Focus on solutions, not negative attacks: an open letter to RNC Chairman Mike Duncan

Dear Chairman Duncan,

I was saddened to learn that at a time of national trial, when a president-elect is preparing to take office in the midst of the worst financial crisis in over seventy years, that the Republican National Committee is engaged in the sort of negative, attack politics that the voters rejected in the 2006 and 2008 election cycles.

The recent web advertisement, "Questions Remain," is a destructive distraction. Clearly, we should insist that all taped communications regarding the Senate seat should be made public. However, that should be a matter of public policy, not an excuse for political attack.

In a time when America is facing real challenges, Republicans should be working to help the incoming President succeed in meeting them, regardless of his Party.

From now until the inaugural, Republicans should be offering to help the President-elect prepare to take office.

Furthermore, once President Obama takes office, Republicans should be eager to work with him when he is right, and, when he is wrong, offer a better solution, instead of just opposing him.

This is the only way the Republican Party will become known as the "better solutions" party, not just an opposition party. And this is the only way Republicans will ever regain the trust of the voters to return to the majority.

This ad is a terrible signal to be sending about both the goals of the Republican Party in the midst of the nation's troubled economic times and about whether we have actually learned anything from the defeats of 2006 and 2008.

The RNC should pull the ad down immediately.

Sincerely,

Newt Gingrich

Chairman, American Solutions

Former Speaker of the House of Representatives

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By Anonymous @ Thursday, January 01, 2009 2:43 AM

The first thing here I think people should remember is that the Ill. gov. issue is a democrat generated issue. They are trying to take the governor out for some reason, and I think it might have something to do with rubbing people the wrong way, not because he's a slimy crook.

As far as our former Speaker is concerned, I think he is right on. He is, however, wasting his breath. After being a Republican since I was old enough to understand civics and basic economics, about 30 years now, I am totally disgusted with where we find ourselves today and I'm not sure I wish to identify with them anymore. The party did nothing but squander the last 8 years of opportunity it had to fix what needed fixing, all to end with its version of Custer's last stand, an $850B financial bailout as a supposed mitigation of damage done by years of economic policy neglect, that real conservatives and the public at large didn't want. To top it all off, they are now doing the same thing to Obama that his party did to Bush. They do it because politics are more important to them than country, which is why we are in the mess we are in to begin with. We don't need internal power struggles. We don't need Republicans acting like Democrats. We need answers and solutions to very pressing and costly national problems.

We need a government that works not one that is continually out of sync with the people and the times. The kind of behavior coming from the party does nothing to address the out-of-touch bureaucracy we currently have, and could only serve to make it worse by further weakening the executive branch. Without any hard evidence Obama did something wrong it's just more of the same Republican failure to make a real difference. Like it or not, Obama will be our President. That is one thing that is certain. We can either accept reality and work to make the best of it, or we can weaken him to where he can't get anything done. If we weaken him, the one certainty there is is that nothing will change. I personally can't afford for things to not get better than they presently are, and I'm disgusted to the core that my party really doesn't give a hoot about us little guys enough to make a real difference in our lives when we really need it.

I don't agree with the Speaker on everything, but I do on most things, and he seems to be the only Republican left with any sanity. If I were he, I'd start my own party and leave those “me first” people to their own doom instead of having to share it with them.

By LastRanger @ Wednesday, December 31, 2008 1:34 PM

In response to the forgoing:
‘…the sort of negative, attack politics that the voters rejected in the 2006 and 2008 election cycles.’
Please explain how this is true. The Democrats have been engaged in an 8 year negative campaign, and have succeeded in capturing both houses and the presidency. So, exactly how do negative attacks NOT work? They seem to work quit well, thank you.

‘Republicans should be working to help the incoming President succeed in meeting them, regardless of his Party.’
Well, excuse me. This is not an on-the-job training position. If the guy is not qualified he should not have been elected. He was. Therefore, let him fail, as would be the case in any other job. Why should ‘we’ support him and help him succeed where he could not do so on his own?

