1
Newt is a big insider. I'd go with that.

2

Bachmann does, I think.

Oh, that will be entertaining.

3 I've always contended that Newt is "Obi Wan".

4 You point out that while he's a great guy and a good Republican, he's rather flighty sometimes. I think you can point out his many, many hare-brained ideas in a rather humorous way. Also, he's a bit of an asshole. But I don't know how you lead up to that.

5 I'm in the 'Anybody But Romney, oh and also Cain' camp, so if it gets down to Newt and Perry, than it's all good.

6 I'm always mystified by the candidates "attacking" each other before the primaries, anyway... I mean, they're almost certainly going to end up supporting (and even campaigning for) whoever is the nominee, so why have to eat your words or go out of your way to be nasty?  I think Newt's approach is the best... and I think it is serving him well.  (I also think he's still a Big Government Republican at heart, but at least he'll be miles better than the current Occupant, and I would dearly love to see him take Obama apart in a debate.)

7 Tardisal 2 electric bugaloo.

8

I'm in the 'Anybody But Romney, oh and also Cain' camp, so if it gets down to Newt and Perry, than it's all good.

^^THIS

9 Does anyone have the guts to do it?

Bachmann does, I think.

Guts.. or stupidity.

10 Mean Mister Mustard to The Sun King. I think I saw Mean Mister Mustard slip out a little bit yesterday when Greta was grilling him about Freddie Mack. And I know you are doing the Beatles but- Sun King- for me means Louis the XIV-which fits. Gingrich..in a weird way.

11 Freddie *Mac*-bloody spell check.

12 I think you secretly give Rick Santorum $5 and a ham sandwich to do it. This makes you look like the good guy and Rick benefits by having his campaign war chest doubled.

13 Newt turned me into a Libertarian.
I got better.

14

Attack Newt?

Why don't we let Newt handle this one?

15 I always thought "Obi Wan" was Alan Simpson....

16

Bachmann attacking Newt would signal how hopelessly desperate she is.  It would actually serve no purpose, because she would be alienating the very people she hoped to gain.

 

Rush echoed what IÂ’ve been saying for weeks.  Everyone who has enjoyed a surge in the polls has done it by attacking the press.  This is where the battle we be in 2012 – the republican nominee versus the MSM.

17 8 I'm in the 'Anybody But Romney, oh and also Cain' camp, so if it gets down to Newt and Perry, than it's all good. ^^THIS Posted by: Sean Bannion at November 18, 2011 02:20 PM (sbV1u) Me, too.

18 Use Bachmann, Huntsman, Santorum, and Paul as cannon fodder. They're all done anyway.

19

Also, he's a bit of an asshole. But I don't know how you lead up to that.

That may not be a fault. The last one got 52%.

20 Newt vs Obama would be fun but only during a debate. Or to watch Newt follow Oshito around demanding a debate.
The actual election? not so much.

21 Your powers are weak, old man.

22 Remember me?

23 3 I've always contended that Newt is "Obi Wan".

If Newt is Obi Wan, would this make Cain (or even Perry) Luke?

24
Michelle already commented negatively on Newt's Fannie.

25 Why would anybody but Romney attack Newt? Iowa will be a mess, and Newt is only one who can muddy up NH for Mittens.

26 Problem 2 with Newt:

Let's suppose he beats Obama in the general, you know who runs against him in 2016? Hillary. And I don't know if I have the patience to deal with all that will entail.

27 Don't be too proud of this technological terror you've constructed. The ability to destroy a planet is insignificant next to the magical power of my underwear.

28 Ideally, getting Perry as the nominee and let Newt stand-in for him during the debates would be awesome! But that is some serious wishful thinking there.

29
btw, Michelle Bachmann's camp just made an ad attacking ALL her opponents.

All. Of. Them. In. One. Ad.

30 Let's suppose he beats Obama in the general, you know who runs against him in 2016? Hillary. And I don't know if I have the patience to deal with all that will entail. Posted by: taylork at November 18, 2011 02:28 PM (5wsU9) You mean aside from the fact that Newt and Hillary in the same place will turn an entire audience into stone?

31 24 Michelle already commented negatively on Newt's Fannie. Posted by: Soothsayer at November 18, 2011 02:28 PM (sqkOB) Malkin or Obama?

32 This is just the calm before the storm.  The other candidates won't be able to resist bashing Newt in future debates, mark my words.  All the while, the real enemy, King Zero, remains unscathed.

Look, the real winning strategy, IMHO, is nailing Zero and the dims for their incompetence, all day, every day.

33 "Because Gingrich is now a front-runner Flavor Of The Month, you'd expect him to be on the receiving end of attacks by other candidates, as all previous front-runners were." FTFY Isn't that closer to the truth?? I don't think there really IS a "front-runner." No one's really made any final commitment. We are letting ourselves be herded in this direction and that by the Media like a panicked herd of zebras by a lion.

34

“…let Newt stand-in for him during the debates…”

 

I don’t know if the “designated talker” rule is in effect.

35 If Newt is our nominee, we should brace ourselves for hearing the inevitable....."Quitter, quitter, pumpkin shitter" from the Obots, 24/7. 

36 But what does Jeff B. think?

37 3 I've always contended that Newt is "Obi Wan".

Posted by: dagny at November 18, 2011 02:15 PM (LVDiz)

No, Newt is Yoda and I am the walrus. 

Kakoo-KooKa-KaChoo.

 

38 >>>Bachmann attacking Newt would signal how hopelessly desperate she is. It would actually serve no purpose, because she would be alienating the very people she hoped to gain. yeah she doesn't seem to care about that though.

