Newt Gingrich on the Future, the GOP and Sarah Palin

Wthr.com
November 7, 2008
By Emily Longnecker

Tuesday night's victory by President-Elect Barack Obama left former House Speaker Newt Gingrich impressed, but not speechless.

"It's a very impressive achievement. And anybody, no matter what your political background, if you have eyes and ears, you have to believe you're living in a moment of genuine history," said Gingrich.

The former House Speaker came to town for the Indiana Chamber of Commerce's Annual Awards Dinner. Beforehand, he sat down with reporters to talk about the future. He made it clear that no one knows what's going to happen.

"Anybody who tells you right now they know for sure what's going to happen, probably thought Senator Clinton was going to be sworn in as President."

The topic turned to the recent past, namely earlier this week. What happened to the Republican Party? His answer was simple. "The Bush administration failed," he said, "Republicans have got to come to a firm understanding." At the same time, he had nothing but praise for the Party's presidential nominee. "You've gotta give Senator McCain credit. At a time when the President was at a 23-percent job approval (rating), McCain got 46-percent of the vote."

Gingrich also said Alaska Governor Sarah Palin will become a major player in the country and the Republican Party. "She may decide to replace Senator Stevens in the Senate. I have zero doubt that if she does, she'll win. If she doesn't go to the U-S Senate, she'll certainly be re-elected as Governor and she'll be a formidable force."

When asked if the Republican Party was struggling to find its identity. "No," said Gingrich, "The Republican party's struggling to get beyond incompetence."

As for the challenges ahead for President-Elect Obama, he responded "We had two straight days of the stock market dropping after his election. Not exactly the kind of welcome I suspect, he wanted."

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Comments

By fdwightf @ Sunday, November 16, 2008 6:21 AM

We must stop making deals with the domcrats, they tell lies. They tell them often and over and over. We have been betrayed by the republcans in office. They are not conserative. We must start a new .
palin in 2012,with newt as head of staff.
washington politicians don't want her there. Both sides because there corrupt. I only hope that there are a few blue dog domocrats.
This is the only way we can win. We will be running againest a black man. This is our fiture. We must try to but the party togather for the run in 2010 and 2012.
Newt is a smart man, and must be behind the run or advise the campaigning.
Its time for real change in the party. This will be the only change for real change at the polls. After 4 years od pork-barrel and earmarks we are going to be a mess.

By engineer77 @ Thursday, November 13, 2008 7:29 PM

Dems. would love to see Palin as the '12 nominee. It would prove just how bankrupt the Repubs. are of qualified candidates. The DNC would saturate every TV market with the Katy Couric interview.

Cased closed.

By @ Thursday, November 13, 2008 2:26 PM

Now that Gov. Palin is just being herself, I'm a lot more impressed with her. I thought she did a wonderful interview with Larry King yesterday.

Two things I like especially about her. One is that she talks about her relationship with God openly as if this were just the most normal thing in the world, which it is. She talks about how she is guided. A lot of others would hold back on that subject because some people are uncomfortable with religion mixing at all with politics. I am only uncomfortable with religion when it seeks to impose itself on the unwilling.

The second thing is that she is unapologetically feminine. She doesn't try to hide this or play it down. I loved how she gave one of her interviews from her kitchen while she was cooking. (Nice kitchen, I'm a little jealous.) You always see her with her family, being a mom. Even when it's just her, she's all the way a lady, and being very pretty doesn't hurt at all.

Feminine yes, AND her answers were well reasoned and logical, and she did very well in all the interviews I watched. She is tough and resiliant with the courage to be who she is and let us see that. These are qualities I like in a leader.

By muddog @ Thursday, November 13, 2008 11:09 AM

As a Democrat I am thrilled ( for many reasons ) @ Obama's win, but I do not think the Dem's can solve all of our problems. What is astounding to me is why some of you think the Republican party lost ( big spending ). The GOP lost BIG because it has run so long on division, hate, us versus them, Real Americans versus "Those" Americans, Fear, DRILL BABY DRILL, Anti Environmentalist, Top Down Economics, wire tapping, rendition and a WAR that by any definition was and is Illegal, the founders are rolling in their graves.

I am from Oregon where we have had a rich History of Moderate Republicans that were Pro Environment, Pro Busniess, Pro Choice before it was Hip and they worked with the " Other Side" of the aisle as much as they did with their own side and we have a vibrant state to show for it. Luckily we have bucked the trend of Single issue Republicans.

The GOP looks like a buch of Old, White, Cranky, Out of Touch cranks who just cant seem to see farther than the ends of their noses.

Until the GOP REALLY figures out why they lost, they will be in the dark for years to come. If the GOP does NOT RESORT to ROVE style politics then you might just come back from the dead.

By elenapie @ Wednesday, November 12, 2008 11:24 PM

The Republican Party needs to get back to basics (conservatism, reform, smaller government) AND you all need some diversity training - starting with the Republican National Committee.

By Wally Cox @ Wednesday, November 12, 2008 10:04 PM

I'm hoping that Newt Gingrinch and Sarah Palin will take back the Republican Party for conservatives. Please, NO comprehensive immigration plan; there is no way that Hispanics are going to flock to the Republican Party, McCain kissed their rears and he got fewer Hispanic votes than Bush did in 2004. If the Republican Party would return to its conservative principles, get away from free trade, promise to secure the borders, and promise to bring back manufacturing jobs, it would get the middle class vote and win hands down.

By billding74 @ Wednesday, November 12, 2008 8:29 PM

Gingrich/Palin in 2012

By The Hana Kids @ Wednesday, November 12, 2008 3:04 PM

I don't think Palin needs to take Senator Stevens seat as a Senator. She just needs to run for President or at least be Newt's V.P.

Speaking of O'bama's theme "Change," we're not O'bama fans however with the theme why can't a TERM LIMIT for Senators and Representatives be placed on the next election. I think 2 terms should be enough to these career polititians working a little harder for us.

By Rocknee @ Wednesday, November 12, 2008 10:50 AM

Gingrich/Palin in 2012

By saraad @ Wednesday, November 12, 2008 10:35 AM

Newt could be a good leader for the RNC. BUT. would that be good utilization for one of the Republican Party's best hopes? ..... Not at all. General manager types easily get lost in the shuffle.

It was ENERGY until the bailout process with the overall ECONOMY over powered all else.

NEWT -- Three things: (1) No bailouts -- allow for failure and pound it Home to all; (2) Energy Independence -- NUCLEAR and not tiny, tiny players like wind, switch grass, and friction; (3) Stomp Congress -- enough said.

Goo fortunes to You, Sir. You have written enough books for now -- time to step up to the plate and do Your thing that the Country really needs,

By engineer77 @ Wednesday, November 12, 2008 9:53 AM

http://www.realchange.org/gingrich.htm

By mstrohl04 @ Wednesday, November 12, 2008 12:08 AM

Newt, should you decide to take the leadership role of RNC chair many would follow who admire, respect and appreciate your knowledge and ethics. I hope you will consider this position as our party needs leadership from someone whom we can trust to be strait with us on the issues and how to get back to the basics that once made us the party of leadership. I admire Michael Steele and think he would also serve our party well. Either way if we can rely on your guidance I have no doubt we will be back in the majority as leaders in our country and winning the future for America.

By vlloyd @ Tuesday, November 11, 2008 11:23 PM

If we want real change in the GOP we need Newt as Chairman.

By JMann @ Tuesday, November 11, 2008 11:23 PM

I've been doing telemarketing for the last 20 years and love Lee Atwater and Karl Rove. If know Republican wants to get back than it is your loss

By JMann @ Tuesday, November 11, 2008 11:03 PM

Why can't Jack Ryan run again?

By JMann @ Tuesday, November 11, 2008 10:31 PM

It should be common knowledge that Bo's popularity is at it's highest. Almost every group that supports him will start to hate him.

