every month during his presidency? Or was it when we had to bail out the banks with no strings attached? Or was it when U.S. invaded Iraq instead of the real threat in Pakistan?
Your definition of Failure eludes me completely.
I hope that the GOP candidates discuss how they will move the country forward in comparison to each other, not President Obama. I want to hear clear comparisons among the candidates. The GOP presidential nominee can then debate President Obama, drawing comparisons at that time.
I agree, they need to get off the president and show how they will make it better, they touched on it in Iowa just before the caucus.
WE NEED MORE!!!
More of what, tax breaks for the rich, deregulation that will plunge us back into the 19th century and destroy what's left of the middle class? What you see is what you get! There ain't no mo! Obama/Biden 2012.
Ask all the out of work middle class poeple if they think obama is for the middle and the answer will be a very loud NO unless you stirve to be on umeployment forever. His regulations are killing businesses and jobs. More and more companies are taking there businesses over seas.(and those are middle class jobs by the way) I honestly dont think obama gets it.
Mary,
What a novel idea.
I totally agree.
jeff,
again with the tea party talking points?...........<yawn>
and after rereading your post....<double yawn>
Hey Jeff, in case you haven't noticed, our jobs have been heading oversees for the last thirty years. The world didn't start on Jan 20, 2009.
Mary,
"I hope that the GOP candidates discuss how they will move the country forward".
If they knew I'm sure they would.
vwterry: Yes, you are correct. I realized after a half-hour of watching the debate that, aside from Jon Huntsman, they are clueless and lack any substance, especially Mitt Romney; his lack of substance is so obvious.
Fight night in America. Get your peanuts, popcorn & drink of choice. The comedy of errors will soon begin. We all have been laughing at these Bozo's for months. Bozo please don't think I used your name in vain, I'm sorry!
Romney plans to act presidential. That is only one of his faces. He doesn't wear the actual one and may not have it anymore.
Newt is throwing a massive tantrum -- like some 4 year old brat. As a political force in the US -- his days are done. (Actually -- they were done in 1999 when his own people tossed his sorry ass out of the House.) But rather than bow out somewhat gracefully like Bachmann or Pizza Man did -- Newt is following Hitler's example in 1945 -- a scorched earth policy.
Hey Homer, Pizza Man didn't do anything gracefully! Ask the ladies he fondled under the table at his Restaurant Conventions. Nothing (Grace)ful about that son of a Preacher.
Newt is pissed, he wanted that strong third in Iowa going into NH, but in their desperation to keep Paul out of the winners slot, they effectively damaged his candidacy so severely that he really has been marginalized.
Newt is in it for PAYBACK!
Typical Republican
I would like the panel to identify any sons or daughters that have served in the military. Romney has five sons I believe (four of them were on stage with him when he gave his speech after the Iowa votes were counted) and I would like to know how many of his sons have served our country as a member of the Armed Forces. In particular, I would like to know if they feel that defending this country is only for the 99% and not their precious progeny that stand to inherit the fortunes they make off the backs of the working people of this country.
Mitty said the last time he ran that his sons were serving the country getting him elected.
What is that phine says...
Monitor clean-up on aisle #3!!!!
Newday that is hilarious! (it's a damn shame that it's true)
Though I have never served in the military, many of my family have and several of my spouse's family has/is. Not once have any of them indicated that either of us are "less" because we haven't served. Though I'm not a Romney supporter, I don't see how his sons not serving make him a less viable candidate, or anyone else for that matter. That said, I greatly appreciate the many people who have served in my behalf.
Yup, I recall Mittens saying that about his sons, the last time around!
I wonder just what exactly Newt thinks Mittens will be doing while he blasts him, just standing there and taking it....
What's the statement...If you don't start no sh!t, there won't be any sh!t!...
Yep, I second this motion. Especially when 2 face Mitt wants to wage more wars. A-hole.... but so is doughboy Newt.
James, I apologize if that was the impression I made! It was no slam to folks that are not Vets. I wasn't knocking his sons either. My comment was directed at Mitt (and the other GOP Contenders) to make a point. Don't criticize our Commander In Chief about his decision to get out of Iraq when you nor your boys have served in that Hell Hole. The President was looking out for our Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors and Marines by insisting on conditions that protect these Americans, that are only there because that is what is being asked of them. The GOP Candidates should support this decision as it will mean we're not spending Billions a year that we don't have. Obama haters want their cake and want to eat it too...regardless that lives are being lost...for What! So again, Sincerely Sorry if I left that impression.
That is what gets me about our current generation of politicians. Not one of these bastards ever served, most dodged service in Vietnam with deferments, or the half ass way by joining the national guard. They would never want their own kids to fight, but sure dont mind having blue collar kids to go and get maimed or killed. The old school elites had all their boys serve in the military, as it was seen as being part of setting a good example and being leaders. They don't do it anymore since they now know these wars are big scams. I don't see how Iraq or even Afghanistan could ever truly endanger our national security or freedoms.
Dave - Why should his sons serve - Willard was sent to France during the Viet Nam draft by the Mormon Church to be a missionary, stayed in one of the Mormon's Chateaus during the duration and came back when it was safe. Last I looked at that time France was about 85% Catholic - no converts, but he did learn French
I know Egilman. Romney seems tone deaf at times to how he sounds. Totally entitled.
You know what? The Democrats have cut the defense budget so much that there is a HUGE waiting list to get into the military. I know, 2 of my sons are on it! It's no big deal that people don't line up to serve in the military anymore. Hell, Obama is getting ready to fire all the ones coming back from Iraq. Lighten up. As long as they are registered for the draft, it's all good in my book.