39 I'll repeat this from this morning on how you attack Newt. "He's got great ideas, he knows them backward and forward. What he doesn't know is how to get them done. In fact, his only attempt at getting great ideas done was the Contract with America nearly two decades ago. Much of which was never passed into law and nearly all of which is not law today. Newt is an adviser--but he can't get it done. Freddie Mac and Fannie Mea didn't hire Newt to balance their budgets--they hired him to talk to them." --------------- And I want to mention something about Newt, on account of so many are ready to fall into his arms as the only guy left who can stop Romney: He is a lazy fraud who talks big and won't do jack diddly shit. For all you young kids who haven't been paying attention all that long let me tell you a story about Newt that tells you all you need to know about him. Back just after Newt won the Speakership, the GOP was riding high, Clinton was humbled and weakened. The issue of renewing Most Favored Nation Status with Mexico came up. The freshmen led a revolt against the rubber-stamp, business as usual and pushed the crazy idea that maybe we shouldn't be giving tariff breaks to countries that actively work to undermine our drug laws and do nothing inside their borders to stem the flow of drugs north. Clinton came out in favor of the MFN renewal. Newt started to make some noise against. And I'm in my truck, listening to Rush, and I said to myself, "This is not a big deal, beat up on Mexico, extract a few concessions, get them to promise to improve their enforcement, which they will--because they need MFN more than we do--and as a bonus, you get to beat Clinton again; setting the stage for beating him again and again. IF you don't, Clinton will know you aren't serious about anything and will realize that he can go to the press and beat you up on anything and you will cave." Well, what happened? Newt caved. Couldn't handle the Clinton media pressure. Got nothing out of Mexico and gave them MFN renewal with a whimper. And the government shut-down came. Clinton ran the same play, went to the media. And Newt caved. And then impeachment. Same play, same players, same guy caved again. THAT'S what we get with Newt: All talk, no action, utter capitulation in the end.

40

Let's suppose he beats Obama in the general, you know who runs against him in 2016?

I really hope we can find out.

41 Because of his true intellect, education and vast warehouse of knowledge, both his fellow contenders and the pseudo-intellectual left will be very careful before they attack Newt. The US media is so shallow that they will only attempt brief drive-by criticisms while attempting to escape before he challenges them head on.

42 I still want Newt for VP no matter who wins.

43
btw, the ad I linked to above

That's what I don't like about Bachmann -- she's willing to go Scorched Earth while fighting her own side.

44 38 >>>Bachmann attacking Newt would signal how hopelessly desperate she is. It would actually serve no purpose, because she would be alienating the very people she hoped to gain. yeah she doesn't seem to care about that though. Posted by: ace at November 18, 2011 02:32 PM (nj1bB) The marriage is over. She's just trashing her husband's BMW now.

45 How short the memories of some conservatives!

How his antics cost us seats in 1998, one of the only times the President's party has gained in his second midterm?  How he resigned in disgrace?

How he derided conservatives for supporting Doug Hoffman in NY-23?  It wasn't enough for him to endorse the liberal Dede Scuzzyfuzzy, he had to talk trash about conservatives - until Dede endorsed the Democrat.

The couch deal with Pelosi - sure, he now acknowledges it was stupid, but he did it, didn't he?  How many stupid things would he do as President?  He still supports ethanol subsidies, and "green" subsidies and tax credits, too.

He called Ryan's budget -which passed the House and is to date the only serious deficit reduction plan on the table (CBO scored it reducing deficits $5.4 trillion over the ten year window, the Super Committee cannot agree on $1.2 trillion) - "right-wing social engineering."  Again, he has walked this back now, but his first impulse is to shaft conservatives to feather his "bipartisan" nest.

I only hope this surge is just another of what Palin called "flavor of the month" and will pass away before people get too serious about this jerk.

46

Newt cured my Diabeetus...with kindness.

 

47

yeah she doesn't seem to care about that though.

Posted by: ace at November 18, 2011 02:32 PM (nj1bB)

 

ThatÂ’s what happens to candidates who donÂ’t listen to me.  SheÂ’ll sink even farther in the polls.

48

Let's suppose he beats Obama in the general, you know who runs against him in 2016? Hillary. And I don't know if I have the patience to deal with all that will entail.

You really think she would try again?

49

But what does Jeff B. think?

Whatever he thinks, it will be published in a novella.

50 41 Because of his true intellect, education and vast warehouse of knowledge, both his fellow contenders and the pseudo-intellectual left will be very careful before they attack Newt. The US media is so shallow that they will only attempt brief drive-by criticisms while attempting to escape before he challenges them head on. Posted by: rplat at November 18, 2011 02:33 PM (4vq8i) They don't have to engage him on policy, all they have to do is pound character issues 24/7. And it would work too.

51 Didn't Mittshitt attack him over the Heritage Foundation's support of Romneycare?

52
Pro: Newt is a big idea guy; an avant garde thinker

Con: Unfortunately Newt's ideas involve government as the solution

53 I agree about the part about taking on the press. A frontal assault though, while satisfying, has been the face first, first strategy of conservatives for so many fights which we have constantly lost.

We could wise up by embracing a mentality akin to Judo techniques for how to fight a much larger opponent. The MSM for all their diminished stature is still an army of Goliaths. Ill be damned if they are going to take this country down their path of privileged authoritarianism without the best possible battle we can formulate.

54 Let's suppose he beats Obama in the general, you know who runs against him in 2016? Ron Paul.

55 There is no need to attack Gingrich.  He'll blow himself up like all the other alternatives to Romney have.  The guy has more baggage than a Southwest red-eye. 

56 So Newt is tricky because he was complimentary to the other candidates instead of attacking them. And he's the frontrunner. Coincidence? I don't think so. I have said all along that the other candidates needed to follow that model. The other guy who has been kinda like that? Romney. Guy who's getting smarter on that? Perry. Beat on the Dems, not other Republicans.

57 The candidates need to tread lightly if they want to attack Newt.  He is masterful with the turn of the phrase and downright dangerous when cornered.  I believe the only one who will attack him besides Bachmann is Willard and that would be suicide.  Perry showed just how agitated Willard gets when challenged.  It won't be pretty.  My advice, be polite, be cordial and respectfully disagree but do not go for a full on attack. The Newt can be very nasty when riled up.

58

Newt killed Natalie.

Can I interest you in a reverse mortgage?

 

 

59 Why should anyone attack Gingrich in the debates? This idea that the GOP should destroy each other for President Obama is simply suicidal. Their job isn't to make the other guy look like crap, its to prove they're the best choice to replace Obama.

60 55 Let's suppose he beats Obama in the general, you know who runs against him in 2016?

