Gingrich Instructs Team Not to Attack Fellow GOP Candidates After Word Romney About To Go On The Offensive — Update: Christie Steps In To Be Romney’s Attack Dog…
Smart move if you ask me. Bachmann killed her campaign (and made a fool of herself in the process) when she went nuts on Perry. Romney also went negative, further alienating him from the base. Newt’s invoking Reagan’s 11th Commandment: “Thou shalt not speak ill of thy fellow Republican.”
Via RCP:
From his more than three decades in Washington, Newt Gingrich has an overstuffed rolodex of political counselors to draw on when he needs them, and he exchanges e-mails religiously with a wide range of Washingtonians. But now that his campaign — left for dead over the summer — has gained enough steam to vault him into frontrunner status, he’s beginning to tap those sources for a greater organizational network of informal advisers, many of whom trace their political roots back to the Reagan administration.
This morning from Des Moines, Iowa, Gingrich held a conference call with some of these advisers and his senior staff to discuss his campaign going forward and to give his advocates some direction in light of the news that Mitt Romney’s campaign is preparing to attack. According to campaign spokesman R.C. Hammond, “In response to the dynamics over the last 24 hours about the attacks coming our way, his instructions to us were to not say anything bad about Mitt Romney.”
Hammond explained that the campaign has been getting a series of inquiries about how they will respond to attacks coming Gingrich’s way, given the searing Web ad Ron Paul’s campaign has released, and the “tea leaves” that the Romney campaign is preparing to attack. And so, in the course of a regular morning call with his staff and advisers, Gingrich said to keep the focus on a forward-looking campaign and President Obama.
Update: Right on cue.
(WSJ) — New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is going where Mitt Romney is not: a full-on attack on the newest challenger to Mr. Romney’s claim to the Republican nomination, Newt Gingrich.
Campaigning for the former Massachusetts governor in South Florida Thursday, Mr. Christie showed he may be the Romney attack dog.
“Speaker Gingrich has never run anything,” he told FLDemocracy2012.com, a Scripps Howard website. “And he’s been a legislator. I have to tell you, I don’t think being a legislator is the best calling card. Look at the guy we have in the White House now. He never ran anything and was a legislator.”
Posted by ZIP on Thursday, December 1, 2011, at 3:50 pm | 
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Best strategy for Gingrich, will make him appear more Presidential and reflect an air of inevitability(and I’m a Perry backer)
“Smart move if you ask me, Bachmann killed her campaign (and made a fool of herself in the process) when she went nuts on Perry”
Yep.
Yep, don’t attack each other. The field will soon slim down on its on when the money dries up (Santorum & Bachmann), or when you lose support based on MSM lies (Cain), or you become irrevelant (Huntsman) or you just shoot yourself in the head (Paul) by your own stupidity. It will pare down to Gingrich, Perry and Rinominnie soon.
The message has to be (paraphrasing): “All of us are far better for the country than Obama (except Hunstman, of course). The issue is, and this is what I must convince you of, I am the best of the anti-Obamas and here is why.” Then contrast your plan to what Obama has done. Pepper your message with hope that things can be changed for the better and express confidence in the American people. You have to say scarcely a word against any of your Republican opponents.
The Dems are counting on this internecine fighting to weaken the Republicans. They need for that to happen to improve their odds.
Even the Cold War waited until Hitler was out of the way.
Sentinel-a good nutshell analysis you give, except that Huntsman will not “become” irrelevant, he has been all along
@veldy
You’re right, but once I saw just a faint glimmer of light that quickly went out.
I don’t like Romney & was pulling for Cain until he literally fucked up his chances, Now I’m leaning Newt but this is the main reason Newt doesn’t want egg throwing in the primary.
http://www.verumserum.com/?p=34603
Rest assured fighting for Freddie & Fannie while he was the sitting Speaker will get brought up by the Democrats should he be the nominee. This needs to be addressed. Even more so than Romney needs to admit Romneycare was a monumental mistake.
Thankfully so, Sentinel, thankfully so.
Would love to see him debate zer0. Thats about it.
I should have taken the opportunity to mention something Ace brought up yesterday, with a link to this:
Is Bachmann Angling to Be Romney’s Veep?
“Michele Bachmann abruptly canceled scheduled events in Iowa on Tuesday to do nine conservative and Christian radio programs. Her No. 1 topic? Newt Gingrich’s soft stance on immigration. Which candidate does this most help? Mitt Romney.