By JMann @ Tuesday, November 11, 2008 9:12 PM

One of the things I most admire about Newt is his comments that Bush blew it in, I think he said, the fall of 2003 on the Iraq war.

Many conservatives may disagree but I don't see anything conservative about the way Bush has handled the Iraq War. Prolonged, endless 'Defense' spending is not conservative.

I understand that the Iraq War has it's merits but I would of preferred to see a quick two and out and installed a military dictator friendly to the US.

I don't know if it is true but it seems like Paul Bremer made some calls at the line that ended up hurting the war effort.

By JMann @ Tuesday, November 11, 2008 9:04 PM

I'm glad to hear that Newt or Steele will be leading the Republicans over the next four years. My first choice for this position would be Newt.

It was very telling when Bill O'Reilly responded to Diane Sawyer on why the Republicans lost he asked her who is the Chairman of the RNC and she didn't know. He covered for her by saying that is the point, the RP has no leader. Sawyer returned from commercial and mentioned the Chairman and said she was sorry. A week after a Presidential election and a major news figure can't name the RNC Chair, maybe that is a problem.

I like Steele, not because of his race but because he is a great spokesperson for the Party. Newt is a great historian and manager. I hope these two are the major driving forces of the future of the party.

As much as the RP has been beat is because we don't have a Lee Atwater.

By krallion @ Tuesday, November 11, 2008 7:16 PM

I would also like to see Mr. Newt
Gingrich as Chairman of the NRC.
Firstly, when he was Speaker Of The
House and nationalized elections via
the Contract With America , I sent
money to Republican Candidates in
other states that supported the Contract.
I was very happy with Smaller Government,
lower taxes, a stronger middle class,
fire arm rights, and the whole Contract.
I also remember that Feinstein said she
supported each of the items on the
Contract with America and saved her seat because
some people believed her. I am not from
California but Florida, but I was pleased that
she had joined conservative thought. However
two weeks after winning the election, she
voted against everything on the Contract with
America, so teaching me that Democrats
lie to win an election. Conservatives had
something to rally for in the Contract. It would
pull conservative voters from all parties.
Secondly, I would have done the same
as Mr. Gingrich and left the House after
the Republicans did as Chambers said
about Republicans: "They leave their
wounded on the field". The Democrats
stuck by President Clinton, even though
he was in the wrong. They did not leave
their wounded on the field. What was
very troubling to me, when Newt was
attacked over his book income and other
things, none of which was illegal and
being done by Democrats at the same time,
too, was that his Republican peers in
Congress tried to distance themselves
from him and the bad press he was
receiving, to possibly save their own
seat in the coming elections. They
obviously never learned " The Law Of
The Wolves". They made Newt look like
he was a liability to the Republican Party.
What a bunch! It would be better for
Conservatives to see him as the NRC
Chairman, where he did not need to be
elected to office, could ignore the arrows from the
press which will come undoubtedly, and try
to regain the House and the grass roots
of the political system. We need to agree
on a new Contract With America by
assessing what Conservatives feel are
most important, strive for it, and never
yield.
And to the poster that said that Newt's
day in the Sun was over, and Mr. Steele
was a better choice, I wonder what
thought process went into that conclusion.
Another poster said, that he led one
successful revolution and can do it again,
and I feel that is my view also. He is a
proven winner and what is wrong with that
point of view. Newt does not look sick, nor
deceptive, nor incoherent nor frail. I don't see
it as "give some one else a chance" but as
who gets a Contract With America going again.
I will paraphrase a WW II quote "he did it
before and he can do it again".
I hope Newt will strive to obtain this
position as Chairman of the NRC for
us conservatives and the nation.

By JimOakley @ Tuesday, November 11, 2008 6:04 PM

Nothing is 100%. Let us not forget that Sept 2001 Bush promised he would not fail to protect the American people. He got a lot of criticism for Guantanamo, the patriot act, and a lot of Al-Qaeda died in Iraq and Afghanistan. We do not know what would have happened. But I know that I am surprised that we have not been attacked since 9-11-2001. He did not waver and he did not fail at his primary goal.

By postaldj @ Tuesday, November 11, 2008 5:57 PM

I believe Michael Steele would be a good choice to head RNC....with Newt working alongside. Michael can respond to media and Obama admin. without the backlash Newt would get.
I do know this...the Republican party needs "conservative" back in its name and it needs Newt in the mix....And Sarah needs more exposure...she is genuine.

By Anonymous @ Tuesday, November 11, 2008 5:14 PM

Newt we need you as Chairman of the RNC ... we need you back in the game. The time is NOW ... Lets do it.

By macarter @ Tuesday, November 11, 2008 4:06 PM

Well said Mr. Gingrich. You are the only one really interested in moving us forward.

"We need to be honest about the level of failure for the past eight years and why Republican government didn’t succeed,” said Newt Gingrich, the former House speaker, who has played an increasingly assertive role in the debate over the party’s future. “Otherwise, we’ll get back in power again and do the same things again.”

“When people wake up from their Bush hangovers, six months from now,” Mr. Bond said, “it is my belief that they are not going to be buying into some of the things that Obama will potentially be doing. You have a real potential for these guys making a fundamental misjudgment of this election. They just didn’t want George Bush anymore.”

But Mr. Gingrich, a veteran of what turned out to be damaging Republican wars with President Bill Clinton in 1993 and 1994, cautioned against that, saying the party would be wiser to offer a broad idea of what it stood for and how it would lead the country, and pick its battles carefully.

“I think the party should be very selective,” he said. “We’ve had an election. The new president and his family should be in our prayers. We should give every indication that we will work with him when we can. But we should be comfortable disagreeing with him when we have to.”
.

By tpow @ Tuesday, November 11, 2008 3:30 PM

I agree with the other posters in here. I feel like we need someone to step up and lead. We cannot sit back for the next 2 years and "hope" that we do well in the off year elections. We need a leader like Newt was during the contract years. Someone who can inspire those running in two years. Something that we can take to the electorate in two years. We need to start with the house and take back our country. We cannot let the Dems run havoc unchecked for 4 years. It sickens me to think about all of the damages that these thugs will do in the next two years. Newt please we need you now more then ever. Even if you work through someone else. Lead the conservative reveloution.

By kmiller76 @ Tuesday, November 11, 2008 3:29 PM

Newt is the only one who can take over the RNC and give it proper direction and leadership. I called for this early last year. If he would have taken the healm at that time we would have had a much different result on Nov. 4th.
Newt take the party leadership postion and put us back on track.

By maswank @ Tuesday, November 11, 2008 2:47 PM

We have two years to rebuild the Republican Party! There is no time to waste. We need someone capable of bringing the party together so we can gain back the seats we lost on both the Senate and House. We need a visionary like you Newt. This time around we need to be unified as a party.

By Baramamama @ Tuesday, November 11, 2008 2:12 PM

Mr. Gingrich,

I am an Indiana Democrat who votes for the candidates who seem to be acting in the best interest of the population as a whole. I do not vote along political/ideological lines. Issues matter - economic, diplomatic, social (as opposed to a narrow interpretation of "moral"). I voted for Barack Obama (D) and I voted for Mitch Daniels (R) this year, in part because both take a firm, reasoned, and sensible approach to government. Both men are to be admired, precisely because they do not go out of their way to pander to the extreme elements of their respective parties... and this might be a good lesson for the RNC moving forward!

Most Americans can not relate to, nor do they wish to be forced to conform via legislation, to a fundamentalist Christian ideology. It's hard to say whether your party was hijacked by religious zealots and greedy corporations, or if Republican leadership has chosen to use the former as highly emotional, easily manipulated pawns and the latter as a strong source of party revenues. Either way, the almost incestuous relationship the Party has with both is repugnant to middle-of-the-road America. If your leadership believes the Party lost because it veered away from the far right, they should probably re-examine that view. Sarah Palin roused the xenophobic, jingoistic and religious extremist elements within your party - and she just as firmly repelled the rest of us.

