CPAC Report: Michelle interviews Newt Gingrich
posted at 7:52 am on March 6, 2007 by Bryan
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About CPAC, the presidential campaign and the war. Interview date: March 1.
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My biggest regret in this interview is that I didn’t immediately respond to Newt’s dissing of the Swift Boat Vets. If he thinks he can win conservative hearts and minds by trashing their honor, he isn’t as smart as so many think he is.
Michelle on March 6, 2007 at 8:01 AM
1. Nice Vent. I appreciate that MM simply asks the questions, rather than inject her commentary into the interview (Bill O’Reilly is my best example of that style…which I don’t usually care for).
2. Not as big a fan of Gingrich as many of those on this website, but I do respect that he is very plain-speaking, and answers the questions put forth to him. I also found it interesting that his position on not singling out specific countries for more difficult immigration/visiting the United States is similar to the way I feel. I say that because in the Vent a week or two ago saying that Saudi college students shouldn’t be allowed in here was something that I disagreed with, but I was far in the minority in the discussion thread.
3. Regarding MM’s comment to start this thread: I interpreted Gingrich’s comments to be more that we need to say why it’s important to elect us, and what great ideas we bring to the table, rather than tearing down the other candidate and saying, “you have to vote for us because the other guy is a jerk/incompetent/etc.”
asc85 on March 6, 2007 at 8:27 AM
Newt’s right about everything else though Michelle (and I don’t know anyone who switched a vote from Kerry to Bush over the Swift boat ads. do you?). Sounds like Newt is backing Rudolph to me. VP Newt?
doufree on March 6, 2007 at 8:27 AM
Well done Michelle. Thanks for asking the serious questions we all want answers to. Newts nuanced answer about a nasty woman candidate was very spineless of him. He should tell it like it is. Hillary is a nasty woman and everyone knows it.
roninacreage on March 6, 2007 at 8:46 AM
I think you were right to press him. Newt has the best ideas on so many PRACTICAL things that will never fly with the lazy American public.
Who is actually going to take their own health care seriously by way of prevention? The illegals and the poor will always use as their excuse, “Eating healthy is more expensive.”. Now that is a crock.
A bag of dried back beans costs 69 cent and will feed a family of four for two meals.
IT IS TOO BAD THAT PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY IS SO UNFASHIONABLE, or he might actually have had a chance.
seejanemom on March 6, 2007 at 8:48 AM
that would be………..
A bag of dried BLACK beans COST 69 CENTS….
Do not type decaffeinated.
seejanemom on March 6, 2007 at 8:51 AM
Heh. Surely you’re aware of the ominous new health problem threatening America’s poor?
On the interview, Newt is right, though I think the SwiftVets were more interested in keeping Kerry out of the CinC spot than keeping Bush in it. America needs a President we’ve got reasons to vote for other than that they’re the lesser of two evils.
Can’t wait to see what else you’ve got in the can, guys.
Pablo on March 6, 2007 at 8:54 AM
I don’t know he’d accept that. I don’t know the man well, but he just doesn’t seem to be someone to take a VP position.
amerpundit on March 6, 2007 at 9:08 AM
A couple observations:
Unfortunately the news media of their day, didn’t spend more time covering a former Playboy bunny, than the war going on.
He doesn’t know what the Consular Matricula Card?
I agree with him on the Visa issuance policy.
He and Giuliani seem to be less liberal on immigration than Bush and the others.
When Michelle got to “9/11 hijackers” she looked like she could kill him.
He’s right about losing the people who even run companies, and can’t get in.
He didn’t seem overly excited about talking to Michelle, sorta like “Yeah, whatever”.
amerpundit on March 6, 2007 at 9:15 AM
Am I the only one that has the video abruptly end after Newt says 6,000 people attended CPAC?
Kahuna on March 6, 2007 at 9:20 AM
Never mind, working now.
Even if Newt doesn’t become a candidate he will have a great effect on the party come next year.
Kahuna on March 6, 2007 at 9:36 AM
When I can uderstand a person who clearly answers the questions asked, who doesn’t dance around them and inject self-serving rhetoric, it’s a good thing.
It creates a sense of trust.
And I appreciated the terms “ruthless and relentless” he used with regards to immigration/appointees.
OT: I miss the intro music.
Tru2my2 on March 6, 2007 at 9:42 AM
Nicely done Michelle. You have become a very polished interviewer. You asked the tough questions and I agree you could have challenged him on the Swift Boat comment at the beginning.
