Gingrich: GOP should threaten government shutdown over debt ceiling
NEWT GINGRICH: Let me ask you this. And I appreciate E.J.’s support here. But I want to make a point that probably he may not be as enthusiastic about. They have two vehicles. They have a continuing resolution, which is at the end of March, and they have the sequester bill.
Now, these are legitimate government spending bills. The debt ceiling is different because it triggers all of these international financial problems and triggers the credit of the United States. They don’t have to say, “We’re going to be wimps.” I’ve helped closed the government twice. It actually worked. Bill Clinton came in and said, “The era of big government’s over,” after two closings. Not before.
DAVID GREGORY: You also wrote in your memoir that you regretted it from the point of view, you relied too much on the enthusiasm of the activists and didn’t factor in the disdain of the American people.
NEWT GINGRICH: But, no, we got reelected for the first time since 1928. And we would argue we would never have gotten to a balanced budget and we would have never have gotten welfare reform without that fight. So I think if the Congressional Republicans want to say, “You’re going to have a really hard time with continuing resolution,” that’s perfectly legitimate. And it’s a exactly the right grounds. And then take the president’s speech from yesterday in which he said, “Once you have spent it, you have an obligation.” And that’s when I say, “Terrific. We agree.”
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Don’t “threaten,” just do it.
Fallon on January 7, 2013 at 10:07 AM
First they’ll have to go to the wizard and get some balls.
MelonCollie on January 7, 2013 at 10:10 AM
And blame it on the other side every single time you open your mouth. Every. Single. Time.
tommyboy on January 7, 2013 at 10:10 AM
If the caucus doesn’t have enough balls to throw John Boehner and Mitch McConnell out – they aint got the balls to shut down the government.
Simple as that.
HondaV65 on January 7, 2013 at 10:13 AM
Although I hate to say it, Gingrich is right on this point.
The media likes to portray the government shutdown under his leadership as a major failure. But he’s correct that it got Bill Clinton to move to the right, and it resulted in a Republican re-election. Now, that was in the 90′s, and as we saw in this last election, times have changed. But if Republicans still have any principles left — which I doubt — this is their best shot at meaningful spending cuts.
It’s early in the term, meaning less are thinking about re-election than if we kick the can and try again next year. They’ve got both the debt ceiling and the sequester as leverage. And they’ve got at least Republican control of the House, which is not guaranteed to stay true in two years.
Time to draw a line in the sand. No increase in the debt ceiling without significant spending cuts including entitlement reform. Shut the government down if Obama won’t negotiate. And drive this point home to the American people every moment of every day.
Do the Republicans have the stomach for that? Doubt it.
Shump on January 7, 2013 at 10:15 AM
Just try to keep in mind: There are not many political moves the GOP could do right now that would put the House control at serious risk in 2014.
This is one of them. If it backfires, you could be looking at Democratic hegemony again.
Try to keep that in mind…
JohnGalt23 on January 7, 2013 at 10:16 AM
Where seeing the shift by the GOP. First Newt and then the WSJ article by Stephen Moore.
They’re moving away from the Debt limit fight and putting their chips on sequestration and continuing resolutions.
Either way, they’ve got to be willing to shut it down.
WisRich on January 7, 2013 at 10:16 AM
::shiver::
WisRich on January 7, 2013 at 10:17 AM
Correct. The more they talk about but don’t do it the weaker they become when the negotiations come down to the last minute.
Ted Torgerson on January 7, 2013 at 10:18 AM
Well the only other choice the GOP has is to do more of the same and keep caving in. That tactic’s worked swimmingly for them don’t you think?
I mean – when will Republicans realize they have nothing but crappy options – and running from the issue is only damaging the party’s credibility more.
Stand and fight dudes – you’re cornered and you’re going to get your ass whipped anyway. At least put up a farkin fight!
HondaV65 on January 7, 2013 at 10:18 AM
ROTFLOL. The Democrats basically control the whole shebang because the GOP has no balls, no brain, and betray us on a daily basis. Losing the House in 2014 ‘officially’ would merely be the icing on the cake.
If they lost by actually trying to resist the liberal agenda for the first time in years, it still beat ‘winning’ only to act like Frenchmen the next time the going got tough. At some point we have to be willing to risk actually losing something if we want to actually win something.
MelonCollie on January 7, 2013 at 10:19 AM
Threaten?
No…do….show some balls.
Threats from the GOP are meaningless.
ProfShadow on January 7, 2013 at 10:20 AM
I agree with you to a point, John – but the thing is, the “white flag” mentality in the party is already going to bury it with the base – resulting in Democratic “hegemony”.
HondaV65 on January 7, 2013 at 10:20 AM
Don’t point a gun at someone unless you are wiling to fire.
CW on January 7, 2013 at 10:23 AM
How’d that work out for Newt and the gang when last he tried it…?
You must keep in mind that the Dems control the press. There is no strategy for dampening its influence that I can presently imagine.
Akzed on January 7, 2013 at 10:26 AM
Until there is wailing and gnashing of teeth by federal employees as in the private sector, we’ll know nothing is getting done related to spending.
If they shut it down, it should not be a paid vacation for these people.
Valiant on January 7, 2013 at 10:27 AM
Newt is all over the board on this, if you watch a different program, he is saying they will get blamed like HE did and they should not do it.
This is one topic where Newt should cease and desist, just do us a favor and get back in the corner.
Fleuries on January 7, 2013 at 10:29 AM
Aren’t they kind of doing that now? I’ve heard it from several people.
Not to say they will but it’s definitely being spoken about.
gophergirl on January 7, 2013 at 10:30 AM
Now voting for the lesser of two evils makes sense?
/
Mimzey on January 7, 2013 at 10:33 AM
The spin from Obooba is, “We must pay our bills,” as if he’s the adult in the room.
The press will accuse the GOP of not wanting to pay our bills, regardless of how ridiculous that really is. And they will daily fill the airwaves with Akins-like quotes on the topic.
See how that works?
Akzed on January 7, 2013 at 10:34 AM
I was watching a bit of “Chris Matthews” late last night, guest hosted by Andrea Mitchell. Their theme was that the Republicans want to humiliate Obama in the negotiations.
They have it exactly wrong. Obama wants to humiliate the Republicans. You could see it when he said with such great relish that the Republicans had vowed just a few months ago to block tax hikes on the “rich”, and now, they allowed it. When he wins, he likes to push his opponent down in the dirt, and then piss on him.
Obama won’t back down, because in his mind, it means humiliation for him. So, shut it down. Use the debt ceiling increase to shut it down. Because Obama will protect his own dignity, his stature, his image, at all costs, and there’s no other way to get through to him.
Am I the only one who sees that Obama cares primarily for how he appears to others, to hell with what happens to the country? As long as he comes out looking good, and the Republicans come out looking bad, what doesn’t care! Whereas conservatives don’t care how they look — they want the country to get on a sound financial footing.
Paul-Cincy on January 7, 2013 at 10:35 AM
I’m not sure we’d be able to tell the difference.
ElectricPhase on January 7, 2013 at 10:40 AM
The Republicans should shout it from the rooftops. Yes, pay our existing bills by cutting back on other areas of spending, just like in the real world where you can’t magically make more money out of thin air or on the backs of others. *taking a breath and apologizing for run-on sentences*
Grrr… Stop spending!
Fallon on January 7, 2013 at 10:42 AM
I kept trying to think up a good reply. You nailed it.
Democratic hegemony. It’s what we have for breakfast every fricken day.
Another good response would be “So?”
Fallon on January 7, 2013 at 10:47 AM
“Avoid the enemy for the time being when he is stronger”.
I know I’ve heard that someplace.
For the next four years, there is damn little we can do. The best we can do is play defense, stop 0 from controlling the agenda, and retrench for what should be good elections for us in 2014.
I’m not saying we shouldn’t do it. I’m just trying to remind people what the stakes are here.
JohnGalt23 on January 7, 2013 at 10:50 AM
So tell us oh wise one, when do we have even the faintest prayer of making a comeback when 50% of the nation votes for the Free-Stuff Party and that number is growing?
There is no more time to cower in a corner while the Demoncrats run riot. We either grow a spine now and fight – win or lose – or we walk away and let them have everything outright.
MelonCollie on January 7, 2013 at 10:53 AM
A year or two ago Obama, in his laughing, sneering way, talking about financing, said he if had a choice between paying out entitlements, or paying interest to China, which do you think he will pay? The former, of course. In other words, he’ll default first, just like he and Reid are talking about now.
Apparently, Obama is willing to default if the debt ceiling isn’t raised. And then, of course, blame it on the Republicans. Because when Obama’s forced to choose between fulfilling obligations to others and to himself and those close to him … he chooses the latter. It’s not the honorable choice, and it will destroy the “full faith and credit” of the United States.
Paul-Cincy on January 7, 2013 at 10:55 AM
Really? Have you forgotten Obamacare? Have you forgotten Government Motors? Have you forgotten Dodd Frank? Have you forgotten that all of those took place under unified Democratic government? Have you seen anything as egregious in the last two years?
Of course you haven’t.
But no… you’d rather have the last two years of 0′s administration be like the first two years… a Democratic wish list. What? Free college tuition for every high school graduate? Repeal of DOMA? Social Security at 60? 75% top tax rates?
Try thinking these things through…
JohnGalt23 on January 7, 2013 at 10:56 AM
Obama is like the spoiled rich kid whose father always covered for him. Spending, theft, joy rides, drunkenness. And now, to borrow a phrase, the chickens will come home to roost. Or, he made his bed, now he has to lie in it. $5T+ in spending and trillions more ahead … it’s not sustainable. Something has to give. He can blame the Republicans all he wants, but it’s reality he’s up against.
Paul-Cincy on January 7, 2013 at 10:59 AM
As far as the federal government paying their bills, doesn’t the Treasury take in more than enough money each month to run things. Shutting down the government would only be a result of Obama not directing the money to the proper places. The media would still blame the GOP of course.
supernova on January 7, 2013 at 11:00 AM
Try thinking at all, you moronic Galtian.
When was the last time the GOP didn’t outright let the Democrats have most if not everything on their wish list? When was the last time they actually made a fight of things?
There is absolutely no point in surrendering over and over for some fairy-floss fantasy of a day when we’ll suddenly be able to strongarm the liberals in the House and Senate. That day is GONE.
MelonCollie on January 7, 2013 at 11:01 AM
You lose one election, and the Republic is shattered.
Please. Patriots need to be made of sterner stuff. And part of that is not panicking. There are lots of places to take lots of stands. And this may well be one of them. But mature political movements don’t start lobbing hail marries just because they find themselves down a couple of scores. And they especially don’t so so while throwing all caution to the wind.
JohnGalt23 on January 7, 2013 at 11:01 AM
Obooba to Boehner: “We Don’t Have a Spending Problem.”
Boehner added that President Obama continues to maintain that America’s federal deficit is caused not by governmental overspending but by “a health-care problem.” Said Boehner, “They blame all of the fiscal woes on our health-care system.” Boehner told Obama, “Clearly we have a health-care problem, which is about to get worse with Obamacare. But, Mr. President, we have a very serious spending problem.” Obama eventually replied, “I’m getting tired of hearing you say that.”
Akzed on January 7, 2013 at 11:03 AM
Grow up.
Unless you are willing to argue that anything that came out of the last Congress was as bad as Obamacare or Dodd Frank, you are talking out of your rectum…
JohnGalt23 on January 7, 2013 at 11:03 AM
FTFY.
We can survive mistakes, even big ones. We will not survive intentionally making the same massive mistake twice, which in so doing requires people to reject basic tenets of freedom.
Sticking your head in the sand does not mean you’re made of “sterner stuff”.
MelonCollie on January 7, 2013 at 11:05 AM
You’ve been talking out of your rectum for the past page, fool.
The Democrats have gotten darn near everything on their wish list because of two reasons: half of America wants free stuff, and the GOP refuse to even TRY to wield the power they’re given to fight the Democrat agenda.
MelonCollie on January 7, 2013 at 11:07 AM
But whatever, Johnny-Boy. Keep pretending we can outvote the Free-Stuff Party.
MelonCollie on January 7, 2013 at 11:08 AM
That’s exactly what Obama wants Newt to say. Can you get get Cheney and Palin to say the same thing? While you are rolling out the Most Hated Republicans?
Meanwhile, Obama portrays himself as the Government Santa Claus.
Moesart on January 7, 2013 at 11:08 AM
Panicking? Really?
Dude, we are farther down the road to the Front than you think. We’re not even on the road anymore, we’re on the line. Time to fight. Barky will run us over otherwise.
wolly4321 on January 7, 2013 at 11:16 AM
Dream on, Newt baby, dream on. Why would the GOP fight, when surrendering is so much easier?
Pork-Chop on January 7, 2013 at 11:18 AM
This. He said the exact opposite earlier.
Also, technically, R’s are threatening to shut it down. Its that no one believes they will do it (I tend to agree).
ChrisL on January 7, 2013 at 11:20 AM
Once again, grow up, and stop talking out of your rectum.
The Dems have gotten everything they wanted, have they? So, they’ve instituted cap-and-trade? Widespread gun control? Financial transactions tax? Repeal of DOMA? Lowering the Social Security age?
You do know all of these things are on the Democratic/Left agenda, right? You do realize that the only thing preventing those from becoming reality… the only thing, now that 0 is free from reelection constraints… is a GOP House. You do know that, right?
Because you are acting like you either don’t know these things, or that you don’t believe them, or that you really aren’t all that bothered by them. Any of which is foolish…
JohnGalt23 on January 7, 2013 at 11:23 AM
Maybe we should wait to fight until after DHS & TSA have a few billion more rounds and the dollar collapses. /
wolly4321 on January 7, 2013 at 11:23 AM
Summarized.
Go Galt already, fool.
MelonCollie on January 7, 2013 at 11:27 AM
Yeah exactly.
Or maybe after they’ve grabbed most of the guns.
Or maybe after they’ve strangled the 1st Amendment and we can’t even say what we want right here on HA.
When exactly do we stop acting like Galtian mice and start acting like MEN?
MelonCollie on January 7, 2013 at 11:28 AM
I’ve seen it before. I’m sure I’ll see it again.
The GOP won an intervening election. It was in all the papers. Perhaps you didn’t get your copy that day?
JohnGalt23 on January 7, 2013 at 11:28 AM
Newt doing a Mitt? Yeah, figures. Flip flopping within a week.
tommy71 on January 7, 2013 at 11:29 AM
Typing that with one hand, are you?
JohnGalt23 on January 7, 2013 at 11:29 AM
Wish I could say I expected more from you.
But I really don’t. That’s about your limit, isn’t it?
JohnGalt23 on January 7, 2013 at 11:31 AM
@MelonCollie In respect to your 2nd comment on this thread, families earning in between 250-450K/year disagrees with you.
tommy71 on January 7, 2013 at 11:35 AM
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