Ron Paul. Posted by: CoolCzech

Keyrist CC.  He can't even find a suit that fits his Tales From The Crypt frame.

61 We could wise up by embracing a mentality akin to Judo techniques for how to fight a much larger opponent. I volunteer to osoto-gari Shepard Smith into a fucking coma.

62 Yeah I'd be surprised if Paul lives to 2016. He's even older now than McCain was in 2008.

63 The other "not Romney" candidates have started their decent due to bad debate performances.
.
Perry, obviously.
.
Bachmann with her anti-vaccine rant.
.
Cain's fall accellerated with a series of foreign policy gaffs and the scandals, but it started a few debates ago when he was hit with the 999 double tax, and only could respond with "apples and oranges."
.
Newt is next up, but there's no one going to outdebate him. His fall will be entirely based on one of two things. 1: His own ability to shoot himself in the foot (which he's been pretty good at avoiding, notwithstanding the Paul Ryan stuff a few months ago).  2: The media hitting him from all sides.
.
Personally, I think Newt as the nominee is good and bad at the same time. It's bad becuase he will surely lose the general. But it's good becuase he will cream Obama so badly in debates, that people will reelect him, but will vote in a GOP supermajority in the Senate.

64 59

Newt killed Natalie.

Can I interest you in a reverse mortgage?

 

Posted by: Robert Wagner

Now that's fucking funny right there.

65

I've been a fan of Newt's since many of you were mere chromosones dancing in your Daddy's nutsack. But it takes a real logical leap to fawn over a guy who--this year--spoke highly of a national healthcare mandate--national--and then turn around and completely dismiss a guy who implemented one on the state level.

And who, incidentally, hasn't flip-flopped on that. Though he'd probably like to.

I don't want Willard either. But it is crazy to foment this kind of hate toward a guy who just isn't that bad and might end up on top. Then we've got a dispirited electorate and a candidate who owes us nothing. These are not the ways of winners.

66 They don't have to engage him on policy, all they have to do is pound character issues 24/7. And it would work too. That's going to be a sticky-wicket. Maybe you offer Santorum something and get him to do it.

67 I'm not a Republican, so I don't count it a win for my side just because a Republican wins, Sponge.

68
Romney will attack Newt under the table with the media.  He's a sneaky little bastard like that.

69 Christopher Taylor, Because the reason people support candidates they aren't familiar with is that, being unfamiliar with them, they are free to imagine they are True Conviction Conservatives With Few If Any Deviations From Ideological Purity. And the moment the base realizes they have plenty of deviations, candidates fall. Newt was big, big on the individual mandate. Now, actually, I gotta keep reminding people that this was a "conservative" solution in 2005-2007 (when neoconervatism -- achieving liberal ends with supposedly conservative, market-based approaches) was the dominant mode of thought. But this is now the party's bete noir.

70 See your point spongeworthy.  I still think this whole "buying of State computers" is not going to play well for Willard.  It stinks of Nixon, even worse the Rose Law Firm files.

71 @52 - NO Newt attacked Romney.  Romney slapped him down well.  It was the only time in the debates that Newt squirmed.  You don't like Romney - your nickname for him gave me a clue - but Romney turned it right back on Newt and got Newt to admit he was for a national mandate to be added to Hillarycare.

There is an article over at talkingpointsmemo.com that points out that Newts healthcare group still supports the mandate on their website.  ooops.

If I wasn't so nooby on posting hyperlinks I would - sorry folks I'm pretty green and doing the hyperlink thing

72 Romney will attack Newt under the table with the media.  He's a sneaky little bastard like that.
Posted by: Guy Mohawk

I hope so because Newt will slice off his nuts...one at a time.  He is not to be trifled with.

73 Quoting "I only hope this surge is just another of what Palin called "flavor of the month" and will pass away before people get too serious about this jerk."

And what's your choice, Adjoran?

Flippy, floppy McMittens?
Comatose Cain?
Oopsy Perry?
Crazy Paul?

Every candidate has flaws.  Just which poison do you prefer?

74

No way in hades will I accept a Mexican loving RINO wimp as my nominee.  I'd rather the entire nation perish.  Listen up, punks, the whole purpose of a primary is to weed out them RINOs.  I'll not rest until each and every amnesty smoking RINO is purged.  Like Reagan.  Like Perry. 

Gingrich is my main man because when he was Emcee of the House he built that border wall, deported all the Mexicans and then deported them all again, just to be sure.  Cain's my 2nd main main because as a pizza company chief he knows all the details about immigration and border control laws, policies and procedures.  Hell, Dr. Cain's track record on immigration and border control speaks for itself.   

Gingrich-Cain, '12.  Our supporters put the 'tard' back into retarded!

75 Him gutting the SCOAMF in a debate would be grand fun.

76 BTW whenever a candidate attacks the others a big turn off to me.  Fair targets Romneycare etc...

Unfair targets that diminished the person in my eyes.

Cain -rock
Perry - lawnxicans (just thought of that)
Bachman - whatever she was on about

That kind of in your face gotcha stuff.... I am happy to read about it here on the blogs where we hash it out,  but in debates its game time.

77 Romney can, and will go after Newt if he thinks it's in his interest.  I just love all these ignoramuses that equate Mitt with a "used car saleman"--yeah, sure, one with a Harvard MBA, a Harvard Law Degree, and years of experience in the world, including internationally.

Newt will fall like all the others.

78 >>>I don't want Willard either. But it is crazy to foment this kind of hate toward a guy who just isn't that bad and might end up on top See, I actually don't hate Mitt at all. I could live with him. I think he'd be a weak conservative president, but he would probably win. But I cannot escape the fact that 75% of the party DOES hate him, and they don't seem to be changing their views on this. I note again: Romney has done everything *right*, pretty much, and yet the party is still desperate for a NotRomney. This is a real danger signal to me. You can mock Perry's mistakes -- but we know why he's down in the polls. Because of his dumb mistakes. But Romney hasn't made mistakes. So, if 70% of the party almost despises a mistake-free candidate (who looks strong in polls) -- then that seem to me to be a deeper problem. Either Romney must change or the party must change. Romney cannot change, given that he is loathe to add a new flip-flop. He once again reiterated his support of RomneyCare yesterday. The party will not change. So. What do we do?