I like everything Newt said in his answers about illegal immigration. That is an agenda I can enthusiastically support in ‘08.
olympian2008 on March 6, 2007 at 9:51 AM
I couldn’t believe that he used the SBVFT as a negative example. If Kerry hadn’t “reported for duty,” at their convention, there would have been no SBVFT. But as was stated above, and on their own website, they were NEVER a group FOR President Bush. They were out to reclaim the honor that Kerry smeared in the 70s and was trying to ride to the White House.
I still like Newt. I remember the Contract in 94 and the big dreams that were soon to become dashed against the rocks of incumbency. I don’t think he could survive the press if he ran, but I’d still like to see it.
Oh, and Hillary IS a nasty woman.
TugboatPhil on March 6, 2007 at 9:57 AM
Very well done MM. I am sure Newt is well aware of many things that are going on around the world, it is complex and he is right about the messed up bureacracy here in our country. We are letting thousands of unqualified people into our country but not letting skilled workers and business owners come for what reason? He has the right approach and I wish he could get his ideas into more conservative minds out and about our great land.
bones47 on March 6, 2007 at 9:59 AM
Good interview and Michelle did the right thing not challenging the Swift Boat comment. It would have served no purpose in a very positive interview of ideas. The interview is good because it is just that, a interview, not a debate.
Job well done Michelle. One Atta Girl…maybe 2
Wade on March 6, 2007 at 10:04 AM
Someone please tell me what the heck is going on here!
Michelle, your interview with Newt Gingrich was stellar. He answered every single question with substance–something I have not heard from a single aspiring nominee from either side. In addition, Newt has no more nor less baggage than the current gaggle of Republicans in the race, and he is more conservative than Guiliani, McCain and Romney combined. Yet your only regret is that you
Huh?
I agree with asc85. He was merely saying
He was not dissing the SBVs.
Also, I read The Trouble with Ann post and the 400+ comments and kept my mouth shut. Suffice to say that I agree her remark was regretable, but I certainly don’t think it rose to the level of vitriol that was hurled at her.
But this last remark truly shocked me:
That’s a very angry statement, and it indicates to me that there is much more to this Newt trashing than meets the eye.
To say that I think you guys are being oversensitive is an understatement. It’s as if you are chumming the waters for the benefit of the Libs.
What gives?
IrishEi on March 6, 2007 at 10:13 AM
I love Newt. He is our best hope for actually getting the country to turn to a more conservative heading. I truly believe he will throw his hat in the ring eventually. As far as the swift-boat thing, I don’t think he was saying anything except that he wanted to win the war of ideas not try to win by bringing down the Democrat candidate. After all, thats how they operate.
RobertCSampson on March 6, 2007 at 10:19 AM
Gingrich/Giuliani ‘08
Newt is making WAAAAYYYYY too much sense. He would crush Shrillery (and whatever ex-general she picks for VP) in a national debate.
Mojave Mark on March 6, 2007 at 10:36 AM
I thoroughly enjoyed this interview and look forward to more with all the candidates.
Thank you hotair for giving us this venue.
CrimsonFisted on March 6, 2007 at 10:39 AM
Very nice job, Michelle. And special thanks for not wasting everyone’s time by asking Newt if he is going to run in 2008.
Valiant on March 6, 2007 at 10:46 AM
Slightly OT - or maybe Next-T. Newt is enthusiastically talking about increasing high-tech immigration, and the current vehicle for that is a push for a huge increase in the H-1B visa program. As typified by a talk-radio caller who said he had been laid off of his Atlanta IT job and replaced by an H-1B worker being paid about half what he was, my eeyore senses are tending woeful. H-1B seems designed for shortages like nursing (is that a shortage or bottleneck?), but is destined to have the same effect “regular” illegal immigration has had on, say, butchers whose pay is down 75%. Misplaced anxiety?
eeyore on March 6, 2007 at 10:53 AM
I’m sorry Boss but Newt’s right! Conservatives will not win with negativity! The Swift Boat Vets served a purpose, but they were a fringe group and if that’s all we’ve got, we’ll lose. We need ideas and a clear messenger. And that’s Newt!
You also mentioned on your website that Newt
MM, you asked him a specific question about how the
was using the card and he honestly stated that he didn’t know enough about it! What’s wrong with that answer???
