In the end what happened in new york 23 is irrelevant. The seat will be wide open next year and chances are the republicans will take it.

Now admit you were a complete idiot to do that global warming commercial with Pelosi.

My point wasn’t about acceptance of failure as much as it was about allowing those who have strayed to find their way back home. Newt may have strayed too far to reclaim a place of prominence as an elected official, but he can, with some honest self-reflection, rediscover and embrace what republicanism is all about.

anXdem on November 5, 2009 at 12:12 PM

I agree. In fact, I think it’s likely. Newt’s a smart guy, and even though he richly deserves a little time in the doghouse… he’ll get it figured out before long.

Sometimes a “smart guy” like that can get a little too caught up in his own cleverness and lose sight of the most basic things, not seeing the forest for the trees as it were. :D

Integrity matters: if your candidate doesn’t have it, you may be voting for a criminal or an enemy. Guiding philosophy matters: you must be able to depend upon the judgement of your candidate when future problems arise.

These consultants seem to be trying to defend their hold on Republican “tier 1″ campaign activities .. the same way that Wordward and Berstein belittle every political scandal that came after Watergate .. so as not to diminish their position .. vis-à-vis the next campaign.

I am a long time Newt supporter. I’ve wanted him to run for POTUS since 1994. But his recent mad dash to the center-left has left me wondering WTH? happened to him.

I cannot and will not vote for anyone that does not support conservative candidates or principles. McCain didn’t get my vote and if we get a Big Tent candidate in 2012 they won’t get my vote. I agree that third parties are dangerous, but I also believe that the Big Tent idea is equally as dangerous because there are no real ideals or values.

when did Newt get the O-botomy?

We EXPECT our leadership to understand the basic principles of Constitutional governance. Political machinations will no longer be tolerated. And if you are of the same mind, if this is your definition of Republicanism… there’s plenty of room for you under the Big Tent. :)

Murf76 on November 5, 2009 at 8:17 AM

No, Murf76, I neither expect nor want leadership that fails to govern from the basic tenets outlined in the constitution. I agree with you, and sincerely appreciate your post. I just get a bit frustrated when the tent shrinks unnecessarily.

My point wasn’t about acceptance of failure as much as it was about allowing those who have strayed to find their way back home. Newt may have strayed too far to reclaim a place of prominence as an elected official, but he can, with some honest self-reflection, rediscover and embrace what republicanism is all about.

“I’m sure you’re thrilled about our two victories in New Jersey and Virginia …”

Me: “Yes, and you lost in NY 23 because you threw away $900,000 to a Democrat masquerading as a Republican. Get your act together and maybe I’ll contribute to you in the future, but for now …” — click —

c-span is covering the Bachmann presser on the capitol steps today at noon EST

The back story is at RedState. In brief the NRCC/Sessions and RNC/Steele have a problem with the timeline and their early involvement with the 11 districts in NY-23. Know this, what Newt knew and when Newt knew it will never be revealed in public.

Blacksmith8 on November 5, 2009 at 9:51 AM

Yes, I think a timeline is in order that includes all the players. I can understand that the policies at the NRCC and RNC would dictate they endorse the candidate supported by the local GOP, that is their job. But Newt is not in any of those roles and it just seems to me that he had to know there was an undercurrent going on that involved Jerri Thompson and I would suspect that Newt would have been one of those that was contacted by her or Fred or at least he knew. If that’s the case, it seems to indicate there’s a bigger internal fight going on … Jerri Thompson pwned Newt!