My Plea to Republicans: It's Time for Real Change to Avoid Real Disaster

The Republican loss in the special election for Louisiana's Sixth Congressional District last Saturday should be a sharp wake up call for Republicans: Either Congressional Republicans are going to chart a bold course of real change or they are going to suffer decisive losses this November.

The facts are clear and compelling.

Saturday's loss was in a district that President Bush carried by 19 percentage points in 2004 and that the Republicans have held since 1975.

This defeat follows on the loss of Speaker Hastert's seat in Illinois. That seat had been held by a Republican for 76 years with the single exception of the 1974 Watergate election when the Democrats held it for one term. That same seat had been carried by President Bush 55-44% in 2004.

Two GOP Losses That Validate a National Pattern

These two special elections validate a national polling pattern that is bad news for Republicans. According to a New York Times/CBS Poll, Americans disapprove of the President's job performance by 63 to 28 (and he has been below 40% job approval since December 2006, the longest such period for any president in the history of polling).

A separate New York Times/CBS Poll shows that a full 81 percent of Americans believe the economy is on the wrong track.

The current generic ballot for Congress according to the NY Times/CBS poll is 50 to 32 in favor of the Democrats. That is an 18-point margin, reminiscent of the depths of the Watergate disaster.

Congressional Republicans Can't Take Comfort in McCain's Poll Numbers

Senator McCain is currently running ahead of the Republican congressional ballot by about 16 percentage points. But there are two reasons that this extraordinary personal achievement should not comfort congressional Republicans.

First, McCain's lead is a sign of the gap between the McCain brand of independence and the GOP brand. No regular Republican would be tying or slightly beating the Democratic candidates in this atmosphere. It is a sign of how much McCain is a non-traditional Republican that he is sustaining his personal popularity despite his party's collapse.

Second, there is a grave danger for the McCain campaign that if the generic ballot stays at only 32 % for the GOP it will ultimately outweigh McCain's personal appeal and drag his candidacy into defeat.

The Anti-Obama, Anti-Wright, and Anti-Clinton GOP Model Has Been Tested -- And It Failed

The Republican brand has been so badly damaged that if Republicans try to run an anti-Obama, anti- Reverend Wright, or (if Senator Clinton wins), anti-Clinton campaign, they are simply going to fail.

This model has already been tested with disastrous results.

In 2006, there were six incumbent Republican Senators who had plenty of money, the advantage of incumbency, and traditionally successful consultants.

But the voters in all six states had adopted a simple position: "Not you." No matter what the GOP Senators attacked their opponents with, the voters shrugged off the attacks and returned to, "Not you."

The danger for House and Senate Republicans in 2008 is that the voters will say, "Not the Republicans."

Republicans Have Lost the Advantage on Every Single-Issue Poll

A February Washington Post poll shows that Republicans have lost the advantage to the Democrats on which party can handle an issue better -- on every single topic.

Americans now believe that Democrats can handle the deficit better (52 to 31), taxes better (48 to 40) and even terrorism better (44 to 37).

This is a catastrophic collapse of trust in Republicans built up over three generations on the deficit, two generations on taxes, and two generations on national security.

House Republicans Should Call an Emergency, Members-Only Conference

Faced with these election results, the House Republicans should hold an emergency members-only meeting. At the meeting, they should pose this stark choice: Real change or certain defeat.

If a majority of the House Republicans vote for real change, they should instruct Republican Leader John Boehner and his team to come back with a new plan by the Wednesday before the Memorial Day recess. This plan should involve real change in legislative, communications, and campaign strategy and involve immediate, real action, including a complete overhaul of the Congressional Campaign Committee. The House Republican Conference would then vote for the plan or insist on its revision.

If a majority of the House Republicans are opposed to acting then the minority who are activists should establish a parallel organization dedicated to real change. This group should focus its energies on creating the changes necessary to survive despite a conference with a minority mindset that accepts defeat rather than fights for real change (which is what we had when I entered Congress in 1978).

Nine Acts of Real Change That Could Restore the GOP Brand

Here are nine acts of real change that would begin to rebuild the American people's confidence that Republicans share their values, understand their worries, and are prepared to act instead of just talk. The Republicans in Congress could get a start on all nine this week if they had the will to do so.

Repeal the gas tax for the summer, and pay for the repeal by cutting domestic discretionary spending so that the transportation infrastructure trust fund would not be hurt. At a time when, according to The Hill newspaper, Senator Clinton is asking for $2.3billion in earmarks, it should be possible for Republicans to establish a "government spending versus your pocketbook" fight over cutting the gas tax that would resonate with most Americans. Lower taxes and less government spending should be a battle cry most taxpayers and all conservatives could rally behind.

Redirect the oil being put into the national petroleum reserve onto the open market. That oil would lower the price of gasoline an extra 5 to 6 cents per gallon, and its sale would lower the deficit.

Introduce a "more energy at lower cost with less environmental damage and greater national security bill" as a replacement for the Warner-Lieberman "tax and trade" bill which is coming to the floor of the Senate in the next few weeks (see my newsletter next week for an outline of a solid pro-economy, pro-national security, pro-environment energy bill). When the American people realize how much the current energy prices are actually a "politicians' energy crisis" they will demand real change in our policies.

Establish an earmark moratorium for one year and pledge to uphold the presidential veto of bills with earmarks through the end of 2009. The American people are fed up with politicians spending their money. They currently believe both parties are equally bad. This is a real opportunity to show the difference.

Overhaul the census and cut its budget radically. The recent announcement that the Census Bureau could not build an effective hand-held computer for $1.3 billion and is turning instead to 600,000 temporary workers to do a paper and pencil census in 2010 is an opportunity to slash its budget, shrink its bureaucracy, and turn to entrepreneurial internet-based companies to build an information-age census. This is an absurdity that cries out for bold, decisive reform (see my YouTube video "FedEx versus federal bureaucracy" for an example of what I mean).

Implement a space-based, GPS-style air traffic control system. The problems of the Federal Aviation Administration are symptoms of a union-dominated bureaucracy resisting change. If we implemented a space-based GPS-style air traffic system we would get 40% more air travel with one-half the bureaucrats. The union has stopped 200,000,000 passengers from enjoying more reliable air travel to protect 7,000 obsolete jobs. This real change would allow the millions of frustrated travelers to have champions in congress trying to help them get places better, safer, faster.

Declare English the official language of government. This real change is supported by 87% of the American people including a majority of Democrats, Republicans, Independents, and Latinos. It is an issue of national unity that brings Americans together in a red, white, and blue majority.

Protect the workers' right to a secret ballot. The vast majority (around 81%) of Americans believe that American workers have a right to have a secret ballot election before they are forced to join a union. Last year the House Democrats passed a bill that would strip American workers of the secret ballot. A new bill should be introduced reaffirming that right, and it should be brought up again and again until marginal Democrats are forced to vote with the American people against the union power structure.

Remind Americans that judges matter. Senate Republicans should mount an ongoing fight (including a filibuster of other activities if necessary) to get the American people to realize that liberals want to block all current judicial appointments in order to maximize the number of left wing radical judges they can appoint if they win the White House. This issue has three advantages. It reminds people that judges matter and that a leftwing radical Supreme Court would be bad for the values of most (70 to 90 percent, depending on the issue) Americans. It shows the Democrats are not engaged in fair play. It arouses the activism of those who have been disappointed by Republicans and have forgotten how bad a liberal Democratic Presidency would be.

What Is at Stake

No Republicans should kid themselves. It's time to face up to a stark choice.

Without change we could face a catastrophic election this fall.

Without change the Republican Party in the House could revert to the permanent minority status it had from 1930 to 1994.

Without change, the majorities of Americans who support the Republican principle of smaller, more efficient, smarter and fairer government will be in for a rude awakening.

It's time for real change to avoid a real disaster.

The "May Day Massacre": Can Liberals Govern in a Global Economy?

Despite the poor outlook for conservatives in our elections this November, there is encouraging news from across the Atlantic. The conservative wave sweeping Europe hit England last week when the liberal Labor Party suffered its worst local election results in 40 years.

Boris Johnson became the first Conservative Party member elected mayor of London when he defeated Labour candidate "Red" Ken Livingstone. In contests for more than 4,000 local seats across England, Conservatives captured 44 percent of the vote, compared to 25 percent for the Liberal Democrats and just 24 percent for Labour.