Look for strong, articulate, intelligent (Maybe even intellectual) and CENTRIST leaders and you might have a shot at it next time.

By Naimad @ Tuesday, November 11, 2008 2:11 PM

While Michael Steele, former Maryland Lt. Governor and current Chairman of GOPAC, would ordinarily be an excellent choice to head the RNC, these are not ordinary times. We need Newt Gingrich to take the helm now. Newt is a forward thinking political mind, he does not sugarcoat a problem based simply on political affiliation, he wraps his mind around it and
comes to the right solution, whether it's painful or not. We need strategic leadership that defines the issues clearly and contrasts that with what liberals are offering. We need someone to modernize the RNC, we have beaten pretty good in the last two election cycles and fundemental corrections have to take place. I would certainly like to see Michael Steele seek office, yes even the Presidency. But I want someone like Newt energizing this party now. I also would like to say that we need to take a very close look at the voting segments that we have long relinquished to the Democrats. African-American for example. Why don't they know the history of the Republican Party? Why haven't we stated our case with black voters? Everyone of us should visit the National Black Republican Association at http://www.nbra.info and know our history from a black perspective. We have a lot to be proud of in our historic support for African Americans. And concentrate on bringing in Youth, Hispanics, and even labor (although it might have to be the non-union variety), and empower our women. Real change requires real change, as Newt says! Let's do it.

By bradt0528 @ Tuesday, November 11, 2008 12:33 PM

Last night, I took the opportunity to dust of my copy of 'The Contract with America' published back in 1994. I realized after rading through it how far the Republican Party has strayed from many of the ideals that that common sense document committed the 'then Republican Party' to. How many more losses will the party have to incur before it realizes that it must embrace conservatism? Cooperation with the Democrat party by compromises the values of the party creates a lose/lose situation for both the party and the American People. The most glaring example is in the gov'ts inability to balance it's budget (war spending exempted) for the last 8 years. I'm so disappointed in the people running our party and those compromising republicans in the legislative bodies who have sold out our values in the name of compromise and the special interests. We need a new Contract with America Newt!

By jdubyahoyt @ Tuesday, November 11, 2008 11:59 AM

Mr. Speaker,...

I could not agree more with the sentiments communicated to you in the comments below.

Let's use your approach:

1. Values - you communicate our values better than anyone else today.
2. Vision - your vision for what can make Washington work is right on, from a world that fails to a world that works.
3. Metrics - you understand (a) being in the majority is key, (b) republicans all need to speak with one clear message and agenda, (c) every piece of legislation should be measured at how it affects jobs in the free market, and (d) time and money wasted on deciding how to avoid taxes is hurtful to our economy.
4. Strategy - no one is better at developing strategies for a majority takeover, one that will actually govern conservatively and get things done.
5. Projects - American Solutions and CHT are a triumph and will continue, but the RNC needs your leadership.
6. Tasks - RUN THE RNC and help us take our country back!

We are a center-right nation,...it's a fact and exit polls (if you trust them) prove it, along with the results of several ballot initiatives throughout the country.

What we are not, however, is going to give those that do not stand up for what they believe in both on the campaign trail and once elected, a passing grade.

Campaign on conservatism then move to the middle once elected in order to seem bi-partisan and able to work with those across the isle? FINE,..YOU'RE OUT!

When Democrats and Republicans get along, the people get screwed. In order for them to get along, principles have to be comprimised,...and we can't afford to sacrifice our principles. We are a center-right country looking for someone to articulate our values nationally,....and you running the RNC is exactly what we need right now.

...then we'll talk about http://www.Newt2012.com

We've blogged about it in Orlando:
http://www.whatyoucandoforamerica.com/profiles/blogs/sarah-and-newt

By rickystl @ Tuesday, November 11, 2008 11:06 AM

Neither Party in Washington has a real interest in smaller government. Their primary interest is in re-election, with ever increasing amounts of power and money going to Washington. Their bad decisions will have America continuing down a path towards bankrupcy. America - especially the taxpayers - are being "had". Welcome Comrades to the New Amerika !!

By Stemog @ Tuesday, November 11, 2008 10:50 AM

Newt, I am a dyed in the wool Democrat who has followed you for years ( maybe decades ) and admire you and your philosophies more than any other political leader. You are the voice of reason on ethics, national security, health care and the economy...especially at a time like now, when you need to be heard. I'd vote for you in a New York minute in 2012, and I believe you would win. Our country is in crisis and it will take strong leaders who are deeply knowledgable about the issues with realistic solutions to our problems. Between now and 2012, please consider this; and if you decide not to run please do not suggest "lightweight" candidates who can energize the base but have no clue about the key issues and how to move the country towards unity and progress.

By notsure55 @ Tuesday, November 11, 2008 10:28 AM

You people are dreaming. The republican party is complete disarray, and the failures of the last 8 years loom even larger now. What we need is someone to bring the party back to what is supposed to be. Ron Paul may be the only sane republican left in
Washington.

By KLB @ Tuesday, November 11, 2008 8:29 AM

When you say, "The Bush Administration failed," you ignore your duty to provide full disclosure.

The Republican party allowed this President to be savaged by his opposition, seldom if ever speaking out to defend President Bush against a generally ruthless bunch.

For example, I'm still waiting to see anyone call for action against special prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald who, knowing the source of the leak that he was ostensibly investigating almost from the start of the investigation, conducted farce and fraud by continuing to "investigate" the Executive Branch for several years. Cheyney, Rove, and Libbey were waylaid while virtually all elected Republicans held their tongue. With all due respect, if it were your administration, Newt, or for that matter anyone else's, it would have failed too, if all those in your party left you as high and dry as they did President Bush.

When will Republicans ever learn that they must stand together or hang alone?

By whig @ Tuesday, November 11, 2008 8:22 AM

Newt- Please update your website with some responses to our concerns! We are anxious to hear from you about any plans you have for the future of our party- and COUNTRY! Are we wasting our time here or are you willing and able to step forward and help us out of this Liberal quagmire? Thank you.

By Peggy97478 @ Tuesday, November 11, 2008 4:59 AM

Newt, please take charge of the RNC before we Republicans become extinct. We can't take much more incompetence, apathy or the clueless out of touch "good old boys" millionaires club. We need a leader with ideas and one who is not afraid of the new technology available today. I will support Sarah Palin, if she runs, because she is the first Republican since Ronald Reagan who really connects with middle America. She totally out-campaigned and drew much bigger crowds than did her running mate. She is really a star and it makes millions of us supporters of Sarah very angry to see her diminished by angry fools as she has been lately. One more thing, besides sticking to our Reagan conservativism we need to completely trash the Tax System and start over with a flat tax of some kind. Forbes had a plan and so does Huckabee. It's time for some real change and that would be the place to start, IMO. Too bad Bush didn't work on the screwed up tax code instead of trying to privitize social security. There is so much to be done and you are the person who can do it. My husband and I admire you very much and never miss any of your appearances on Hannity, Greta, etc.

Best,
Peggy97478

By e @ Tuesday, November 11, 2008 2:11 AM

Time to get back in the game. The party and the country needs the ideas and ingenuity that you have to implement them. RNC Chair, Senator, President. You make the call.

By wmcdonald14 @ Tuesday, November 11, 2008 12:19 AM

Newt, we need you as Chairman of the RNC

By joe_doufu @ Tuesday, November 11, 2008 12:09 AM

Newt, what are your thoughts on the role of the RNC moving forward? Many are talking about you as a potential leader of the RNC. If you'd give us a blog about strategy going forward, it'd help us decide.

By pchriste3 @ Monday, November 10, 2008 10:47 PM

Newt,
We need your leadership once again to renew America and get us away from the kind of Marxist/Socialist package America just elected. Please consider running for the GOP Chairmanship.

By Hobnob @ Monday, November 10, 2008 10:25 PM

The Republican party has only ourselves to blame for not rising to the occasion. The Democrats and the Obamanation did what they had to do and won with community support. Marketing 101. They had a product and sold it door to door. They told their friends to tell their friends. Once Obama arrived in the Senate. He didn't wait 4 years to run. The republican party shall not wait 4 years to run for the 2012 election. Our run for the White House begins Now. Thank you Mr Gingrich for demonstrating leadership.

By don762 @ Monday, November 10, 2008 6:59 PM

Our party needs to return to it's conservative roots. We need principled leadership starting at the top. We a leader to galvanize the base and to call the faithful to action. There is only one who is qualified for the task ahead. His name is Newt!

By fortb @ Monday, November 10, 2008 4:48 PM

A Debacle.... I must say Iam angry and fear for my country today, Prepare for Jimmy Carter x2. We have only ourselves to blame when I think about the glory days of Ronald Reagan and Newt Gingrich I wonder what has happened to my party, we are pathetic. We fear criticizim from the left ie the recent abandonment of a Senator for some comments made..do you see the Dems abandoning their canidates!! Get a SPINE. We need to go back to our Conservative roots which have won us everything in the past. Remember Lee Atwater, was he afraid of any garbage label the Dems threw at us!!! NO. get back to the basics Resurrect the Contract with America! 1- Low Taxes, 2- Small Government, 3- Strong Defense, 4- Balanced Budgets! 5- The Right to Life, 6 The Right to Bear Arms. The present leadership in this party needs to be cleaned out and replaced with those who have grown a pair. You sicken me. Embrace Conservative values and we will WIN.

By linwicks @ Monday, November 10, 2008 2:27 PM

Newt said it very well, "the republican party is struggling to bet beyond incompetence."

The party has a lot of good people with good ideas, but Newt has been the only one to put together real change solutions, organized and established. You may not agree with everything, but the fact is he has brought more people (conservatives and liberals, democrats and republicans) together to solve real problems from the ground up.

Newt is the only one bringing the right message that change must happen from the local level on up. You can't just elect a president and expect change in America. Obama is about to find that out.

We need the type of organizations that Newt has established. We need the insight that Newt brings to the conversation. We need to organize, promote and really establish a foot hold on these major issues before all levels of government become so out of control that there is no return.

Obama has been able to bring the majority to his camp through some very impressive campaigning, but no one is able to answer the questions, who is he or what are the substances of his plans? And yet we lost to him. What does that say about our party?

By Voltart @ Monday, November 10, 2008 2:05 PM

Newt Gingrich should be called immediately to lead the RNC. He should also run for President in 2012. The conservative movement needs a true conservative, who is charismatic and has excellent communication skills. We also need conservatives in the mold of Pat Buchanan and Ron Paul. Come to think of it: every time we are making some progress nationally to reduce illegal immigration, to appoint conservative judges, to cut taxes, etc., we engage in an unpopular war. Let's focus here in America, for if we lose here we will lose everywhere.

By macarter @ Monday, November 10, 2008 1:01 PM

Looks like Mike Pence maybe a good choice for Republican House leadership! Hope Newt goes after the RNC Chairmanship.

By engineer77 @ Monday, November 10, 2008 12:43 PM

Well, if you watched Chris Wallace yesterday, he had 2 young conservative members of Congres on, who are angling to be among the new "leaders" of the GOP. One repeated McCain's campaign rhetoric, almost verbatim. The other says conservatism should be based on the sanctity of marriage. Sounds like another losing campaign. The elctorate is younger, smarter, internet savvy, and we buy into fiscal conservatism, but NOT social conservatism.

By Telemicus @ Monday, November 10, 2008 11:29 AM

Even when a new face is needed, a young face is not required... Ours is a battle of ideology not simply packaging. Conservatives win on ideas and principles. The One got his victory, not on ideas but on the force of $$ and marketing. Look at the internals of the vote. He was elected by cross overs from Bush. Not a baptism of new voters moved to historic surge by the power of O-Ideas or his new vision. This election was the REJECTION of middle of the road republicans. So - Is Newt needed in this effort to re- brand conservatism? Couldnt hurt - but the real issue is that genuine conservative leadership with clear ideas based on constitutional principles. Reagan wasnt young... He was conservative. Newt can lead this charge if he so chooses... but if he doesnt... I hope he will make a plan to mentor 100 new true conservative leaders in the party. I dare you to try it.

By whig @ Monday, November 10, 2008 11:13 AM

If you listen to lectures and philosophical discussions of great thinkers like Newt and Alan Keyes, you winder why we can't have wisdom like this at the helm of our government, leading us boldly into the future. Unfortunately, as this election shows us, we have a majority of voting people in this country who don't think at all- they just blindly follow the media and their loud neighbors who rattle off meaningless rhetoric about Bush being at fault for all of the ills of society. We can only get back on track, as Republicans and Americans, if we start finding ways to get more people to think and make wise decisions. We need to break out of the "Entitlement" mentality, somehow, and get all able-bodied people producing and supporting their communities and country. Will this ever happen?? Keep up the great work, Newt. You have my vote to be a voice for our party!

By engineer77 @ Monday, November 10, 2008 8:11 AM

Newt? Yep, just what they need - another old white guy from the 80's. That sure is something different.

By oneknight55 @ Monday, November 10, 2008 6:08 AM

It is obvious that the Republican party needs an overhaul, and my money is on Newt Gingrich to be the "mechanic" of that overhaul.
How about Newt Gingrich for the Chairman of the Republican National Committee?
Better yet, how about running in 2012 for President? President Gingrich, has a nice ring to it don't you think?

By JMann @ Sunday, November 09, 2008 9:18 PM

BTW, Thank God for the Palin controversy about whether she knew Africa was a continent or a country. I don't doubt that after a day of debate prep and campaign stops Palin may of said something by mistake about the 'country of Africa'. Isn't that what debate prep is about? Rapid fire give and take to make sure you don't misspeak. I would love to know the mistakes Biden made during debate prep.

Most politicians speak about Africa like it is a country and that the 100 or so countries don't exist unless there is a crisis.

The countries of Africa, including Egypt, are going to be some of the biggest consumers over the next 100 years. Along with South America and include the states of China and India, there is a huge untapped market for growth over the next 25 years.

Energy is the key. We have to figure out how to power the world. Oil and coal have their place over the next 10 years but nuclear power, wind and solar are the future. Not to mention yet to be discovered or perfected sources over the next 20 years.

By JMann @ Sunday, November 09, 2008 8:32 PM

Pbie,

Palin isn't a historian like Newt but she connects with people. Reagan wasn't an intellectual and I would argue that JFK wasn't either.

A leader leads and Palin has that skill. There are many intellectuals that could never lead so I would argue her leadership skills trump any weakness in knowledge. Biden is considered to be very smart but it is clear he couldn't lead a bat out of a dark cave.

By JMann @ Sunday, November 09, 2008 8:26 PM

I hope Newt and his American Solutions become the elder statesmen of the New Republican Party. The Republicans must look to the governors and the core of conservatives in the House.

We need Newt to pull these people together and present a clear and concise message for 2010 and use that as a springboard to 2012.

I don't know if Newt should be the Republican nominee for 2012 because I thought this year was his to lose but I want him to be ideological leader.

This site can be the 'Moveon' site for the New Republican party. We must let go of the old leadership that has failed and good men like Romney and Huck and look to a new future of young thinkers led by Newt.

By skyfire @ Sunday, November 09, 2008 2:25 PM

http://www.rebuildtheparty.com/

I hope Newt Gingrich will endorse a big change in the RNC, and also www.rebuildtheparty.com . The way Republicans have ran this campaign is utter imcompetence and a total joke!

Why did we never really use the internet?
Why did we neglect the youth vote for all these years?