Dread Pirate Roberts VI on March 6, 2007 at 10:56 AM
Thank you for the interview Michelle. How refreshing to hear a clear, concise, and logical approach to both the legal and illegal immigration issues. That strong borders, a common language, and the embracing of citizenship are all integral to our identity and survival as a nation should not be rocket science. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a conservative President?
conservator on March 6, 2007 at 11:07 AM
Newt is right on so much. I think he has a lot more support among conservatives than many people think.
Check out this VERY interesting poll over at Free Republic.
aero on March 6, 2007 at 11:08 AM
Great Vent Michelle!
Excellent interview with someone who is knowledgeable and has clear solutions for complex problems.
omegaram on March 6, 2007 at 11:11 AM
The conservative primary season will be between Newt and Mitt. If Newt gets the nod, I believe he just offered the head of homeland security job to Rudy.
I wasn’t going to vote in Bill O’s poll on republican candidates because he had a non candidate in Newt as a choice. I am going over there to vote now. But as much as I love Mitt, I’m going to vote for Newt, because he doesn’t have the religious stigma attached. I realize he has had some ethics issues and those will not play out until he actually announces, but it was pretty clear to me that he is going to next fall.
MM, great interview, as always. Tough probing questions on key issues. Loved it!
csdeven on March 6, 2007 at 11:12 AM
We gotta run on positives, absolutely. The Swifties did a good job when they were needed. I wouldn’t think the dems would so something so brash as kerry did again. But then, maybe that’s why they never cease to amaze me.
Newt’s last couple of lines about bureuacracy(sp?) being the problem in the war is dead on.
If he ever threw his hat in the ring, the media would absolutely crucify him, for real or imagined slights. But, he would do excellent in Rove’s job, “archeteching” for a bright new young blood conservative.
Anybody?
Chuck on March 6, 2007 at 11:15 AM
I don’t know if that would have been a good idea Michelle. Unless you got him to clarify is comment. But judging from your second comment, you have already decided what he meant. It isn’t that clear to me. Now maybe you have some other information that we don’t have, but in light of what the vent showed, I’ll make these comments….
He said
The swift boat vets were not against the war. These guys were. The swift boat vets were excoriated in the media as being negative.
So, who WAS he referring to?
He didn’t diss the vets (regardless of which group he meant), he disavowed the tactics. Just what a conservative should do. What our three candidates should have done with the faggot comment.
Hopefully we, you specifically since you brought it up, are not going to give fodder to the left if that is not what Newt meant.
csdeven on March 6, 2007 at 11:32 AM
Newt’s had a long time to decide how to address his past problems. We’ll just have to wait and see. But it’s going to be a long hot spring and summer while we wait.
Dread Pirate Roberts VI on March 6, 2007 at 11:34 AM
Nice job, Michelle. You’re the only person to ask detailed questions on immigration and it must be said Gingrich is by far the best non-darkhorse on the subject, at least so far. His blunt refusal to consider a moratorium on visas for dangerous nations (especially after Bush just upped their levels) is very weak. He suggests we don’t want to close ourselves off to tourists or commerce or students from anywhere, but it’s not clear how the latter helps us if they just learn to hate this country while they’re here. His solution of a “better-working bureaucracy” is unconservative and fantastical. Saying that terrorists can come from anywhere deliberately evades the unifying religious trait. Plus he’s not distinguishing between visits and immigration, the latter of which creates the permanent seas in which the terrorists hide, plus political pressure groups, balkanization, etc. Commerce doesn’t require anyone settle here or impact our political process.
Additionally, while the diversity lottery clearly needs to be scrapped, it’s less detrimental than the family reunification rule, which supplies the bulk of the low-skilled immigration.
All in all, even Newt hasn’t put his reportedly massive intellect to work on this long enough yet (He couldn’t dismiss the matricula outright??).
In fairness to you on his dissing of the Swift Boat Vets, he only accused them of negativity and said that was ineffective against the Clintons. Whether accurate or not, it wasn’t such an unfair attack on them that you particularly betrayed them by not responding.
Alex K on March 6, 2007 at 11:51 AM
Newt is one of the most intelligent minds on the conservative side of the political sphere. I’ve followed him for many years and (as most of you have said) he answers the questions put to him not the usual dodge and duck cover so many pols today use.
Whether there is chance that he could rehabilitate himself after being “crucified” by the leftist media is uncertain. First because the MSM would do nothing positive for him, but would harp incessantly against him/his positions or views.
