Gingrich angrily rebuffs questions about ex-wife

At Thursday's debate Newt Gingrich slammed the news media for focusing on accusations by his ex-wife that he requested an "open marriage." NBC's Peter Alexander reports.

 

Newt Gingrich opened a pivotal Republican presidential debate with a fiery attack on the media for publishing stories regarding new allegations made against him by an ex-wife.

Gingrich assailed, in no uncertain terms, CNN moderator John King for opening the debate by asking Gingrich to answer allegations made by his ex-wife, Marianne, in an interview with ABC News, saying the then-speaker of the House asked to engage in an "open marriage," or else he would file for divorce.

"I am appalled that you would begin a presidential debate with a topic like that," Gingrich said, earning wild applause from the audience. "To take an ex-wife and make it two days before the primary a significant question in a presidential campaign is as close to despicable as anything I can imagine."

Gingrich disputed the allegations as "false," and his three fellow Republicans onstage resisted piling on. ("Let's get on to the real issues," former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney said.)

It was a spirited opening to a debate that capped one of the most politically tumultuous days of the 2012 cycle.

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Hmmm...apparently old Newt can dish it out but he can't take it.

  • 1 vote
Reply#105 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 10:34 PM EST

I think I understand the difference between Democrats and Republicans now. Republicans touting moral standards, and then being human is hypocritical. Being immoral, climbing over others, and creating lemmings are acceptable because Democrats espouse victimization over morals and/or standards.

Let the rest of us have our moral compasses and think for ourselves.

    Reply#106 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 10:35 PM EST

    If your moral compass is anything like your moral philosophy, it is twisted and irrational.

      #106.1 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 10:37 PM EST

      I don't know about that. I think it's a right & liberty to be immoral -- I just don't think it's right for a candidate

        #106.2 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 10:46 PM EST

        Hello? It was Newt who led the impeachment proceedings against President Clinton while he, Newt himself, was committing adultry. The issue is hypocrisy.

          #106.3 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 10:47 PM EST
          Reply

          Actually Navy, we could care less about New's multiple wives. What we do enjoy is rubbing repubs nose in it because repubs are the ones who love to pretend they are the party of "values" and that they should be dictating to everyone else their values.

          • 1 vote
          Reply#107 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 10:35 PM EST

          PowerSourcxe PC, you are correct. Newt is not a Natzi, he is a vindictive power hungry school yard bully. Is that the best you can offer? ON BOTH SIDES OF THE AISLE, THIS GROUP IS PATHETIC

            Reply#108 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 10:37 PM EST

            Gingrich has the morals of an alley tom cat but pretends he's a family man. He denies he's a lobbyist but takes money to influence politicians. He can't remember how much he owes Tiffany's or if he's paid off the bill.

            If he can't stand the hot heat of scrutiny, he shouldn't be in politics. Maybe he should be a televangelist instead; he'd fit right in....

            Wife #3 must wonder when she'll be replaced....

            • 1 vote
            Reply#109 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 10:37 PM EST

            They blame Obama, the Dems and the media for pointing out their fucc ups. The GOP is eating their own and Obama is just sitting back eating popcorn watching them destroy themselves.

            • 1 vote
            Reply#110 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 10:39 PM EST

            What a horn dog....he's a pig of the first order....what friends know intimate details about his marriage?

            A man who cheats on his wife will cheat on his country.

              Reply#111 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 10:41 PM EST

              Like JFK, Bill Clinton, Ted Kennedy, and a plethora of other politicians in both parties? Remember obama stated that he had two separate affairs and you support him.

              • 1 vote
              #111.1 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 10:45 PM EST

              Dude,,, None of them are running for President

              What would you do if your wife cheated on you?

                #111.2 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 10:47 PM EST

                Leave her. I am not a Kennedy.

                • 1 vote
                #111.3 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 10:59 PM EST
                Reply

                Big time payback Newt. While you were banging Callista, you were leading the impeachment proceedings against Clinton for the Monica affair. Now you're all mad at the media for highlighting YOUR adultrous behavior. I'd say you got your comuppance. As for the halleujah crowd in the audience? They left their brains in your collection plate. Whatever were you thinking - that you could get away with what Clinton didn't?

                • 1 vote
                Reply#112 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 10:42 PM EST

                ANY POLITICIAN, NEWT, CLINTON , ect... should lose there job in office if they waste our time and money by being inappropiate and setting terrible standards for our lawmakers. why should party mae a difference in right or wrong

                  Reply#113 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 10:42 PM EST

                  I wonder if South Carolina will do what conservatives did in Iowa?

                  Mitt lost 20 ballots

                  Disappearing Ballots is far better than Hanging Chads

                  Jolly good Iowa conservatives, jolly good well done

                    Reply#114 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 10:44 PM EST

                    Jim did you find obama's Nobel Prize for Literature yet?

