Delusions of Newtness

It's with a great amount of humour I read of the trial balloon being floated by none other than Newt Gingrich, Newt it seems is pondering a bid for the 2008 American Presidency. If nothing else he dreams big, but surely even his Newtness isn't thinking seriously that he would have a chance as the candidate for the Republican party?

Does the term excess baggage mean anything to the former Congressman from Georgia, a man whose star blazed brightly during the Clinton years, only to fall spectacularly at that altar called hypocrisy!

Newt of course was one of the leading Republicans during the high drama of the Clinton years, Republican outrage over all things Clinton, but which seemed to strangely focus on the examination of the sexual mores of the then President of the United States. Now to be fair to Newt he never seemed particularly comfortable with that aspect of bringing down the Democrats, perhaps because he was at the same time involved in some rather less than flattering moments in his own personal affairs. It may be that this is a forgive and forget society, but as they say, those that live in a glass house shouldn't throw rocks, nor should they except absolution upon being identified for what they are or in this case were.

Newts own personal life is a catalogue of personal flaws that make him more likely to host a reality TV show than become leader of the free world. But it's America, and one guesses anything can happen. But there must be a limit to one's fanciful beliefs.

Now perhaps all this talk of Newt for Prez, is mere shilling for his new epic tome of political theatre called, "Winning the Future: A 21st Century Contract with America", picking up one assumes with his 1994 exploration of Republican core values. Named as Time Magazines man of the year in 1995, Gingrich held power at the end of his telephone. The creation of the "Contract with America" then, became almost a Declaration of independence for Republicans as they recaptured the reins of Power in the House, resulting in no shortage of pain for the Clinton forces during their years in office.

This time though the pain is mostly Republican, in "Winning the future...."Newt takes on his own party and the leaders that led them to Iraq and have fumbled domsetic issues. He dishes out equal blame to Rumsfeld, Powell, Cheney and Bush, perhaps to prove his bona fides in the debate over Iraq. Not going into a full attack on Republican values mind you, but apparently leaving a bit of wriggle room to distance himself from a flailing policy. Of course it helps to not actually be anywhere near the seat of power when things go wrong as well, thus keeping your options open when the time comes around.

Gingrich who gave up his seat in 1999 after the Republicans suffered unexpected losses, has spent the last few years working on his Civil War novels and cobbling together the update to Contract with America. He also has been wandering the streets of Washington compiling a list of all the attractions that pay homage to God. In his new book he has nineteen pages of listings a "walking Tour of God, in Washington DC" places where Moses, the Bible, and God above are praised and forever immortalized.

Perhaps all that soul searching led to a more contrite Newt, one who can quote scripture and actually lead the life intended, but old dogs and new tricks dictate a different theory. That of cloaking oneself in the tones of the righteous, ringing a clarion bell, all the while having laid the groundwork of the destructive. In other words he can read those commandments, but is a tad selective on the ones to follow.

It seems fitting that he has found a media home in the jowls of the Fox News hurricane, able to find fellow travelers on the network that loves its Republicans. And if Newt were a smart man, he might wisht to forsake the grind of the chicken dinners of Iowa and New Hampshire for the after show meals at New Yorks finest eateries. He'll probably be more revered as a handy acolyte for Bill O'Reilly and more than likely find the heat less intense under the protective umbrella of Fox News. Which seems to not worry about such things as personal demons and bad publicity.

But a Newt for President campaign must have the Grand Old Party worried for the future. Sending Newt up against the Democrats could be the kind of scenario that might help deflect the disappointment of losing to George Bush in 2004. If anything the idea should help get the Democrats back on their message and back into the game. Oh my, the prospect of Gingrich becoming president in 2008 must seem like a God send!

Just the thought of it makes the idea of a Bush dynasty seem almost appealing, Jeb, Neil (well maybe Neil may want to sit this one out) C'mon' Republican's get those papers filed and get to work! If Newt is the best your party can float, then there's surely a spot at a New Hampshire coffee shop for you too!