Please take a look at:

http://www.rebuildtheparty.com/

By pbierre @ Sunday, November 09, 2008 2:01 PM

I'd be careful about Palin. She leaves me with the uncomfortable impression of hiding a learning deficit disorder....a clever person who has honed defenses to cover up a mental handicap. Why did she attend 5 different colleges? Newt would never want to associate himself with the "know nothing" brand of Republicanism, so I would think Palin (or other Rs who lack Newt's level of intellectual engagement) wouldn't even make the short list.

By charkins @ Sunday, November 09, 2008 1:57 PM

Conservatism lives because our solutions WORK ! Americans didn’t reject our core beliefs in this election, they rejected our involvement in bloated Federal bureaucracies, our lack of courage to stay on message, and our failure to differentiate our solutions from the other parties. We lost to a candidate with no experience, no accomplishments, and Socialist ideals. Obama won due to his focused message and 21st century ground game, and he can be beaten with a similar emphasis on our part.
Going forward, I hope Newt will be involved in any position he chooses from the top of the ticket on down. However, we need a strong communication plan to get our messages and positions out to the American people, and we need to join the new-age way to reach out and communicate to ALL Americans.
Develop a platform TODAY similar to The Contract with America and have EVERY Republican who expects our support give their endorsement, or leave the party. We must go forward with one mind-set in order to stay on message and show the American people the clear differences in our solutions to national security, the economy, energy independence, education, our system of justice, taxation, job growth, immigration, and the environment.
Limited government working in free markets with low taxation has ALWAYS been a proven success to economic prosperity and national security. The global economy, Terrorism, and energy independence continue to top the list of priorities for America, and Conservative ideals lead the way to solving these challenges.
Start spreading the news – Conservatives are still here and we will lead the country back to preeminence !!!

By inez_hicks05 @ Sunday, November 09, 2008 12:47 PM

The most disturbing outcome of this election is the number of people that voted for Democrats but classify themselves as Christians. Did they understand what was at stake? Did they not read the parties platform and the candidates voting record?

Although McCain was never my choice, I finally decided to hold my nose and vote for him, "the lesser of the two evils." The GOP need the real conservatives to step forward and be people of character to lead this country to being "the shining city on the hill." Those of us that have real conservative values need to kick out those leaders that have lost their way.

Although it does not matter, I am a Black female and I am a conservative in everyway. The Democratic party has "hoodwinked' Black people into believing that they are looking out for their best interest. I have asked the question, were you better off in either of the last two administrations, Clinton or Bush? This country need a renewed understanding that, you have to make your own way and not depend on "the government", taxpayers, to be your sugar daddy. Somewhere along the line Americans began to believe that it is the governments duty to provide for them. Many have no clue that the government does not have any money, it is the taxpayers money and some are tired of trying to keep up their families and someone elses. These next two years are critical and we have work to change the face of Congress and proceed to taking back the White House. This time, we will not screw up like those in the 90's.

By Michael Handley @ Sunday, November 09, 2008 3:40 AM

When are you folks going to understand that the liberal Main Stream Media hijacked the election. They took every opportunity to slant everything McCain / Palin said to fit their agenda. They also took every opportunity to make Obama / Biden look good. This is not going to change in the future and the results will be the same. If the Conservatives want to really do something besides becomming increasingly marginal then they have to start now to increase their exposure. This is where Newt comes in. Start using your contacts to gather as many like minded people and companies such as the NRA, Readers Digest etc... and buy one of the Big Three television Networks. Once the Conservatives have control of a network keep the regular mundane programs, sports, entertainment etc.. The big change would be in the news department. Hire folks like Brit Hume, Bill Oreilly, and others like them that are commited to honest reporting without hidden agendas. If you do that, at least one third of the time the voters will see and hear the real truth and they will start questioning what they are getting from the other networks.

I think you get my point. Run with it...

By kgarrett @ Sunday, November 09, 2008 1:55 AM

Gingrich/Pence 2012. Sounds like a team that can bring real change and American solutions. Both can effectively communicate the truth and conservative common sense, which was not done by McCain/Palin. The truths in Newt's article, "Predatory Politicians, Destructive Leftwing Policies and the Roots of the Housing Crisis" needs to be revealed to the public now. The GOP needs Newt's leadership again--as speaker in the White House not the House of Reps.

By makonoff @ Saturday, November 08, 2008 10:52 PM

I'm have no interest in Newt running in '12. Were were you in '08? We needed the logical and articulate Newt who wrote the '94 Contract with America. For the life of me, why did we not stick to the "Contract" every two years, to focus on what needs doing and to have a record of stating in writing what we say we're going to do. You, Newt, come back with that, a viable and honest conservative Contract With America that possess real actions the current RINO's "will" accomplish; then I'll possibly reconsider a desire for Newt to be involved. '94 was glorious, a dream come true. Then poof...nothing. What in the HECK happened? Where did the real conservatives go?

By pastor_chris @ Saturday, November 08, 2008 10:37 PM

Newt,

I am all for a Gingrich/Palin Ticket in 2012. The media would try to hurt you by bringing up some of the mistakes you've made in your past but I don't think it would work. the American people aren't worried about your personal life they want to know if a candidate can do the job and help this country. My hunch is that 4 years from now things will be so bad that people will be begging for answers and will be totally disillusioned about Obama who promised the world and will have a difficult time delivering anything. If he continues to bail everyone out the dollar will become worthless and interest rates will skyrocket. If He becomes Carter II then you MR. Gingrich could become Reagan II. Just make sure you put Sarah on the ticket with you to help connect with young people.

One other thing: Newt will you reach out to Palin and offer to help her for 2012? If she spends the next couple of years preparing for the presidency she will be an outstanding candidate in 2012 and the DNC will be in meltdown mode.

By cmf12345 @ Saturday, November 08, 2008 8:50 PM

First; I hope I never hear the phrase "compassionate conservative" again. Now to the election, don't be surprised if Obama starts acting as if he got 92% of the vote instead of 52! Unlike many; I, in no way hope for his success, for socialism does not succeed; it opresses. In all of it's machinations it is inherently totalitarian. I believe that because socialism is an abject failure, Obama has already failed. Also, he will loose the war on terror, and we will be attacked once more on our soil. The magnitude of the attack(s) will be up to the enemy. Not an option you want to relinquish to him. Since the end of WW2, there is a 60 year history of Democrat Presidents not having a good record of fighting and winning wars of any magnitude, but they had have real good record of loosing them, or in the process of loosing them. Obama will be no different. Watch for a Tet like offensive in Afganistan and Iraq during the first months of his administration. It will be brutal and as before, the enemy will be decimated. The results will be the same. the media will scream Bush's war is lost, we will withdraw, as the Congress cuts off funding. Radical Islam will prevail as did the N. Vietnamese, without winning a single battle. The attacks here should come halfway into Obama's presidency. Change? Not really; just history repeating itself. Only this time we are dealing with an enemy that wants it all. God help us.

By TomL. @ Saturday, November 08, 2008 8:29 PM

There really is no need to go into a post mortem on why McCain lost: Bush’s unpopularity, the war in Iraq, the economic crisis, etc. Name the last moderate or liberal Republican to be elected president. To make life a little easier, let’s just consider the Republicans who were elected president since World War II: Dwight D. Eisenhower, Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush, and George W. Bush.

At the time, Eisenhower was considered a conservative; no question about Nixon or Reagan being conservative; George H. W. Bush was elected as a conservative successor to Reagan then moved to the center and lost in his re-election bid; George W. Bush is certainly considered a conservative, although I believe he is responsible for killing the “Reagan Revolution”.

So, it would seem in the last 56 years, for a Republican to be elected president he had to be viewed as conservative. But, being conservative and being a conservative Republican are not synonymous.

for more see: http://lazarusreport.blogtownhall.com/

By jblack @ Saturday, November 08, 2008 7:43 PM

Memo to Newt part 2: Please help direct leaders in the RNC and Washington DC. I work 5 or 6 days a week usually 10-12 hours. However, I feel compelled for such a time as this. What can we do as common people. I am so blessed to live in a town run by Republicans and a state that just took over the House and Senate (TN). However, what else can I do? I want to help spred the wealth of COMMON SENSE.