                      #114.1 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 10:52 PM EST

                      Disappearing ballots versus stuffing them like SEIU and ACORN? Just how many times did Mickey Mouse vote for obama anyway?

                        #114.2 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 10:54 PM EST

                        Touchy aren't we?

                          #114.3 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 10:56 PM EST

                          Touchy ... not in the least. Laughing hilariously watching the left trip all over themselves. poor ol' John King will try and desperately try to explain himself tomorrow after he got punked tonight. Face it, Gingcrich called out the media and won!

                          • 1 vote
                          #114.4 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 10:58 PM EST

                          I'm curious navy - how many times did Mickey Mouse vote for Obama?

                            #114.5 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 11:20 PM EST
                            Reply

                            The way Newt tore into John King today, is just a mild taste of what's in store for Obama, if he goes up against the Newt.

                            Obama will be the mop that Newt uses to clean the floor. Think Obama is an orator?? No way. Obama is a teleprompter reader. There is no teleprompter at the presidential debates. Obama will be lost.

                            • 1 vote
                            Reply#115 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 10:45 PM EST

                            Think the word is "rebutt".

                            (unless Newt was polishing something)

                              Reply#116 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 10:45 PM EST

                              Newt only did that because the mediator could NOT argue the point...he knew it was coming and he was prepared.

                              Newt Gingrinch showed his true colors tonight as the arrogant pig he is...ANYONE that clapped or supported his reply to his adulterous swinger activities has no class or character period. I cant wait to hear the Christians saying " remember to vote morals first when you go into the booth".

                              • 1 vote
                              Reply#117 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 10:46 PM EST

                              Newt is in the habit of refering to his present wife as if she were a saint. This is the woman who for several years was bedding a married man. In my neighborhood they would call him a pig and her a slut. Is it that much different in Christian crazy, Tea Party neighborhoods? Look at the way these sainted Christians have refered to Clinton for more than ten years now for fooling around with a single woman. Isn't it worse to sleep with a married man for years?

                              • 1 vote
                              Reply#118 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 10:46 PM EST

                              The newest repub pledge: I pledge to cheat on my wife and if she won't agree to open marriage, then I will divorce her and marry my mistress. They can put it in the book along with their pledge to protect multimillionaires at all costs.

                              • 1 vote
                              Reply#119 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 10:47 PM EST

                              Charge Admission to a Gingrich-Obama debate and we could raise enough money to pay off a lot of debt!

                              • 1 vote
                              Reply#120 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 10:48 PM EST

                              I gotta admit that would be hilarious... Obama would eat Newt alive

                              We are talking about a Harvard Constitutional Law Professor who graduated at the top of his class vs Newt a community college history teacher/lobbyist

                                #120.1 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 10:51 PM EST

                                We are talking about a Speaker of the House ( who has actually held a job) that balanced the Federal Budget versus a guy thats only as good as his teleprompter. Newt would win hands down thats why obama is pulling for Romney.

                                • 1 vote
                                #120.2 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 10:56 PM EST

                                A Speaker of the House that got kicked out of Congress & fined $300,000 who didn't do 1/3 of what he said & even exaggerated that 1/3rd grotesquely

                                  #120.3 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 10:59 PM EST

                                  The only thing he could teach Obama,is how to leave a sick wife...lol

                                  • 1 vote
                                  #120.4 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 11:02 PM EST

                                  Newt Gingrich balanced the Federal Budget??? When? How did I miss that?

                                    #120.5 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 11:23 PM EST

                                    Navy vet: What jobs do you think Newt held? History professor, professional politician and lobbyist. Obama was a community organizer, you know, one of those folks who helps others lift themselves up by their own bootstraps, lawyer and politician.

                                      #120.6 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 11:39 PM EST
                                      Reply

                                      Obama must be loving it if his thoughts are revealed by his lack of comment. "Never interrupt an enemy who is making a mistake," . . . . . Napoleon Bonaparte.

                                        Reply#121 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 10:48 PM EST

                                        Newt is the dream nominee -- for Democrats. Bill Clinton kicked his ass all over Washington and Obama will make Clinton look like a nice guy. Newt is all MOUTH and NO RESULTS.

                                          #121.1 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 11:03 PM EST
                                          Reply

                                          Screw John King and ALL the left wing, mouth breathing, slack jawed, tree hugging, granola eating Libtards at CNN, ABC, CBS, NBC and MSNBC. What would you expect from a bunch of punks like King, Donna Brazil, Cooper and... well, you get the picture. Man, they are all going to scream like a mashed cat when Obummer goes down in flames, and he IS going to lose. Libtards all blow. Sound like I despise ANYONE on the left?.... yep, I do. Hope this post pizzes off you Libtards. Come on, come back with something nasty. That shows I got my wish for tonight. Gotta go watch FOX News now. Libtards....... a waste of oxygen.

                                          • 2 votes
                                          Reply#122 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 10:52 PM EST

                                          "Hope this post pizzes off you Libtards." No, but all the misspellings and run-on sentences clearly show you are a product of a red state education system.

