Gingrich to Romney: Let’s have a one-on-one debate about those attack ads of yours, tough guy
posted at 7:27 pm on December 21, 2011 by Allahpundit
He did say he was going to start pushing back more aggressively against Romney’s attacks. Gauntlet status: Thrown.
“This is politics, and if you can’t stand the heat in this little kitchen, wait until the Obama hell’s kitchen turns up the heat,” Romney said Wednesday morning on Fox News.
That prompted Gingrich’s debate challenge.
“Look, I’ll tell you what. If he wants to test the heat, I’ll meet him anywhere in Iowa next week one on one, 90 minutes, no moderator,” Gingrich said…
“Let’s test this kitchen,” Gingrich said. “I’m happy. I’ll go in the kitchen. Go back and ask Gov. Romney, would he like to play in the kitchen? I don’t think so. I don’t think he wants to do anything but hide over here and pretend it’s not his fault that he is flooding the people of Iowa with falsehoods. That’s his money and his staff and it’s his responsibility.”
There’s Good Newt, Bad Newt, and now Righteously P.O.’d Newt. The image of Romney as a gutless, too-slick moneybags who’s paying others to do his dirty work for him while pretending that he’s powerless to stop them would resonate deeply if Gingrich can really push it over the next two weeks. But how’s he going to do that? There are no more debates scheduled before the caucuses and people are tuning out of politics for the holidays. And even if Newt decided to run ads about it, the likely beneficiary as Romney suffers and slumps in the polls would be Ron Paul, not Gingrich. The terrible dilemma for resource-strapped candidates in Iowa is that not only do they need a message that can beat two very different candidates in Paul and Mitt, but a Paul win there is almost as good as a Romney win when it comes to Mitt winning the nomination. That’s why some social conservatives are scrambling to unite behind a single candidate, of course, even if their choice of candidate to unite behind seems curious. You need to beat both right now or else Romney starts to look inevitable.
Here he is this morning telling Newt to man up followed by Newt firing back with both guns blazing on Laura Ingraham’s show. Money quote: “We don’t need to replace Obama’s dishonesty with a Republican who’s equally dishonest.” (Listen to the end for the obligatory Meghan McCain zinger.) Exit question: For a guy who’s staying positive and refusing to be distracted by negative ads, Newt sure does seem distracted by negative ads lately, huh?
Blowback
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#1 Actually getting elected as a Republican in a state dominated by democrats.
rubberneck on December 22, 2011 at 9:45 AM
Love all you Mittens Kittens here…..
I guess you are avoiding the issue and challenge?
What are you all afraid of?
In fact….this is the 2nd time Newt has challenged Mittens to a one on one debate? Strike two!!!
Mittens is B….A…..L….LESS panderer and would NEVER debate Newt one on one. If Mittens will NOT debate Newt……how will he debate the Socialist in charge…..OH..that’s right…he wont call him a Socialist either….he’s not into “name calling”. Freakin Pathetic!!! Ever wonder why he wont call Obama a Socialist?? Why…maybe because he’s a self proclaimed “progressive” himself….maybe? Uh..Yes!!
Mittens is McCain 2.0…face it “my friends”.
It’s time for a Mittens ANNAL exam like all the others got.
coach1228 on December 22, 2011 at 9:50 AM
@Pragmatic….
NO…you are right on!!! Romeny debate Newt one on one?? Laughable. Romney is a joke….all talk no action…and will get distroyed by Obama.
If he avoids Newt again..and again…what does that show?
He’s gutless, spineless and someone who doesn’t say what he mean or means what he says. It’s all about being elected.
What I suggest….if Romnutts avoids this debate again….Newt should do to Romney what he said he’d do to Obama. Have a presser 3 hours after where Romney is….and tear him a new A$$h..o..l..e!! Force him to debate…what Lincoln did to Douglas.
This…I would pay to see.
coach1228 on December 22, 2011 at 10:01 AM
Keep telling yourself that
tbrickert on December 22, 2011 at 10:01 AM
I’m in Iowa. In the past two days we have received five full-page, heavy-stock, full-color mailings from “Secure our Future”…every one of them trashing Gingrich.
Now I wasn’t inclined to vote for Gingrich before this deluge began but I’m beginning to consider the possibility of doing so…just out of spite for the negativity from Romney and his minions.
creeper on December 22, 2011 at 10:02 AM
Afraid? hahahahaha!!! Gingrich is so broke, he needs Romney to debate him just to get his campaign exposure that he can’t afford on his own. So you insist that Romney should stupid enough to give Gingrich credibility and exposure?! I would have thought you would have learned that lesson after Romney’s refusal to do the Trump debate took the wind out of those sails and Gingrich again looked like a desperate fool. Romney outmaneuvered Gingrich. AGAIN.
Bwahahahahaha!!!!
I can tell you what your next tactic will be…..when it’s clear to you that Romney has defeated Gingrich just like he has every other candidate, you will start blaming his epic failure on others thus pushing Gingrich as a victim. Just like the bitter former worshipers of St Palin the Victimized did/do.
His new name will be….
Father Gingrich the Flimflammed.
csdeven on December 22, 2011 at 10:06 AM
Oh, and BTW I know a little bit about printing and mailing costs. Someone is spending a fortune on these things…I’d guess somewhere over a milliion dollars. Perhaps Senate seats aren’t the only political office you can buy.
creeper on December 22, 2011 at 10:08 AM
You do know Douglass won the election, right?
Can any Newt supporter explain to me why even though Gingrich surged in the polls he could not raise any money? Perry raised money when he surged, the same for Cain and Bachmann. The truth is if Gingrich had the money he would be running the same type of ads.
Campaigns and governing are about more than debates. And quite frankly, Newt looks like a fool screaming, “Debate me, Debate Me,”like a little child saying “Look at me.” Guess what, his one on one debates against Huntsman and Cain, did not do much for him.
tbrickert on December 22, 2011 at 10:09 AM
True. A former Speaker of the House can be purchased by the entity that destroyed our economy.
csdeven on December 22, 2011 at 10:16 AM
@
YOUR LONG WINDED ANSWER TRYING TO EXPLAIN WHY ROMNEY WILL NOT DEBATE NEWT IS JUST LAUGHABLE…
SOUTH CAROLINA NEWT UP 18….FLORIDA…NEWT UP 16. IOWA..RON PAUL IS EVEN BEATING ROMNEY. YOU CAN HAVE NH…LIKE TAXACHUSSETTES ANYWAY.
WHO’S AHEAD IN THE GENERAL POLLS?NEWT!!
YOUR PATHETIC POINTS RESPONSE IS AN OUTRIGHT LIE…LIKE YOUR MITTENS…..LYING.
NOW…RUN AND HIDE LITTLE BOY…LIKE THE PROGRESSIVE, PANDERER ROMNEY HIMSELF.
coach1228 on December 22, 2011 at 10:20 AM
@ coach1228 on December 22, 2011 at 10:20 AM
All caps, really. Take a valium. Keep quoting the polls. That way when they turn around, as they will, you can find something else to depend on.
tbrickert on December 22, 2011 at 10:27 AM
I think McCain was referring to extra marital affairs in that quote. John Edwards comes to mind. And Newt.
Or does character count for everyone but Newt?
hanzblinx on December 22, 2011 at 10:29 AM
The Mitt haters will eventually fall in line. Then they can focus their hate back on the right person. Obama.
rubberneck on December 22, 2011 at 10:30 AM
If you “bold” your all cap comments, they will have a much bigger impact. The entire group shakes in their boots at your unmatched use of the Caps Lock key.
Hahaha Gingrich isn’t going to make it to SC or Florida. He has no money. Romney has tens of millions of dollars and a ground organization that is second to none (except Paul in Iowa). Gingrich is failing and desperate. He is whining about how mean Romney and the Super PACs are in a lame attempt to play the victim card.
csdeven on December 22, 2011 at 10:36 AM
@tbrickert:
Again….so you avoid the question?
First…read your history. Yes Lincoln did NOT win that election as mainly the topic was about slavery in which he opposed. In addition…the Legistators voted for state senators..not the general public…and the Illinois legistation was in Democrat control.