This Conservative victory in England comes on the heels of a history-making rout of the Communists and the Greens in parliamentary elections Italy two weeks ago. And the Italian results follow center-right victories in France (Sarkozy) and Germany (Merkel). The countries of so-called "old" Europe are turning away from the liberal high tax, big government policies that have crippled their economies and are turning toward pro-growth, pro-competitive center-right solutions.

All of which raises the question: Can the Left successfully govern in a modern, global economy? The voters of Europe seem to be saying no.

Your friend,

Newt Gingrich

P.S. -- Father's Day is just around the corner and there are great gift ideas available at great prices at Newt.org. Just click here to order personally signed copies of my new novel, Days of Infamy, as well as Pearl Harbor and Real Change. With the purchase of either of these three personally signed books, you can get a signed copy of Gettysburg for only $5. If you buy both a personalized copy of Pearl Harbor and Days of Infamy, you will receive a signed Gettysburg for free!

P.P.S. -- The Days of Infamy book tour took me to New York City last week where Callista took some great pictures of us on the set of Hannity and Colmes, The View, The Daily Show and others. You can view them here.

I'm continuing the tour with a signing in Marietta, GA Wednesday. Click here for details

*UPDATE* -- To clarify, I am in favor of increased exploration and agree that a gas tax holiday is only a short-term measure. Note that item 3 above mentions sound energy legislation as an alternative to Warner-Lieberman, which I will outline fully in next week's newsletter.

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Comments

By clirus @ Sunday, June 15, 2008 9:37 AM

Republicans versus democrats

Everyone seems to have a different opinion of what is going on in America, and I want to offer my opinion.

"There is a cultural war in America between Christians and Atheists. This war is being fought on the battlefield of politics. The battles are in the voting booth. The prize in the cultural war is the hearts, minds and souls of the children. The Atheistic liberal news media greatly influences both domestic and foreign policy by constantly reporting only bad news about Christians, Conservatives and Republicans and only good news about atheists, liberals and democrats. The agenda of the Atheistic liberal news media is to promote extreme environmentalism, socialism, feminism, pornography, abortion, homosexuality and the Atheistic Lifestyle by having democrats in control of government."

I believe the worst thing that is happening is the lack of unity of the Republican party. Even McCain wants to separate himself from President Bush. I believe President Bush is one of the best presidents that America has ever had, but neither he nor fellow Republicans have been able or willing to state and defend President Bush's actions and policies. Lincoln stated that a house divided will fall, and I believe that is the situation with the Republican party.

I believe President Bush's actions and policies can be stated and defended using the following concept.

"When compared to perfection, Republicans did not look good, but when compared to democrats, Republicans look brilliant. Without the propaganda support of the Atheistic Liberal News Media the democrats would look ridicules."

I do not want to spend more time on the above, but I would like to see an Internet Forum opened to discuss the actions and policies of President Bush so that the actions and policies can be defended against both Republicans and democrats.

By gentlemanmovinon @ Thursday, May 15, 2008 1:25 PM

Postscript - I came across the below article and it is another reason i will not vote Republican. Bringing kids back who have already served combined with denying them a GI Bill for fear they will get out, Republican's should hang their heads in shame and they will no longer get the military vote. If this war that has gone on for seven years is so vital to our nation then mobilize the country and lets get it over with. But truth is it is not. See article below. And oh yes, Republicans want to continue going to hell in a hand basket, put your faith in John McCain who just announced we will be over their until 2013 trying to referee Iraq's internal civil war and power struggle. That will sure be a real winning strategy this year !

San Francisco Chronicle
May 8, 2008
Pg. B7
Return To Sender - Iraq Veteran Gets The Call Again By Colby Buzzell When I voluntarily enlisted in the Army, I remember asking my recruiter about the fine print on the contract about being called back up to active duty once my enlistment was completed. He assured me not to worry, that every contract said that and it would only happen if "World War III" broke out.
That was a little over five years ago. After serving in Iraq, I elected to use my GI Bill to enroll in a photography course at San Francisco City College. I felt good, and I had a feeling that the days to come were all going to be good as well.
On way out of my building two weeks ago, I checked my mailbox and found a letter from the Department of the Army with "Important Document" printed in all caps on the middle. I immediately felt sick, so I went back to my room, locked the door, grabbed a beer from the fridge and stared out my window for a while. People outside were all wearing sunglasses and walking about enjoying the sun. I took a picture.
I got out of the Army three long years ago, and since then I've never really talked ill of the military, the people in it, or expressed any regrets at all about enlisting. If I had to do it all over again, I honestly would have. Granted, I got lucky and made it back with all my body parts intact. If I hadn't, my answer might be a little bit different than what it is now.
As terrible as this might sound, whenever someone asks me about enlisting, I'm tempted to encourage them. I figure that the more people who enlist, the slimmer the chances that I'll get called back up. But of course this is ridiculous: No one in their right mind would enlist now, whereas I've already signed the papers. I'm now going back to Iraq for a second time because people like me - existing service members - are the only people at the Army's disposal.
Looking back, would I have joined the military if I were doing something that I loved? Or had a job that paid $100,000 a year? Probably not. Those are the men and women I feel that we need to mail these letters to. Let's see what happens when they receive letters telling them to put on a uniform and ship out immediately to the front lines in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Many people believe that the draft ended the Vietnam War. I'm convinced that reinstating the draft would definitely end this war. Rich, connected people will always find a way to evade mandatory service, but what about the rest of America? The middle class - people with good jobs and nice lives - would perhaps riot if the government even suggested that it expected from them what the Army expects from veterans.
What if there were a war and none of the veterans who were called up showed up?
Every time when I hear about a soldier's death now - which is always reported very briefly - there always seems to be a short mention that it was the soldier's second or third deployment, and now my name might be among them.
I know I won't get any sympathy at all from the "you dumb ass you signed the contract!" crowd, which is fine, but I really was looking forward to applying my GI Bill to photography classes so I could learn how to take pictures. But now, thanks to not enough Americans volunteering for military service, I now have to worry about my picture appearing on the second or third page of my hometown paper with the words, "it was his second deployment" in my obituary.
Colby Buzzell proudly served as an infantryman in the U.S. Army and participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom 2003-04. He lives in San Francisco and spends his free time going on long walks with his camera. This will be his second deployment.

By gentlemanmovinon @ Thursday, May 15, 2008 9:41 AM

Am not sure whether I will vote for McCain or switch to Libertarian Party.
My entire life I have voted Republican since 1980. I voted for Bush twice. But now I wish he was impeached and I voted for the first time for a Democrat – SEN Webb of VA.
The Republicans are in the shape they are in because of Bush and because the Republican’s became big spenders just like the Democrats once they got in power. The only time Republican’s are conservative is when they are out of power!
and I think the only way to get the attention of the polititions to address our long term problems is to vote ALL INCUMBANTS OUT OF OFFICE NO MATTER WHAT PARTY THEY ARE FROM. It is time for politicians to put the country first; not their Party!
Here are my concerns and if the Republicans address them, I will vote Republican, or I will vote Libertarian. I think it is time for a third Party.
1. The War on Terrorism. Bottom line, Iraq is in a civil war. We have done all we should. We ensured no weapons of mass destruction, we got rid of Hussein, we liberated the country, we allowed them to have a constitution, we allowed elections, and we trained their army and police. In the end it is their country and the best case out of all our efforts is that we created a country that will be closely aligned with Iran. We should not waste any more lives or treasure on that place. The real war against Bin Laden is in Pakistan.
I support the war on terrorism, but the current Decider has bungled the job. The American people including me voted for a war to go and kill the SOB who attacked us on 9/11. But we did not finish that job. Because an arrogant and know it all – Rumsfield decided to go against the Powell Doctrine of Decisive Force and clear objectives to prove the Rumsfield theory of Air Power with Special Operations, Bin Laden escaped from Torra Borra along with the Taliban leadership. Then he took that same strategy into Iraq and did not have sufficient troops to handle the job and fired the Army Chief of Staff who told him so. We had no coalition to fight this war the way Bush Senior did in the first war where we had Arab brigades and divisions on our side. The arrogant Bush leadership did not listen to the commander’s on the ground who wanted to use the Iraqi military. Instead, they disbanded the Iraqi Army which could have been used to help stabilize the country, but instead became the insurgents. They bungled and bungled. And now the country is nothing more than a civil war between Shiites and Sunnis, and Shiites and Shiites. It is time to let them have their country to make of it what they will. American people also did not sign up to build Afghanistan and Iraq into beautiful Democracies. It is fine if it happens, but that was not the mission and if anyone thinks Afghanistan will ever be anything more that what it is, then that person is living in some dream world. I could get Bin Laden now. I would tell the Taliban, you want Afghanistan back, give us the Al Quada leadership you protect in Pakistan. Give us Bin Laden and you can come back to Afghanistan and we will leave. We should even stop calling them terrorist which gives them some sort of credibility they do not deserve. We should start treating Al Quada as filthy criminals and go after them the way the Israeli’s went after the criminals who killed their Olympic athletes. Best way to kill a fly is not with a sledge hammer as we are using in Iraq and Afghanistan. We should go after Bin Laden clandestinely and hire people to kill or capture him and his ring of criminals. Given all the BILLIONS we have spent, are you telling me with just a fraction of that money we could not have paid the Taliban to turn them over to us! Bottom line Americans support war on terrorism when waged in a smart manner and to win, but Bush is an idiot who has squandered all the international support we had when we were attacked on 9/11 and as one who has voted for him twice, I think he should be fired and impeached!
2. Immigration. I support legal immigration; not illegal immigration. The primary role of the military and the government is to secure the nation and our borders. And despite 9/11, our government is not even capable of doing this primary task. It is unbelievable that our government does not listen to the overwhelming voice of the American people and secure our borders. We have soldiers half way around the world securing Iraq’s borders when we cannot secure our own. Screw a fence. Put an Army Division on the border with responsibility for securing it and punish companies who hire illegal aliens. Then establish an immigration policy that allows immigrants who follow the rules and have talent this country needs to immigrate. With the educated Baby Boom generation going into retirement, we need an educated population to replace them or we end up a third world country. Our country is being invaded by Mexicans and while they do perform low labor work, they are not the educated work force we will need to compete against China, India in the global economy. And above all STOP Muslims from immigrating into this country until their religion goes through a reformation. They do not melt into our melting pot and they place their religion above loyalty to the nation. And their religion calls anyone not Muslim an infidel who can and should be killed! So we are insane to let any Muslims immigrate into this country until that religion cleans up its own act. What does our government do? It punishes all Americans by almost strip searching us all of us every time we get on a plane rather than focus on the people from the countries that these criminals come from – namely Arab and Muslim countries all because of political correctness. When is our government going to have some balls and do the things that need to be done?
4. Infrastructure not welfare. Our country does not have the wealth it did after World War II where we were one of the few industrial country’s standing that had not been devastated by the war. We are now a debtor nation. Soon all our taxes will go simply to pay the interest on the national debt. We no longer have the wealth to throw around all over the world or to give away here at home in terms of welfare to people who do not even try to work or contribute. What the government should spend money on is our infrastructure and areas that will set our country on a path to continued prosperarity and security in the long run. The Government should invest in ur roads, our railways, our airports, mass transit, our schools, our work force with education. We need a President who understands that it is time to strengthen and invest in America, if we are to go on and be the prosperous and example for the rest of the world.
5. Energy. We need a President who will make a challenge in the way Kennedy did to get us to the moon, to get us off oil in 10 years; and back it up with major Government funding to find a source of energy that will get us off oil. Do not count on the Oil companies to do this and get us off oil, it is in their interest to keep us on it. Is there a way to make Nuclear energy safe? Pour money into R&D and make this a national priority. Either nationalize or regulate the oil companies the way our Power and Energy Company’s are regulated. The Oil companies will not lead us to getting off their product Oil and will in fact try to buy up patents and any innovations that will jeopardize their profit maker - oil. And, it is time to put the small number of environmental extremists in their place and let us drill for oil here in this country and offshore until we come up with the ultimate replacement for oil. Our economy and security are at stake. Here again, the government cannot do what is right because of a small special interest group. This is absurd! Again, we need a government with some balls to do what is right in the long run for our country, not what is best for the PARTY!
6. Economy (Fair and Free Trade; not Stupid and Free Trade). We need the Government to work with our industries as a partnership to ensure our dominance in global trade and to encourage manufacturing in this country. China with their unfair labor practices is taking all our manufacturing. Soon we will not produce anything!!!! We MUST stop this bleeding. We must stop being chumps in trade and allowing our companies to outsource to foreign countries who employ impoverished workers. We must provide incentives for them to manufacture here and to hire and train Americans!!!!!!
7. Military. Bush has tried to fight two wars on the cheap. He is BREAKING our fine volunteer military and risking our ability to modernize to meet a growing threat from China and Russia who are growing strong economically while we are becoming weak. I personally know young kids that are going over for their fourth tours of duty! We should get out of a war in Iraq that is NOT the war on terrorism nor in our strategic interest. We need to increase spending to rebuild and modernize our military. And we need to go after Terrorists more efficiently the way the Israeli’s went after those who killed their Olympic athletes.
8. Abortion. Be pro life, but let us get past this divisive debate. Make it a priority to do everything possible to discourage the need for abortion by creating fool proof birth control and making it available to anyone who wants it. Since our population is dwindling, give incentives to have more children.
9. Health Care. DO NOT turn our health care over to the government that cannot even control our borders! Look at ways to get more competition into the situation. Why does the AMA restrict numbers of doctors? That is not free market. Let Doctors immigrate to this country to increase number. But do not give us Health Care the way they have shitty care in England and Canada!
10. Drug War. I have never nor care to use drugs. But they are no different than alcohol. The war on drugs is as futile as prohibition was and all we do is load our jails up with people when the jails should be for violent offenders. I have never used drugs in my life, but it is no different than alcohol. Best thing to do is legalizing it, but regulate it strongly. And also educate kids to the harmful effects of both drugs and alcohol.
11. Fiscal Responsibility. I cannot say how disappointed I was with the Republicans. They talked all about fiscal responsibility and then once they had the entire congress and the White House, they ended up spending more than the Democrats did! That is why I may register as a Libertarian or an Independent after being a Republican ALL my life! It is ok for the Government to spend money, but it should be on those things that the people cannot do on their own like infrastructure, the military. WE CANNOT AFFORD anymore give away programs like prescription drugs simply to buy votes in the short run at the expense of bankrupting our country in the long run. It is time we get our fiscal house in order and truly invest in making America more productive; not give away!
12. Fair Tax. We should do away with the income tax and convert to a sales tax. This way when the economy is hurting and consumer spending is less, then the government has to tighten its belt too.
13. Social Security. I want the money I put into it to invest myself. Social Security was not to be welfare!
14. Israel. We need a more balanced approach and not have a double standard. On one hand we are threating potential third war with Iran over nuclear capability; but we are not demanding Israel eliminate its nuclear capability. Is it any wonder we are seen as biased? We should support Israel, but we need to be balanced. And if the Decider attacks Iran, a country who has not attacked us with a preemptive strike like that done by Japan against us at Pearl Harbor, i think he needs to be impreached.

By jhschippers @ Wednesday, May 14, 2008 10:49 AM

Time for some hard truth. I tend to agree with Hal Reid, but think that the real problem is the media.Because of them, the American people have been brainwashed with socialist prop.and The GOP is pretty much sunk.The election of Obama could turn into a civil war ( if any true patroits still exsist)The obvious soulition is a military coup. Extreme, hell yes. "But extremism in the defence of freemdom is no vice." I fly my flag upside down and morn the future of my country for the sake of my grandchildren.

By tayong @ Wednesday, May 14, 2008 2:45 AM

The Republicans have just relinguished another supposedly safe seat in Mississippi .Its looking like a total mess for the GOP this time around. I will say this and continue to say it. The party needs to campaing on issues that bother people. How in the world will Rev Wright or Anti Obama based campaign answers peoples worries about the economy, way, rising energy cost, foreclosure , high tuition, etc etc?

Secondly America wants to move forward and away from divisive politics. Anyone still race-baiting in this generation is heading for the doom. Get rid of hate campaigns.People wants to love and not hate.If you doubt me try it again this fall and call me back after the results.

By Tillie @ Tuesday, May 13, 2008 10:19 AM

McCain needs help.

By Tillie @ Tuesday, May 13, 2008 10:19 AM

The Republicans need a leader who ulnderstands democracy and capitalism?
Who will lead?

By For_The_Gipper @ Monday, May 12, 2008 6:25 AM

The reason I mention a goverment program is because even if we let people shop across state lines I am just not confident insurance companies would compete. However seeing what wal-mart recently did I am growing more confident.

By For_The_Gipper @ Sunday, May 11, 2008 1:28 PM

HAHA I just seen that. Yea it seems as America goes left the rest of the world goes right. Germany, France, Italy, South Korea, I think the conservatives are leading in polls in England as well.

By For_The_Gipper @ Sunday, May 11, 2008 1:23 PM

Wow that is pretty good stuff. I was wondering where is the good ideas from the GOP?

I agree we do need to a energy policy. Just look how England was when they had an oil tanker strike. I worry about somwthing like this in a time of war.

The GOP needs bold solutions on Health care. Maybe a goverment, private health insurer. That recives no fedral funding who sole purpose is to drive down health care costs. We all know the free market works extremly well. This will give other insurers a incinvitve to lower the price and compete. All has to be done within the Repub motto.

I am so glad Repubs took up the earmark issue. I was sad when I seen them spending like the dems in recent years.

This isn't a good year for us, however I belive we will benifit in the long term.

By tayong @ Sunday, May 11, 2008 6:49 AM

Newt
I totally agree on you especially the issue of Anti Obama, anti Wright attacks. It paints the GOP as bigoted, old fashioned and obsolete.Worse it gives an image of a party with no real solutions to the problems people face.How on earth will Rev Wright help me fill my tank, how will that help me pay my kids' education? If the GOP allow hacks to hijack the party then goodbye.

By hal_reid @ Friday, May 09, 2008 10:05 PM

I wanted to make one more comment before this thread is lost.

Calling for the Repubs to wake up is a call to a disconnected number. When you look at their lack of leadership and non-stance on key issues, there is no way they can turn themselves around by a closed door meeting. The operative phrase should be to close the door.

The current approval level of Congress at 11% and the Pres at 26% shows the obvious, that this government no longer represents anybody but themselves. As the Founders said, it is "taxation without representation". We fought a revolution to get rid of that situation, we need something as status changing today.

Even if the Repubs wanted to lead, who is there as the leader? Newt opted out, though he is still the only player with ideas and solutions, McLame certainly isn't it and the only other people trying to address the key issues are Paul and the Constitution Party, who are at the margins.

Both major parties are no longer viable, that is, in terms of solutions and real ideas. The only wake up should be to the Country at large. I think what is really the case is that the Country is still here, but the politicians and the government have left.

Hillary asked the right question here in Oregon yesterday. "Ask yourself who would you hire to do the toughest job in the world?"

Who could we hire? We haven't seen anybody real as a candidate yet. None of the proposed candidates would you hire with a straight face for any job.

Maybe an answer is to use the Ron Paul internet mechanism to raise money - enough to buy the Republican Party - these days it might be available cheap, since it can't seem to raise any money. Hire Newt as the new Party chairman and let him fire all these losers and re-hire people with a straight face.

Then you might have your closed door meeting with funding as the hammer. Get on board or fund yourself.

By rwcjr @ Thursday, May 08, 2008 4:38 PM

Thanks, Newt, for raising awareness of a lack of leadership and backbone in the GOP.

Here is what I believe is vital to the reawakening of our country and its continued freedoms.

1. Drill oil here
2. secure our borders
3. Have a workable guest workers program
4. address WHY medical/insurance costs are so high.
5. low tax rates to spur consumer spending
6. low tax rates to spur manufacturing here
7. Actually cut gov't waste
8. Find GOP members with backbone and support them
9. And I like English as official language
10. Deal with radicals on our own home turf

seems simple to me

By Countrylawyer @ Thursday, May 08, 2008 3:03 PM

I didn't leave the Republican part--the party left me.

Your message is simple--put policy over politics.

After you left the House-Newt-there was no leadership to continue down the path of smaller government. Both parties have pandered to the Mortgage lenders that started our current economic mess. Then added to it is the complacency-that the money to spend on earmarks, bad contracts, ineffecient government employees and beauracracies, and special interests--will always come from somewhere (currently China).

Your seggestion will take leadership--but there are no leaders in Washington right now---nothing will happen until it is too late.

By MedinaBill @ Wednesday, May 07, 2008 10:08 PM

The best way to deliver the message is with your political donations. Some time back I stopped contributing to the NRCC and switched my support to GOPAC. I'm sure there are other worthy recipients, including local candidates. Put your money where your mouth is.

By treadnotonme @ Wednesday, May 07, 2008 8:36 PM

I would find this proposal more serious, except we have already been down this path. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I remember something called a Contract w/ America. I also remember a Republican House, a Republican Senate, a Republican President, and a Republican appointed majority of the Supreme Court.

And pray tell, what was the result? Federal spending shot through the roof. The educational bureaucracy, and every other Federal agency mushroomed. We got into a war on a basis that is iffy at best and funded that war on an ad hoc basis. We now claim that we are a nation building state that can be the policeman of the world. Oh, and our civil liberties are respected with such actions as arresting and prosecuting individuals who had the audacity to have a sign questioning the Republican President at his campaign rallies.

In short, the GOP proved they are not interested in principles or ideas. They are only interested in power.

Sorry, but count me out. When you have a party that actually believes in limited government and following the Constitution, even when you have power, then I will listen. Until then, I say good riddance to the GOP. And maybe, just maybe, the Dems will screw stuff up so badly that the American people will wake up and demand a Constitutional government and parties. But I am not holding my breath on that.

By BobNews @ Wednesday, May 07, 2008 8:06 PM

Newt, I am afraid the Grand Old Party is over. Even if they adopted all of your suggestions and came up with some better ones, it does not matter in the Presidential election. Juan McCain will not get my vote because he has made himself crystal clear on our open border to the south. He has Dr. Juan Hernandez, McCain as Hispanic outreach director, who is a former Mexican Government official with dual citizenship who has been quoted as follows: “We must not only have a free flow of goods and services, but also start working for a free flow of people.” And if you still don't get it, Juan also said, "I want the third generation, the seventh generation, I want them all to think 'Mexico first."
For the first time in my life I will not be voting in the Presidential Election nor will many others I know. It is time for Patriots to stand up and let themselves be known. I never thought I would have to say that but as I said above the Grand Old Party is over.
Bob Connors
Bridgeport, Ohio

By Eternity @ Wednesday, May 07, 2008 7:57 PM

Newt,

It’s too late for the Republicans and I sure don’t want a president that calls himself a Republican but acts like a democrat half the time going into office.

Bush had good ideas but his lack of leadership and inept cabinet has made him a failure and damaged the party beyond any short term band-aid fix.

Between the President, the house and senate republicans, you might call them the modern Key Stone Cops.

We may be going into a depression so why not let the democrats take the rap; they set us up for it. We don’t need another decades of Hoover situation.

As far as I’m concerned McCain has betrayed the Republican Party and I can’t support him.

Today McCain said he can work with both sides of the aisle which tells me he’s some kind of political amorphodite. He certainly is not my kind of republican.

By ericrobinson @ Wednesday, May 07, 2008 5:27 PM

OK, so we see what Newt writes, and we hear what he says, and we know his past accomplishments. At the very least, Newt is a man honestly looking for solutions, and with a proven ability to bring a political party into power. Terrific! So, now, somebody please explain to me why John McCain will be the GOP presidential nominee? The Democrats are going to field an attractive, articulate candidate with the support of 99% of the mainstream media, and we are fielding Forest Gump. And I thought Liberalism was a mental illness!

By mweisser @ Wednesday, May 07, 2008 5:22 PM

So if the current leadership of the GOP doesn't come up with new ideas what are you going to do? Create a parallel organization? What's that? GOP2? The GOP lost those elections because they tried to "nationalize" the issues as a way of avoiding the two problems that sit at the top of every local, regional and national election poll: the economy & Iraq. Creating a gasoline tax holiday puts a few more bucks in everyone's pocket but it doesn't do anything to deal with the overall economy. Stopping earmarks cuts the federal budget and also creates unemployment since most earmarks end up going into projects such as roads, schools, etc. You gain and you lose.
Newt - you don't have a single idea that responds to the vulnerabilities that people seem to have about the economy and you go through an entire list of things that have to be "changed" and never even mention Iraq. Is that one off your radar screen completely? Most voters would disagree.
English the official language? That's some change coming up with an idea that was first floated back in the 50s. Boy Newt - you're really out front on that one. Next you'll be saying that the way out of the current economic problem is to put "In God We Trust" on our currency.

By Fungus @ Wednesday, May 07, 2008 4:30 PM

It's too late for Republicans. Me and a lot of my unforgiving family and friends are going to punish them by voting for their opposition, no matter their party. We'll live with the four or eight years of pain. Maybe that will teach them a lesson of politics and life.

By wolfmanabc @ Wednesday, May 07, 2008 3:07 PM

Your so called solutions are so much political rhetoric! If the Republicans want to win the presidency they need to have a republican candidate. The only REAL Repuclican is Ron Paul. With the power of the party behind him, to insure him of media coverage Ron Paul can counter any Democrats appeal to the voters. He is the only true Republican! The RINOS are the problem with the party and the American peopler know it. Give us some REAL solutions to our problems. Get rid of illegals, deny them benefits. Give us a sound monetary policy instead of game playing by monied bankers who would sell us out for their benefit. We want government that is responsive to the average citizen, not to the elite. As our country goes down in flames the Republicans and Democrats will go with us. If we want America to last ,we must put America first

By ISYairio @ Wednesday, May 07, 2008 2:36 PM

A compromise could be that it needn't count as a "pre-existing condition" in the future if you get it while you have health insurance.

By sinz52 @ Wednesday, May 07, 2008 2:12 PM

It's important to remember that America is a center-right country, not a right-wing country. The things that would appeal to staunch conservatives don't necessarily appeal to "Reagan Democrats" on Main Street USA (and vice versa).

Polls show that health care has become a really important issue to Americans. It always is, especially in times of economic distress. The GOP can't pretend the problem doesn't exist.

The GOP must commit itself to assuring that no American worker will ever lose his health insurance because he lost his job. That means total portability of coverage. I don't lose my automobile insurance if I lose my job, do I?

McCain has proposed tax credits, but they are far too small to pay for an average family's individual insurance policy.

And what's worse, they don't deal with the biggest problem of all: Individual, portable policies are allowed to disqualify you for a pre-existing condition. Fred Thompson, who had lymphoma, might have had trouble finding coverage in many states. So someone with a pre-existing condition who loses his job (or decides to quit and become self-employed) may be unable to obtain health insurance for any level of premium.

I don't see any way to fix that without a Government mandate that you can't be turned down for a pre-existing condition, and that your premiums will be capped at some reasonable level, even if you had a serious illness like lymphoma. Conservatives and free-market purists aren't going to like that. But I don't see any alternative.

By ISYairio @ Wednesday, May 07, 2008 10:49 AM

By Newt @ Tuesday, May 06, 2008 1:59 PM
To clarify, I am in favor of increased exploration and agree that a gas tax holiday is only a short-term measure. Note that item 3 above mentions sound energy legislation as an alternative to Warner-Lieberman, which I will outline fully in next week's newsletter.

It isn't even a short-term measure, Newt! Repealing the gas tax for the summer would increase demand, which would increase the price... and I doubt the gas stations and oil companies will kindly ignore the potential for higher revenues and profits as well. IT WON'T WORK.

If you want a real energy policy, you need a fusion of some of your earlier proposals and some of AEI's proposals.

I'll make a blog later this week likely that outlines my own personal opinion on what our energy policy should be. I'll also e-mail it to you.

Respectfully, Michael.

By ISYairio @ Wednesday, May 07, 2008 10:37 AM

andypier

And yet we buy enough from the people that hate us that it impacts our foreign affairs, we are drawn into the Middle East.

Repealing the gas tax for the summer is stupid. All it'll do is maximize demand during a time when increase in demand is a major contributor to higher gas prices for that part of the year. It is good politics... bad economics.

By spunky @ Wednesday, May 07, 2008 9:17 AM

The Republican Party has not produced a compelling message nor has it produced a compelling messenger. John McCain is not a credible Conservative and the message he is offering is really "Democrat Party Heavy". I believe that the Republican Party will suffer a significant defeat in November. If the Conservative ideal is to continue, Conservatives must take the helm of the Republican Party and try to raise it from the ashes that will be left.

By tomchet @ Wednesday, May 07, 2008 6:31 AM

Newt:

I applaud you for sounding the alarm. Most Republicans such as myself are thoroughly disgusted with the lack of leadership in the GOP. They don't seem to stand for anything, or care about anything, or stand up and say anything.

The biggest mistake the GOP is making is allowing the Democrats to repeat their false statements, over and over again, without the GOP ever lifting a finger in defense.

Remember what Hitler said: " A lie that is repeated enough times is believed by the public" (not an exact quote, but that is the essence of what he said).

The GOP has facst on THEIR side -- but fails to speak. Why? How can this be?

The GOP has no national position.

I like some of your ideas, but not others. We need to abandon quick fixes, like the Democrats love to do. Instead, let's focus on long term things to restore America and fix our problems.

We need to point out that China and India and other countries are creating new wealth -- and many wealthy people. But the Democrats have declared war on Americans with wealth. We will become a third world country and have no way to recover if the Democrats have their way.

By krakatoa @ Wednesday, May 07, 2008 2:04 AM

A couple energy proposals:

Issue a moratorium on boutique fuels.

Offer tax and other incentives to businesses to promote telecommuting.

By jamjus1 @ Wednesday, May 07, 2008 1:55 AM

The true axis of evil for the Am. people is the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of our own government. Long term conservative, no chance in hell I'm voting rep.
A nation without borders is not a nation. A gov that defies the will of it's people is certainly not a democracy. A judiciary that protects and promotes criminal behavior, while persecuting it's own citizens is the definition of organized crime.
A government this corrupt will NEVER all of a sudden decide one day to do the right thing.
We don't have 4 years to play with.
Revolution?... In stages.
There's a reason GW recently arranged that a sitting pres can now use the US military to carry out ops within our own nation.
This country has already been sold out. We're just having difficulty accepting the
occupation of the new owners.
Liberal half wits and desperate minorities are a lot easier to run a criminal empire over.
Conservatives think, reason, analyze and plot. They are the only danger to existing corruption. Let the reps dissolve. Don't let them diminish your intent. We can start anew. The cream will rise to the top.

By pikehugo1974 @ Tuesday, May 06, 2008 11:30 PM

Newt,
I am about 2/3 into " Real Change" and agree that we are on the brink of a disaster that may be required for we the people to realize this is our country and we are responsible for hiring our representatives and when they don't perform, it is our responsibility to fire them.

Could it be that an old fashioned " Revolution" is required?

I believe that the masses are fed up with all that you refer to in your book. The solutions you refer to, I believe would require cleaning all 535 and starting fresh.
A new compensation plan that includes:
1) 3 yr Term for The House
2) 6 yr Term for The Senate
3) 6 yr Term for The President
NO LIFETIME PENSION PLAN!I know you are tired of me gonig over the top, so to speak but I am concerned that we are losing our competitve edge and possibly our freedom and our country.
P.S. My dad, in 1966, said we ought to have a flat tax of 5-10 %. Was he ahead of his time or are we extremely slow to progress with good ideas?

By Wally @ Tuesday, May 06, 2008 11:16 PM

Newt, I'm In - Where Do You Need Me to Go - What Would You Like for Me to Do First?

The Good News in All of this from the start is That - it appears - That We - Conservative Serfs - Are Going to Let the Maverick AMNESTY RINO Wither on the McCain-Feingold Vine!

By J. Sanders @ Tuesday, May 06, 2008 10:18 PM

Mr. Gingrich, this comment forum gives me hope that a Republican leader might actually value the opinions of average Americans. Thank you sir! I believe the single most important thing our elected officials could do, is to turn away from lobbyists and special interest groups and actually listen to and represent “WE THE PEOPLE”. We have the answers, why aren’t they listening?

By Tigerman @ Tuesday, May 06, 2008 9:11 PM

Separate the wheat from the chaff.

As a JFK styled Democrat, I'd like to see the a real renaissance, not simply some stylistic change in moving forward as change.

Do we live in a Democracy or a Republic?

Quality control, process improvement in all areas.

Society has major structural flaws not recognised let alone addressed.

Process failures impact all of society and cost all Americans.

A few thoughts:

Citizen/Parent/Community minimum societal requirements.

Health care later, but important. Anyone critical can call an ambulance or enter an emergency room.

Rearing and education.

End dropouts if education is compelled.

Criminal Justice/Corrections?
Give me a break. Show me the local, state and federal program to end recidivism.

Traffic safety.
40,000 deaths a year are the acceptable norm?
Interstate signage defects and design deviations ended in a specific time frame.
Solid lines along lanes before, through and beyond all exits with enforcement for reckless/aggressive driving.

Structural design minimums re: Hurricane, flood plains, tornado areas.
Minimum standards for Safe Rooms and height above flood plain 100 year levels.

Text books. E-Books. Lighten the load on young backs and bones.

One standardized federal retirement and health care program for all federal employees and all public servants. Including the DoD.

Shine a light focused on all those who advocate hopelessly failed non-Progressive Internationalist styled answers to America's problems.

What would it take to end the need for;

Prisons/Criminal courts
Soup kitchens
Homeless shelters
Fire Fighters
Traffic police
Code enforcement
Military

Man will never go to the moon. It's a 'given'.

Real Change!

Not real Ch&#233 nge!

Change that

By RRfan @ Tuesday, May 06, 2008 8:34 PM

The best thing the GOP could do btw now and November is a reaffirmation of Reagan's market principles. Why do we need ridiculous bureaucracies like the FCC to censor and monitor Americans' freedom of choice? Getting rid of all those FCC bureaucrats would save a HUGE amount of wasteful government spending. And every libertarian would realize that the GOP has REALLY and FINALLY abandoned the idea of a nanny state as far as consumer choice goes. That's what the economy needs more than anything else: the application of free market principles. Nobel Prize winner Milton Friedman knew that, and Ronald Reagan, the best US president of all time, knew that.

By davido22 @ Tuesday, May 06, 2008 7:10 PM

Newt:

Thank you for taking the initiative on this. I believe a lot of conservative Americans are waiting for someone to exert some leadership and shape the debate. I wish President Bush would take a more active role in defending his record and engaging in the current debate, rather than seeming happy to ride out his term, as if what is happening doesn't matter. I agree, there doesn't seem to be any perceived difference between the parties. Moving to the "middle" for the sake of expediencey is a political death knell for the party and for social and fiscal conservatives in general. There needs to be a fundamental and articulated realignment, posturing, and ardent advocacy for truly conservative philosophy and policies. While this may not stem the tide for this next election, it will stand as a witness of integrity and substance when in the days ahead the winds shift again and the impact of the ultra liberal policies come home to roost. In the current climate, the answer is not to be humbly acquiescent, but be forceful in the debate for true policies and principles.

By ep3 @ Tuesday, May 06, 2008 7:01 PM

Come on Newt. Some of these items, while possibly having merit, do not matter to John Q. Moderate Voter (on both sides). A summer repeal of the gas tax (1) is seen as pandering. Playing with the strategic oil reserves (2) may have a small effect, but the concept flies right over the heads of most voters. Items 3-4 (Energy Policy and Earmarks) have teeth, and can be understood easily in a 30 second sound bite. Items 5-6 are great ideas for a State of the Union address, but are softball voter issues. English as the official language (7) is a winner. A worker’s right to a secret ballot (8) can be effectively argued while losing most of the union vote, but it would be lost anyway. Any discussion of judges (9) can win votes to our side. I think that you miss the one issue that would resonate with all voters, TERM LIMITS. All of America is upset with Congress, and that extends to BOTH sides of the aisle. Congress has operated, in my view, in the interest of its members tenure for far too long. Two terms in the House, one in the Senate should be the limits, and then members should GO HOME (no lobbying either). I would rather have inexperience galore in DC over what we have now.

By Gatorwest @ Tuesday, May 06, 2008 6:54 PM

Roosevelt had his day. The civil rights movement had it's day. WE ARE NOW FACING OUR MOMENT OF TRUTH. We have all the biggies! Education, Immigration, Energy, globalization, health care, social security, the planet, the threat of nukes in the hands of terrorist, etc.

We are writing the history of our own times! Thanks for being there Newt, to help write it!

By ericrobinson @ Tuesday, May 06, 2008 6:09 PM

1. Promote technology to diversify energy sources. Promote the creation of diversity in transportation systems. If govt. is out of the way, private investors/entrepreneurs will fill demand. Get the American people excited about what's possible, instead of penalizing them, taxing and regulating them in the name of social engineering.
2. Have independent panels honestly examine our education system. Bureaucracy and unions have created the greatest criminal organization in history, and have left generations of Americans illiterate and under trained for the jobs we need to create here.
3. Encourage Americans to buy American, and discourage American companies from outsourcing.
4. Privatize and reorganize Social Security and Medicare, and blend them with the systems that govt. employees use. If the American taxpayers pay for that system, they should benefit from it.
5. Seal the border, and institute laws and penalties that will force illegal aliens to leave the country. "Guest Workers" should be short term workers, and should not be allowed to "settle" in this country.
6. Determine which federal "Departments" could be replaced at state levels and close them.
7. Institute a national sales tax and exempt food, medicine, insurance, and education costs.
8. read: http://wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=61808

By Mral @ Tuesday, May 06, 2008 4:54 PM

Such change as you suggest would be very attractive to most Americans. Getting any politician to be it is the problem.

I believe that most politicians get into politics because they believe in doing something good. They are co-opted into the system, becoming little more than cogs in a corrupt system. There can be no 'conservative' victory unless the basic rules of governing are changed-what you are suggesting.

We need to accept members like Ron Paul, not ignore him. Ron Paul may be too libertarian, but he is moral, dedicated to doing most of the things we need. He is not our enemy. We need to entice people like Sowell into office, he is moral, intelligent, and literate. We don't need another 'moron' who can't ask how you are without injuring his tongue.

We need leadership. This primary season has been a bad joke on conservatives, indeed on America. Besides Ron Paul and a few other 'minor' candidates, was there even one candidate not selling out for votes? Hint: No, there wasn't.

Conservatives cannot win in an arena of sellouts. Because if selling out is what it's all about the Liberals are buying the votes and paying top dollar. Republicans, Democrat Party Lite, are just pikers.

We need to change the venue.

By pNoel @ Tuesday, May 06, 2008 4:28 PM

I think that the warning is right. The problem is trust, once broken is very hard to restore. America does not trust the Republicans because in the name of national security, they stole the country blind and sold us out to the kings and monarchs by color of money of the world.

The only solutions are much more basic. I would suggest that the first is to accept a simply yet true reality. No policy whatever it is can accept anything but the maximization of the wages of the working people of America. Free trade isn't free unless it is under the rule of law and what was called free trade has been open looting of America by Pirates who salute only the Skull and Crossbones flag. These people opened defense contracting to any foreign party while they looted our secret technology and at the same time cost 2 times dollar for dollar what an American would have cost. Yes Americans are cheaper at 2 times the cost because they pay taxes back of that amount before they see their paycheck.

We need to realize that a massive relocation of wealth from the super rich back to the middle class and ordinary working class must be done. This means changing the rules so that wealth doesn't become a means to steal other peoples income away.

In the past 7 years the Bush Administration has presided over the relocation of roughly 60% of the wealth of Americans away from their hands into the hands of an elite 3% of the population. It is no wonder these people don't trust the Republicans and are highly motivated to turn them out.

This economic crisis which was supposedly a surprise to the rich in the past few months wasn't a surprise to ordinary Americans who had for years borrowed more and more just to stay afloat. It wasn't a surprise to the people who had to change careers every 3 or 4 years just to have job. It wasn't a surprise to anyone except those who were living off of the relocated funds. To those these have been the best of times. Now they wonder why control is about to change hands for a very long time.

America is just 3 years from having to support 30% of its population as retired persons. In the past 7 years 100% of all saved retirement money has been stolen. There is none left. Now the people are having to sell their mortgaged houses into a crashing market to maintain liquidity. Next Grandma and Grandpa will be starving on the street corner when they earned enough to retire well.

Now the only hope for this retirement is the wages of the working Americans and the government policy and all the talk is that the problem is their wages are too high. Wake up. You cannot sabotage a man's living and expect him to be your friend.

Unless the Republican Party gets the hint and does an about face and turns back to loyalty to the American People they are going to get dumped. Just for the record, I don't think anything will fix it now. I think the die is cast. I think we are going to get wiped out as a party this election. My estimate is that we may get knocked back to 3rd party status without benefit of a 2nd party. We Republicans only have ourselves to blame for such misery. We may have to work 3 or 4 decades to recover the trust of America. This election promises to be like when the Black Americans were driven from the Republicans in the 1930's only this time everyone is being driven away.

The problem is GLOBALISM. Stop selling America!

By John Ansell @ Tuesday, May 06, 2008 4:27 PM

McCain sure didn't help his chances by rubbing Elbows with La Raza. With Juan Hernandez still on his campaign staff, he cannot receive my vote. Since none of the Republicans want to challenge McCain on this issue, they will not get my donations too. Don't take my word for it, check with the NRCC and see how hard it is for them to raise money this time around.

Why doesn't anybody want to talk about the 10 million earmark going to La Raza? Why is McCain not getting knocked over the head with this?

Because our party thinks, "They surely won't vote for Hillary or Obama, so they are stuck supporting McCain."

