They call him The Teaser
Writing by treason on Sunday, 30 of September , 2007 at 10:01 pm
I’ve looked under chairs
I’ve looked under tables
I’ve tried to find the key
To fifty million fables
They call me The Teaser
I’ve been searching low and high
I won’t get to get what I’m after
‘Til the day I die…
It was funny when the news broke that Newt, after months of what the pundits are referring to as a “tease,” had made it official: He would not be seeking the presidency in 2008. This came as no surprise, and despite the explanation that he was forced to make a difficult choice (legally explore a bid for leader of the free world or remain leader of his tax-exempt political organization, American Solutions), it was clear that the real reason was as simple as timing.
It was in June of last year that The V.O.T. cited an article by R. Emmett Tyrrell, Jr. entitled “The Boy Speaker.” Bob, as I said back then, is “none too fond of his subject, and that subject would be Newt Gingrich.”
As much as I like Newt and admire his intellect, passion, and knowledge of politics and history, I have to agree with Bob Tyrrell: Newt carries a lot of baggage. He is, like it or not, the Republican version of Bill Clinton. Like the former president, Newt had a wonderful opportunity to initiate real change, but because of some very real character flaws, he fell short of the objective.
I won’t rehash the entire article, but it’s interesting that the Editors at National Review published something very similar recently: “Newt Don’t Run.” It echoes Tyrrell’s concerns about Newt’s electability because, like Hillary, he represents an unpleasant political past that, ironically, he is committed to changing. But great ideas cannot wipe out historical fact. He’s tainted. Like Hillary, he has too much baggage – way more than a full set of Samsonite – and his participation in the race would hurt not only himself, but the other candidates, too.
Like the Editors point out:
“The Republican party owes Newt Gingrich a big debt. It will benefit should GOP politicians borrow some of the initiatives that result from his latest project. But not if he runs for president.”
Frankly, when the Conservatives aren’t backing you, it might just be time to back off. But as much baggage as there is, my real issue with Newt, again, is timing. A Gingrich candidacy would be bogged down by war and terrorism, political correctness, a trend towards Socialism and more government control, a dumbed-down electorate, and a lopsided media.
Newt, if given the opportunity, could do a lot of good and radically change the nature of American politics. But as President, too many of his ideas and programs would have to take a backseat. George W. Bush came into office with good ideas and the best intentions for his domestic policy, and then came September 11. The current political climate would not be warm enough to nurture a Gingrich administration, and in all honesty, I don’t think Newt would want to fail at the job. What he should do now is adopt a Dick Cheney attitude. Forfeit the top job and work in a support role – not for himself, but for the team.
He had an opportunity once. That was his time. That time has passed.
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