Why Is The Tea Party Lining Up With Newt?
Tom Tillison
Florida Political Press
Politicos, both left and right, are beside themselves trying to understand why the tea party is beginning to align with Newt Gingrich.
(Which is ironic in and of itself. The media continues to feed us a steady diet of how the tea party has lost it’s influence, yet, whomever the movement gets behind quickly finds themselves in the lead.)
With all his history, the many inconsistencies in his record and Glen Beck screaming from the rafters that this man is a progressive, more and more tea party folks are shifting toward Newt. Even with Charles Krauthammer using the ‘S’ word – socialist – he remains comfortably atop the polls.
How can this be? Does this confirm that the tea party was never serious about all this limited government and fiscal responsibility stuff? That they’re a bunch of hypocrites?
It seems that too many on the right are looking to the eventual GOP nominee to not only defeat Obama, but to right decades of misguided policy and reset the course of American history and do it all in a single election cycle.
With feet firmly on the ground and heads free of the clouds, many in the tea party understand that the myriad of problems that plague this country are deep rooted and will take years to resolve, if ever.
Having spent the better part of 3 yrs battling Barack Obama and the Progressive Left, the tea party is well aware of how successful they have been in implementing their ideology in this country.
It’s understood that they dominate the institutions of government, the universities and, subsequently, the minds of the younger generation. That they control the national media, the entertainment industry and, along with that, the ability to define what is ‘hip’ in America, a desperately important motivational factor for the shallow minded.
Most tea partiers understand this is a war for the future of America, pitting collectivism against self reliance, and that it will take many years to play out.
And the critical first step in that battle is to remove Barack Obama from the White House, a man who’s greatest achievement to date may be the extent in which he has emboldened the enemies, both foreign and domestic, of a free and prosperous America.
A sentiment pundits would be wise not to downplay.
Another factor that is tattooed in the minds of many tea partiers is the stark contrast that existed between Barack Obama and John McCain in the debates leading up to the 2008 election. McCain’s painful oratory skills and total inability to expose Obama’s inexperience and idealism played a key role in the unfortunate outcome of that election. A blunder many do not want to see repeated.
If the past three years have taught us anything, it is that the Left will hold nothing back in their quest to retain the White House. The 2012 election will be as nasty as recent memory will allow and the right had better have a fighter in their corner.
And when surveying the GOP presidential primary field, I submit that these are the factors that lead many to Newt Gingrich.
Newt is not only a feisty individual quick to challenge the propaganda arm of the Far Left, better known as the national media, but he also has the intellectual capacity to overshadow Obama in a debate.
But more importantly, as was accurately stated by Scott Baker of The Blaze, ‘there is a cool, analytical detachment to his brutal and effective dissection of liberal failure’, that will enable Newt to win the moral argument over what kind of country America is, or should be.
The very argument that will make up the cornerstone of Obama’s campaign strategy.
And that, in a nutshell, ideology aside, is why many feel Newt Gingrich is the best candidate to go head to head with Barack Obama.
With little confidence that Mitt Romney has a ‘killer instinct’, that Rick Perry won’t end up babbling to himself, or that Ron Paul has the ability to articulate his message in a coherent manner, or that Rick Santorum and Michele Bachmann can be anything but negative, it’s “Newt or Bust’ for many in the tea party.
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Yeah, Tom. For me it’s the memory of McCain who was a poor debater. I can’t vote for anyone other than the best debater.
The Tea Party is not lining up with Newt. You will see the truth soon. In the mean time stop perpetuating the lie.
Tom,
I am not so sure the tea party is lining up behind Newt as evidenced by the emais and conversations I have had. This is a story line that the media wants to believe and having had a meeting last night, Newt was not the guy but rather most people are still undecided. This election is far from over and voters will have to decide who will defend their values.
What the media wants us to believe is a race of two people for the Republican nomination is a wide open race….at least in West Orlando. I’m just sayin.
Ron/Tom,
I think it is safe to say that Herman Cain enjoyed extensive tea party support. As Cain began to sink in the polls and eventually drop out, two candidates saw a noticeable increase in support, as evidenced by the poll numbers. Newt Gingrich and Ron Paul, with Newt taking the lions share of the increase. Logic alone dictates that much of Cain’s tea party support went to Newt.
