Gingrich talks bailout, ’08 race
Jason Hawk | The Chronicle-Telegram
OBERLIN — Newt Gingrich entered a Finney Chapel basement room crammed with reporters Wednesday night and started shaking hands.
“Hi. I’m Newt,” the former speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives said as he took a seat.
Within 20 seconds, he jumped from home-style chatting to an angry tirade about Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson’s $700 billion plan to bail out failed banks.
While Gingrich was visiting Oberlin College to talk about the stakes of the election, he said he wanted to talk first about the banking crisis because it’s a once-in-a-lifetime threat that could destroy the world economy.
He didn’t waste a chance to lash out at the Paulson plan, which has the backing of
President Bush.
Instead, he praised the role Sen. John McCain has taken to broker a bipartisan deal to save Wall Street — and did his best to distance Bush from the Republican presidential candidate.
“I think it’s clear the president’s team has failed, and now it’s Sen. McCain’s turn to see if he can succeed,” Gingrich said.
He said Paulson’s bail-out is “obscene” because it would put too much power in one man’s hands with no oversight, and that rescuing the banks is just a short-term fix to a long-term problem.
Later in the evening, Gingrich stumped for McCain in front of a crowd of 1,200.
Gingrich spent more than an hour lecturing on political history, taking frequent jabs at Bush and criticizing McCain’s Democratic rival, Sen. Barack Obama.
Gingrich said the banking crisis has killed the McCain campaign’s steam this week, but brokering a fix could give McCain enough of a boost to win the White House because the economy is the biggest issue leading up to November.
Whichever party gives the best plan for getting the economy moving again will win, he predicted.
And while he hailed Obama as the best political speaker since President Ronald Reagan and called him “tactically the best politician in the country today,” Gingrich called the Illinois senator “clumsy” in his campaigning.
Next to the banking issue, Gingrich’s largest problem with Obama was his campaign tour to Germany, where he spoke to a crowd of 200,000 and called himself a “citizen of the world.”
He said Americans will elect the president, and Obama should have stayed in America.
The argument gained traction with 24-year-old Oberlin resident Schaphan Seiders.
“I’m an American, and I think Americans should be deciding this election,” Seiders said after Gingrich’s lecture. “I hope that Obama’s a citizen of America before he’s a citizen of the world.”
But Gingrich’s criticisms weren’t contained to one side of the aisle. He also took on his own Republican Party, saying it’s a “managerial party” that “avoids ideas.”
Naming just a few exceptions — himself, Reagan and Barry Goldwater — he said Republicans are typically good at running the country but don’t know where to steer it.
Gingrich endorsed McCain as the only conservative who “gets it.”
Right now, though, the race is too close to call, he said. There are 10 or 12 states that are split in very tight margins between McCain and Obama.
Luc Trout, 18, a freshman at Oberlin College, said he was surprised at Gingrich’s frank appraisal of the political situation.
“He presented for the first time in a long time an intelligent counterargument to the Democrats,” Trout said. “He’s not going to change me into a Republican, but it’s refreshing to hear someone say something with that much authority and understanding.”
Contact Jason Hawk at 329-7148 or jhawk@chroniclet.com.
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Filed by Jason Hawk | The Chronicle-Telegram September 25th, 2008 in Local and State. Popularity: 3% |
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Comments
Comment from
THHiggie
September 25, 2008, 5:34 am
I was very pleased to see that not only did Oberlin College invite a conservative speaker to its campus, but they actually allowed him to speak without shouting him down. That is the hallmark of ladies and gentlemen and a truly liberal education; the willingness to listen to differing opinions and viewpoints. Maybe LCCC could follow suit and invite someone other than a Democrat to speak at its campus and display the behavior of its students
Comment from
cynico
September 25, 2008, 9:50 am
That Newt Gingrich can draw even a handful of people to listen to what he wants to say is surprising. Why would anyone in the world waste time shouting down a man of so little stature and influence? With each word, he shouts himself down.
Comment from
Dan S.
September 25, 2008, 11:58 am
“That Newt Gingrich can draw even a handful of people to listen to what he wants to say is surprising.”
Maybe he brought his lesbian sister along to ‘warm up’ the audience and introduce him.
Comment from
BriDawg29
September 25, 2008, 4:00 pm
Maybe his lesbian sister is the reason they didn’t “shout him down”.
You know, that phrase just cracks me up…”shout him down”. Hilarious. I know that’s just what it’s called, but it’s funny, nonetheless.
Say, “nonetheless” is kind of funny too…
Anyway…I still just trying to remember the last time I heard a major Democratic figurehead give a stinging criticism of their own party. You know, really bust their own chops…challenge themselves…call it like they see it. No holds barred.
Hmmm…still trying to remember that…
Still trying….
Still…
(Really having trouble recalling when that last happened…taking a break…rubbing my temples.)
Trying again…
MMmmmffff….one last gasp….
Trying REALLY, REALLY hard…
Nope! Can’t do it!
Now what do you all suppose that means about said party?
Comment from
Dan S.
September 25, 2008, 4:24 pm
“Now what do you all suppose that means about said party?”
Compared to the Republicans, their faults aren’t worth mentioning?
***How’s that deregulation working out for you guys?
…oh yeaaahh, that’s too bad***
Comment from
MT110
September 25, 2008, 4:57 pm
I can’t believe that Republicans are all a bunch of Commies.
Comment from
cynico
September 25, 2008, 5:09 pm
Actually, one of the problems with the Democrats is that they are so open-minded and willing to challenge each other. They are unlike Republicans, a group of follow-the-playbook-directives-at-all-costs robots. While you are doing all that thinking, try thinking for yourself for once. Aren’t you tired of others always doing it for you?
Comment from
Dan S.
September 25, 2008, 5:29 pm
Another problem with the Democrats is that they give the general voting public too much credit for being able to understand the English language.
During the past two presidential campaigns, Bush would drum a mantra into the head of the sheep, while his Democrat counterparts would speak intelligently to the public, explaining things in way more than the simplest of terms.
The worst thing about Democrats is that they allow the Republicans to get off way too easy when cornered telling HUGE lies!
Times have changed, it’s time to get down in the mud and filth with the Republicans and kick their a**es.
Comment from
cynico
September 25, 2008, 6:00 pm
Dan, your point is well-taken. John Kerry, a veteran and war hero, allowed himself to be smeared by an incumbent president who ducked into the National Guard to avoid active duty and then went AWOL from his duties there. And, by the outrage demonstrated in letters that attack both you and me, the mudslingers of the right (wrong, actually) really want that to be a one-way deal. They are having some trouble with intelligent Democrats fighting back.
Comment from
Dan S.
September 25, 2008, 6:17 pm
Some Repubs are so deep in denial, that you can beat their brains in, and they keep coming back for more.
Check out the Chronicle’s home page links, and go to the Constant Complainer (under Daily Diversions).
Comment from
WhatElseIsNew
September 25, 2008, 6:34 pm
Dan S.
Read the article. Very interesting. And very well said on your part!
Comment from
cynico
September 25, 2008, 6:43 pm
Now that’s a comment that proves our point, TH. Forget a substantive response. Just hurl an insult. Here’s one for you — mccain/palin
Comment from
Dan S.
September 25, 2008, 6:55 pm
“Read the article.”
If you just read the first one, scroll down to the one about Palin, or conservative women. It has about 113 responses.
All they can come back with is denial of the facts.
Comment from
BriDawg29
September 25, 2008, 8:09 pm
CYNICO: To quote ya…
“Now that’s a comment that proves our point, TH. Forget a substantive response. Just hurl an insult. Here’s one for you — mccain/palin” -AND-
“…Republicans, a group of follow-the-playbook-directives-at-all-costs robots. While you are doing all that thinking, try thinking for yourself for once. Aren’t you tired of others always doing it for you?”
HEY CYNICO - Nothing like making a point, then doing the very thing you accuse “the right” of doing. Nice substantive responses you had there! Glad to see you backed off the insults, too. Way to be congruent.
By the way…I’m still waiting for the name of some big, powerful, influential Dem that’s been critical of their party? C’mon…name one.
Seems like the R’s are the true free-thinkers. Newt’s been critical. Rove has been critical. McCain’s been critical. Etc., etc, etc…
Dem’s? No one - everybody’s towing the party line.
DAN S.:
You talk about sheep WAAYYY too much, dude. Repubs are like sheep…”Gay Jesus Guy’s” followers are like sheep. I think you’ve mentioned sheep in every forum I’ve seen you post to.
Is there something you want to share with the rest of us? A little secret sheep fetish? You’re so BAAAAAAAD.
ALL DEMS:
Google JFK’s Inaugural Address & read it. See what he had to say about…
- building up our arms & defenses
- protecting ourselves and our allies
- peace through strength
- God’s role in politics
- the USA “doing the work of God”
Maybe you’ll see how Hollyweird has hijacked your party and realize for yourselves just how far LEFT the Democratic party has gone.
Love,
A former donkey (long ago)
Comment from
BriDawg29
September 25, 2008, 8:11 pm
WAIT, WAIT, WAIT….stop the presses!
I’ve got it. I thought of one! You ready…
JOE FREAKING LIEBERMAN!
And how’s he faring now that he’s said a few negative things about the Dem agenda?
Oh yeah, you’re trying to officially kick him out of the party.
Nice…
Comment from
Dan S.
September 25, 2008, 8:34 pm
“By the way…I’m still waiting for the name of some big, powerful, influential Dem that’s been critical of their party? C’mon…name one.”
