Say what you like about Newt Gingrich, but few people in either party would fail to recognize that Gingrich is one the Nation’s foremost political thinkers, and a man of considerable intellect.Gingrich’s passion for history and for America, when coupled with his practical style make him a natural choice in a time when pragmatic, small-government solutions for the Republic’s problems are required.
There is little question that the Clinton political machine – the most capable, ambition-driven, and some say politically-ruthless campaign apparatus of modern times - is moving into second gear. Should Senator Clinton win in Iowa and New Hampshire, nothing will be able to stop her relentless march to the Democratic presidential nomination.
Of the current GOP contenders none appear to be able to stop her march to the White House. With Thompson gaining little traction (and evidencing little passion or policy acumen), and Romney expected to fizzle-out once the primaries reach the Bible Belt, only Giuliani seems to have the money and political staying power to mount a lasting challenge. Still, his own personal shortcomings and his socially liberal views remain deeply disconcerting to many conservatives.
Newt Gingrich was in many ways the last great hope. Though many conservatives scoffed at a Gingrich run, their main opposition to Gingrich appeared to be unease over decade-old P.R. trouble, and the self-fulfilling notion that Newt is unelectable.
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Newt Gingrich’s appearance of Fox News Sunday with Chris Wallace, reminded us again why Gingrich is mainstream conservatism’s best hope. Though he spoke in generally positive terms about the formidability of the GOP’s top three candidates -Romney, Giuliani and Thompson, it was clear once again, that in terms of policy, Gingrich is in a class of his own.
Newt Gingrich isn’t the perfect candidate. He has some “baggage” as they like to say, both personally and professionally, he suffers from an image problem induced by the mainstream media’s hatred of him, and his brainy style makes him appear slightly uneasy pressing the flesh, but beyond these considerations, Newt Gingrich is the most dynamic, intelligent, thoughtful and motivated conservative in American politics.
But is Gingrich electable?
Maybe. The challenge for Gingrich is twofold: overcoming his past and softening his image, and though the two are inextricably linked, the latter it seems may be the more difficult. (more…)
The latest national polls are telling. Nearly a quarter of Republican voters, when asked who they favor in the primaries choose, “None of the Above.” Can anyone blame them? In what has generally been an exception to the rule, America finds itself in the midst of a difficult and trying time in its history without the kind of capable leadership that has so often found its way to the top.
The American Revolution was spurred by some of the most gifted minds in world political history – Franklin, Jefferson, Adams, Madison, Hamilton, Washington and others. The critical early years of the Republic were guided by their steady hands, and America was placed on an unlikely and unparalleled path to prosperity.
During the tumultuous frontier years, capable men like Andrew Jackson came to the fore, and the providential choice of Abraham Lincoln saved the union from destruction. Men like Theodore Roosevelt shaped America into a world power and reminded citizens that the government is one of and for the people. Franklin Roosevelt helped pull a nation out of the Great Depression and successfully fought a global conflagration on two fronts. Men like Eisenhower kept us strong, men like Kennedy reminded us of our mission, and men like Reagan helped restore our pride and renew our spirit. None were without controversy, but all were capable, gifted, leaders.
Now faced with one of the great challenges our time, the cultural clash with radical Islam, and a worldwide power shuffle consisting of rogue regimes, ineffectual allies, and global economies, our political process has produced a paltry field of candidates to assume the office of President of the United States. At a juncture of great historical importance, we are asked to choose the best fruit from a barren vine.
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