Keep in mind that I did not say everyone in the tea party is supporting Newt, nor did I say I support him. Just opining on the trend as I see it. As fractured as the tea party is, there’s little chance any candidate will ever enjoy 100% support.
Bob, if that is what you got out of this piece, you’re missing the point entirely. It also indicates to me that you have already selected your candidate, feel strongly about him/her and clearly that is not Newt.
The point of the article is that folks are looking at which candidate best matches up to Obama, can not only go toe to toe with him, but prevail in the match up – a logical explanation of why Newt is seeing such a surge.
Ultimately, like Newt or hate him, that he is in this position is due to the failings of the other candidates to convince the folks that they are the man/woman for the job.
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Tom,
There are a myriad of reasons why people will support one candidate versus another candidate, and I’m quite confident you’re already aware of this fact. But for the sake of review, here are a few of them…
1) Who is the most visually appealing?
2) Who has the name that sounds best?
3) Who has the media told me to vote for?
4) Who has the party establishment told me to vote for?
5) Who is leading in the polls?
6) Who is a good debater?
7) Who has the best funded campaign?
9) Who sounds the smartest?
.
.
.
99) Who stands for the same principles that I stand for and has exhibited a historical track record of supporting those principles?
In theory, one of the primary goals that inspired the Tea Party movement to come into being was to elevate item #99 above way on up the list in priority through education of the voting populace and motivating them to learn the principles on which our nation was founded and where the various candidates stood on those principles as well as tracking their historical record against the “campaign promises and stances” they make during campaign season.
I understand your article is not reflective of your personal pick in this presidential race and that you’re merely reporting on the trend you’re seeing.
But if what you’re seeing is what is actually happening out there, then I fear we have failed in the goal I mentioned above.
I am given hope though when reading Ron McCoy’s comment above as it’s clear that at least part of the Tea Party movement is doing their job. And Ron’s not alone either. Certainly there are those within the Tea Party that are failing in that goal and leaving the selection criteria from the past in place. And there are those within the Tea Party who have totally dismissed item #99 above because it might mean their own personal popularity might fade a little if they took a difficult and unpopular stance.
But there are many conservatives (both within the Tea Party and not) who are doing everything within their power to achieve that goal of moving item #99 above as far up the selection criteria as they possibly can… both for themselves as individual voters and also for those they can teach.
Thank you for your comment above Ron McCoy. You’re indeed an inspiring leader!
And thank you also Tom for writing the article and for keeping this source of news alive and vibrant with news we wouldn’t see anywhere else.
The most principled candidate in the race is Michele Bachmann. I was supporting Herman Cain but since he has withdrawn, I’m with Michele. I don’t know that just being able to out-do Obama in a debate will win Newt any votes. If other Tea Partiers are still honestly looking for someone who will uphold our values I suggest Michele Bachmann is that person.
Another great article, Tom. I think you touched on some important themes–Gingrich is very, very smart and a good debater. I fear he’s the evil genius type, unfortunately. The Republicans have been very kind to him, not bringing up his marital infidelities and other personal problems. There’s also his questionable relationship to Freddie Mac, his ineffectiveness as Speaker, the number of bridges he’s burned in Washington, and his enthusiasm for a stronger UN at the expense of our national sovereignty. The Democrats will not be so kind in the general election. Bank on that. Who knows what other skeletons they’ll find in his closet? There are many in the GOP, myself included, who will not vote for him in the general election because there’s absolutely nothing conservative about him, save his rhetoric from time-to-time.
Even though I’m a Ron Paul supporter, I agree that he gets tongue tied and trips over his own words quite a bit. However, if you listen to what he says you can’t deny that he wins every debate, from a classical debate perspective. By that I mean, while others demagogue the issue and miss the point, he always raises the salient argument that is backed by the Constitution, historical precedent, or his opponent’s actual words. He effectively diagnoses the root of most problems and refuses to be painted into a corner by a question framed to exclude the most attractive answer choices. One may not agree with his principles, but nobody can argue that he’s the most principled candidate in the race. Likewise, he has no skeletons in his closet. He’s got the best crossover appeal, would garner far more independent votes than any other Republican, and would even steal many votes from Democrats who don’t want to change party affiliation to vote for him in the primary, but would choose him over Obama in the general election. Nobody is in a moral position to challenge Obama on his fidelity to the Constitution moreso than Paul. Nobody would cut spending more than Paul. As for people who would vote for him if he took a stronger position against Iran, I offer the following: He has said he wants to get out of Israel’s internal affairs. Many have taken this to mean that he doesn’t support Israel. This is not the case, as is evident to anyone who listens carefully to what he says. He’s said he would let Israel control her foreign policy, even if that meant bombing Iran. That’s important for people to understand. His is the only position that can satisfy both those who want war with Iran and those who think we’re broke and shouldn’t send our troops to another war, especially when Israel has 300 nuclear weapons and the strongest military in the Middle East. Still think he’s anti-Israel? That was the exact sentiment that Netanyahu expressed when he spoke in the Congress this Fall. According to him, it’s the true zionist message–sovereignty and self-determination for Israel.
Paul is the real frontrunner right now in the GOP, regardless of what the phoney polls might try to tell you. See ABC’s coverage of Newt and Mitt’s Iowa organization? They both literally have empty offices with a desk and a phone or two. Dr. Paul’s is bustling with volunteers. It’s like that all across the country. Gingrich’s organization is so poor that he isn’t even on the ballot in 3 states. His Iowa campaign manager just quit this week too. It’s time to get behind Dr. Paul. If you don’t then you only have yourself to blame for another 4 years of Obama.
The last sentence is the whole story. “…Rich Santorum and Michele Bachmann can be anything but negative…”.
Since when has being pro United States Constitution been a
negative? The real question is why are the people of the
country turning anti-Constitution.
Joe McKean
Good article, Tom. I might add that Newt got a second look from tea party types because, during the early debates, he pretty much stuck to substantive issues (and if he attacked anyone, it was the lefty mods). That plays well with folks tired of the rest of the candidates taking personal potshots at each other.
I’ll also reiterate your point that, after watching squishy, supposed conservatives roll over to any criticism from the Left, it feels good to have someone adroitly smack around both the Dems and their media syncophants.
PS: Not a Newt supporter but he has some intriguing talents.
Newt represents everything the grassroots have been fighting against these many years. Supporting Newt will destroy the movement’s credibility. Fortunately, THE FACT is that not all tea party groups and 912ers support him. Many leaders are simply uninformed about the dangers of electing Newt Gingrich. He will change our Constitution, he supports gun ban, the health care mandate, illegal immigration, the United Nations, bailouts, global warming, the green agenda etc., etc. He hasn’t changed unless he underwent a brain transplant since he left congress. He is a progressive at heart. He is a war monger and will probably start WWIII which will take little to spark considering what’s happening in the middle east and Europe. Just about anyone could beat Obama. Newt comes with lots of baggage that will surface and hurt the elections. Unfortunately, for those that think he is the only solution because we have to beat Obama are simply dreaming, since you will be replacing one evil with another. Nothing will change for the better. Newt is an egotist and dangerous. We shouldn’t be settling, we should be fighting for the continuance of our Republic by supporting, defending and protecting our US Constitution. Only a constitutional candidate will do this, and that is RON PAUL! A vote for Newt is a vote for Obama. They’ll win regardless. VOTE RON PAUL 2012!!
Thanks for posting this Tom, and to everyone else for the interesting comments.
Personally, of the remaining candidates I like more of what Ron Paul says than the others. I also know he is unlikely to win the primary and the general election.
So, overall and living in a real world, Newt is my probable choice over the remaining candidates. Michelle B’s migrain headaches are a show stopper for me.
The Tea Party is a movement of individuals. Therefore there is no presumptive candidate. For many Herman Cain unified many who were dissatisfied with the status quo in DC. That is not an option anymore.
Michelle Bachmann is a favorite of many because she does speak the tea party language, promotes our message and generally takes up issues that we champion. Her campaign however is dismal, her talking point responses have been too predictable and more suited for a tea party rally than a debate stage. Her attacks at the front runners throughout this process do not encourage their supporters to flock to her when their candidate fails. When she does not try too hard her intelligence and her faith shine through. The debate about foreign policy was her strongest. Her numbers have not moved in months and her campaign is in debt. This makes it unlikely that she will last till August, especially since she is simultaneously running to retain her office int the House of Representatives.