79
I don't have a problem with Romney and his computers.  I mostly erased hard drives of places of former employ.  Its good to think ahead.

80 I said before elsewhere: if you put a gun to my head to make me vote in Nov 2012, then I'd vote for Newt, anyone else as the candidate? just pull the trigger and get it over with.

81 "Romney will attack Newt under the table with the media.  He's a sneaky little bastard like that."

Curse that dastardly Romney!  He might actually attack one of his opponents, for shame!  Watch your children at night an lock your doors... ROMNEY is out there.

82 The other thing is that Gingrich has really done a clever makeover, from Mean Mister Mustard to The Sun King

To those of you who are deficient on Beatles knowledge;

Sun King/Mean Mr Mustard/Polythene Pam

83

How do you attack the guy who's actually defended you from media attacks in the past?

I suppose the only way to do this is to be very complimentary towards Gingrich yourself while, nevertheless, pointing out deviations from conservative economic doctrine.

But you can't imply, for example, he was corrupt in working for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. After all the Nice Newt performances, that would backfire badly. You have to keep it only on policy, and ideology, and in the most respectful terms possible, as a personal matter.

Really?

You attack him like you attack anybody, by highlighting those of his weaknesses that you believe that (a) the voters will hate and (b) he won't be able to disavow.  Just like you attack Romney on RomneyCare, because he's too stubborn to disavow it and will double down on it even when he knows it costs him votes.

With Newt, you challenge him on having intellectual blind spots.  "We know that you're very intelligent and you're always thinking about conservativism, so how do you explain (X)?  Why did you advocate (Y)?  What made you believe in (Z)?"

And then you use his explanations to peg him as inconstant, an intellectual weathervane just as Romney is a political weathervane.  "If you believed that then and this now, how do we know what you'll believe if and when you become President?  Don't you just jump from fad to fad, trend to trend, one impractical theory to another?"

On the subject of Fannie and Freddie, it's pretty simple: "You got paid the big bucks to give Fannie and Freddie the benefit of your big brain.  Tell us, how did your grand ideas pan out there?  Did your ideas contribute to the collapse of those institutions along with the entire housing market?  Or are you going to claim you 'created or saved' home owners, like Obama's grand ideas 'created or saved' jobs?  Or did you just get paid for doing nothing of consequence?"  Newt will, by his nature, compulsively defend his record there and will likely alienate voters with his explanation, regardless of whether it has merit.

84
there's a new post a-callin

85 @81 If Obama wins again we may all just have to put on some quite music, close the door and say our fairwells.

86

Posted by: ace at November 18, 2011 02:45 PM (nj1bB)

You hit the nail on the head.

87 Every candidate has flaws.  Just which poison do you prefer?

I'm growing tired of sucking snot out of the dead horse until it's face caves in.

Sliding down the fifty foot razor blade is looking strangely attractive.

88 But Romney hasn't made mistakes.

That's because he has been running for President for over 4 years.  Built in slickness, knows the ropes.  I still think he is an ingratiating bastard but I'll vote for him if he is the Next, It's My Turn Candidate.

Sort of like, sure I'll have sex with you tonight after a few shots but I'll hate myself in the morning thing.

89 no one from the GOP needs to attack Neuter...

if they are dumb enough to nominate him for President, the MFM will destroy him all on their own.

90 80

Not when you are Governor of Massachusetts.  You do not get to Pass Go on this one Mittens.

91
I note again: Romney has done everything *right*, pretty much, and yet the party is still desperate for a NotRomney.

Romney could change this by having a come to magical underwear moment and say he was wrong about Romneycare.  Obamacare is the death knell for him and he continues to ring that bell.

92 That's way too much to read. I took tardisil!

93 Here's some interesting info. 

The only way to beat BOzo is to beat the MSM first.  Who does it best out of all the candidates?  I understand Newt may not be the most conservative of the bunch (even tho he helped balance the budget 4 years in a row and helped make the ONLY cut to entitlements in the history of the US), the main objective is to beat the marxist in chief.

Someone posted this somewhere and I totally agree:
Our #1 enemy is the liberal media. It has become obvious that their #1 goal is to destroy conservatives through a smear campaign of lies and repetitious ridicule. Since half the population get their news from liberal newspapers or the alphabet channels we will need a candidate & future president that will be able to expose & ultimately destroy them Â… so far Newt is that candidate.

Also, should we take both the Senate and the House, Newt will shine.

94 All that was needed was a huge amount of dumb luck candidates.

We know you meant it, Ace.  (And many of us agree!)

95 @84 - Great post

One addition that I hope everyone gets educated on Washingtonspeak

Newt says consultant (or historian - I really love that one) - let's translate

Consultant (at 1.6 million dollars and your the former speaker of the house) = Lobbist shill for Freddie and Fannie.

Hope everyone enjoyed todays vocabulary builder.

96

“But I cannot escape the fact that 75% of the party DOES hate him, and they don't seem to be changing their views on this.”

Posted by: ace at November 18, 2011 02:45 PM (nj1bB)

 

I think youÂ’re misreading the 75%.  Just because people are shopping around, it doesnÂ’t mean that have a visceral dislike of Romney.  Most want to get as much conservative bang for the vote this election.  If Mitt ends up the nominee, almost everyone will fall in line.

97 Dumb luck, Ace.  Newt has never been in this to win it.. he's selling books.. just like Cain.

He wakes up one day to see he's winning some polls, and says "WTF?  What did we do right?"  just like Zero Mostel in The Producers..

98 How about that Teee-bowwwwwwwwwwwww????????

99

>>>But I cannot escape the fact that 75% of the party DOES hate him, and they don't seem to be changing their views on this.

>>>So what do we do?

I can't say I've given much though to curing this disease, and if there were a sure-fire and honest method of draining Willard's support and turning it Perry's way I'd be first on board.

Your point about the shifting conservative wind was a good one. It really does mean something different to be Right than it did and that's a feather in the Tea Party's hat. Thing is, if we're allowed to shift rightward, why isn't Willard? He says all the right things--except for defending RomneyCare his talk is as Right as any of the bunch. We can flip-flop and he can't?