It is also important to note that Kerry was a very weak, effeminate candidate and that he nearly won is very sobering. Hillary will not be weak. She has been in training for this election for the past thirty plus years. She is smart, sharp and one of the meanest females on the planet. She will make Pelosi look like an angel when she lets loose her hate machine. For now, Hillary is lobbing small bombs against her opponents but the nukes will come out against anyone serious, thoughtful and smart on any side. It is a sad, sad day in this country that we have come to this pass.
Were I a candidate, I would let the chips fall where they may and answer truthfully, forcibly and also incessantly. I think the people will hear? No?
sharinlite on March 6, 2007 at 12:15 PM
I attended CPAC on Saturday and you could barely fit into the room, people were so enthusiastic about Newt. He also gave a terrific speech. The thing that struck me was how articulate and intellectual, yet completely down to earth, he is. He was giving an incredible speech and I noticed he was never even looking down at his notes. He would absolutely blow away Hillary in a debate.
We really need someone like that as a presidential candidate. A Giuliani/Gingrich ticket would be awesome.
However, I have to completely disagree with his being above negativity. I bet Democrats are thrilled with those comments. The Swift Boat Veterans for Truth were about giving Kerry’s true character and nullifying the infallibility the MSM conferred upon Kerry…and combatting the incessant propaganda.
Bush has been so above politics, debating Democrats, and combatting the propaganda of the MSM for the last seven years. You have night after night on the news of global warming, putting down our military, etc. and if you follow the George Washington rules of engagement Michelle Malkin posted, you stay above the fray, as George Bush has done. Meanwhile, while you are above the fray, millions are being influenced by the one-sided MSM propaganda. Therefore, the MSM and the Democrats win as they did in the last election.
You have to talk about the issues and play dirty with the Democrats. Ann Coulter has demonstrated she knows how to do that, yet she gets criticized for it.
januarius on March 6, 2007 at 12:34 PM
Newt should try using different accents. I think that would be effective.
conservator on March 6, 2007 at 12:35 PM
Excellent point! It’s true and has evidence, even if anecdotal in it’s nature.
csdeven on March 6, 2007 at 12:58 PM
This is real reporting. Thanks HOT AIR!
I’ve had this discussion with me myself and I many times.
It’s great to see, no hear, someone grasping the issues so succinctly.
Kini on March 6, 2007 at 1:33 PM
A man with ideas! Wow!
Drtuddle on March 6, 2007 at 1:35 PM
I, for one, liked VERY MUCH not having the Hot Vent theme music! Don’t waste time with intros, “appetizers”, get right to the meat!
Michelle, great vent and great questions well presented. Yes, Newt is the man hiding in the wings. As he said, things will shake out over the next several months and the choices will be stark, not muddled. So far, I am impressed, as I was 12 yr. ago with Newt. Maybe it was good that he’s been behind the scenes these few years. Maybe his time is now…
The above comments, especially IrishEi and Sharinlite, are right on the money. We need to approach this election with clear thinking and reasoning! Hello?!
Would someone provide a link to info that recaps what happened to Newt after the ‘94 Contract that got him booted? I can’t remember what happened and I’d really like to know. A link that, hopefully, isn’t tainted by left thinking…?
How about a Gingrich/Bolton ticket as Tammy Bruce suggests? Now, with Rudy G. as Dir. of Homeland Security?
Quick unrelated suggestions for Hot Vent: How about a button choice to double the screen size much like RealPlayer does? Would help greatly when there is text on the screen like with Jihad Watch. The standard screen is too small. Also, is there provision to download a vent if you don’t have an Ipod? Would like to download and save particular Vents, like today’s, and save them.
Roger Brown on March 6, 2007 at 1:37 PM
I don’t see it that way. If Newt would have gone and called Hillary out like a lot of people wanted him to, it would have been yet another Coulter moment coming out of CPAC, and that’s something we do not need. He took his own advice and steered clear of the negativity, which I found refreshing. Once you start playing the mudslinging game it just spirals out of control. Smart move on his part.
As for the Swift Boat thing, we do need to get away from style of politics. I mean, look at it this way. Bush was still popular back in 2004, and John Kerry was John Kerry. And even then Bush only beat Kerry by one state. Hillary and Obama are both far more dynamic than any of the GOP hopefuls, and the current national mood is distinctly anti-Republican. If we’re going to win in 2008, we really have to take it to another level.