How about Leiberman?
He be big and bad and oh so critical.
Comment from
Dan S.
September 25, 2008, 8:36 pm
“You talk about sheep WAAYYY too much, dude.”
You guys talk about Clinton way too much…
…besides a rose is a rose is a rose
Comment from
Dan S.
September 25, 2008, 8:39 pm
BriDawg29…
Wish I would have read all the comments before posting…
…but yeah! Leiberman, is critical of the Dems.
But he’s a winy a** little punk…
Comment from
WhatElseIsNew
September 25, 2008, 8:49 pm
How about Zell Miller, Dem. from Georgia. Lt. Gov. 1975-1990. Georgia Gov. 1991-1999. Senator 2000-2005. Spoke at Republican convention backing Bush and bashing Kerry.
Comment from
WhatElseIsNew
September 25, 2008, 8:56 pm
Unsure if I would consider Lieberman a Democrat. After he lost in the primary he switched parties and ran as an Independent to keep his seat. He is a registered Independent.
Comment from
THHiggie
September 25, 2008, 9:01 pm
Where do you get off talking about “substantive” responses? Do you read the tripe being posted here? It would be nice to find a site where legitimate debate took place; do you know of any sites other than the Daily KOS or Huffington Post? You hate Republicans, Bush, McCain; we all understand that; so what? Do you think you persuade anyone? Do you care? I know I’m just preaching to the choir or talking to a wall, because I harbor no illusions. There are deep, solid reasons why I will not vote for Democrats, and I have outlined most of them; that leaves me where I am, and you where you are. I guess we both have way too much time on our hands.
Comment from
Dan S.
September 25, 2008, 9:03 pm
Let’s see, what do the Democrats have to complain about when it comes to their own party…
…Oh yeah, that ol’ hound dog Clinton LIED about his personal life after the Republicans spent tens of millions investigating him and finally cornering him for something totally unrelated to their initial White Water Witch Hunt.
Then there’s Bush…
Iraq lies, let Wall Street run wild, FERC is a joke, FEMA is a bigger joke (way to go Brownie!) and I’m betting this sack starts a war with Iran before leaving office.
Gas prices are so high, we need to take out a loan, but the banks are so screwed up, those loans are no longer available!
And less than two months ago BUSH the IDIOT of all times was bragging about HIS economy!
So, NOW that the rats are leaving the ship, some genius Repub thinks that’s good thing and wonders why the Democrats aren’t able to be critical of their party?!
These guys are a bad joke…
…a VERY bad joke on the country.
Comment from
cynico
September 25, 2008, 9:13 pm
Gee, Dawg, it sounds as if you REALLY believe what you say. It sounds as if you REALLY believe what you say is meaningful. Good for you. Knock yourself out. Please.
Comment from
mh1492
September 25, 2008, 9:24 pm
What about Dennis Kucinich? I think he has been MORE than a little critical about the Democratic party power structure.
Yeah Newts real critical, he’s the guy that came up with “Drill, baby, drill. That’s the official Republican cheer today.
Hey things are totally screwed and the Republicans have basically been in the drivers seat since 1994. So they have to appear to be somewhat self reflective otherwise people would wonder about their basic sanity.
Comment from
Dan S.
September 25, 2008, 10:12 pm
“That’s the official Republican cheer today.”
As long as leave Jebbieland, aka Florida, alone.
Comment from
cynico
September 25, 2008, 10:27 pm
You know, THHiggie, I agree with you. Maybe you and I can make a pact one day soon to do a back and forth with substance rather than vitriolic partisanship. It’s worth some of the time we have on our hands.
Comment from
BriDawg29
September 26, 2008, 8:25 am
Again, Cynico - nice insults from someone who accuses the Republicans of doing all the insulting. Nice substantive responses from someone that says the R’s are the ones who fail to give them. Your congruency shines through again.
Now, on to some other points…
Kucinich doesn’t matter because NONE of the power players in the party take him seriously. He’s just a guy making noise.
Lieberman was a former Dem VP candidate that they’re now trying to excommunicate from the party for having a different viewpoint.
True, things are very screwed up today, largely due to mismanagement by the Republicans. However, they certainly are not the only ones to blame (Fannie/Freddie, liberalized lending standards, mark-to-market, etc).
Everyone should accept their share of the blame for what’s gone wrong - including the Republican leadership and the Bush administration. But it’s not ALL on them - not by a long shot.
Unfortunately what I see today is a complete unwillingness to shoulder ANY of the blame by the Democratic party. All they have is thier “Bush lied” and “it’s all Bush’s fault” mantras that they constantly spew. Cases in point…
- Dems accusing dissenters in their party of being “whiny ass little punks” instead of embracing new ideas.