One of Willard's problems has always been his appearance and mannerisms--too slick, too much the cardboard cutout or TV president. Like we're being played by the power elite--"Look, he looks like he's supposed to!"

I'd fatten his ass up, blow off a haircut or two, dress him in sweats, pop a fart at a debate. (Rattler, not Tear-Ass.)

IOW, I dunno.

 

100 86 @81 If Obama wins again we may all just have to put on some quite music, close the door and say our fairwells.
Posted by: Evan

Well I'm sure everyone will be all thrilled it wasn't that fucking RINO Romney.

101

93 That's way too much to read. I took tardisil!

Ooooo......does that mean you are receptive to suggestions and easily led into sin?  C'mon over here, big guy, and show me what's under that kilt.

102 Ace: Regarding Newt's strategy of sticking to substance and being complimentary, I don't think he was being silly at all. Look at the Tea Party--one of the main undercurrents of that movement is the return of substantive political civility and real discussion among our political leaders. Sure, the media tried to make it all about irrational anger by showing people screaming at their congressmen. But if you step back, the only reason those outbursts occurred was out of frustration that no politicians was actually listening, but just nodding their heads in agreement with a condescending, bullshit-eating grin while stabbing each other in the back. Yeah, I know Newt is as unprincipled a politician as any other, but the fact remains that his discipline on tone and substance mean A LOT more to the average GOP than it does to people who watch politics 24/7. I hate to say it, but this is kind of our version of Obama's Hope and Change, i.e., the Newt knows how to speak the inspirational language of the Right better than any other candidate. And I think that this ought to count positively for him in a political culture that really does revolve a lot around framing and messaging. Maybe not enough to get some people who hate him to support him, but conservatives who are angry with him ought to think twice about the important of shifting the narrative and whether Romney or Newt can do that better.

103

93 That's way too much to read. I took tardisil!

Ooooo......does that mean you are receptive to suggestions and easily led into sin?  C'mon over here, big guy, and show me what's under that kilt.

Posted by: ConservativeMenAreJustHotter

Whoa Nelly!  He could be an underage Tardisil kilt wearing Conan.  Where do you think you are? Penn State?

104

In order of likelihood to go after Newt, IMHO: 

Most likely attack dog on Newt will be Bachmann.  She's gone after Pawlenty (successfully) and Perry (unsuccessfully with Gardasil).  I think she either a) thinks she can still win, or b) would like to be Romney's VP.  She has acted like Mitt's secret Survivor alliance partner throughout the race.  She can further endear herself to him (in her mind -- I think Mitt wants Rubio or Paul Ryan as VP and is only flirting with Bachmann as long as she is useful to him) by going after Newt next.  I'm expecting it will be on his baggage.  Someone needs to air it before David Axelrod does, and you can bet Axelrod already has whatever sealed divorce records he needs.

The other likely attack dog is Santorum, because he has no ability to see how badly he comes across when he attacks other Republicans.  He's like the neighborhood dog who just likes biting people.  He doesn't care who it is, although his favorite bone is Ron Paul.  I actually think on that score he's provided a useful service in the debate by attacking Paul on foreign policy so that the others can ignore him. 

Cain could also try it, out of a need to get back in the game, though I think it would be risky for him (Bachmann and Santorum risk nothing because at this point, they have nothing to lose except a chance at the VP slot by not attacking Newt).   

Hunstman is a possibility, too, because he has the same vision problem that Santorum has -- he can't see that people actively dislike him, though he has not been strong in attacking anyone.  His campaign is pure pipe dream.

Perry doesn't know how to attack.  I think his frontal assault on Romney did not help him (thoguh it ruffled Romney).  He is still in "rebuilding his own mojo" mode.  Not strong enough to attack and not going to risk it.

Paul will only attack Newt if he changes his name to Ben Bernanke or Alan Greenspan.

Your mileage may vary. 

 

105 "If Mitt ends up the nominee, almost everyone will fall in line."

Maybe, I hope so.  I'll even utter what is a true heresy around here - I like Romney. 

Those that have brought up good counter points to Romney (I agree with some of them) will also be the clear headed ones that will get behind him in the general.  Those that have room temperature IQs and bring up the "magic underwear" crap - I doubt they will get a clue... ever.

The other group I worry about are the Paul folks, they seem the most adament that it is either Paul or they go home, ball in hand, not going to play anymore.

I loathe Obama - I will support anyone.  I explained to my kids how the nation would have been better off if our dog got elected in 08.  Not hyperbole - think about it.

106

104.....Whoa Nelly! He could be an underage Tardisil kilt wearing Conan. Where do you think you are? Penn State?

Uh oh. 

*slaps self*

It was the kilt that got me. .....I have a thing for them, you know.

107

My problem with Romney is that he changes his convictions as often as most Occupy Wall Streeters change their underway - semi-annually.  He's also a lot like Gingrich in that he will say whatever his current audience wants to hear.  Problem is, he's not nearly as politically smart as Gingrich. 

108 >>>Your point about the shifting conservative wind was a good one. It really does mean something different to be Right than it did and that's a feather in the Tea Party's hat. Thing is, if we're allowed to shift rightward, why isn't Willard? But he hasn't. He keeps defending RomneyCare. If he gave an answer like I did -- "Look, this party had lost its moorings, and I was one of those adrift," etc., etc. -- then yes, he could find forgiveness. But he will not say he erred. He is defending RomneyCare -- ObamaCare-- down the line. How can we nominate someone defending ObamaCare by proxy?

109 >>>Newt was big, big on the individual mandate. Now, actually, I gotta keep reminding people that this was a "conservative" solution in 2005-2007 (when neoconervatism -- achieving liberal ends with supposedly conservative, market-based approaches) was the dominant mode of thought.

>>>But this is now the party's bete noir.

So why are we now willing to forgive Newt Gingrich for this, whereas we hold Romney's (much smaller, state-level) heresy against him?

Can someone explain the rationality of this?  Or at least just admit that logic has nothing to with it, that it's purely visceral?

110 Does anyone have the guts to do it?

Bachmann does, I think.