John on March 6, 2007 at 1:51 PM
I’ve always liked Newt and I think he should be in the Executive Branch, either as Pres or Vice Pres, the guy has major stones, brilliant guy…
Sacwannabe on March 6, 2007 at 1:52 PM
I think Newt is brilliant. But best of all, he irritates the left so much.
right2bright on March 6, 2007 at 3:59 PM
I think that’s just the way he talks. Of course, it could just be that he didn’t care about being on whatever show he was on last time I saw him speak, either.
Anyway, my only worry is that by the time he finally declares, the others (Guliani and maybe Romney) might be too far ahead for him to catch up.
No worries about catching up to McCain, of course. To my delight, he seems to be pulling a PS3.
Wolfman on March 6, 2007 at 4:02 PM
I didn’t take his comment the same way Michelle apparrently did. It didn’t seem as though he was necessarily dissing the Swiftboat Vets, but rather he was saying that we can’t win the election simply by attacking the democrats without offering a good, positive agenda of our own. And if anyone should know that, it’s Newt, aka the architect of the 1994 mid-term victory for the Republican Party.
They didn’t simply campaign on attacking the Clintons or the Democratic congress, they offered a positive agenda in the Contract for America, and the election day results that ensued vindicated his approach 1000x over.
I’d be the last one to say you shouldn’t attack your opponents in a political campaign, but I would wholeheartedly agree with Newt’s idea that you need more than just negativity about your opponent to win.
Man, I wish Newt would run. He is orders of magnitude better than any of the currently declared candidates.
thirteen28 on March 6, 2007 at 4:31 PM
RUN NEWT RUN! I’m going to start calling him a tease.
- The Cat
MirCat on March 6, 2007 at 4:52 PM
Newt is tremendously well informed, articulate and no-nonesense on many issues. Sure hope he stays in the race to raise the bar, clarify and pound in the issues that need desperately to be addressed. Hope you’ll cover him regularly in the months ahead.
He might be a terrific VP with Giuliani. He’s a great educator and resource for conservatives.
Webutante
Webutante on March 6, 2007 at 6:36 PM
Nicely done! Great Vent.
I like Newt, always have. But to me the best man is not in the race, Jeb Bush.
Zorro on March 6, 2007 at 9:15 PM
Mr. Gingrich doesn’t know much about Matricular Consular Cards but he know history and the major issues of our and every other time. He can definitely communicate cohesively and put ideas into perspective. Also, he’s tough. His curiousity and intellect are the best.
I hope he raises the bar on the debates, 90 minute-style or any other, though I don’t think that Mrs. Clinton would ever accept such a challenge. One can’t shrillarize for 90 min. and still have energy left. I also hope he’d accept the VP post.
Entelechy on March 6, 2007 at 9:35 PM
Well done, Michelle….
For my $0.02………
Newt is “the Professor”, he is the elder statesman that is rooted in history, law, and what made America great. I think he has the right idea not to jump into the media orgy right now, and continue to tour the country asking the right questions, followed by thought provoking answers.
He may not be on the ballot in ‘08, but what ever “Rock Star” the public gets behind, I have no doubt (or at least hope) that Newt is part of the cabinet, if not the ticket.
PinkyBigglesworth on March 6, 2007 at 9:50 PM
Good stuff.
Yes, I agree that he was way off base on the Swifties. For a moment I took it the same way as 1328 on that, but I sense from his tone that he ALSO just doesn’t like the Swifties or any other group that ‘interferes with the political process’. (I hope I’m wrong on that.)
Most of the rest, he was spot on.
Brilliant man, who understands REAL history. Not sure he is electable, but I’d like to see him in the the Cabinet or as Chief of Staff for whoever is elected.
LegendHasIt on March 6, 2007 at 10:48 PM
Which vets was he really referring to?
He said
“…I think frankly if conservatives are going to defeat the clinton machine there not going to do it with swift boat veterans against the war type of negativity….”
The swift boat vets were not against the war.
I hope someone will step up and explain his remark.
csdeven on March 7, 2007 at 12:25 PM
Hmm, I listened again, You are right CD7. I completely misheard the first time.
Now I’m even more confused.
Did Michelle mishear too?
Newt… Can you get back to us on this? Inquiring minds want clarification/expansion of that thought.
LegendHasIt on March 7, 2007 at 7:23 PM
This is really starting to disapoint me. I expect some kind of response from someone here at HA on this. Or do we not care about accuracy anymore? Or are we supposed to dumb down? It’s a valid question.
csdeven on March 9, 2007 at 10:47 PM