‘Republicans should be offering to help the President-elect prepare to take office’ – same as above; he should be prepared. Which in my estimation he is not, and from your suggestion nor is he in your eyes either.

By Hot @ Saturday, December 27, 2008 5:55 PM

"solutions, not negative attacks"

RIGHT!

All Americans should be negative against our government. They are nothing but crooks.

The Republicans and Democrats only want to better themselves and the hell with the rest of the nation.

Check out the new RAISE they just got.

Would $3400.00 a year help you?

And they are telling us the country is in bad shape and we need to fix things. Well, I'm taking their advice and voting myself a raise in attitute in ways to do like our leaders do, TAKE FROM OTHERS TO GIVE TO THEMSELVES.

If you are not doing what YOUR CONGRESS IS DOING then you are unAmerican.

Your Congress is SETTING THE EXAMPLE.
Follow your leaders.

BE AMERICAN

By ken in houston @ Thursday, December 25, 2008 12:06 AM

Newt, you are wrong! Since when is 2 + 2 something other than 4? The fact is that truth is the truth; and, falsehood is falsehood! The truth should not and cannot ever be corrupted by equating it with falsehood! The reason why the RNC lost so badly is that they were afraid to stand up for the truth as they became just as corrrupt as all the other polticians! There is a major difference between being a politician and a statesman. Their actions demonstrated that they could care less about our nation's doctrines - to say nothing of forgetting Goldwater's famous phrase: Extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice! Open you eyes. The DNC has been in attact mode for years now; and, look at what they have accomplished. To bad our "conservative" leaders do not take a lesson from them!

By @ Tuesday, December 23, 2008 4:37 PM

Very true words, I agree.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!

By lloydpweaver @ Monday, December 22, 2008 12:58 AM

Instead of just another politician, Newt sounds like an American. We conservatives should learn how to win at the ballot box rather than shooting off at the mouth. We may not like the outcome of the elections but Mr. Obama was elected by the majority of voters. The ad Newt is writing about is exactly what is wrong with the RNC. It is time to replace the leadership. This stupidity has driven thoughtful conservatives away from the Republican Party into the Independant ranks. It's time to stop crying over the election and get to work taking our country back.

By andyboo @ Friday, December 19, 2008 4:27 PM

Hey Newt, we are not scared of these Obamanites so give all the real conservatives a break and spare us the BS. Take a look at yourself and grow a set that I thought you had. I am sorry I but you are starting to sound like just another politician. Regards

By USWFA @ Thursday, December 18, 2008 1:04 PM

All of us here at the association had hoped that Newt would announce he was running!
When he didn't..we knew it was a lost cause!..Our association investigated Obama and alot of what has been said is true!...Also..Factcheck.org is not bipartisan..it is owned and operated by Obama's supporters...Also..Snopes.com is also reported lies on McCain and Palin...Just and FYI

By USWFA @ Thursday, December 18, 2008 1:00 PM

It is without question that both parties are in serious trouble...I agree with Newt that the RNC needs to get it's house in order..I also believe the Democrats are going to fall flat on their faces with this...Then we all know they will blame it on Bush..some of it rightfully so..lets face it...he dropped the ball...We all need to come together and fix the problems and do our absolute best to bring this party back on top...it has really lost it's way..John McCain was definately not the answer,his immigration policy and some of his liberal ways...do not sit good with me or anyone I have talked to...We all know that the liberal media got Obama elected..this is a given...All of here at the United States Wildland Firefighters Association are building websites now to get the message out on Obama and the democrats and even some republicans that do not operate in an honest and legal way..and lets face it...the vast majority of those in the house and senate..need to be tried for treason..They have perverted our constitution to fit their own agenda's..THIS HAS GOT TO STOP AND STOP NOW!!

