Paul Ryan often says that he hopes to invert the notion that Social Security is the third rail of American politics. In Ryan’s ideal world, not tackling entitlement reform and deficit reduction would become the new third rail. I doubt the country has swung that way yet, but it seems that attacking Paul Ryan’s entitlement plan has become …
newt gingrich
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Seven Days in May: How One Week Clarified the GOP Field
So here’s what we know for certain today that we could only bet on last Monday morning: Mike Huckabee is out. Newt Gingrich is officially in. Jon Huntsman finally broke cover. And Ron Paul is back.
And just like that, the …
On the Second Day, He Rested
After a series of head-fakes and stutter steps, Newt Gingrich finally jumped in the GOP presidential race Wednesday, announcing his candidacy on Twitter and previewing his platform in a YouTube video set to soothing elevator music. The rollout wasn’t perfect: Gingrich’s website, Newt.org, still featured empty space earmarked for quotes …
Newt Gingrich Poised to Enter Presidential Race, But Can the Professor Connect?
The last time Newt Gingrich attended the Ames Straw Poll in Iowa, he brought with him his traveling side show of policy lecturers. With workshops titled “Green Conservatism & Biodiversity,” “Finding a Cure for Alzheimer’s” and “A …
Watch the 2012 “Fiscal Conservatives” Do the Ethanol Dance
Newt Gingrich, Newbie Catholic
Newt Gingrich was a featured speaker at this morning’s National Catholic Prayer Breakfast, an annual event in Washington that traditionally draws (Republican) politicians looking to court conservative Catholics. Much of the breakfast was focused on the biggest news in the Catholic world this week–the upcoming beatification of Pope John …
Newt at Ease in New Hampshire
Concord, New Hampshire
If it walks like a presidential candidate — visiting Iowa, South Carolina and, today, Concord, New Hampshire to kiss babies and pose for photos — and talks like a presidential candidate – “I’m …
Gambling on 2012: How the GOP Hopefuls Handle Casino Cash
The Center for Public Integrity came out swinging Fridaywith a blistering story alleging that “Newt Gingrich is straddling a fine line” by taking millions of dollars from a Las Vegas Casino boss, while at the same time trying to court evangelical voters for the 2012 nomination. But I would not put all my chips on that claim.
There …
Nevermind Tim Pawlenty’s Announcement Of A Future Announcement, Let’s Look At The 2012 GOP Maps
At 3 p.m. today, anyone with a working Facebook account can get exclusive access to an announcement that has already been announced, setting the stage for further announcements about Tim Pawlenty’s desire to be President of the United States. Such is the absurdity of modern presidential politics that candidates create news events out of …
Gingrich Does the Hokey Pokey
Rumor has it Newt Gingrich is on the cusp of announcing an exploratory bid for the presidency. His long time political adviser, Joe Gaylord, told the Des Moines Register on Tuesday that the former Republican Speaker will make the big announcement during a trip to his native Georgia on Thursday. But late Tuesday, Gingrich’s spokesman Rick …
Sarah Palin Wins On National Security, Mitt Romney Hurts On Social Issues
Gallup keeps bringing the hits. Today it has a breakdown of early Republican primary polls by the top issues among potential voters. First the qualification: Primary polls this early are poor indicators of results. At this point in 2007, Rudy Giuliani led the GOP field and Hillary Clinton had a virtual lock on the Democratic nomination. …
As Egypt Sidelines CPAC, Potential 2012 GOP Candidates Don’t Respond
The press areas of CPAC are filled with idle cable news producers and correspondents. In normal times, they would be busy filing updates on the coming 2012 campaign. But the nation, and the cable news bookers, are distracted these days by Egypt, where people are cheering in the streets, fireworks are exploding, and the 30-year rule of an …