And Again…you points have absolutely no point? So..you tell me that MONEY wins elections? What does that say about Mittens then?
A self proclaimed Progressive Panderer running from a debate? COWARD…so what are you afraid of Romneynutts? Debate Newt and put an end to Newt then? Why not?
Nope wont do that…and all your long winded explinations just is laughable and avoiding the question. You may deflect and run and hide….while running your mouths…sounds like a true liberal PROGRESSIVE to me…Like ROMNEY!!!
coach1228 on December 22, 2011 at 10:36 AM
@csdeven
Then lets have the debate and put an end to Newt…
Why not??!!
Can’t answer that without a long winded explination.
Panderer…gutless….chicken!!!
Put an end to Newt…have your Progressive Mittens debate Newt!!!
What are you afraid of?
Here is comes folks…the long winded blowhard answer…
GOD..you are so predictable!!
coach1228 on December 22, 2011 at 10:40 AM
To me…they are one in the same…..Self Proclaimed Progressive Marxists. What’s the difference? One will take us to Socialism faster than the other….the end game is the same.
I will NEVER vote for Mittens…nor Obama.
I will concentrate on the Senate and House votes….
coach1228 on December 22, 2011 at 10:44 AM
You Romney folks just keep pushing him on us, knowing full well the guy couldn’t even beat McCain. Who couldn’t beat obama. Yet you insist he’s the only one who can beat obama. Why? Because he’s politically to the right of McCain? Or Bush? Really? Do you actually believe this? Surely you realize, just as the rest of us have, that the media wants to run against Romney for a reason, right?
runawayyyy on December 22, 2011 at 10:48 AM
Perfectly said!!
Romney is Obama lite..god help us.
coach1228 on December 22, 2011 at 11:08 AM
McCain lost because he chose an unqualified VP. Mitt wont make that mistake.
hanzblinx on December 22, 2011 at 11:10 AM
I hope we all know that Iowa doesn’t predict who the winner will be, however, it has been very revealing as to the personalities of the candidates as well as what type of campaign they are going to run, and who the Establishment wants and is willing to destroy. Personally, I can barely stand to look at or listen to Romney anymore.
lea on December 22, 2011 at 11:11 AM
I love the people who swear they will never vote for xxxxxxxx. You say that now, but you will indeed fall in line.
rubberneck on December 22, 2011 at 11:35 AM
What a “fence sitter” Mittens! This guy is no leader and is a pandering coward who can’t even agree with the House of Reps?
Way to “lead from behind” AGAIN…..Mittens=Obama lite.
coach1228 on December 22, 2011 at 11:39 AM
@@rubberneck: As will you??
Nope sorry…I am not a panderer and flip flopper like Mittens.
Again….Romney is Obama lite…..ending up with a Progressive Marxist that is all one in the same.I’d rather vote for a shoebox instead of those two.
Again….I will cast my vote FOR someone…NOT against someone.If it comes to either one….I will not vote..period.
I will concentrate my efforts on the House and Senate.
Fall in line?? No way my Fuhrer!!
coach1228 on December 22, 2011 at 11:45 AM
@coach1228 on December 22, 2011 at 10:36 AM
Hey smart guy, money comes from supporters and yes money wins elections. End of conversation.
tbrickert on December 22, 2011 at 11:51 AM
@@tbrickert:
I thought so Liberal tbrickert. My vote can’t be bought. Thanks. Shows how liberal,shallow and blind you are…..along with Mitten “supporters”. Might as well be a “JOCK” supporter…and hold Romney’s NUTTS into place….what’s the difference??!!! The “JOCK” supporter probably smells better than Mittens and his liberal Taxachussettes Robots.
That, “sell out” is the end of our conversation!
coach1228 on December 22, 2011 at 12:03 PM
Just in from the AP:
I knew Mitt would weasel out of the debate with Newt, and with a typically lame excuse. Ha, ha, ha.
IndeCon on December 22, 2011 at 12:09 PM
Is there a bigger crybaby in American politics than Speaker Freddie Mac?!!
The guy whined about Clinton putting him on the back of Air Force One back in 1995! And now he is whining about how the big boys are picking on him in Iowa..
I love the idiots on here who constantly claim Romney is not tough enough to take on the White House, but that Gingrich is a “real fighter”…
REALLY?!! who is fighting now? and who is crying now?!!
AirForceCane on December 22, 2011 at 12:14 PM
I’m pretty sure they have medication for folks like you
tbrickert on December 22, 2011 at 12:25 PM
why should Mitt debate with Newt.He should debate with Paul who is in second place.
gerry-mittbot
gerrym51 on December 22, 2011 at 12:38 PM
Well….lets have that debate big mouth. All talk no action…again!! Stand and lead from “behind” once again.
“Romney says he doesn’t want to define the contest as a “two-man race.” And he says that debating Gingrich alone would be disrespectful to other candidates”.
This is his reply…really? Disrespectful?..and you call him TOUGH? This guy has no backbone and will pander when he puts his foot in his mouth. Yeah..hey Mittens…look who’s standing in the kitchen waiting for you now? Nope..won’t do it ..”disrespectful” my A..$..$!!! Mittens is no different than Obama..but just a bit lighter in the shoes. Is this “your big boy”??
Again…a Mittens supporter….trying to defend a Progressive left sympathizer…and please don’t be disrespectful in your response…you might offend me!!! Laugh my A OFF!!!
What are you thinking…Kitten Mitten!!
coach1228 on December 22, 2011 at 12:43 PM
Newt looks absolutely pathetic the way he is begging Romney to appear with him. Flailing Progressive Liberal Newt Gingrich just wants some of Romney’s cachet to rub off on him.
Romney is right not to throw crumbs to Gingrich. Gingrich can’t stand the heat of the campaign, so he has to complain nonstop about truthful ads against him.
bluegill on December 22, 2011 at 1:08 PM
Why give Gingrich credibility he doesn’t deserve and exposure he can’t afford? If the tables were turned, I guarantee you that Gingrich wouldn’t do it either.
I just did answer it and you have yet to address the idea that it is wise politics to not give Gingrich exposure he cannot afford on his own. The case can be made that you are too cowardly to address it.
Giving you a reasoned answer clearly offends you, and whether you like it or not, intellectually honest people do concede the point about wise politics. You clearly don’t value intellectual honesty, so I expect the group wont bother with you any longer.
csdeven on December 22, 2011 at 1:23 PM
Another texting format that you can use that will finally put all Romney supporters in their place is the “emphasis” button. DUDE! With your unparallelled skill with the Caps Lock key, “strong” button, and exclamation points, if you added emphasis to all your comments, not a soul on Hot Air could contend with your awesomely awesome awesomeness! The thought of it sends every person at Hot Air into apoplectic fear and outraged jealousy.
csdeven on December 22, 2011 at 1:29 PM
Oh…here’s hypocrisy in it’s purist form.
A self proclaimed “progressive” calling someone else a “progressive” in negative way…..LMAO!!!
Hey “bluegill”…question….Why doesn’t Romney want to define it a two man race?? Hint: He wants NO PART OF NEWT ONE ON ONE!!!
If all the other candidate were to drop out tomorrow….where do you think those votes go to?? Uhmmm…NOT ROMNEY!!!
Face it…that is the truth and all you Mitten supporters know it.
coach1228 on December 22, 2011 at 1:31 PM
Ok Professor…like I give a crap….and you got my point.
Your lame…personal attack on me is just laughable and exposes your liberal brain. Please…support your Progressive Liberal Mittens and be happy. Your defense of his lame spineless cowardly flip floping is transparent. You cannot argue my point so bash my proper English. You need to run along….I hear your professor Saul Alinsky calling you. Libtard.
coach1228 on December 22, 2011 at 1:39 PM
Regrettably, the group cannot accept your comment without the caps, bold, emphasis, and exclamation points.
Please resubmit so we can all be put in our proper place.
csdeven on December 22, 2011 at 1:43 PM
Romney has shown he is weak and has a glass jaw. Perry zinged him twice in debates. Gingrich would make Romney ZANY!
Romney is a coward hiding behind his attack ads.
Pathetic.
I predict this negative crap will start to backlash on him.
Common_Cents on December 23, 2011 at 2:44 PM
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