Editorial: What happened to the ‘new’ Newt?
Friday, May 1, 1998 | 10:49 a.m.
The past week has seen a swift reversal from the face Gingrich was putting forth on his book tour, in which he tried to portray himself as a kinder, gentler leader. Even national columnist David Broder noted that Gingrich's book seeks a tone of self-criticism for the first two years of his speakership, acknowledging that he "didn't know when to keep my mouth shut."
Unfortunately, it appears Gingrich has suffered a relapse. It started in earnest over the weekend as he praised Rep. Dan Burton, R-Ind., chairman of the House committee investigating campaign fund-raising. At a GOPAC dinner last week, Gingrich stood up for Burton, who had referred to the president as a "scumbag." That didn't seem to bother Gingrich. "I would rather stand next to an honest man who uses a clumsy word than an illegal man with five sharp spinners any day of my life," Gingrich replied.
And now comes word that Gingrich is linking the fate of additional support to the International Monetary Fund with White House cooperation on the House's fund-raising investigation. Minority Leader Richard Gephardt was right on target when he said it was time to end the attack politics. "If we keep up with this we're going to end up looking like the Jerry Springer show in Congress and that's not what people want us to do," Gephardt told the New York Times.
Gingrich is obviously more concerned with petty attacks than he is helping solve some of the important policy issues facing this nation, such as preserving Social Security's future. If and when Gingrich's book has a second printing, perhaps they'll rename it to accurately reflect his latest blunders: "Lessons Unlearned."
archive
- Most Read
- Discussed
- Most E-mailed
- Kruger hoping his team will play with grit
- Pricing out wagers on the Pacquiao-Cotto fight
- RTC bus driver fired, arrested after allegedly attacking woman
- Two second-graders involved in shooting at bus stop
- CityCenter Realtors hit with cut in commissions
- Privé owner files for bankruptcy protection in Florida
- Trainers scuffle at Manny Pacquiao, Miguel Cotto weigh-in
- Shanghai’s maglev: Flying with both feet on the ground
- Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs among stars in Las Vegas for Manny Pacquiao-Miguel Cotto fight
- Hooters reports loss, says Chapter 11 possible
Blogs
The Greene Room
Predicting this weekend's Mountain West football slate
Top Chef: Las Vegas
Top Chef Episode 11: Child's play
Miech Again
UNLV prez Smatresk is ready for some basketball (5 Comments)
Politics: The Early Line
Harry Reid's fourth TV ad begins running today
The Greene Room
Chad Ochocinco vs. Anderson Silva? That would be a sight ... (4 Comments)
Top Chef: Las Vegas
The Jet Stream: The three stages of chefdom
Miech Again
Rebels rookie Lopez says redshirting is his best move (12 Comments)
Calendar »
- 14 Sat
- 15 Sun
- 16 Mon
- 17 Tue
- 18 Wed
-
Pacquiao vs. Cotto at the MGM Grand Garden Arena
MGM Grand Garden Arena | 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
-
Friends of India Diwali Celebration at Cashman Field with Dan Nainan
Cashman Field | 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
-
Norm MacDonald at the House of Blues
House of Blues
-
Boulder City Art Guild Winter Fest Fine Art Show
Boulder City Parks & Recreation
-
John Fogerty at the Star of the Desert Arena
Star of the Desert Arena | 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
-
Emeril Lagasse Foundation’s 5th annual Carnivale du Vin
The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino | 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The Sun
Locally owned and independent for more than 50 years.
Technorati








