Newt Gingrich 2008?

Hi Smith2028, Newt is playing it smart -- as he always does! He'll wait until the attacks from within and from the other side of the aisle have exceeded the boiling point. Then, he'll come in with reason, wit, and the air of a favorite old history professor, and enter the race. It will hurt his chances of raising the big funds, but in the long-run (which is what this Presidential race is) it will be a wise strategy. I think that Guiliani could make a very good president. But, what this country needs right now is a good leader. In my opinion, Newt would be a very strong leader. There is a vast difference between a good President and a real leader, and the latter is what we are sorely lacking. As to another response you received indicating that Newt is lacking in likeability: calling Hillary Clinton a name does not render one unlikeable, by any stretch. Unless, of course it is overheard by a Rosie O'Donnell fan! Even Bill's biggest supporters have turned on her. Geffen's comments about her ease with deceit will, in the end be far more damaging to her than any name Newt may have referenced her with. Newt is a man who creates solutions. That skill is what allowed him to rise to the ranks of Speaker of the House, maintain that position for as long as he did, and survive a cowardly abandonment by the many who he inspired for so long. In summary, I would also like to see him run -- and win!

I think if Newt is going to get into the rrace, he should do it soon. With the mass exodus to move primaries to February 1, fund-raising is going to be a factor very early in this race and I'd hate for Newt to be a throw away candidate because he didn't have the money to stay in it.

I hadn't actually heard that Newt was even thinking about it but I'm not surprised if he is. I think the republicans are hoping to find someone that can pull them out of this funk right now. The current situation, the war, the issues in the White House, etc. have taken its toll on their party. I honestly don't have much of an opinion on Newt other then the few times I've seen him "in action". I will say he is a very pro-active person that isn't afraid to make a move and go for what he believes in. As for his politics, style and stand on issues I'm not all that read up on him so I can't really say yay or nay. Face it, the more diversity we have running for president, the more choices we have as voters. Who knows what may come of this upcoming presidential election?

I admire his intellectual skills and open-mindedness on issues, but that's about it. I don't think he has any experience on Iraq; being a House member really doesn't give much international experience. And like Guiliani he seems to have a tendency to get testy in the face of criticism.

I am not going to "attack" his character, but character is an important issue to voters..he is perceived by many to be sorely lacking in that department. He also comes across as hostile at times, and is very defensive and testy when critisized, further perpetuating the myth that republicans are "mean spirited." A certain level of diplomacy, I believe, is required to be effective in office. He has been seen as a liability for the republican party in the past; when Newt stepped down as speaker, the republicans couldn't distance themselves far enough from him. In light of the most recent elections, it's clear that the democrats have the advantage; the republican candidate has got to have a likeability factor in order to sway swing voters. Politics aside Newt Gingrich just doesn't have a likeability factor, Many, including myself, haven't forgotten the word he used for Hillary Clinton--(remember the infamous interview with Connie Chung)The Republicans would have a much better chance, in my opinion, with John McCain.