Throughout the summer and fall, Romney has hardly needed to attack any of his rivals; Bachmann has done it for him. When Rick Perry was rising in the polls, it was Bachmann who went after him for supporting an HPV-vaccine mandate. When Herman Cain was on the ascent it was Bachmann who shot down his “9-9-9″ plan and his “inconsistencies.”
Read more: http://swampland.time.com/2011/11/29/is-bachmann-angling-to-be-romneys-veep/#ixzz1fJkbYeC2
This is why Newt will ultimately win the Republican nomination – he looks like a statesman rather than a politician.
vt
Something to think about, hardly anyone was a Newt fan until his debate performances.
It’s possible he could do the same during the general election in the three scheduled presidential debates.
This should be a rule of thumb for any nominee who pulls ahead of the pack past a certain point. Now is not the time to alienate anyone.
As an added touch, i expect Newt to not only answer the question posed, but to compliment the person that challenges him in the next debate. It will leave them without any justification for a reprisal.
All explanations, and all arguments, should be made to the American people, not to the other candidate that challenges him.
.
A campaign doesn’t have to “go nuts” to reveal Newt as being all over the map. He wanted Puerto Rico to become a state, for Pete’s sake, as part of his long-term hispander project.
Fukitol
She probably thinks they are interested but the nominee would be insane to pick her as his VP.
Whoever is going against Obama has to pick a rock solid VP.
Dana
The nuts was in reference to her wackadoodle attacks on Perry.
I do agree, Newt has a lot of baggage but it’s already known where as Cain’s wasn’t and therefore dragged him down into oblivion.
No one wants Romney, except of course the Dems and MSNBC.
If Newt keeps to the “high road” he will win.
It’s still Anybody But Obama.
Rufus: “It’s still Anybody But Obama.”
Amen to that.
Yep.
Believe me Zip, I agree.
Looky here:
Thursday, December 01, 2011
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich has surged to the largest national lead held by any candidate so far in the race for the Republican Presidential Nomination.
http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/elections/election_2012/election_2012_presidential_election/election_2012_republican_presidential_primary
Shut your cake hole, Christie. My respect level for you is now in the negatives.
Fukitol
http://weaselzippers.us/2011/12/01/national-gop-poll-gingrich-38-romney-17/
WOW. Christie is only going to damage his reputation. I thought he wasn’t running because he wanted to focus on NJ? Why the hell is he in Florida campaigning for Romney then?
Hang on, I have a feeling Newt can handle Christie a wee bit better than Christie handles those school teachers.
Newt spent an hour with Hannity and didn’t efffup to any great degree.
Romney spent about 15 or 20 minutes with Bret Baier and came away not looking so good. Plus Baier kinda bad mouthed Romney after the interview.
Keeping one’s composure means a lot and Newt seems to learn from his mistakes. Even if he has to make them a couple of times.
@Fukitol – good points
Attacking with Bimps became obslete during WWW1.
I will vote for the Republican candidate, though I am not thrilled with any of them. They are all squishy in their various ways.
For that reason, the election of real conservatives to the House and Senate becomes even more important.
A Milton Friedman quote comes to mind in that regard, “Rather than elect the right people to do the right things, create the broader political conditions whereby the wrong people are forced to do the right things.”
“Speaker Gingrich has never run anything,”
————
Isn’t the whole point of this discussion that government SHOULDN’T be trying to run everything? Barack Obama has never had i real job before, at least as far as i can tell, and he’s trying to run every aspect of our lives. Hows that strategy workin’ out?
The strength of every FREE system is it’s private sector. Our new President’s goal should be to NOT GOVERN ANYTHING unless it’s absolutely necessary.
The primary mission of government is to protect the freedom of Americans. Government has to intrude on freedom if it wants to make decisions for everyone.
.
Every time Gov. Christie opens his mouth, I’m more and more grateful he didn’t run for President… He really just needs to concentrate on the issues facing NJ and righting that ship of state…
I don’t know about anyone else, but I’m actually excited by Newt’s *Lincoln-Douglas* debate idea – where he’d follow Obama by four hours until Barry agrees to debate him…
And Mr. Christie, Mitt is a businessman that saved the Olympics (big deal) He was a governor that started Romney care ( sorta like Obama)
And you Mr( big mouth) Christie, appointed a Muslim as judge. I didn’t see Newt go that far out. So maybe you shouldn’t throw rocks when you live in a glass house!!
RINOs of a feather stick together.
Arabianmoondog says:
December 1, 2011 at 4:17 pm
“I don’t know about anyone else, but I’m actually excited by Newt’s *Lincoln-Douglas* debate idea – where he’d follow Obama by four hours until Barry agrees to debate him…”
That’s one thing I wish Gingrich would drop. If Obama played it right, he could make Newt look like a lost puppy dog. The MSM would only be more than happy to help out in that regard.
On the other hand, if Obama plays it wrong, he looks bad, real bad.
Hopefully, Gingrich’s people know how to move this his way.
Listen to us, we act like Gingrich has it wrapped.
Fat-fuck’s endorsement won’t win Romney any more votes, but it WILL convince more Conservatives to back Gingrich.
You guys realize that Rick Santorum is the attack dog for Newt, right? That’s why he’s running and it’s why he is still in the race. Think back on the debates…Santorum has been the only candidate who has drawn real blood on Ron Paul, Mittens, Cain, and Perry but he didn’t touch Newt at the last two debates when Newt’s star was ascending. Hmmmmm…. it’s just as plausible as believing that Bachmann is schilling for Romney.
In the end, we are going to pick a nominee.
This is all part of the nominating process.
If you want to defeat Obama, you will back whoever it ends up being.
I don’t want it to be Romney, but I will vote for him over Obama anytime.
The key will be to vote in a complete Republican Congress, with enough of a margin to counter the RINOs and turncoat Republicans of Mass, Maine, etc.
Someone remind fat-boy that if we want his opinion…we’ll ask for it.
Newt, Romney what’s the difference? Both are career politicians who only care about their own power and success. These two rank somewhere betwen Reagan and Barney Frank, but mostly near Barney the Dancing Queen.
Has Christy ever run a business?
…those who fail to learn from history are bound to repeat it…
Dumb….Christy and Mitt need to be in a position to get Newts help if Mitt wins. And that works both ways. Doing this will mean Christy shoots his wad or looks like a fool if he supports Newt. This guy needs a fucking handler.
It won’t help Romney. It is too late for him.
Well, I am not voting for the womanizer Noooooot and his cheap bleached blonde ugly wife who helped him find his “religion”. Not a lobbyist my foot. The left fell for the talker and look what we got. Now the dumb right is falling for the same thing. Smartest man in the room, room full of conservatives that is. Obama will eat him alive and the conservatives have only themselves to blame. First time not voting; I think Stern’s description of Noooooot is right on. IDEAOLOGY ABOVE COUNTRY.
I find it amazing. Four years ago Republicans were p*ssed that McCain won the nomination over Romney. We all felt cheated. McCain was the ultimate RINO and we deserved better. I remember people in our caucuses stating they could never support McCain and proudly cast their support behind Romney.
Now, suddenly, Romney is the big RINO everyone hates. How has opinion changed to much in the intervening years?
I’m not the Romney fan I used to be, but anyone who thinks Newt is so much more conservative than Romney is in for a big suprise if/when he gets into the WH. The true conservatives are getting blocked out and we’re being pushed right back to another choice between two moderates and who do we belive is the more “true” conservative.
This anouncement is a subtle attack in its own right anyway. If they didn’t believe they should attack, why announce it. Jsut move on and forget about it. He’s backhandedly trying to paint Romney as the aggressor and a negative campaigner. Shrewd.
Newt not too attack…LOL
I lived through Gingrich the first time I have no desire to repeat the diaster. Personally I believe he is the last chance the Globalists and the Banking cartels have to throw at the people. If people fall for this guy with all the baggage he is carrying. I will lose what little faith I had in the American people.
Making a Presidential run for a Republican is like wandering into the Valley of evil where there is no quarter given or asked for. I respect anyone who goes into this meat grinder. As for a Democrat running, I have no respect for them because the left wing media is already on side shilling for them. Bastards!
Fuck Christie. He is no more a conservative that Clinton was celibate. Pro abortion. Anti gun and second ammendment….his mouth is as big as his ass and his stance on education will get beat down by the unions he didn’t bust.
Doesn’t matter whether you like Newt or not, he is the smartest man in the room. Good for him for taking the high ground.
Was listening to Hannity a little bit today. He was speaking with Santorum. I’m just beginning to think he has more going for him than I originally surmised.
Christie is a moron. Who outside of New Jersey, unless you are a political junkie even know who the fat guy is? Romney is really starting to PISS me off in a big way. I thought the whole idea was to rid of the Marxist in the White House. But, I guess for Romney, like Obama, power is much more important than the country. Gingrich is taking the high road for a good reason. It is a WINNER. Screw all the RINOs like Rove, Christie, Daniels, etc. that have put their hope in the flipper Romney. Newt will be the nominee simply because he is the most qualified and the BEST DAMN candidate period. GINGRICH 2012
@Thunder Lizard,
That basically about sums up what he is actually doing. I’m not sure if ZIP posted this, if so, then just a refresher:
Newt Outlines the 21st Century Contract with America
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hd23sdf4CE
It’s worth the watch. My main issue with all of them is trust. But it’s up to us to hold whoever it is accountable. It’s a 4 year gig. He will only get 4 more if he is worthy.
_____________________________
EDskers says:
December 1, 2011 at 5:56 pm
Newt not too attack…LOL
I lived through Gingrich the first time I have no desire to repeat the diaster. Personally I believe he is the last chance the Globalists and the Banking cartels have to throw at the people. If people fall for this guy with all the baggage he is carrying. I will lose what little faith I had in the American people.
_________________________________________
It is of course your prerogative to believe what you choose, and to vote what you perceive is your conscience. However, let me just take a second to call …bullshit. There are a lot of us here who also lived through Gingrich the first time, and it was no disaster as you claim. Of course when you only present feelings as facts I would hope you don’t expect them to be engaged in analytically or taken seriously. Your use of elementary sandbox tactics akin to “I’m not going to be your friend if you don’t play what I want to play” smacks of libtard mentality. Good luck with that. Maybe you should exam your own faith in yourself. Just sayin’.
Christie, you stupid fat RINO, why don’t you go 69 with Michael Moore?
(Quite an image, eh? It would be hard to tell where the blubber begins and ends!)
I love this forum. WZ readers get it! I am proud to be among these well informed, good patriots.
I predict a Gingrich / Perry ticket. Don’t believe me? Read the 5-page forward Newt wrote for Perry’s new book, “Fed Up”.
Today, Neil Cavutto interviewed Sheriff Joe. He strongly endorsed Rick Perry. So much for Bachman’s BS about Perry being soft on immigration. When Cavutto asked the good sheriff about the other candidates his remarks were respectful but direct. Unlike Chris “Crispy Cream” Christy, who has the diplomatic discipline of a party clown with turret’s syndrome. Perry isn’t flashy, but he is no doubt, Obama’s worst nightmare.
I can’t wait for November 2012 when Obama gets his 79 day notice.
@halodoc right on!
No one but Newt is a statesman. He is a very smart man, and he’s got it right, it’s about statesmanship, not mudslinging… amazing that the other guys don’t get it.
I think Romney’s ego is starting to show .. he’s desperate because he thought he had a lock on the nomination, he was the darling of the media and he thought he was the golden boy and now his wheels are starting to come off. Always portrayed himself as the good guy in the 10 gallon white hat, but now he’s resorting to pandering, mud slinging and attacks on Republicans.
I also wonder if Newt isn’t just smart enough to avoid taking a hard stand on things like immigration, because he doesn’t want to polarize those on the left by giving them more ammunition? If it isn’t settled until he gets in the White House, he can take whatever stand he wants and it will not matter, because when he leaves the White House he will be done with politics, and he doesn’t need the money.
Just thinkin’
@NorthStar
“I also wonder if Newt isn’t just smart enough to avoid taking a hard stand on things like immigration, because he doesn’t want to polarize those on the left by giving them more ammunition?”
_____________
Bingo! Newt doesn’t want to take a firm stand….why alienate the Hispanics, if you don’t have to? Why hand them to Barack Obama on a silver platter?
Yeah, Newtie is a great Republican! He only wants carbon taxes, mandatory health insurances, and TSA Nazis on every corner. Wake up sheople! Ron Paul is the answer to the nanny state, not an arrogant little toad who wants to be the nanny.
None of them are perfect, and I’d gladly vote for any of them over Obamaclause with the possible exception of Hunstman. That being said, I find the attacks on Romney as a flipper curious considering Newt’s persistent changes on Global Warming, carbon taxes, immigration, Medicate, the Ryan budget and more.
If you think he’s the best guy for the job, I’m good with that. But don’t resort to ad hominems against Romney and others and act like Newt is the perfect conservative and all others are RINOs. It’s simply not being intellectually honest.
If you want the truest conservative, then Ron Paul is your guy. But that’s almost like blood on teh alter to suggest that Ron Paul should get serious attention.
I wish we treated the Democratic opposition like we treat each other during Primary season…..