Maverick Politician, meet Maverick Voter.

"NOT YOU"

By Roger Russell @ Tuesday, May 06, 2008 4:04 PM

Newt, the price of oil is the 'regulator' on consumption. It's a normal thing, and a safety that the market has to keep us from using all our stocks and running out of fuel.
Eliminating the tax would be an excuse to stop all highway work, we'd use more and the price would adjust back to what the market would support anyhow.
Why not advocate more drilling, that's the solution to our problem, more supply.

Thank you for speaking up, while I don't agree with everything you're still a step above the spineless shiftless politicians currently awaiting to get voted out of office.

By kwyoung8500 @ Tuesday, May 06, 2008 4:02 PM

Newt, I think you said it before... it's time to jump ship and start a new party, the New Republican Party. The new party could be based on common sense principles, things that matter to most Americans. It would be free of special interests and century old ideas. If there's one thing we all agree on, it's that Washington is broken. We have three people promising Band-Aid's and a lollipop to "fix" what amounts to a gaping flesh wound. I don't think Washington can be fixed. It's too far gone. We need to start from scratch, employ common sense ideas with real solutions for real problems. Newt, you're just the guy to start this new party. I vote for you.

By Aggie Tom @ Tuesday, May 06, 2008 3:58 PM

Newt, we miss your leadership. I agree that the Republicans must be for positive change and quite being like the democracts. They didn't win the last election, the republicans lost it and will agin unless they do something more positive.
I also think that poster Bob Conner has some good ideas to include as well.
On communications, my Senators and Representative from Texas are pathetic. No response, pablum, or in one case at least 6 mos out of date. You would think they could hire compentent staffers.
Thanks for your good work

By dhart1949 @ Tuesday, May 06, 2008 3:55 PM

Nice start, but I believe the American public is looking for more. The real issues that no politician wants to tackle have to do with medicare and social security spending.

You are right in predicting a Democratic landslide in Congressional elections this fall. I fully expect the Republicans to lose the ability to filibuster in the Senate.

The Conservative base in the Republican party is dispirited and I for one will not be voting in a Presidential election for the first time in my life.

Washington to most Conservatives is a swamp that can not be drained. We tried by electing a Republican House, Senate and President and spending increased at a more rapid rate than under LBJ. Our children and grandchildren will be paying the bill. It's sad.

By tz @ Tuesday, May 06, 2008 3:54 PM

Why bother.

Your idea of a "contract" is something that only half gets actually passed through the house, the rest gets watered down in the senate, and much of the remainder gets vetoed.

What percentage of the Contract with America actually made it into law?

You can propose something with 3 points or 3 dozen, but I stopped all support of the GOP when YOU decided that Tom Brokaw, Dan Rather, and Peter Jennings were more important than being fiscally conservative and keeping the government shut down until a good compromise could be reached. You broke the trust. So I expected the GOP under Bush to spend like drunken sailors.

After stealing something, merely putting it back doesn't show that you are now going to be responsible. Is doing a few popular things - if you can get them through - going to show you are responsive? (And how about domestic partner benefits, embryonic research and cloning and the rest that will keep your base alienated)?

I could name four republicans I had respect for. Pat Toomey - whom Rick Santorum and Bush said to vote against in the PA senate primary, Bob Dornan, whom you and the GOP would not fight for in the face of voter fraud (if you won't fight for your own seats, why should I), Bob Barr who tried to make impeachment about real issues instead of sleaze, and Ron Paul who has never wavered, and whom I hope embarrasses the presumptive nominee into resignation at the convention.

If you and your party have rejected the real conservatives and base of your party, why should I not accept that rejection?

Ron Paul votes against taxes and earmarked bills already. I didn't compare each point, but if he agrees substantially and VOTES that way, and you treat him like a pariah, why do you expect me to take any set of such proposals seriously? If you don't have a disaster in November, why shouldn't I expect the GOP to return to its current "democrat lite" when they return?

By poetman @ Tuesday, May 06, 2008 3:50 PM

Sadly, there are almost two hundred sets of deaf ears upon which this will fall. The Republican Party is awash in timidity and foolishness, and they've nominated someone that just doesn't get it. Regardless where i agree and disagree on the points, I agree that the only way for the republican party to get anywhere is to layout a bold agenda and make a solemn vow to keep it. They won't do it. They're all politicians now and few if any are there for anything meaningful.

By BobNews @ Tuesday, May 06, 2008 3:34 PM

I am glad you used the words "catastrophic collapse of trust in Republicans.” I have stated many times recently that the Republican Party has suffered a catastrophic failure of leadership. Whoever is supposed to be in the leadership spot should be sent back to their home state to plant corn. I am in full agreement with your suggestion of an emergency meeting. I do think they could come up with some more compelling action items than most of those you suggest.

I am so sorry to see the current state of affairs with the Republican Party. I am even sorrier that the Republican establishment does not understand what a huge error in judgment they have made with John McCain and scamnesty. While no one wants to see the Democrats in power at this critical time, it appears to be inevitable because the National Republican Party has failed to lead or provide a leader.

I predict there will be huge defections of Republicans leaving the Party for Independent status. I don’t think the base is going to buy the guilt trip of owning responsibility for the Democrats taking over the Whitehouse and all of the disasters brought on by Hillary/Obama. I don’t believe the base is responsible for the miserable job the Republican Party and President Bush did in the 2006 election resulting in handing the House and Senate to the loony left without a fight.

Sadly, as I see it, the only person responsible for this power hand over is the President with the help of the Republican Party establishment. The Party nor the President understands that you can not kick your base in the face and expect to win elections. To win elections you have to have an inspirational leader who can communicate clear ideas and fight off the attacks from the left.

There has been virtually no defense of Republican values by the President or the Republican establishment for the last six years. Neither the President nor the Republican Party has stood up to the left on our vital interest in the Middle East or anywhere for that matter. The poorly written speeches the President has stumbled through over the past few years have only made things worse.

Unfortunately, when I think of inspirational leaders the name John McCain does not come to mind. Unless the Republican Party steps up with an inspirational leader with some ideas and spirit, the outcome of the next election is already cast in cement and the blame belongs to the Republican National Party and President George W. Bush. It will take decades to recover.

Here are a few ideas to kick around:

Make the tax cuts permanent
Secure the border “for real”
Acknowledge the fantastic job our military is doing and give them a raise (victories in Iraq)
Cut social spending
Save black people from the disasters in their neighborhoods brought on by the left (point it out)
School vouchers for parents
Tax breaks for retirement
Significant tax breaks for healthcare costs
Incentives for businesses to come back to American soil
Offer a real energy policy now that includes conservation and new drilling etc.
Be positive about what we can do

Thank you for your time.
Bob Connors
Bridgeport, Ohio

By bdelmonte @ Tuesday, May 06, 2008 3:31 PM

I don't agree with all of the things Newt is recommending as what one might call a "New Contract with America" plan - but the basic analysis is spot on. Newt is right that Republicans are going to suffer massive losses in the House and Senate unless we get "back to basics" and repair the damage to the Republican Brand that Congress has inflicted on itself for the past 8 years. The elections in 2006 were just the beginning - a warning sign that the electorate was angry with how Republicans had abandonded the platform in favor of nonsensical and often expensive policies.

I believe that traditional Republican values reflect the values of most Americans. As such, we are the party of the majority - even when we're not in "power" - so long as we are willing to act on those values. Newt's course attempts to get back to our key policy beliefs and core values - doing the things necessary to ensure a strong economy, a strong foreign policy, and strong US leadership in the world.

Republicans wake up - or in Novemeber you'll find Democratic majorities not seen since Tip O'Neil was speaker....

Bryan
www.rightcommentary.com

By macarter @ Tuesday, May 06, 2008 3:28 PM

Newt. have you sent this to every State GOP?
I just tried to sent to Ga GOP and got a failure delivery. I did send to our candidate for the 8th Congressional District, Rick Goddard, and to GOPAC. Unless the State Parties wake up and get the "message" we are dead in the water. I am glad to see you read the blogs.

Mary Alice
Monticello, Ga.

By JoeHol @ Tuesday, May 06, 2008 3:27 PM

Newt, I really appreciate your leadership. I am hoping that the Republicans take your advice and create a platform that is bold and good for America. I would suggest adopting the Platform of the American People.

By andypier @ Tuesday, May 06, 2008 3:05 PM

To ISYairio

Canada and Mexico are the top 2 suppliers of crude oil to the US of A. They may not like us but I'm sure they don't hate us....

