The Curious Campaign of Newt Gingrich

COMMENTARY | Brash, audacious, challenging, constitutionalist, contender, pretender – take your pick on the labels Newt Gingrich has acquired over the years.

However, as Speaker Gingrich continues his unlikely march to the White House, the more enthusiastic I have become over his candidacy for President of the United States.

Considered an ‘also-ran’ just a few weeks ago, Speaker Gingrich has placed himself among the leaders in the Republican presidential race with an assortment of rational challenges to the nation. The greatest of these challenges is solidarity in the wake of economic disaster and chaos.

Astonishingly, his call for solidarity has even effected the Republican debates for the better, as candidates have begun less frequent attacks on each other, posturing themselves squarely against President Obama. This has resulted in more concentrated efforts on the issues and less bickering within the party.

Such is the influence of Newt.

The ebb and flow of his positions on the economy, foreign policy, and defense have tantalized an otherwise lukewarm GOP. With each debate, it is clear to me that this may not just be the right man to beat Obama, but the right leader for our country.

Perhaps Speaker Gingrich’s greatest attribute is the manner in which he, himself, personifies the mood of the country – just a little cranky, not all that good-looking, embattled, gloves off. Like the good ol’ U.S.A., there are skeletons in the closet but plenty of fight left. His candidacy is akin to that of a Rocky Balboa Hollywood drama – beaten-up but not quite ready to give up.

Like all candidates posturing for position a year from the general election, momentum is the key. There is no doubt, until now, Speaker Gingrich has run a campaign reminiscent of a phoenix rising from the ashes.

But can it last?

My opinion is yes.

Considering his debate performance, Speaker Gingrich has been unanimously the most consistent Republican candidate in both message and persuasion. With a combination of sternness and savvy, he has stated the case against Barack Obama and the Democrats while respecting the differences he shares with many in the GOP.

It is a slippery slope he has mastered – thus far.

I believe it is time for Republicans to put distractions behind them. Internal talk and squabbling over Rick Perry’s flub and Herman Cain’s woes aren’t going to unite a party desperately in need of unity.

It is time to take the candidacy of Newt Gingrich seriously – very seriously.


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