“I can’t do modern politics.” – Newt Gingrich (reported by Howard Fineman)
via Mark Halperin on Twitter
There’s the video of Newt’s moment, but when Mark Halperin floated the picture above on Twitter it captured to me the resignation that Mr. Gingrich knew he’d been defeated.
These candidates work hard and it’s a tough slog, so this is hard to see from anyone.
The difference is that Newt Gingrich has been bemoaning the negative attacks against him, which he helped inspire. Gingrich created the formula being used against him in Iowa in negative ads. A flashback from FAIR, who has Newt’s “words matter” GOPAC memo, from 1995, that laid it out (emphasis added):
Contrasting Words
Often we search hard for words to help us define our opponents. Sometimes we are hesitant to use contrast. Remember that creating a difference helps you. These are powerful words that can create a clear and easily understood contrast. Apply these to the opponent, their record, proposals and their party.
decay… failure (fail)… collapse(ing)… deeper… crisis… urgent(cy)… destructive… destroy… sick… pathetic… lie… liberal… they/them… unionized bureaucracy… “compassion” is not enough… betray… consequences… limit(s)… shallow… traitors… sensationalists…
endanger… coercion… hypocrisy… radical… threaten… devour… waste… corruption… incompetent… permissive attitudes… destructive… impose… self-serving… greed… ideological… insecure… anti-(issue): flag, family, child, jobs… pessimistic… excuses… intolerant…
stagnation… welfare… corrupt… selfish… insensitive… status quo… mandate(s)… taxes… spend(ing)… shame… disgrace… punish (poor…)… bizarre… cynicism… cheat… steal… abuse of power… machine… bosses… obsolete… criminal rights… red tape… patronage
From Susan Page to Politico, Hillary’s moment in New Hampshire is being invoked, only with a lot more compassion than she received.
As I recount as part of Hillary’s history in my new book, the vitriol that came her way was white hot, represented well by Bill Kristol on Fox News’ Special Report.
“And I don’t believe it was genuine. I think no Clinton cries without calculating first. This — and I think this was — if it was genuine, it was entirely solipsistic and narcissistic. It’s all about her.”
Newt Gingrich was in no shape to run in a modern presidential election. It’s a marathon war that withers the best of them. By any measure he was not fit enough, though if I’d made that observation out loud I would have been flamed for being too harsh, but I saw it from the start. Contrast Newt with Christie, who carries a lot more weight, but whose vital energy is off the charts; it’s age, for sure, but it’s also something else. Newt’s arrogance is what kept him afloat, as long as he wasn’t treated as one of the bunch. But the minute he started receiving the type of incoming he’d delivered to others he wilted, he whined, then he cried.
This is the man who impeached Pres. Bill Clinton, while he was having his own adulterous affair. Clinton paid for his reckless, philandering stupidity.
Newt’s finally paying for his hypocrisy through the very tactics he’s used to bring others down.
Michele Bachmann is getting her ass handed to her in Iowa, disgraced more than once just this week by fleeing staffers, but you don’t see her bellyaching. I detest her politics, but she’s one tough broad.
Now all that’s left to wonder is where Newt’s support will land next.
Iowa’s turning out to be as wild for Republicans as the rest of 2011. It’s sure to bring 2012 in with a blast.
I find this quote inane, “Clinton paid for his reckless, philandering stupidity”. So start naming names of politicians who DON’T Cheat on their spouses, and are also well respected by the media. Good luck on that.
Exactly what are you accusing me of? Have to the courage to say it.