Gingrich tells wealthy Jewish GOP donors he’ll move U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem, vows to keep running

Though members of his campaign quit in droves Thursday, former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich pledged to keep his presidential bid alive in an address to the Republican Jewish Coalition Sunday night in Los Angeles. Gingrich spoke about foreign policy, specifically about Israel.

In prepared remarks Gingrich provided The Associated Press, the former House Speaker said he believes “both Israel and America are at a dangerous crossroads at which the survival of Israel and the safety of the United States both hang in the balance.” Gingrich would also move the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem if elected President, he said.

Several top aides and staff — including Des Moines attorney Craig Schoenfeld, Gingrich’s Iowa campaign director — quit simultaneously Thursday afternoon, after apparent disagreements arose between Gingrich and staff on how to run the campaign.

The exodus spells trouble for the former Speaker, Iowa’s political analysts and Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad speculated.

“His campaign’s in real trouble. Whether this is the end, I don’t know, but it doesn’t look very good,” Branstad said Friday during a taping of Iowa Public Television’s “Meet the Press.” Branstad, Iowa’s longest-serving governor who is serving his fifth term, was critical of Gingrich’s campaign tactics, including taking a lengthy Greek luxury cruise.

“You do a cruise when the campaign’s over,” he said, adding Gingrich’s vacation “was a big mistake.”

Gingrich, however, has given no signs of withdrawing from the race. In addition to speaking to the Republican Jewish Coalition Sunday, he is expected to participate in the New Hampshire primary debate tonight.

Several other heavy-weights for the GOP nominations are expected to attend tonight’s debate, including Atlanta businessman Herman Cain, former Minnesota Tim Pawlenty, U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney.