GOP Debate Thoughts: Gingrich Shines As Romney Takes Beating
Posted by Ashish on 01.19.2012
Newt delivers the signature moment of the GOP primary as Romney stumbles again...
Newt Gingrich better send John King and CNN a thank you letter for setting him up for what was his best moment of this entire GOP primary at the debate tonight (watch it above), that answer may very well win him South Carolina on Saturday and change this race going forward. His opening assault against John King and the mainstream media was the exact type of thing that Republican primary voters love. He came off as commanding, fiery, combative, and passionate. It's a moment that will get played over and over again in the lead-up to South Carolina's vote on Saturday and will be one of the highlights of this entire primary, perhaps the moment that people will remember from all of this. Whether you agree with the substance or not, in the moment, Gingrich came off as real, something Romney still can't seem to do.
And if that moment wasn't good enough news for Newt, he had more. Mitt Romney took a beating. As usual, he was in "play it safe" mode, but with Gingrich having so much momentum, that was a risky move that relied on nobody else making noise, and Gingrich did. Romney stumbled badly again on his answers over releasing his tax return, basically saying that he knows there is stuff in there that Obama is going to hammer him on, so he doesn't want to release it yet. It was a moment that probably caused a lot of raised eyebrows among Republicans. If he has nothing in his tax return, why wouldn't he release it now? He has something in there that his campaign has concluded will be an issue.
Other thoughts:
* Rick Santorum was a very effective attack dog tonight, blasting Romney in a very effective way over abortion and Romneycare. The Romney care attack line in particular was extremely strong. It's been a mystery why the GOP field didn't hammer Romney on Romneycare non-stop since this primary started, but tonight Santorum definitely wounded Romney over the issue.
* Santorum inadvertenly turned into an attack dog for Gingrich tonight. It's clear right now that the race is turning into a Romney vs. Gingrich contest. With Santorum attacking, the benefits of shots against Romney are likely to fall into Gingrich's lap since he is being viewed as the alternative who can actually win.
* Romney has a serious problem on his hands with his tax return. He'll probably survive the primary without releasing it, but he clearly has something in there that will be a general election issue and he knows it, which is why he isn't releasing it despite so much pressure to do so.
Romney was wounded badly tonight by coming off as a typical politician, giving tempered, lawyerly answers. His nonsensical answers about his tax return will haunt him. He just doesn't have it in him to come off as a guy who is passionate about something. He has all his lines well memorized, he is always well prepared. But the type of off the cuff answers that Gingrich gave tonight, particularly in the opening segment, is why GOP voters want to like him if he can manage to not shoot himself in the foot too much.
Romney has managed to botch what looked to be a finished race a week ago. If he ends up winning on Saturday, all will be forgotten. If Gingrich wins on Saturday, and it looks like he very well may, this entire thing gets turned on its head and Romney will have major issues going forward with a dwindled field and a back-to-life Gingrich.
Overall though, it's Newt's opening that will dominate the news highlight reels tonight and tomorrow and be the defining moment of this debate and, perhaps, the entire primary. It was a moment that stood out and overshadowed everything else that happened tonight.
Romney remains the frontrunner, but he took a major beating tonight. Gingrich has a shot.
Who the hell cares what South Carolinians think? They cheer for going to war against the federal government, they insisted on flying the confederate flag, and now they support a guy who speaks in code about lazy black voters who need more jobs and fewer food stamps.
Well guess what asshole? Many people who are on food stamps already have jobs, the sort of low paying, menial, service based jobs that are the result of corporate outsourcing of the American way. Newt cares as much about the middle class as I care about fat women.
Posted By: Scott B (Guest) on January 19, 2012 at 10:12 PM
He who shall not be named...wasn't named in this article.
and the world is a better place for it
Posted By: Guest#8653 (Guest) on January 19, 2012 at 10:13 PM
Next week Newt will say something else stupid and plummet in the polls again. Right now he's made a solid move to lock up the Tea Party vote by saying Sarah Palin will have a "major" position in his administration should he be elected... a promise that I'm sure he'll downplay should he win the nomination, because Palin is probably the #1 reason why Obama beat McCain... Palin's gross stupidity and the obvious fact that she was forced on McCain turned away the independents in droves.
Posted By: Scott B (Guest) on January 19, 2012 at 10:24 PM
I like how Newt, the guy who assaulted Clinton on Lewinskygate, the guy who has left two wives, the guy who admittedly cheated on his second wife while she was stricken with MS, is going to be the guy to defend the "sanctity" of marriage and GOPers don't see the irony in that?
Posted By: Stanley (Guest) on January 19, 2012 at 10:55 PM
this is what you guys wanted...
Posted By: Guest#2268 (Guest) on January 19, 2012 at 11:01 PM
lol he is such a scumbag
Posted By: Guest#1997 (Guest) on January 19, 2012 at 11:10 PM
Now there are TWO people pretending to be me? While its flattering, it is also sad. Get your own thoughts and opinions and your own names, losers. Scotty B cannot be imitated!
Posted By: Scott B (Guest) on January 20, 2012 at 12:10 AM
And all the liberal sheep out there thought that No_Bomb_A could give a good speech! Newt really showed em how its done! Go get em' Newt!
Posted By: Guest#4637 (Guest) on January 20, 2012 at 12:16 AM
Newt/Palin 2012!
Posted By: Guest#8688 (Guest) on January 20, 2012 at 12:16 AM
LOL! Where was Ron Paul at tonight? I'll tell you where! He was in the shadow of Romney, and that shadow was being caused by the brilliant white light that is Newt Gingrich!
Posted By: Guest#0430 (Guest) on January 20, 2012 at 12:17 AM
the reason the stuff with newt isn't a big deal, is because his second wife, already stated most of this stuff to esquire magazine two years ago, so most of this is already on the record
Posted By: coby (Guest) on January 20, 2012 at 12:51 AM
Clinton lied under oath to congress. Newt hasn't.
He's damn right about the media and you all know it.
John Edwards cheated and the media gave him a pass. Obama's past has remained a known mystery thanks to the media. Clinton, both of them, have done more corrupt shady shit than most modern politicans combined...
Newt, Cain, and anyone else deserves to be targeted for thier character...it should be demanded for the office.
However, the media chooses to target only Republicans on whole.
And we are left with the most corrupt liberals in thier place.
Be quick to condemn those who seek power and lack character, but don't be a pawn or hypocrite about in the process.
But liberals...liberals never change, because they lack character by nature. Look at the comments you post...
Pathetic.
You willingly give Obama a pass for lying to your faces and call anyone who points it out a racist.
But you won't consider an alternative to a liar, say anyone else, because they don't share your exact same social views?
But you willingly follow a man who just lies about his views, to your face, sets the conditions to have ou labeled a racist if you speak out against him, and takes your freedoms?.
If Obama takes your interest away will it be too late to reconsider?
Last time I checked this website uses lots of video clips and pictures...every single Republican candidate today stated that's total bullshit...
But that's not important...digging up Newts ex-wife of 15 years ago is an important issue to you?
No wonder you let Obama lie to you over and over again....GITMO, Public Option, Obamacare will lower costs, more spending will equal more jobs, Cash for Clunkers, three days to read bills, no bypassing congress for executive appointees, no lobbyists in cabinet, no supporting wall street or banks, blah blah blah...
You're either stupid or have short memories...or you have no character.
So go ahead and attack Newt...he deserves it. He made a mistake 15 years ago....Obama's lying to your face today.
Remember that when you vote.
Posted By: Grant (Guest) on January 20, 2012 at 12:53 AM
Newt is a dirtbag--sure, this is not up for debate. But everyone has known he's a dirtbag for the past 15 years. He may not be someone you'd look to for morality advice--but he's also damn smart and a complete scholar on historical events. I would MUCH rather have someone as president who is a scumbag, but makes smart decisions for this country's economy and defense than someone who I respect as a person but torpedoes our economy and makes us weaker on the world stage. Would I rather have a president that is perfect in every way? Sure--but it ain't gonna happen. So I'd happily settle for Newt.
Posted By: Commie (Guest) on January 20, 2012 at 01:07 AM
The self professed troll Grant has come out of hibernation to reclaim his crown from Michael.
This should be an interesting battle for Troll supremacy!
Who is the REAL troll king of 411?
Posted By: Guest#1554 (Guest) on January 20, 2012 at 07:24 AM
Poor Grant. The big bad media is biased against him. Those greedy evil corporate media conglomerates deteriorate liberals to the point that they have no character.
Real character like having sexually explicit conversations with male pages! Real character, like divorcing your wife while she's on her deathbed! Real character, like being concerned about the rights of a clump of cells but not caring about genocide in Darfur!
Posted By: Scott B (Guest) on January 20, 2012 at 08:06 AM
I think your trying to get a job with the mainstream media with this injustice towards Ron Paul. Are you kidding me with this? Seriously, not one mention of the man who absolutely had the best debate of the campaign. He made solid points, and received the largest cheers.
This asinine complex that people have towards Ron Paul is infuriating. While the other three were bickering, they allowed him to speak and he cracked their heads together like they were the Three Stooges.
You need to have insight before you write this crap. Give EACH candidate a share of time in your articles. Talk about the strong points from ALL of them, and not just what the fucking media talks about!
You should ashamed of this God awful reporting. It makes me sick to see people not even give the man a mention. Not once was there a mention of how he slammed Santorum on Abortion. How he killed them with SOPA debate. What about his sound money philosophy?
NOTHING FROM YOU!
Honestly, you should just put a footnote in this article with your resume to Fox, ABC, NBC, CBS, or CNN
Posted By: Guest#0211 (Guest) on January 20, 2012 at 08:25 AM
Americans need to take a long hard look in the mirror if THESE two people are the best the nation has to offer. SERIOUSLY.
Posted By: Guest#8452 (Guest) on January 20, 2012 at 08:53 AM
Grant speaks the truth and he is called names becuase that's all the libtards got, name calling. "Well Juan....." RACIST!!!! "Food stamps"....code for racist. Pathetic sheep who will do anything to deflect for Obama.
Scott B,
Third person references for someone who does nothing but regurgitate what he heard on MSNBC today makes you a pathetic loser.
Posted By: Guest#7360 (Guest) on January 20, 2012 at 09:05 AM
Americans need to take a long hard look in the mirror if THESE two people are the best the nation has to offer. SERIOUSLY.
Posted By: Guest#8452 (Guest) on January 20, 2012 at 08:53 AM
No just the best the republican party has to offer...maybe THEY need to look in the mirror
Posted By: Guest#6804 (Guest) on January 20, 2012 at 10:19 AM
You need to have insight before you write this crap. Give EACH candidate a share of time in your articles. Talk about the strong points from ALL of them, and not just what the fucking media talks about!
Posted By: Guest#0211 (Guest) on January 20, 2012 at 08:25 AM
Read the article title...it is HIS thoughts on the debate. IF he doesn't want to talk about RP...it's HIS thoughts. This isn't cnn idiot.
BTW RP failed ideas have been talked about here until many of us are blue in the face, go read and you can't miss em. Just because troll like Michael have blinders on isn't anyone Else's problem.
Posted By: Guest#5191 (Guest) on January 20, 2012 at 10:21 AM
Scott B,
Go get a hobby. You annoying and you add NOTHING to the conversation. You are a GaryML.
Posted By: Everyone (Guest) on January 20, 2012 at 12:02 PM
This asinine complex that people have towards Ron Paul is infuriating. While the other three were bickering, they allowed him to speak and he cracked their heads together like they were the Three Stooges.
You should ashamed of this God awful reporting. It makes me sick to see people not even give the man a mention. Not once was there a mention of how he slammed Santorum on Abortion. How he killed them with SOPA debate. What about his sound money philosophy?
Posted By: Guest#0211 (Guest) on January 20, 2012 at 08:25
This is just SO true. I think Ashish didn't watch the debate at all, just read some other report. Anybody who watched the debate and does not work for the mainstream media would at least make mention of Ron Paul clearly winning this debate.
Posted By: George (Guest) on January 20, 2012 at 12:05 PM
Ashish is a liberal so of course he didn't watch the debate.
Posted By: Michael (Guest) on January 20, 2012 at 12:19 PM
Read the article title...it is HIS thoughts on the debate. IF he doesn't want to talk about RP...it's HIS thoughts. This isn't cnn idiot.
BTW RP failed ideas have been talked about here until many of us are blue in the face, go read and you can't miss em. Just because troll like Michael have blinders on isn't anyone Else's problem.
Posted By: Guest#5191 (Guest) on January 20, 2012 at 10:21 AM
First off, I don't know who this Michael guy is nor do I care.
Now to your ridiculously immature response:
This article is about last nights debate and his thought on it. I grant you that, but to make mention of everyone but Ron Paul is just beyond biased. If your going to name Romney, Gingrich, and Santorum then you should at least make a couple comments on Ron Paul who was very involved in that debate which obviously you didn't watch.
I don't care about what was written before because that doesn't matter for the debate last night does it? What matters is that the writer of this column continues to perpetuate the blackout against Ron Paul. Regardless of what YOU think about his ideas; they are still valid and should be apart of any discussion of last night's debate.
Ron Paul was the clear winner last night despite what this author and the media wants you to think. If people, like this person who responded to me, actually did some independent research and educated themselves then they wouldn't be stuck with ignorant and foolish thoughts like he gave to me.
I have no problem having a mature debate with anyone on here about Ron Paul. You can call me a troll because that is the natural internet response to people who can't debate a logical argument.
Posted By: Guest 0211 (Guest) on January 20, 2012 at 01:18 PM
Oh please just go crawl back under the rock you came from Grant. Yeah Clinton lied under oath to congress. Except the question "did you have any extramarital affairs" had NOTHING to do with what he was actually being questioned about. That's why he was acquitted for perjury. Gingrich on the other hand made a grand old spectacle of dragging Clinton through the mud FOR TWO YEARS STRAIGHT while carrying out an extramarital affair of his own.
And what the hell are you talking about saying that John Edwards was ignored by the media? Last time I checked, John Edwards had been crucified by the media.
And shut the hell up with the racist thing. I swear you sound like a broken record. When was the last time someone called you a racist for disagreeing with Obama? Really, I want to know, because I never see it happen. No, conservative who make that argument just like to play the martyr.
I thought you didn't want to close GITMO. I thought you didn't want a public option. Make up your mind and stop being so intellectually bankrupt. Also when has he ever passed over congress when making an appointment? Last time I checked the constitution you cant make appointments unless congress approves it. It's like you're not even trying to make a coherent argument anymore. You'll latch onto any slimeball who says shocking things that you think are speaking truth to power. it goes to show how a lot of conservatives don't give a damn what happens to America, as long as Obama isn't president anymore.
Posted By: Jlevysan (Guest) on January 20, 2012 at 03:11 PM
Wow, so on the CNN debate, Newt attacked CNN. I'm shocked.
Meanwhile, he still can't explain why his ex-wife would say such a thing.
Posted By: Guest#8622 (Guest) on January 20, 2012 at 03:33 PM
Romney just can't get over with the GOPers. A Gingrich win tomorrow will be a great gift for Obama. I still can't believe Santorum has lasted this long. If he were out, Gingrich would be winning by now.
Posted By: Buddy Wood Chelsea Strough (Guest) on January 20, 2012 at 03:48 PM
"Read the article title...it is HIS thoughts on the debate. IF he doesn't want to talk about RP...it's HIS thoughts. This isn't cnn idiot.
BTW RP failed ideas have been talked about here until many of us are blue in the face, go read and you can't miss em. Just because troll like Michael have blinders on isn't anyone Else's problem.
Posted By: Guest#5191 (Guest) on January 20, 2012 at 10:21 AM
"
Yes, because my opinion is different from yours, I'm a troll. Perfect reasoning from a mouth breather neocon/liberal.
Posted By: Michael (Guest) on January 20, 2012 at 04:09 PM
Posted By: Guest 0211 (Guest) on January 20, 2012 at 01:18 PM
Yeah ok bud whatever you say.
I guess RP people are the ONLY ones who do any research on ANY topics?
I guess you are the smartest people in the room at all times huh?
Countless articles have been written and studies done by economists about how the Fed is needed in a big economy. Go ask Europe how the Euro is doing and go ask them how well NOT having a centralized banking system worked out for them?
Go ask the "founders" of the country what this country would look like if we had 13 (back then) or 50 states who could totally run their own ship with ZERO overlying government laws.
Better yet, go ask RP what he thinks of amendments to the constitution. HE wants to go by the letter of the law AT ALL TIMES by the constitution, well I guess that means there would NEVER be a time when an amendment to it would EVER be needed, right?
How does one explain RP telling people who should not have gotten involved in WWII? Explain that one to me?
I could go on and on but chances are I will just get called names by the RP zombies who have little to nothing to counter act ANY point anyone EVER makes against their boy, except to call them stupid and that they don't understand anything.
I won't hold my breath on a response by any of you.
Posted By: Guest#7453 (Guest) on January 20, 2012 at 04:38 PM
Ron Paul was the clear winner last night despite what this author and the media wants you to think. If people, like this person who responded to me, actually did some independent research and educated themselves then they wouldn't be stuck with ignorant and foolish thoughts like he gave to me.
Posted By: Guest 0211 (Guest) on January 20, 2012 at 01:18 PM
I just conducted independent research which shows that Ron Paul gets booed at debates while Newt gets cheered. Therefore, Paul wasn't the winner of last night's debate -- Obama was.
Posted By: Guest#6709 (Guest) on January 20, 2012 at 04:45 PM
es, because my opinion is different from yours, I'm a troll. Perfect reasoning from a mouth breather neocon/liberal.
Posted By: Michael (Guest) on January 20, 2012 at 04:09 PM
No you're a troll because you are the definition of a troll
Internet Troll - An Internet troll, or simply troll in Internet slang, is someone who posts controversial, inflammatory, irrelevant or off-topic messages in an online community
All you EVER talk about is RP even when the article has NOTHING TO DO with RP
Therefore you are a troll.
Posted By: webster (Guest) on January 20, 2012 at 05:17 PM
JLevysan,
Bill Clinton got disbarred and then impeached by the congress for lying.
MSNBC, on a daily basis, trotts out knobs like your self that call republicans racist. All day, every day.
The John Edwards knocking up his mistress while his wife was dying of cancer was known by the mainstream media for over a year when the National Enquirer went public. The shitheads decided it wasn't important and only piled on after the Inquirer posted the pictures. How many times was Edwards mentioned for being secretary of state? Meanwhile his wife is dying, his mistress is having his kid and Chris Matthews is saying all of it is none of our buisness even after they acknowedged the seedy bullshit.
Wise up and get your chin off Obamas sack you hack.
Posted By: Guest#5490 (Guest) on January 20, 2012 at 08:05 PM
I won't hold my breath on a response by any of you.
Posted By: Guest#7453 (Guest) on January 20, 2012 at 04:38 PM
There's nothing to respond to. You do a whole lot of typing without really saying anything or getting any point across. I think you're probably a lot less smart than you think you are.
Posted By: Guest#1192 (Guest) on January 20, 2012 at 08:23 PM
You're either stupid or have short memories...or you have no character.
So go ahead and attack Newt...he deserves it. He made a mistake 15 years ago....Obama's lying to your face today.
Remember that when you vote.
Posted By: Grant (Guest) on January 20, 2012 at 12:53 AM
No Grant, we've just got longer memories than you. We can remember beyond Obama, back to the Bush regime, even back to the shit Gingrich pulled when he was Speaker.
Enjoy your trolling. Glad to see you got so freaked out by the GOP frontrunners that you are panicking.
Posted By: Guest#3213 (Guest) on January 20, 2012 at 08:38 PM
"No you're a troll because you are the definition of a troll
Internet Troll - An Internet troll, or simply troll in Internet slang, is someone who posts controversial, inflammatory, irrelevant or off-topic messages in an online community
All you EVER talk about is RP even when the article has NOTHING TO DO with RP
Therefore you are a troll.
Posted By: webster (Guest) on January 20, 2012 at 05:17 PM"
Now you are trolling because the article was about the debate, and yes, Ron Paul was apart of the debate. Besides, you are a liberal because you support Newt, Romney and Santorum. All are big government neocons.
Posted By: Michael (Guest) on January 20, 2012 at 09:29 PM
So, Romney is going down, in part because he is a millionaire who pays a 15% tax rate.
The competition? Gingrich just went on record saying he wanted to drop his tax rate to zero...
How fucking obvious do they have to make it that the Republicans want Obama to win?
Posted By: Guest#1546 (Guest) on January 20, 2012 at 09:29 PM
Scott B,
Go get a hobby. You annoying and you add NOTHING to the conversation. You are a GaryML.
Posted By: Everyone (Guest) on January 20, 2012 at 12:02 PM
So pointing out that I add nothing to the conversation is adding something to the conversation?
My mind is a raging torrent, flooded with rivulets of thought cascading into a waterfall of creative alternatives. And I've got a certificate from my local chapter of MENSA to proof it, so suck my fat one.
Posted By: Scott B (Guest) on January 20, 2012 at 10:58 PM
why doesn't 411 just get an actual forum? talking to people in the comments is so clunky.
Posted By: Guest#5054 (Guest) on January 21, 2012 at 04:04 AM
Scott B summed up everything accurately and. Everyone doesn't speak for everyone.
By the way, those people applauding Newt for refusing to face his past? Die-hard republicans only. That kind of shit isn't going to fly with regular people. It sure is going to be fun to watch, though.
Posted By: poffo316 (Guest) on January 21, 2012 at 05:58 AM
There's nothing to respond to. You do a whole lot of typing without really saying anything or getting any point across. I think you're probably a lot less smart than you think you are.
Posted By: Guest#1192 (Guest) on January 20, 2012 at 08:23 PM
Everything I wrote are positions YOUR boy has taken and possible consequences of such positions.
But it's exactly what I thought..."oh I'm open to a debate" then when offered one RP people take their ball and go home because they have NOTHING to say or offer in response.
Posted By: Guest#6292 (Guest) on January 21, 2012 at 09:07 AM
Now you are trolling because the article was about the debate, and yes, Ron Paul was apart of the debate. Besides, you are a liberal because you support Newt, Romney and Santorum. All are big government neocons.
Posted By: Michael (Guest) on January 20, 2012 at 09:29 PM
No you tool this article was about Ashish and HIS THOUGHTS on the debate. An article in which Ron Paul wasn't mentioned. It was an opinion piece that doesn't mention Ron Paul.
So yeah you are trolling buddy...I'm just pointing it out.
Also pointing out your a troll somehow makes me a supporter of the other 3 and a neocon...please go get some help and get on some meds bud...you need help stat!
Posted By: webster (Guest) on January 21, 2012 at 09:10 AM
Scott B,
Go get a hobby. You annoying and you add NOTHING to the conversation. You are a GaryML.
Posted By: Everyone (Guest) on January 20, 2012 at 12:02 PM
I would like to think that most people can figure out what posts are mine and what ones are being made by whatever Ron Paul fanboy that is constantly attacking me because he/she/it can't actually rebut my points with factual information.
Of course it's sad that the mods here at 411 can't tell the difference and just blindly approve every comment, and that even though I'm posting from my registered account it still shows as (guest).
Posted By: Scott B (Guest) on January 21, 2012 at 11:52 AM
MSNBC, on a daily basis, trotts out knobs like your self that call republicans racist. All day, every day.
Posted By: Guest#5490 (Guest) on January 20, 2012 at 08:05 PM
Wow. A conservative speaking in absolutes? You don't say! Of course, this is a blatantly false statement, but it makes him good to feel like a martyr.
"Oh, they're picking on me because they hate America and they hate Christianity because then they'd have to stop being so amoral and having gay blood-orgies! They want to rewrite history so that it says we stole this country from noble native-Americans, when in reality God gave us this country because God loves freedom, even though he tells us how to treat our slaves!"
Posted By: Scott B (Guest) on January 21, 2012 at 12:13 PM
Gingrich is running on a "family values" platform. Asking about his own marriage values is perfectly valid.
Posted By: MDK (Guest) on January 21, 2012 at 05:22 PM
Gingrich is running on a "family values" platform. Asking about his own marriage values is perfectly valid.
Posted By: MDK (Guest) on January 21, 2012 at 05:22 PM
Gingrich is running on a "family values" platform. Asking about his own marriage values is perfectly valid.
Posted By: MDK (Guest) on January 21, 2012 at 05:22 PM
STAY CURRENT