                                          • 2 votes
                                          #122.1 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 10:56 PM EST

                                          What happened Larry, did your old lady make you move out of the station wagon?

                                            #122.2 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 10:57 PM EST

                                            Ahhhhhhhh. Now I really am hurt. (pass the tea please.)

                                            • 1 vote
                                            #122.3 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 10:59 PM EST

                                            Hey,..... not everyone has a 1967 Buick station wagon. 7 more payments and it's all mine. I'll never move out. (pass the tea please)

                                              #122.4 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 11:07 PM EST
                                              Reply

                                              Whats next a steel cage match?

                                                Reply#123 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 10:52 PM EST

                                                Who knows,,, It's gotta be close to the end.. Maybe they will try to out Jesus each other

                                                • 1 vote
                                                #123.1 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 11:02 PM EST
                                                Reply

                                                It was the only appropriate answer for someone who thinks below his waist line. The man is a total egomaniac who's current slut wife told him how wonderful he was in the sack. UGH Is this the best the republicans have to offer? Woe be the country!

                                                • 1 vote
                                                Reply#124 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 10:56 PM EST

                                                The worst of the the four republican candidates would still do a better job that the current White House Occupier.

                                                • 1 vote
                                                #124.1 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 11:02 PM EST

                                                None of them can defeat his record of accomplishments

                                                Hell dude, they are having problems proving their worthiness to lead

                                                  #124.2 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 11:07 PM EST

                                                  Sorry your standards are so low. It is obviousobama far outleads this pack of hypocrites whose only claim to fame is in their loud mouths. I don't nominate obama for saint hood but i surely put his life and accomplishments above the records of these sorry losers.

                                                    #124.3 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 11:13 PM EST
                                                    Reply

                                                    Newt Gingrich trying to play the victim role is a non-starter from the getgo. He's so full of arrogance and bombast that he's becoming nothing more than a caricature.

                                                      Reply#125 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 10:59 PM EST

                                                      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.

                                                        Reply#126 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 11:00 PM EST

                                                        Newt Gingrich made an ENORMOUS mistake tonight. The American people are, indeed, a forgiving people, but on the issues raised by his ex-wife he tonight called her a “liar.” So, it is not an issue of forgiveness, now, it is an issue of credibility. Gingrich says he has several friends who know the truth. Really? You confessed an affair to your wife in front of several friends? I don’t think so. Instead of this being an issue that would have gone away, now, Gingrich has invited more scrutiny and investigation into this. Who is telling the truth? Gingrich or his ex-wife? She made the same charge in Esquire magazine a year ago and Gingrich did NOT call her a liar. Tonight he did. Gingrich's enormous ego did him in, again. Let the many investigative reporters out their do their scorched earth review of the facts and let's see what is really out there? Gingrich says his friends will "confirm this" whatever that means. Well, let's see how many people will confirm other facts. How did that work out for Herman Cain? You should have let sleeping dogs lay Gingrich and now the attack dogs are going to eat you alive. YOU did this to yourself!

                                                        Gingrich wants Romney's tax returns, NOT because, as he claimed tonight, we don't want to find something in there later after your the nominee, rather, because Gingrich is behaving like a Democrat utilizing class warfare. Romney is rich and he wants jealous people to see just how rich.

                                                        Of far more concern is what is in the Ethics Committee report regarding Gingrich. Nancy Pelosi knows whats in it which means Obama knows whats in it. It WILL be used if Gingrich is the nominee. So, using Gingrich's own argument, and not wanting a surprise later on if he becomes the nominee, RELEASE THE ETHICS COMMITTEE REPORT MR. GINGRICH!

                                                          Reply#127 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 11:00 PM EST

                                                          Get Over--You're right about Newt stoking the fires by calling his second wife a liar. But that's all a demagogue like Newt knows how to do--attack, attack, attack. He can't build up, only tear down.

                                                            #127.1 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 11:43 PM EST
                                                            Reply

                                                            Newt is as condescending as everyone says. How he's treated his wives is indicative of how he treats people in general. Newt needs to answer the d- question.

                                                              Reply#128 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 11:02 PM EST

                                                              ROTFLMAO. Looking at the posts on here of the mock outrage of the liberal left is making me laugh so hard I can hardly type. They embrace Clinton ( complete with six sexual harassment charges as well as affairs), the Kennedys, FDR .. but Newt is just evil.

                                                              I understand Monica Lewinsky is now voting Republican too. She said the Democrats left a bad taste in her mouth.

                                                                Reply#129 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 11:07 PM EST

                                                                Who would have figured she was a right wing plant from the beginning?

                                                                Clinton disgraced the office ---- She was a pig with lipstick in a blue dress, a hog

                                                                But Bill Clinton isn't running for office & Hilary turned him into a eunuch

                                                                  #129.1 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 11:09 PM EST
                                                                  Reply
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