By brat @ Saturday, November 08, 2008 5:39 PM

MEMO TO NEWT
While I don't think you should be the figurehead for the conservative revolution we need, I hope they place you in a prominent and effective position on the RNC. We need your innovative ideas and partisan agenda orchestrating a strategic comeback. The moderates have destroyed our party's brand and they seek to move us ever further to the left. We face annihilation with Obama in the White House, we have no time to waste with spineless moderates. We need an effective conservative bulwark that can bring us back stronger in 2010. We should learn from Obama's impressive team and beat him at his own game. You are sorely needed back in Washington.

By ericrobinson @ Saturday, November 08, 2008 3:16 PM

Which Republican on the scene today could debate Newt on real issues, policies and technologies? Is there ANYONE who can articulate, in plain English, what it really means to be "Conservative"? The American people elected Obama because the Republicans failed to live by that philosophy, not because he offered them anything concrete. Both candidates offered nothing but generalities and rhetoric. Obama won because he was better at it, because the mainstream media helped hype him, and because Bush left empty promises fresh in their minds. Newt knows how to inspire and lead a revolution because he's already done it. Even my liberal, union member friends admit, he's the only guy with real answers, and that they would have voted for him, had he run this time. None of the other Republicans have the vision. We cannot rely on the fact that Obama can't deliver all his promises. Time is fleeting, and by this late date in history the western world needs a true leader.

By paul singer @ Saturday, November 08, 2008 1:46 PM

the libs beat the mods.. that's the only story in the 08 elections..
conservatives.. they were all crushed by MOVE ON.org in 06.. hello .. SANTORUM.,ALLEN, FRIST and NEWT never even made it to the dance (primaries). they were all relegated to there 527's and PAC'S ...
MOD's love to claim that the 06 midterms were a referendum against conservatives. I challenge that nonsense.. It was a hit job pure and simple just follow the money and the truth be told. The Dems campaign better.. GOP keep moving towards the center and you will never win a major election. Why?... Because elections are won at the grassroots, the street effort, that's what wins elections and only those that are the most passionate will sign up for that job. Pounding the pavement and getting votes. Could you imagine McLame supporters or the GOP registering voters at a Greg Laurie concert or a football game ,,, no never ... but I've seen Move on, Greenpeace and ACORN posted out front of a Rap concerts...

NEWT/PALIN 2012

By riftlakes @ Saturday, November 08, 2008 12:31 PM

Last night, for example, I was looking at a friend's iPhone and, fooling around with the various applications available for instantaneous and free download, I stumbled across an application entitled "Obama '08," which allows the iPhone owner to organize telephone contacts used to spread the word about Obama's campaign. Similarly, Obama supporters who preferred to use a laptop or desktop PC could download software which literally turned their home computer and home telephone into a campaign phone bank. For liberals interested in advancing Obama's socialist policies, gone were the days of driving to the local campaign headquarters, parking their hippie butts into a folding chair, and working the phones for six hours or more.

Credited to Jeff Schreiber over on his website: www.americasright.com

Under Nov. 8 article "In Search of Apollo Creed"

By mcress449 @ Saturday, November 08, 2008 12:27 PM

This has been in the making for a long time. Ever since Newt's Contract with America" swept Congress in '94, we gained majorities in the House, Senate and ultimately the White House. As those with conservative ideals in '94 and since have slowly began to creep into a power grab and throw our principals out the window. The actions of our party has not come close to mirroring our will and they thumbed their nose at us (remember Graham and McCain with the torture issue???). The party got fat and away from our principles. How many times were we ignored on immigration, for example? McCain simply was not our pick... we had a couple in the primaries we would have liked and rallied around a lot more but our primary votes were too fragmented so the default became McCain. There was absolute outrage within the party when he won the nomination with fellow R's saying they were sitting this one out. Irregardless, what is clear is McCain was never a true, principled conservative and we didn't have the stomach to rally around him other than purely out of fear. Now, the time has come to rebuild. Good news is that we are off to a great start cleaning house and making it clear that unprincipled centrist R's are not going to survive in our party. YOU CANNOT BE A CENTRIST (moderate) AND PRINCIPLED AT THE SAME TIME!!! We need a very clear agenda like the Contract to rally around beginning in '10 and built upon in '12. Our principles must be stated and made clear that our candidates are held to those. The American people like clarity and the majority do tilt conservative. We can bring this back, we just have to be energized! Newt for RNC Chair is a good start as he knows best how to create that blueprint. Keep the faith.

By jblack @ Saturday, November 08, 2008 12:12 PM

Good morning, I try to be informed as much as I can. I trust most everyone does too, I believe in the intigrity our party. Let me offer a few thoughts and get feedback from you guys. First, I am very disappointed at the lack of real Republican leadership. I must ask, where is your backbone? Our Newt has got to be one of a few we ever see on TV that speak well and can debate with the best of them. Therefore, I ask that we help Newt as we reorganize and recharge for 2010. I believe with a little more time Mrs Palin will be a great force to be reckoned with. I am 42 now and used to never pay attention to politics. When you were younger? Did youcare? Really? I was partying and playing. Look what the Dems did well. The Dems promised young voters false freebees. If they get something from B.O. it won't be free. OK, enough of that, I re-read the contract with America and think we can build a sturdy platform off of a rock that works (thanks Newt) Lets look over our issues of today and begin anew. Not weird stupid stuff but practical core conservtive ideas. Examples: God! Dems can't stand that... we got em there Rightous Judges,Economics, Taxes, Welfare Re-reform, Crime, Military, Border protection, etc. As each item is simplied we attach prop's (America is a visul culture). We don't win back people who voted for B.O. by calling them every name in the book. We shut our mouth. (maybe think it) But we show them the difference between us and them. These are a few of my thoughts and look forward to building a core grass root recharged platform. Do not fret, we will fight and win, Just sit back and watch the Dems implode as they always do.. we must capitalize when they fall, and they will. JB

By debnduane @ Saturday, November 08, 2008 10:34 AM

Carter gave us Reagan. Obama will give us?

Newt?

RNC Chairman is a good start.

By newt4p @ Saturday, November 08, 2008 9:20 AM

I believe we need to give our base something to be excited about. The uninformed young and black vote is what pulled this into Obama's favor. The GOP has to work relentlessly over the next four years to assure voter fraud and media bias doesn't AGAIN play a role in 2012. More importantly, we must excercise our values with the power we have left. Let's focus on electing ambassadors of our founding values. In short, Gingrich/Palin 08.

By moonman5 @ Saturday, November 08, 2008 2:30 AM

Anyone who listened to soon to be former congressman Chris Shays had to laugh their tookisks off, here is a guy, a RINO, who says the republican party needs to be more like democrats to win. Promise everything but deliver nothing jut to get elected.

No way the republican party needs to rid itself of the Shays, Snows and their kind and install a new generation of true conservatives...Jindal, Palin, Romney and even fresher faces.

What has happened to the republican party reminds me of how the former Soviet system said they would destroy America, from within. Our Party has been infitrated by liberals and incompetent snobs who have robbed our country of the leadership it needs and the faith in it's leaders it deserves.

Yes the Obama win was historic, I for one will not let him fail America, I will allow him to fail himself.

By alexcc @ Friday, November 07, 2008 11:33 PM

Conservative Friends,

Let us face the new reality that the Republican Party is no longer the party that champions core conservative values. They are following the Democrat’s chameleon strategy of trying to be all things to everyone, and by doing so, are nothing to no one. The Republican Party is now the moderate-centrist party; that is fine for them, however, I, like a hundred million other citizens, am a conservative American and not a compromiser of core beliefs. The Republican Party has been deceived to believe that it needs to adapt to the “new” world ways however it is the “old” world values that attract its loyal followers. It is time to abandon the Republican Party and form a true Conservative Party that will be a united, powerful political and social force. The call goes out for true conservative leadership in the 21st century; who will take the reins…

By For_The_Gipper @ Friday, November 07, 2008 10:59 PM

Intresting. I read in a interesting article. It mentioned Newt becoming the New chairman of the RNC. I will let fellow GOP deicde. I fully endorse this.