By ericrobinson @ Thursday, December 18, 2008 2:58 AM

Imagine, if Newt had been the candidate instead of John McCain. Everyone I know was angered that neither party offered any real answers or solutions, and Barack Obama won because he was a more attractive candidate, and because the mainstream media blew enough smoke up his tailpipe to launch a space shuttle. If we survive the next four years, the GOP better have Newt ready with a new Contract for America, or you can right the party off, and we'll see which third party takes its place. I've voted Republican for 35 years, mostly because "at least he's not a Democrat", but I'm about to the end of my tolerance, with Republicans being nothing but Democrats who just waste tax dollars on a different bunch of cronies.

By casey jones @ Wednesday, December 17, 2008 2:52 PM

Mr Speaker--
Agree with you on 99%--but not on this one.
After all, you're as much of a proponent as any good conservative on "Law & Order", so if O's connections have not been lawful, that should be investigated.
If his actions have been lawful, then O should have no trouble proving & keeping clean.
This all goes for his citizenship status as well

By jdubyahoyt @ Wednesday, December 17, 2008 10:21 AM

When Republicans and Democrats get along, the people get screwed.

Republicans, in the name of bi-partisanship, oftentimes sacrifice their principles, and it makes me sick.

We need to stand up, be strong, be loud and vigilent, and call a spade a spade. Chicago politics is disgusting, and we need to do everything we can to end it's long history of corruption. Everyone on the outside knows it exists, and this is our chance to dive in there and expose it.

But I do agree that we need to do it with solutions.

Same thing with all these rediculous bailouts. We need to present solutions. Free Market SOLUTIONS!! No more government meddling!

Personally, I like Congressman Louie Gohmert from Texas's idea, with the $350 Billion Tax Holiday. WE THE PEOPLE should decide who we're going to bail out, not the government, let alone just one guy, Paulson.

http://gohmert.house.gov/Article.aspx?NewsID=1355

I'm sorry, but the free market works. When the government gets involved, it costs us money, and it screws it all up!

If your business model is flawed, fix it or go by the wayside. If your union contracts are weighing your company down with expenses your competition doesn't have to deal with, then you've made bad business decisions, you've set false expectations for your employees and the entire community you serve, and you're no longer going to be able to compete. Its a fact! There's no arguing this point! Its the way the free market works. Make good decisions, compete, and the winner wins.

Should we have bailed out the Milk Delivery Man? Whatever happened to him? Maybe we should have placed an extra tax on stocking milk on the shelves of the local grocer, and if you went to the store and bought milk yourself, not needing the delivery service, then we should have taxed that, too.

Big beurocratic ugly government, acting like they're the experts in everything, taxing their way to "government prosperity" and steering behavior at every turn with a tax code that's unbearable.

HHmmmmm. Why was the American Revolution started?

Okay, I feel a little better.

http://www.MyAmericanism.com

By markb0258 @ Wednesday, December 17, 2008 8:42 AM

Newt,

Sorry but this situation in Il must be looked into with the same vigor that would be the case if this were Ted Steven or you or George Bush. The RNC is not responsible for the poliitcal rankor that is the current reality. If you and others think for one moment that Barack Obama was in the middle of Chicago politics and was not involved in some inappropirate way with Blago-you must be mind numbed. Allowing the Dems to say what they want and allow that to go unchallenged is wrong-likewise to allow them to do things that are unethical (at the least) and act like its OK just because John McCain or you say so.... This stinks to the high heavens and if this is the way Chicago politics operates its time to shut it down.

By ~Widen~ @ Wednesday, December 17, 2008 7:32 AM

~a real focus on solutions~
as i sit and watch the majority of the conservative ideologues partake or stand idly by while partisan idolatry alienate and creates a certain path for doom.

this man partly responsible for the "republican revolution" and the partisan gridlock in Washington that plagued and ensued the nation...

has found the wisdom of experience to endeavor on a seemingly futile effort in rebuilding the republican party. ~ kudos to you Newt ~

"life is never without a scene of irony"

By CTGOPLADY @ Wednesday, December 17, 2008 7:06 AM

Im curious. I as a stauvch Republican just watched a miserable election cycle as did you and the rest of the country. I watched as Barack Obama time and time again slammed President Bush and the Republican Party of the all of the ills of the world and more to come. Every day he was relentless. Well his negativity seemed to work well for him because the country elected the biggest con artist of the century. He offered no solutions, no ideas no nothing and yet he gets away with it and a pass from you.
Im disappointed ... Im taking a wait and see attitude but I don't have much hope for the Clinton 3rd Term...
I guess the hard part for me is we all will work together to solve this crisis and Obama will end up with the credit of bringing the country together. Sadly we will end up electing the conartist for the 2nd time.