Other than his strong faith, there are few tea party qualities in Santorum. He has made it plain that he would increase the size and scope of the military overseas. He does not espouse constitutional, small government solutions. After losing an election in his own state (after being the incumbent) it is unlikely he can inspire people enough to win a national election.
Ron Paul has a very strong and devoted support base. He is by far the candidate that speaks the most to smaller government & constitutional solutions. His foreign policy comments have however created a visceral distaste of him as a President. A president’s primary, constitutional, role is to be the nation’s #1 Ambassador and Commander-and-Chief of the Armed forces. In both roles Ron Paul has beliefs contrary to many primary voters. The constitutional role of defense requires that the nation is prepared for offence. Retaining strategic positions around the world (although limiting them) is a necessary deterrent. The level of overseas activity can be reasonably debated however Dr Paul has not articulated any limit to his proposed reductions. If according Paul’s statements, that our presence overseas is unconstitutional, are they not ALL unconstitutional? Ron Paul does not tout American Exceptionalism. (sort of a requirement to lead the nation) Instead he uses the words of those who attacked us on 9/11 as evidence to support an isolationist philosophy.
There are few redeemable qualities of Mitt Romney. Yes, he is a man of faith. Yes he was a successful businessman. Outside of those qualities, as governor he moved one of the most liberal states in the nation further left. He implemented Agenda 21 programs, worked in concert with ICLEI and, of course there is Romney care, a program to this day he claims he is still proud of. The GOP needs to understand that winning in a dark blue state does not make you a viable candidate in red states.
Newt has his share of difficulties also. He was in congress for 20 years, therefore he has a lot of history to pick from. not all of his votes or all of his statements have been an example of conservatism. In that span America subjected him to Liberal Democrat rule for 16 years. All bills submitted by him went through that filter. All votes he cast were on bills that these liberals allowed him to vote for.
In 1983, while Tea Party patriots we still throwing barbs at their televisions, Newt formed the Conservative Opportunity Society. Product from this group aided Ronald Reagan while he was president. Ronald Reagan was one of the most conservative presidents in recent history.
After Newt’s Contract for America America finally saw a change in leadership in Congress. Again, America only gave Republicans a slight majority and a Liberal democrat president. This meant that all bills still needed some Democrat support to pass. Even still Newt’s house passed 4 years of balanced budgets. This required great political capital, Pressuring the President who refused to sign them and forcing a shut down of the government. Newt literally had to drag the party to line up behind it.
They passed a welfare reform bill (a third rail issue that few have the courage to touch).
He reduced payments to the UN and ensured that US troops would not be forcibly led by foreign commanders (another bill that required overriding a presidential veto).
A believer in American Exceptionallism, he has been one of the few to speak out against Agenda 21.
He has been outspoken about radical Islam including producing a film on the topic with Citizens United.
Newt has had issues with marital fidelity however he has admitted to and asked forgiveness for these. in 2009 he was confirmed into the Catholic church with guidance from his wife and has since signed FOUR pledges to remain faithful. God does not consider some sins good and others bad. God forgives. If he can so should those who trust him.
These, in addition to items in this article, are some of the reasons I support Newt Gingrich for the presidency. This does not however, reflect an endorsement from the Tea Party movement.
Well, as reflected in the polls, it appears that the Tea Party will have a strong impact in deciding who the Republican nominee will be. Unfortunately, I don’t think the establishment will agree with the choice because it won’t be Mitt Romney. Newt is definitely arrogant and smart enough to go up against the Obama machine, but the uncertainty as to how he would govern, if elected, leaves much to be desired. I’m leaning toward Ron Paul.
Tom,
Great article! The tea party people care about specific solutions and balanced budgets. These are Newt’s stremgths. The fact is the last guy to deliver us balanced budgets was Newt and everyone knows he has a lot of good ideas about reforming and downsizing government. We also are not living in the past . The other possible winner of this race is Romney who has a terrible tax plan and will not tell us what he is going to cut from government so why vote for him. Its that simple!! Todd
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[...] Why Is The Tea Party Lining Up With Newt? Politicos, both left and right, are beside themselves trying to understand why the tea party is beginning to align with Newt Gingrich. (Which is ironic in and of itself. The media continues to feed us a steady diet of how the tea party has lost it's … http://www.floridapoliticalpress.com/ — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 20:10:04 -0800 Tags: Chicago Sun Times, South Carolina CNN debate, south carolina <BR/> [...]