Not even Palin wants Newt
Now that Newt Gingrich is expected to form a presidential “exploratory” committee (though he will *not * be announcing an official presidential bid when he goes to Atlanta Thursday to speak at American Enterprise Institute and American Solutions events, according to Reuters), it’s becoming more apparent how little support he has – from both sides of the aisle.
Of course, he’s got the long-held ire from the left. But some Republican leaders have expressed distaste for Gingrich, or at least doubt in his ability to win the nomination.
There’s the scathing attacks from Sarah Palin, who originally reported by Politico, referred to Gingrich as an “egotistical, narrow-minded machine goon.”
And in December, The Washington Post interviewed Rep. Peter King (R-N.Y.), who was not complimentary to the former speaker.
“„“You do need a speaker who is very sober minded. Boehner will do a much better job than Gingrich. John is the perfect person for the job. The only time he becomes the center of attention is when the White House makes him the center of attention. … The speaker can’t take on issue X for two weeks and then go on Meet the Press or Fox and talk about issue Y. … When you’re in leadership, you are speaking to the whole country.”
But the former speaker of the House will likely have some support. Roll Call reported that he has backing from the GOP in Georgia (where he once served) and California.
Said Rep. Jack Kingston (R-Ga.) to Roll Call:
“„“He has stayed in touch with the Georgia delegation, and I think he would find some ready support among the delegation. He has a big network [in the House]. … Most people know and respect Newt. I would say it’s a rare Republican who hasn’t crossed paths with Newt Gingrich politically in their own campaigns. I think he would carry the state. If he gets in the race I think he would lock down Georgia pretty quick. We’ll be with him.”
But even those who support him, like Sen. Richard Burr (R-N.C.), said he has no chance at winning the GOP nomination, according to Roll Call.
“„Said Burr to Roll Call: “When you look at Newt, you see a person that’s bubbling over with ideas but not necessarily one who has the discipline to see those ideas carried through to finality. Gingrich certainly brings excitement. I don’t see the former speaker coming out of a primary contest as our nominee, but I wish him well.”