"Guts" is just another word for "nothing left to lose".

111 @84 - Great post

One addition that I hope everyone gets educated on Washingtonspeak

Newt says consultant (or historian - I really love that one) - let's translate

Consultant (at 1.6 million dollars and your the former speaker of the house) = Lobbist shill for Freddie and Fannie.

Hope everyone enjoyed todays vocabulary builder.

Posted by: Evan at November 18, 2011 02:52 PM (O3OlP)

Thanks.  The weakness the other candidates can use against Gingrich is his belief in his own intellectual superiority, a belief that runs to arrogance.  He'll tie himself in knots to prove that even his mistakes were hallmarks of genius.

112 I remind the Paulbots that if they stay home because Paul doesn't win the nomination, they are not the patriots they claim to be.  BOzo will continue to trash the Constitution, pass his crap via executive orders or departments, go on more vacations on our dime while bashing America, and most importantly, nominate 2-3 more libturds to the SCOTUS, thereby sealing conservatism's fate for over a century.

113 I am surprised by the vitriol against Newt. Newt is the first of the major candidates ( other than Paul and Huntsman) to come out for breaking up the TBTF. http://wallstcheatsheet.com/stocks/newt-gingrich-lets-bust-up-big-banks.html/ Both Romney and Cain are full fledged members of the corporate TBTF/ Welfare State oligarchy sucking this country dry. If you think that either of those two will fix the economy there's a bridge crossing the East River near Brooklyn that you need to try to buy. Perry is a Rino on immigration and can't seem to get out of his way on the economy. He has been silent on the TBTF; he can't debate worth a hill of beans; he just doesn't cut it. That leaves Newt. Yes,he has had failures in the past, but haven't we all. And for all you who think the Media will destroy him; understand that every Republican will be sliced and diced the same way by the Media. It happened to Newt, Reagan, Sarah, Bush and McCain. It will happen to Romeny, Cain or Perry if they are nominated as well Newt has already been through that mill, and he has survived. He's the only one with the brains, stature and guts to stand up to the Media, the Corporate/Welfare State Elite and the Dems, and get us out this deep hole we are in.

114 @105 Might be the case.  Romney learned in 08 how effective a tag team could be against one candidate.  McCain and Huck played it well and got Mitt to retire from the race.  Mitt knew he had a chance to beat one of them - but not both.

The other side of the coin though is that Bachman was tea party favorite - I don't see here getting to friendly with Mitt because of her base.

115

But Romney hasn't made mistakes.

I disagree.  He hasn't said anything that can be considered a gaffe.

But I consider demonizing an opponent through social security as a mistake.

I consider justifying Romneycare by talking about how all the liberal shits in Massachusetts still love it a mistake.  I consider accusing Perry of hating children for not having his own Romneycare in Texas a mistake.

I consider whining to Anderson Cooper to make Perry stop criticizing him a mistake.

I will say that Romney is going to be prepared for the democrats attacks on him though.  He's already been using them against other opponents in the primary.

116 Gary Johnson was going to attack Romney, but he got high.

117 >>>But he hasn't. He keeps defending RomneyCare.

>>>If he gave an answer like I did -- "Look, this party had lost its moorings, and I was one of those adrift," etc., etc. -- then yes, he could find forgiveness.

>>>But he will not say he erred. He is defending RomneyCare -- ObamaCare-- down the line.

1.) He is not defending Obamacare.  He's saying that something done on a state-level is substantively and constitutionally different than a national healthcare mandate.  You can say that this is a distinction that won't fly in the general election, but to pretend that it isn't there, or that he isn't making it every single time the subject comes up, is wrong.

2.) Your answer as to why he hasn't done what you prescribed is implied in your writing (and your earlier comment): he feels like he can't afford another "flip-flop," especially on something which looms so large for him in his term as governor.  And he's right.  Imagine the alternate universe where Romney did just what you said he should do.  Not only would it not help him at all, it would make his position inarguably worse: the same people who already distrust him would now charge forth with the accusation that "see, he IS a flip-flopper!  We can't trust him on ANYTHING!" 

He's threading the needle here in the only possible way he can.

118 Uh, Romney is for strict gun laws and banning assault weapons.  Can anyone tell me what Romney has done that is politically conservative? 

119 If Bachmann goes after Gingrich, he's going to serve her tits up to her with a side of fava beans and a nice chianti. Whatever else anyone may think of him - he probably IS the smartest kid in the room.

120

>>>How can we nominate someone defending ObamaCare by proxy?

That's easy. The people of Massachusetts wanted it, no question. (Because they're a bunch of filthy old hippies.) The rest of the country does not want it. It is unConstitutional for the Federal government to mandate a purchase--whether it is illegal for a state to order it is the business of the Massachusetts courts.

That's real easy. Is it intellectually honest? Probably not so much. I've done worse.

121

>>>Uh, Romney is for strict gun laws and banning assault weapons. Can anyone tell me what Romney has done that is politically conservative?

You're gonna need a cite for that. 

122 It's not tricky at all.  Romney's pals Bachmann and Cain can attack Newt harshly.  Romney's campaign (practically) Jennifer Rubin can attack Newt harshly.

Then Romney can just look kinda sad about this unfortunate business.

123 "

You're gonna need a cite for that. 

Posted by: spongeworthy at November 18, 2011 03:17 PM (puy4B)"

• In 1994, when he was challenging Democratic Sen. Edward Kennedy, Romney supported two gun control measures -- the Brady Bill, which required background checks for gun purchases, and a ban on certain types of assault weapons. Both were strongly opposed by most gun-rights advocates.

Then, in his 2002 race for governor, Romney said during a debate against against Democrat Shannon O'Brien, "We have tough gun laws in Massachusetts; I support them."

Linked to my name below the comment.

124 Newt has his warts, but given that Romney (and his minions and non-Republican sympathizers) has been having such a good time while he let Perry, Cain, Bachmann get savaged by the Left and the MSM a-holes, it has been such fun to watch Romney squirm.  NH (Mitt's to prize) a tie with Newt.  Iowa is now Newt's by double digits.