Mitt Romney is DROWNING in a rising tide of Spreading Santorum. Or is that BROWNING?
Gingrich is coming off as a petty, nasty mean child now that voters have rejected him...they will reject Santorum too when they get a load of what he's about.m
The voters in November will reject whoever the Republicans nominate.
I have to agree with you on that, unless Ron Paul can overcome the GOP Establishment voting fraud. I still find it weird how Paul won the entrance polls in Iowa, but ended up a distant 3rd. Paul is the only GOP candidate that is a stark contrast with the others and Obama for that matter on any public policy. Having Mitt or Newt will cause many conservatives, libertarians, or even a big proportion of moderates to stay home or simply vote for Obama. I mean what would the difference be?
Are you kidding? Americans are so sick of Obama and his failed policies they are ready to puke. I'm sure they can stomach whomever the GOP nominates. Even Ron Paul!
Laura - Sorry honey, the country is all puked out from "Dumbiyah". And really no one in their right mind (which excludes the wacko right, religious fanatics and birthers, of course) would pull the lever for a (R). Get over it!
Gingrich will waste his effort. Romney is too slimy for anything to stick.
if anyone can get anything to stick to Mitts it will be the grinch...
>And as a historian, the museum was an ideal setting for him.
first, the museum is not, as the sentence claims by way of its structure, a historian. puke blingrich is, however, said (mostly by himself) to be a historian.
that said, ol'puke should be giving himself a good workout tonight.
>And as a historian, the museum was an ideal setting for him.
first, the museum is not, as the sentence claims by way of its structure, a historian. puke blingrich is, however, said (mostly by himself) to be a historian.
that said, ol'puke should be giving himself a good workout tonight.
>And as a historian, the museum was an ideal setting for him.
first, the museum is not, as the sentence claims by way of its structure, a historian. puke blingrich is, however, said (mostly by himself) to be a historian.
that said, ol'puke should be giving himself a good workout tonight.
http: //www. extracreditstuff. com/Puke_Blingrich/Blowhard.html
I hope Newt knocks Romney out of the race. Romney is the same book as Obama with a different cover. Obama's policies come from the Romney camp.
Vote for Romney or P.Obama if you want to be a slave.
Newt cannot knock Mitts out of the race, Mitts is the establishment choice, Iowa proved that. He's in it all the way to a brokered convention. (if necessary) What the GOP bosses want right now is everyone staying in the race as long as possible to get to that convention with Mitts still showing his 25% near the top.
They do not want any real debate with anyone that might have a different way to become viable. (like Dr Paul)
Well Jeff -- Romney is the ONLY HOPE Republicans have of winning in November and even that is a slim hope. And if the Republican Party comes up with a similar collections of has-beens, clowns, nut cases, religious fanatics, complete morons and outright crazies in 2016 like they have this time , a Democrat will win in that time around too.
Charlie - Totally agree with you. The repubs are a party of loons without a future.
If you do not see that this is about our nation: I truly feel sorry for your existence hollow that is!
Why don't they ever say what time the debates are?
Range, and at least in my area, it will be on ABC at 9 pm eastern standard time.
9 PM EST
What is it that these folks are going to make better for the majority of us? Lowering taxes for businesses and the rich to give jobs to the rest of us? I think not. If anyone believes that lowering their taxes will create jobs - forget it. Of the top one percent, the multi-millionaires and billionaires, only about 3.5 percent have companies that employ people.
The GOP is in a world of hurt - can't wait for a real debate with the President.
Im not sure if this is true, but I've heard that while Gingrich was out there trying trying to get Clinton thrown out of office for his sexual misbehaving, he was cheating on his wife.
Satorum is a looser. I would never vote for a born again catholic. He clains. He is actually an atheist according to those close to him.
After numbnuts like Reagan and two Bush retards - I'm surprised the GOP still exists.
What a dumbass country we truly are to keep re-electing these creeps who keep repeating the same sh!t every election year for the past 50 years.
Totally with you Jersey. Each president we have had at least since I have been alive(I am 41) has just continued the work of the previous one regardless of party affiliation. Only Dr. Paul seems to have a different policy mindset than the rest of the pack, and he is ignored or the victim of probable vote theft.
The only thing I have against Paul is that he calls himself a Republican and he spawned a t-tard son. Something about those two facts makes him unelectable in my book. As for the Democrats, kennedy, johnson, carter, clinton, obama were each different and unigue. Reagan switched parties and gave a speech in early 60's(on youtube) and the GOP idiots has been repeating it verbatum for the last 50 years.
WHAT CHANNEL IS THIS DEBATE ON???
ABC
ABC Network tonight and NBC tomorrow morning for next debate.
ABC, NBC, and the Comedy Network.
Just when we think that Gingrich has shown America what a fool he is he now wants to once again show that he is the town idiot with more of his idiotic comments and additional reasons not to vote for him.He already has shown that he was/is one of the crookedest politcians ever to be in Washington,now he wants to add fuel to the fire by showing his hateful attitudes towards other politcians that have not achieved the notoriety that the Newt has ,at least so far.
I see its fair for Mud to be slung at NEWT but not at the rest who are running for the President. The truth is what we want and should get but we aren't getting it from this Adminstration are we. You people sound like you want OBAMA to run our country for another Four Years. I call you a stuiped bunch of idiots.
I looked up the following words in the Dictionary:
garbage, filth, slime, gunk, scum, sewage, hypocrisy, excrement, dishonesty, dirt, muck, smut, trash, vomit, puke, barf, immorality, debris, manure, pretense, corruption, debauchery and depravity
Each one of them had picture of Newt Gingrich included in the definition.
My god man, do not google "santurom". lol