Not only did Newt help lead the GOP into pwer in 1994 with contract with America but Newt has incredible oratory skills of the like not witnessed since the great communicator. He could clearly comunicate conservative pricniples.

Not only that Newt probally knows all the clinton cabinet, err Obama cabinet members.

John McCain conducted himself respectfully. I really appricate the Senator squashing all the rumors and infighting. We are a party of adults and the wise. This stuff distracts us from figuring out our vision for the future of America.

If Palin became a Senator she would be a very very formidable opponet in 2012. She would have excutive experince with a great understanding on domestic issues. As Senator she would have great grasp of the big issues and forign policy. Not only that she would have acces to NIE reports and briefs although she would need the will. Throw in her experince as mayor and you have an incredible resume.

Pray for us Newt. Senator McCain (also our troops and Petraues) a great man who I wished won, who stood up on beliefs about Iraq and got it right and most importantly SAVED american lives.

Hell you know how demorlized we where after Vietnam untill Reagan postive and outstanding leadership Newt.

To the point McCain and Palin are going to help Saxby Chambliss in GA. I like chambliss he is the Senator I usually contact. If he loses I still have John Isskson (republican thankfully.)

Still I would rather have GA stay Red. :)

By JMann @ Friday, November 07, 2008 10:32 PM

I hope Newt isn't waiting for some left winger to take over the Republican Party

By JMann @ Friday, November 07, 2008 10:23 PM

normel, you woulodn't prefer to wait until 2010 to see how the Dems react to Rep?

By normel @ Friday, November 07, 2008 10:16 PM

all of the comments have been interesting. however we need to get started. we need to start contributing to some RNC pact so they can start focusing on house seats in 2010. get a new leadership team, get SARAH to campaign, so her conservative message can be heard.. WE NEED TO , AS A START GET SOME HOUSE SEATS BACK.

By tmcavoy @ Friday, November 07, 2008 8:53 PM

Jmann, I agree Palin, Jindal, Cantor are some of the new rising stars of the Republican Party. But This is a Party who is going to have to learn to connect with Americans. Maybe you were not old enough at the time but Reagan knew how to connect and when he couldn't get congress to cooperate he went over congress and the media and straight to Americans, that is the same APPEAL SARAH PALIN HAS

By JohnnyO8142 @ Friday, November 07, 2008 8:49 PM

I believe that John McCain has failed to fight the fight. As a veteran we know that all is fair in love and war. We were at war with the liberal left. The future of our great nation is at risk. The likes of Nancy Pelosi, Barney Frank, Harry Reid, Chuck Schumer and Chris Dodd are planning to take this country away from all that I believe in. The leftist now control all sectors of our government. We now have one party rule. Today they came up with another stimulus bill that they would like to have passed before the end of the year. Where are we getting all of this money. From those that have jobs. We need you Newt to step forward and lead the people back to our basic Judeo-Christian Republic. The American Legion has the right motto FOR GOD and COUNTRY. Many have fought and died for that principle. Let that not be in vain

By JMann @ Friday, November 07, 2008 8:47 PM

what is going to happen to the poor people when they still have to go to work in the morning

By JMann @ Friday, November 07, 2008 8:40 PM

Who are these creeps that keep saying Reagan was about social conservatism? Reagan had nothing to do with social conservatism. Reagan was an anti-Communist, pro-American conservative.

It is time to let Reagan RSP and let Palin take over the party

By tmcavoy @ Friday, November 07, 2008 7:56 PM

I think Newt is right they have become incompetent, lost their way and wimps. They won't take on the media, tell the American people the truth. Just think if they had come ou in 2005 and let the American people know that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are in trouble and it could mean problems for every one and thedemocrats are blocking us from reigning in Freddie and Fannie.
Don't you think if the Republicans had come to the American People at that time and let us know we would have a different outcome today.
I truly believe that is exactly what Ronald Reagan Would Have Done. He would Have spoke directly to us about this mess. Our conservative party are the "me to republicans"

By JMann @ Friday, November 07, 2008 7:54 PM

This is the only place conservatives can get together and build an online community. Like it or not Newt is the foundation of the new Republican Party.

By JMann @ Friday, November 07, 2008 7:52 PM

Newt please be the guy to save the Republican party. Please get Palin, Jindal, Sanford and others like Michael Steele and George P. Bush to write a new conservative playbook for 2010.

By pastor_chris @ Friday, November 07, 2008 6:40 PM

Well Roe vs. wade was a bad judicial ruling....wish that the court had left it up to the states....we could all live with that.

By JMann @ Friday, November 07, 2008 6:38 PM

Pastor,

I agree we should have conservative judges but that isn't how it always works out. Republicans have had the Presidency for 28 of the last 40 years and still don't control the court.

There seems to be a disconnect between some social conservatives between understanding their rights and the rights of
others.

You may think the Feds have no right to invade your personal right but don't think others have the right to protect themselves from the federal government.

By pastor_chris @ Friday, November 07, 2008 6:31 PM

Yeah I'll give to Saxby....I was going to anyways. We can't afford to lose any more senate seats. I wish Lieberman would tell Harry Reid to go screw himself and caucus with us! I know that he is a liberal but we could use his help.

By pastor_chris @ Friday, November 07, 2008 6:29 PM

I tend to agree that we need to figure out how to reduce abortions rather than prosecute people involved in them but conservative judicial appointments will always be important to me and all socially conservative republicans.

By JMann @ Friday, November 07, 2008 6:29 PM

Pastor,

One reason why all Republicans need to get behind Saxby Chambiss and his runoff in GA. We need to dump more money and talent into that campaign than any other in Republican history. Go online now and donate to
http://www.saxby.org/Home.aspx

By JMann @ Friday, November 07, 2008 6:25 PM

Pastor,

I agree with Regan and Palin. We should fight to defend every life but I don't think we should prosecute those that disagree.

Maybe this will be an issue that divides Republicans but it should bring Republicans together. Reagan knew this and worked to change people's hearts instead of the laws.

By pastor_chris @ Friday, November 07, 2008 6:21 PM

Now that resonates! I agree the tax issue is a big one. But you wanna talk about a war with the left! They would come unhnged if that was ever brought to the floor. And right now we don't have the power to push a conservative agenda like that. If we manage to keep Steves seat, and Colemans, and Chambliss' seat then we might be able to stop the liberal agenda but if we dont win some senate races and some congressional seats in 2010 we are in trouble.

By JMann @ Friday, November 07, 2008 6:18 PM

Pastor,

I'm not going to argue about gay marriage and abortion being winning issues. Look, no one likes either. Well, except some extreme radicals.

Most people want the President to talk about security, freedom, and liberty. On the national level we will never solve gay marriage or abortion rights. We should fight the fight but these issues shouldn't define the party.

Even Calii voted down gay marriage so I don't think this is a defining issue.

The issue shouldn't be should gay couples get the same Social Security benefits but it should be should the government have the right to tax people for Social Security.

By pastor_chris @ Friday, November 07, 2008 6:17 PM

Yeah the whole abortion issue is a powder keg I agree and in the end as long as Roe Vs. Wade is in place Abortion will be legal. But I do believe that we should appoint pro-life judges....I and many conservatives are passionate about this and it is honestly the inifying issue for evangelicals. The problem with taking out of the Republican platform is that there are millions of voters who are one issue voters and not ideological at all other than their desire to protect life. Honestly if we dropped the pro-life agenda many of our church members would vote Democrat because they do not have an ideological allegiance to the RNC but they care about abortion. This is probably an issue the party should not touch and just leave it in the platform. otherwise we are talking a party disaster,

By JMann @ Friday, November 07, 2008 6:09 PM

Pastor,

Look I don't come from the same place as you but I don't agree with abortion on demand or gay marriage. Americans all over the country turned down gay marriage this week. Most Americans value life but don't want to prosecute doctors or women that chose to end a pregnancy.