The Democrats had thought that the inevitably of Mitt Ronmey would give them a McCain do-over, with the Roman columns being dusted off.  Newt has been their foil for two decades and both sides have caulked up their share win-s and loss-s. 

But, up against Pres**ent "LightWorker" Obama, Newt will not only look like the "smartest man in the room" but Newt will be the "smartest man in the room" and that has them worried.

125 I hope so because Newt will slice off his nuts...one at a time.  He is not to be trifled with.

Well we do have the onetime that Newt attacked Mitt in the debate on telling Mitt that he could not have got the idea for a mandate from him (Newt).  Mitt turned it right back on him and it was the one and only time that I have seen Newt at a lose for words in these debates.

How is Newt going to "slice off his nuts"?  What can he attack Romney on that Newt has not been worse on?  Do you even know half of Newts history?  Sure he got the contract with america - but then who killed it?  (hint - rhymes with Jewt)?  Who supported missss ACORN approved Scozzifava?  Who attacked Clinton for immorality while he was gett-n some on the side? 
What about all of those attacks against dems getting money from Freddie and Fannie?  Newt knew he was in trouble when that came out because he said he was just a historian for them and he only got paid 300,000.  Never was he a lobbiest (but he now refuses to release those records)

I'm just warming up - its not hard to attack Newt. 

By the way Newt is my #2 choice - at least he talks a good game but I know he will stab as all in the back over and over and over.  Oh well.

126 Also, the gun tax went from $25 to $100 per gun under Romney's time as governor.  He personally was behind the increase from $25 to $75, and this opened the door for democrats to prove they were better on strong gun control than Romney, increasing it all the way to $100 per gun.

And as a result, is Boston safer?  No.  It's got a lot of violent crime because poor law abiding people have a harder time affording a shotgun or some other home defense.

I strongly disagree with Romney on this issue. 

127 But, up against Pres**ent "LightWorker" Obama, Newt will not only look like the "smartest man in the room" but Newt will be the "smartest man in the room" and that has them worried.

Anyone on are side (except maybe Perry or Cain) is smarter than Obama - the press just give Obamanation a pass on all his intellectual screw ups.  Perhaps the press just doesn't speak austrian very well.

128 Most importantly, never underestimate how much that GOP voters would LOVE to see Newt humiliate the MFM moderators and Obama simultaneously in 3 national TV debates. 

129 Sometimes you think it'd be o.k. to eat and drink while you read this blog, but then: "from Mean Mister Mustard to The Sun King" Nice.

130 Also, the gun tax went from $25 to $100 per gun under Romney's time as governor.  He personally was behind the increase from $25 to $75

That is one of the things that Romney has as a big fail on my list.  Taxing guns or ammo shows a disrespect for the 2nd ammendment (one of my personal favorites).   It is the only thing that I think Perry has over Romney.

131 Never eat or drink while your on Ace's blog.

132

Certainly Bachmann could pull of some of those Princess Leia hair tribbles.

 

And if she shows up for the next debate in a gold bikini...

 

uptwinkles

 

(just keep another candidate between here and Cain)

133 Attacking Newt should be fairly easy.  Just speak the Truth in the mind of pretty much everyone watching and say something like this:

"Hey, I love Newt.  The guy has a million ideas, most of them good.  His only real problem is when he has a bad idea he never seems able to recognize that fact.  This is only a drawback when he has direct authority without anyone to tell him no. So I'm afraid he would be a very erratic President, but that won't be a problem because I'll hire him to a position outside the direct lines of executive power; and run with his good ideas and say NO to the bad ones.  It will all be good."

See how that sticks the shiv in right into his weakest spot while praising him?  And I'm not even a politician.  Any of them who have a problem skinning the Newt ain't qualified themselves.

134

>>>Linked to my name below the comment.

Thanks for that. The source notes that Romney has actually flip-flopped on both of the positions the poster above had credited to him currently.

I'm perfectly willing to accept that Willard is either a gun-grabber or a cynical opportunist, but I'm not ready to sign on to both.

Can I defend a candidate or what?

135 How does he "gut" the fact that he endorsed Scussafavvo in NY-23.

136 "Thanks for that. The source notes that Romney has actually flip-flopped on both of the positions the poster above had credited to him currently."

Yes, you win that point. 

Either Romney was a gun grabber, or he was cynically saying whatever he needed to win power.

Of course, we both know the truth.  Romney didn't give a crap about banning guns.  He doesn't hate fetuses.  He doesn't love liberalism.

He's simply a sheer populist saying whatever he needs to say to win power to be a technocrat.

So I do take solace in this, if he's nominated, because I can at least vote for a competent political whore over an incompetent one (Obama).  I'm not being sarcastic here.

I do think it's a big black mark on Romney that he doesn't take gun rights or abortion or spending or taxing or ind. mandate seriously enough to not play this game.

137 The best thing about enduring this love-in for the latest GOP candidate to be the subject of a love-in, as that we will have vetted all the front runners seriously. Then it is on to Iowa, and New Hampshire, etc, for the REAL voting to commence. I actually think we're in very good shape about right now.

138

This whole field is a dam' nightmare.  I canNOT believe that this crew is our first-string.  With a deep bench and massive intellectual talent on display all across the conservative horizon, THIS is what we get to pick from?

Why does Fate hate us so much?

I keep having this comfortable, soothing and impossible daydream of the bitter fighting ending on the last day of the GOP convention, and a drafted candidate emerging, reluctant, humble and Cincinatus-like, from the smoke-filled backroom, and the delegates, in unity assembled on the convention floor, responding with a wild outpouring of fierce fighting spirit, divisions and injuries forgotten, with a determination to take the dramatic rescue of the Party's riven and fractured sects on to a massive earthquake of a victory, and the Republic is saved.

 

Paul Ryan, where are you?  Why won't you just call me back, when you know how much I love you so?

139 Well we do have the onetime that Newt attacked Mitt in the debate on telling Mitt that he could not have got the idea for a mandate from him (Newt).  Mitt turned it right back on him and it was the one and only time that I have seen Newt at a lose for words in these debates.

Which goes to show how easy it is to attack Newt with his own record. Of course, you have to be able to speak, and argue the background records when Newt lies in denial.