Repealing the gas tax and cutting spending to compensate is an excellent idea. Tax cuts are always good for the consumer and the government.

I've seen no alternatives from the present congress to the energy policy. As a matter of fact in a press release dated April 24, 2006, Nancy Pelosi said, “Democrats have a commonsense plan to help bring down skyrocketing gas prices...."

Thanks for the commonsense Nancy....

By jjohnson47 @ Tuesday, May 06, 2008 3:03 PM

A lot of "nattering nabobs" on this site. Newt's platform may not suite everyone's preferences but its a damn good start. The clowns running the party (including the Clown in Chief) certainly haven't done squat. We are a party without content, philosophy or purpose.
On energy--its called pandering, stupid. and we better learn how to do it tactically while we have a chance. Whats more, there's no reason the GOP couldn't stand for conservation AND exploration. Both can have impact. Hillary wants to take OPEC to court--some might know that can't be done but Joe-6pack will like that tone. and I do too. A little bit of calling their bluff might be just the thing. "Give us oil or we'll conserve like hell until you are eaten by a camel."

One thing Newt doesn't emphasize here that he has elsewhere--most of these proposals poll well. Most people do want borders protected. they do favor English as the language--many Hispanic parents do as well.
There have been three people who were literate, well reasoned spokemen/philosophers for conservatism in my recall: Rush, Ronnie and Newt. The rest are political technicians.
ONe more thing, if Obama is nominated and we can't defeat an out and out Marxist, we better pack it in. We (USA) are lost.

By cpeterstx @ Tuesday, May 06, 2008 3:03 PM

Amen, Mr. Speaker. The problem is that the current Republican office-holders seem pretty apathetic to me. I don't get the sense that there is any urgence or fire in any of them. I'm waiting for an elected leader to stand up and LEAD this party and our nation.

By discouragedconservative @ Tuesday, May 06, 2008 3:00 PM

I just had to get it off my chest. I am just really upset at the party and government in general.

Here is a suggestion, although it probably will never happen because of "corporate interests"

We need an administration leader to stand up and declare another "Race to the Moon". This time it needs to be a national effort to get this country off oil for fuel.

We need to get industry, research and development and science moving on solving the problem of fuel.

This needs to be an effort that gets our economy going, puts people back to work and builds our country esteem like the original race to the moon did.

Could you imagine if this effort was delivered and pushed as a national pride issue? Corporations would get on board and this country could get rolling again.

Imagine a true leader standing up there and setting a real goal... 5 years, 10 years and get the country behind this.

It could change the history of the country.

My $.02 worth.

By Newt @ Tuesday, May 06, 2008 2:59 PM

To clarify, I am in favor of increased exploration and agree that a gas tax holiday is only a short-term measure. Note that item 3 above mentions sound energy legislation as an alternative to Warner-Lieberman, which I will outline fully in next week's newsletter.

By save_the_rustbelt @ Tuesday, May 06, 2008 2:57 PM

I just received an e-mail from a GOP Congressman explaining that Nancy Pelosi is responsible for oil prices.

Does the GOP think I am a moron?

Boehner has been too busy worshipping to Bush to notice that Ohio's economy has been tanking since the day Bush took office.

Total disconnect from reality.

By morrisda @ Tuesday, May 06, 2008 2:47 PM

We can argue over your points to some degree, but at least you bring them forward. The contract with America should not have been a one time deal, but how lawmakers govern period. If John, Hilary, and Obama came forth with a contract of what they were going to do in there first 100 days, let us vote on them, adn then let us revote at day 101, we would haev a awesome government.

By discouragedconservative @ Tuesday, May 06, 2008 2:42 PM

Mr. Gingrich,
The republican party is lost. For the first time I truly feel we are without hope as a party and without a viable platform.

The selection of John McCain is incredibly disatrous. I just can not believe that is the best this party can come up with.

The party has squandered the hope we had in the 1990's. They spend worse than the democrats, and have dug the hole deeper than it has ever been.

Mr. Bush, in his fight against terrorism has begun the limitation of freedoms that must have Lenin smiling in his grave.

The administration's support for all things corporate has brought true economic peril upon not just upon the nation, but upon the world.

Right now, I can't see one person in Washington that cares or that has an agenda to change things for the better.
Our kids and grandkids will record the last 50 years as the example of government run amok to the extreme.

Can I name one good thing? I still have a house for now. We will see how long that lasts.

By Anonymous @ Tuesday, May 06, 2008 2:42 PM

Newt, I agree that Republicans need to chart a different path. The Democrat bad Republican good story line is no longer going to work. It is time that Republicans start writing a different story. A story about how we can become energy independent, control government spending, encourage a strong free market, create a viable healthcare and educational system, ect. For the climax of the story, the Republicans communicating the narrative, about how we can create a better America, can actually walk the walk. I really appreciate your leadership and support the platform for the American people.

By Anonymous @ Tuesday, May 06, 2008 2:38 PM

Newt,
You metioned the conservative victories in Europe. If we had a conservative candidate in America, he would win as well. At this point there is not so much as one conservative candidate running for president. The conservatives have been winning across Europe based in large part on uncontrolled illegal immigration. I have many European friends and this is all they talk about - losing their country to foriegners. It may be ignored by the press but if you ask any average person this is a huge issue to them. You were absolutely right when you called the republican candidates "pathetic pygmies". McCain is a RINO and would be a disaster for this party. I, like many conservatives will not and can not vote for a liberal like McCain - I would rather see Hillary win. So I will write in Micky Mouse on the presidential part of the vote. I do wish you would enter this race and save our country!

By hal_reid @ Tuesday, May 06, 2008 2:18 PM

Newt, the Republicans are not going to do anything positive. This party left us a long time ago. While it is great to try and urge them on, they are all gone.

The key issues are 5, The Border, Energy, Education, Taxes and Technology (keep the edge). My acronym BEETT. Healthcare and getting English the official language won't matter if we don't fix these 5 issues. Regardless of your urging, the Republicans have bowed out on all 5 key issues, they are not coming back.

We are at the point with 11% Congressional approval that we have taxation without representation. It is also apparent that the Republicans, just like Rhett Butler, frankly don't give a damn.

It is time for another approach. The Country is here, but the parties have gone. There is a huge vacuum just waiting to be filled. It is time for a real 3rd party.

By fvandyk @ Tuesday, May 06, 2008 1:18 PM

Dear Newt:
I have always respected you and trusted you as a conservative who had it right. But after you nuzzled up to Ms Pelosi I am really let down. And your latest advice to Republicans sounds more like a Democrat. I was men who are tough on illegal immagration and insistant on the Wall. We need to open up new oil fields and build more refineries. We need Limbaugh style anti-Hillary-Obama-Democrate attack and Republicans will carry the day.

By mike_cutlip @ Tuesday, May 06, 2008 12:59 PM

Newt, I am obviously missing something. Although I understand it might be politically expediant to drop the federal gasoline tax for the summer, I don't see how it is the correct economic step. Artificially lowering the price at the pump will only encourage increased consumption, which will raise the price. How is that a good thing? My wife commutes 100 miles a day. Her savings of $60 over the summer would disappear quickly in the fall. Please explain.

By Gatorwest @ Tuesday, May 06, 2008 12:47 PM

Newt,

The people that are "disappointed" in you ARE PART OF THE PROBLEM!

Thanks for your courage!

By ISYairio @ Tuesday, May 06, 2008 11:26 AM

I must repeat.

I am extremely disappointed in you, Newt.

By Gatorwest @ Tuesday, May 06, 2008 11:15 AM

Newt, it’s great to have you on this crusade. But, It’s not just a call to “Save Republicans”, it’s “Save America” also! It’s like termites have been at work in the house we all live in called the USA for a long time! We need:
1. More of our young people educated into the prosperity of America!
2. A real program to get us off gasoline for personal autos
3. A solution to illegal immigration and other “rip offs” of America
4. A program not just a response to the real terrorist treat (including A.Q Kahn, etc)
5. And of course the normal Health care, Social Security, etc!

WHERE ARE OUR LEADERS!

By ISYairio @ Tuesday, May 06, 2008 11:12 AM

I am extremely disappointed in you, Newt.

Repealing the gas tax for the summer is a very stupid idea.

America's energy policy has been to maximize demand, minimize supply, and buy from people who hate us.

Stupid. We need to curb demand, maximize supply, and buy from our own companies and entrepreneurs via drilling, alternatives, and ultra-efficiency.

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