Look abortion is a world-wide accepted medical procedure. No matter how you or I feel about it, it is the law.

Instead of trying to fight city hall we should be fighting for the hearts and minds of all young people that are in a terrible situation.

We should be raising money and trying to make adoption a realist option instead of fighting abortion rights. An option that maybe we could get Obama to agree to support.

By pastor_chris @ Friday, November 07, 2008 6:07 PM

JMANN I am 36 yrs old and gave to a political campaign this year for the first time in my life via the internet. We have to figure out how to use the internet for fundraising like Obama did. The key is for us to begin using technology. If we do that then we can raise the funds we need and stay competitive. But I also think McCain missed an opportunity to discuss social issues that would have been important to many. he avoided abortion, gay marriage, and guns rights which are all important to middle America. In a nut shell though we need to become a grass roots party focusing on reaching people of all ages, races and backgrounds. This is the work that desperately needs to be done. Conservatives must focus on the future going forward. And we should not let the DNC have the college kids....they are impressionable and can be won over to conservatism if it is presented in their language.

By pastor_chris @ Friday, November 07, 2008 6:01 PM

BTW I hop Steele become the new RNC chair! he would be a great choice.

By JMann @ Friday, November 07, 2008 6:01 PM

Conservatism isn't doomed to be irrelevant. Most people are still conservative. We just lost the fund raising race and Obama outspent a liberal McCain by 20-1 in some states.

We need a new breed of conservative outsiders led by Newt to restore the conservative message which should be behind the protection of all innocent life.

Most importantly support all rights that don't by force or by fraud, limit anyone's right to life, liberty or property.

These rights should apply to all.

By pastor_chris @ Friday, November 07, 2008 6:00 PM

Yeah I agree about the young voices that is the direction we need to head in for sure. As far as conservative values are concerned though if we as a party aren't advocates for life and for the family then the left will trample all over our rights. I actually am not totaly oppossed to the local approach....but the problem is that if we allow gay marriage and abortion on demand we change the US forever and we will never return to our former glory. We should not allow the total unraveling of decency in America for the sake of our political party.

By JMann @ Friday, November 07, 2008 5:46 PM

Did anyone else notice the first two nights of the Republican Convention looked like an episode from 'Tales From The Crypt'?

It wasn't until Palin showed up did the crowd come to life. The first two nights were WWII vets and the Bush family and it looked awful.

Republicans have so much more to offer and Palin, Jindal, Pawlenty, Sanford, Steele and P. Bush are the future.

We just need to get Newt to pull it together.

By JMann @ Friday, November 07, 2008 5:40 PM

I don't see how Huckabee and Romney have much to offer the new Republican Party. Huckabee is a good talker and Romney looks the part but they aren't the future.

In my humble opinion the Republicans must break from the past. This may not fairly include Huckabee or Romney but they are 2008 primary losers which isn't a great resume' builder.

By JMann @ Friday, November 07, 2008 5:34 PM

Pastor Chris, I am by know means asking the Republican Party to turn it's back on social conservative issues.

I admit I'm sure we would disagree on many issues but what we need to do is to figure out how we can agree to work together in a mutually beneficially way.

I believe in freedom, which means not everyone will agree with you and this fact should be understood. If we can agree in limited Federal Government than we can agree that you have the freedom to fight for your beliefs and other s have the same right.

Who wins? Well, I would much rather leave that up to our communities than to leave it up to Obama and Emmanuel.

By pastor_chris @ Friday, November 07, 2008 5:32 PM

BTW Jmann I think calling the young voices of conservatism together is a great idea. The problem is are they going to be willing to work together? In additon are you going to invite Huckabee? Romney? The bigger problem is we are losing my generation and the one behind me....if we don't figure out how to reach young people now we are doomed to become irrelevant.

By pastor_chris @ Friday, November 07, 2008 5:26 PM

Jmann,

You can't abandon the social conservative part of our platform without destroying the party. If you try this faithful conservatives like me will abaondon the movement and become independents. Social conservatism isn't the problem infact this is a center right country where gay marriage was just banned in three states including California.

The key is to get back to being fiscally conservative. I have no problem with letting states decide difficult issues but the Party must remain pro-life, and pro-family or the conservative values coalition will be alienated and leave the party. I pastor a church of 100 people, if you turn your back on us your party is dead.....pastors all over the country will begin to influence their people to take action.....trust me. Our problem is a lack of values not too many. Our party has become corrupt and devoid of integrity. If we only worked with men and women of principle and integrity our party would be in very good shape. People are tired of the scandals or Delay, Abrahmoff, Craig, and Stevens, they want a party they can trust until they get that the GOP is in trouble. We should apologize to the country for losing our way and draw up another contract with America like Newt did in the 90's.

By patrick henry @ Friday, November 07, 2008 5:19 PM

That's what I am talking about. JMann's last comment is right on. Communicators, yes, fresh purely conservative voices who can communicate and inspire. Conservatism itself is inspiring, but we need fresh voices. And yes, again to JMann, CALL A CONFERENCE! MAKE READY FOR 2010, BEFORE THE WEEKEND IS OUT. HAVE ANNOUNCEMENT READY FOR MONDAY MORNING - "Conservatism on the move."

By JMann @ Friday, November 07, 2008 5:14 PM

In 2010 it looks like the Republicans will be lucky to pick up 2 seats if Obama doesn't do well. Reid could lose in Nevada if they really screw up and who knows the Byrd factor in WV.

In four short years the Dem's have to defend what could be 8 seats and the Rep only 1 or 2.

If Obama is lucky on international issues and gets is social policy in place there very well could be a backlash in 2010 and 12.

Thing is Republicans can't wait. We must start fund raising and putting together a plan now.

Talk Radio may soon be gone which means XM, Sirius and the net will be the future. Rush will kill if he goes to satellite and the new FCC can't touch that in O's first 4 years.

By JMann @ Friday, November 07, 2008 5:04 PM

I wanted to stress that you invite none of the current political voices in the RP. This needs to be a movement based on the fresh young voices that represent conservative values and know how to present our ideas to a new generation.

We are looking to you to provide the knowledge to pull this off.

By patrick henry @ Friday, November 07, 2008 5:00 PM

I disagree with my hero, Newt, on this one point in this article: I believe the Republican party has lost its identity or atleast there is a leadership struggle there. Since Bush Sr. we have selected moderates to lead our party. Something is profoundly wrong - we have lost our identity. Sure, urge Obama to rule from the center, but Republicans must lead, and hopefully in 2010 and 1012 - rule, from the Far Right, that is from the Constitutional Right! At this point, we, the Rupublicans have lost our identity.

By JMann @ Friday, November 07, 2008 4:58 PM

Newt, Please call an "American Solutions Meeting" next spring. Invite Gov's. Palin, Jindal, Pawlenty, and Sanford. Include Michael Steele, George P. Bush and any other outsider that I didn't mention. Turn this into a Republican Party 'constitutional convention' and when you come out announce that we have a Republic.

Based on your most recent work and the Contract create a limited government, low tax, socially libertarian platform for the 2010 House and Senate Candidates.

When I say socially libertarian I'm not saying abandon pro-values voters. I saying that it should be framed that all people should be able to argue values issues at the local and state level.

By AMitchell @ Friday, November 07, 2008 2:42 PM

John McCain campaigned on "Country First". If you believe in that, you have to hope that Obama will do a good job, so as not to put our country in peril. While I plan to continue to differ with him on policies and issues, and will most likely work very hard to put Republicans back into office, I will continue to want him to do well, because not to, can only cause this country more problems. Thank you.

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