140

Dustin,

Can't disagree with a word you wrote here. Exactly as I see it.

I'd take it a step farther from here, though: He's simply a sheer populist saying whatever he needs to say to win power to be a technocrat.

My thinking is I want a guy like that thinking/knowing he owes his power to me and my kind, not the crossover Dems or the stupid View moms. I don't see how the level of hatred the Right voices for Mittens helps us in the long run.

141 Newt's been lining his attacks against Obama and the MFM, and playing the amenable diplomat in the group of candidates, appropriating credit where he sees fit. He almost peddled Cain's campaign for him during their so-called debate, as if he were being paid to be Cain's on-camera consultant.

We'll see how things change.

142 I don't recall a single moment in my life where conservatives supported government health insurance. Never. I do agree that guys like Newt supported it but not conservatives.

In any case, the effort to defeat President Obama is best served by attacking him, not each other as GOP candidates. All you do is help Obama and the press when you do that. Attacking Newt or any other candidate takes attention off the main problem: our economy stinks, America is crashing like a plane into the twin towers, our debt is massive, and we have a stuttering incompetent in the presidency.

Whether or not Newt is a great choice is secondary to that absolute truth and that is what every candidate should be hammering.

143 Maybe Newt is actually sincere about that Catholic thing. Maybe the Mr. Nice stuff isn't aimed at "the kingdoms of this world".

144 The others don't need to attack Newt. He took $1.6 million from Freddie Mac and he lied about what he did for that money. His nose in the trough is a complete disqualifier. He's finished when this sinks in. And it will.

145 Obama is a stuttering clusterf*ck of a miserable failure.

146 " I don't see how the level of hatred the Right voices for Mittens helps us in the long run.

Posted by: spongeworthy at November 18, 2011 03:57 PM (puy4B)"

I hope, by expressing extremely negative views on Romney (which is what I do) that folks like me are scaring other Republicans straight.

I badly want other GOP leaders in congress, governorships, etc, to think balancing the budget is a great way to further their careers, and Romneycare style 'let's compromise with Ted Kennedy' leadership is very bad for it.

In a sense, the degree of malice I show to Romney is probably harmful because he could be the nominee, and then he's very vulnerable to a third party.  But that's not intended.

147 " I don't see how the level of hatred the Right voices for Mittens helps us in the long run."

I do  - Romney has to be vetted.  If he can't handle it, he loses.  Better now in the primary than in the general.  So what if people on the right are being mean to him or saying things that are not correct.  IT"S POLITICS and it shouldn't be easy for someone to just slide through (that be you Obama - you jerk bastard socialis SOB out to destroy my children's future with facist/socialist policies.)

I hope Mitt wins, but he needs to earn it.  The MSM is not going to take a break once we pick a nominee

148 @147 - You go Dustin.

Keep vetting because it does no good to let someone go up against Obama if they can't stand the heat of a primary.

149 One last thing to add on the vetting.  Newt better get flak thrown his way and I hope it is like Hell breaking loose.  He sure is going to get attacked when Obamanation unleashes >1 billion dollars worth of union paybacks against him if he gets the nod.  Maybe the MSM will go easy on Newt if he is our candidate.

150

Pro: Newt is a big idea guy; an avant garde thinker

Con: Unfortunately Newt's ideas involve government as the solution

 

I think that sometimes that's a necessary approach toward less goverment.  Downsize government and change the way it operates (favoring private oversight and incentives) to eliminate it's excesses.  Sudden outright elimination of government often just ain't plausible. 

151 Newt's strategy seems to be "everyone's second choice."  He has been gracious and the few barbs that he's thrown have never been condescending or mean-spirited.

When you're everyone's second choice, and their first choices crash and burn, you've become most people's first choice.

152 "Newt better get flak thrown his way and I hope it is like Hell breaking loose. "

I don't think you have to worry about that.  Yes, he needs to face the firing squad.  And yes, he will. 

153

So what if people on the right are being mean to him or saying things that are not correct.

Some of the things people are lying about are deal-breakers for some of us. If some knucklehead were to actually believe what, say, rdbrewer posted in the sidebar abour Romney, well, they'd be fools but we need the vote of easily deceived fools too.

I'm all for straight attacks on policies and records, capabilities and lack thereof. But this business of making up shit about ANYBODY who could be the eventual opponent of Toonces is a loser's ploy.

154 Newt is up because he's attacking the media and he's not Romney. The big difference though is that he isn't complaining about the MSM as much as actually going after individual journalists and their stupid-talk. It's working because while *we* know the MSM are biased idiots, that's a vague notion that individual journalists can brush off and it's an old and not very effective complaint in the broader public.

But the last thing journalists want is to be exposed as intellectual midgets and frauds. And that's the precedent Newt has established. If you dish up weak sauce he's going to spit it back in your face and single you out as a hack and a dunce. Then he'll tie your shame to the sorry state of journalism. That's his protection.

Newt is the only candidate that is capable of doing that.  Beat the MSM, beat Barry.

155 I like Newt because he gets the urgency of taking down Obama & the Left. Some of the others haven't demonstrated that to me so much, w/ goofiness/mistakes etc.

156

If Romney is smart (and I think he is) he'll kill Newt with kindness. All he has to do is "thank" Gingrich for his advocacy on behalf of insurer mandates and claim Gingrich was, in effect, the godfather of Romneycare. Because, really, if the choice is going to be between two big government rinos, the one who isn't already detested by 50+ of the population is the obvious pick. Romney just has to hope Perry never gets a second wind in time to fill the void Gingrich's inevitable crash in the polls will create.

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158 There's a reason the media isn't digging up dirt on Romney and piling on him, and it ain't because they think he has no shot. He's the choice of GOP candidates they'd be fine with, him and Huntsman. He's the guy they figure Obama can most easily beat.

159

Good take, Ace.   I'm taking a liking to the Conservative Newt.

Bet he has legs.

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162 Romney already did attack Gingrich. His line about constancy and "being married to the same woman 40+ years" and "belonging to same church my entire life"... Who else on stage has changed wives more than once and recently converted to another religion? Hmmm...

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