By jfluhr @ Tuesday, December 16, 2008 9:24 PM

Thank you, Mr. Gingrich. The RNC chairman should show some leadership and pull this add. I do not know my party anymore. Running in from the dark to deliver jabs is not courageous leadership. I am not convinced that the current RNC leadership is right for our country if they think this is the best thing to do in this moment.

On the New York Senate seat, I am tired of the self-proclaimed American Aristocracy laying claim to high places of office without proving themselves worthy. At this critical time, how can we overcome our national challenges with celebrity appointments? How is this rational? Where is the process that prevents such foolishness? God have mercy on us.

By For_The_Gipper @ Tuesday, December 16, 2008 7:39 PM

Something I have been wondering about a lot is why are the Dems so hung up on the Kennedys? What is camelot?

I watched the C-SPAN video where Jac Kennedy gave a tour of the White House. I don't get the fascination myself. They said nearly 75% of Americans watched this video. Is it something you had to be alive then to understand?

I fully agree with Newts letter. We need to pick our fights smartly. We can't be gunning out of the gate. However I belive the auto bailout was a goodfight. We can't just give blank checks with taxpayer dollars.

This is what I like about Newt. He is kind of a Morning in America guy. When Reagan was around did he campign negativly? I doubt it.

By Alex2009 @ Tuesday, December 16, 2008 6:50 PM

Mr Speaker,
Thank you for stepping out of a partisan based suit and putting on common man citizen's attire, metaphorically speaking.
This country is in terrible shape and both sides need to belay fingerpointing and blame gaming. It serves no purpose and until we can take a breather from this decaying economy, everyone should work towards viable solutions that ALL of us can benefit from.
We as a nation of politcal partisans will have plenty of time downstream to resume our silly insults towards each other AFTER we repair what is clearly a national security issue. Admittedly I am a Democrat and have been very critical of you and others of your party. For that matter, I am my own parties worst critic as well.
You sir, are a breath of fresh air within what I perceive a very fractured GOP.
For all I know you may say something tomorrow that makes me want to throw the dog at the TV, but for now, I believe in giving credit where credit is due.
Good Luck in future endeavors.

By Hot @ Tuesday, December 16, 2008 3:57 PM

Working together is what the country needs but it will be Ice in Hell before Republicans and Democrats work together on any plan that is good for the nation.
They are to busy trying to fill their greedy pockets.

I guess one can always wish but for years I've wished we could get people in office that cared for others and not just themselves. Look what has happened.

There are more corrupt politicians today than we have ever had in office.
Does that look like we have people in Washington that care for American family values?

You can wish but as long as the rich and greedy control Washington your wishes will never come true.

By joethibo @ Tuesday, December 16, 2008 3:39 PM

What we need to do is have a special prosecutor with a grand jury to investigate the selling of a senate seat. We need to put people under oath with a grand jury and find out what's going on .

By engineer77 @ Tuesday, December 16, 2008 2:08 PM

A wonderful letter, Mr. Gingrich. This is probably one of the few times I would have to agree with you. Unfortunately, I doubt your advice will be followed. From what I have been able to read so far, the RNC has been (or is the process of) being taken over by those who feel they need to attack and criticize the President-elect, irregardless of issue. They have no interest in working on issues or problems we all face. These are the folks who think they can expand the base by this method of politicking. I guess they just do not believe they will continue to alienate moderates with this philosophy.

Good luck.

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