-blaming EVERYTHING on the Bush administration, while forgetting that many of the root causes materialized in the Clinton years and while Dems have contolled the Congress (see recent gridlock)
- forgetting that this Democratic controlled Congress has THE LOWEST approval rating of any Congress in HISTORY, and have accomplished LITTLE IF ANY meaningful legislation
- when I have heard a Dem acknowledge this Congress’ failures, it’s aways the R’s fauly…never theirs, even though the Dems have the majority
- Lefties calling the leader of the free world a “moron” (MSNBC last night), “idiot” (this forum), murderer and a religious zealot.
- all leadership of the Dem party pointing the finger at Bush and the Repubilcans and accepting no responsibility for themselves
- an unwillingness by Dems to get anything done on a bipartisan basis for fear of the electoral repercussions
There’s just no sense of cooperation in American politics today and there is a GROSS lack of respect for our nations highest office.
At least McCain has clearly demonstrated an ability to work across the aisle throughout the years. To some degree, that has even made him unpopular with the base of his party. Now many Dems are screaming about how McCain cannot even capture his base properly. Ironic, but that’s because he worked across the aisle with the VERY PEOPLE who are now admonishing him for not having a solid base.
Do you all really think the American people are that stupid?
Look, you all don’t have to be “sheep” and get in line with Bush, but you certainly don’t have to be “sheep” be getting in COMPLETE AND TOTAL alignment with what the party dictates to you either.
Also, a little respect for the leader of the free world would be nice. If Obama wins. I will still call him “President Obama” instead of some other creative names like you are all calling President Bush.
Seriously, people - we aren’t the freaking bad guys!
As for “Drill. Baby, Drill” - we should. We should drill and we should drill a lot - while we explore ALL other forms of energy. We should completely cover ALL of our bases and use ALL of our options. This is an opportunity for the USA to lead an energy revolution and we have to sieze the opportunity while it’s still here. An energy revolution will happen and we have a choice - we can lead it or we can watch it happen and become FURTHER beholden to the interests of other countries.
Think the Iraq War is about oil? Easy - become oil independent and quit relying on the Middle East.
I don’t understand why you people don’t grasp that concept. Why put all of our eggs in one basket (alternative sources)? It’s a silly idea that will cause the USA to be looking at the rears of all of the other countries that will “get it” before the left wakes up.
Incidently, I didn’t hear any comments regarding the JFK speech. Did you read it?
WWJFK do?
How far LEFT you’ve all gone…
Comment from
Dan S.
September 26, 2008, 2:27 pm
“Everyone should accept their share of the blame for what’s gone wrong - including the Republican leadership and the Bush administration. But it’s not ALL on them - not by a long shot.”
Republicans got where they are by presenting a united front, no matter what.
Now that their tactics have resulted in a major economic disaster, ALL Republicans who stood united are responsible.
The Republicans are solely responsible for this mess for following their god, Ronnie ‘Poopie Pants’ Reagan’s lead and deregulating everything they could get their greedy little hands on.
NOW the Republican’ts are holding their little temper tantrum “revolt” in an attempt to save their political hides.
But guess what? You can screw the public for so long. But, even as stupid as they are for the most part, they’ll stop believing obvious Republican LIES after a while, and that time has come.
So, Bring it On, with your revolt, because nobody believes you’re trying to do what is right for anyone other than your own miserable selves!
Come November, watch the *real* REVOLT, you money grubbing pigs!!!
Comment from
BriDawg29
September 26, 2008, 2:56 pm
Dan,
Perhaps you should review the finer points of the crisis. You see, this is a credit-based crisis , due in large part to the mess the Freddie & Fannie got us into by loosening their lending standards across all economic classes.
It’s not the Republicans that were responsible for that legislation…
And it’s not the Republicans that are in Fannie/Freddie’s pockets.
You know that…stop clouding the issue. If you disagree, please Google it and see who Fannie/Freddie gave money to. You’ll find that it’s Obama, Clinton and the rest of the crew.
I admitted earlier that Republicans are partly to blame. Why do you refuse to admit the Dems’ role in it all?
Comment from
Dan S.
September 26, 2008, 5:17 pm
Admin…
Is it the content of my post that’s keeping it off of your board?
Other posts seem to be getting through with no problem…
Comment from
Dan S.
September 26, 2008, 6:02 pm
Thought that maybe I should clarify my last post here…
I’m making no accusations about unfair, or any other kind of censorship, since this board does actually respect freedom of speech, save the bit about naughty words…
But that’s understandable, as in the Chronicle has to respect and protect it’s general audience from some things.
So, I can’t imagine that last post I tried to get through about 4 times being held back for content, as I suggested.
Probably held back by a glitch in the filter that disallows multiple posts of the same content.
…even though I did try and change the content a bit.
Anyway, I just wanted to make it clear that I have no disrespect for the Chronicle or it’s board moderators/administrators.
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