Newt Is the Conservative Al Sharpton

He'll never run for office again; he just wants attention

By Wesley Oliver, Newser Staff

Posted Mar 4, 2009 8:00 AM CST

(Newser) – Trendy political predictions to the contrary, Newt's not "back," and he most certainly isn't going to run for president, writes Jason Zengerle in the New Republic. The former House speaker has maintained political longevity by dangling flirty intimations before story-hunting reporters. Given how he loves to talk, Gingrich is the go-to guy "on all things conservative," much as Al Sharpton is on black issues. But “the moment Newt actually runs for office, the jig is up,” says Zengerle.

Gingrich derives relevance from pontification, writes Zengerle, who dismisses the Times’ recent parallel to Nixon’s comeback after the implosion of Barry Goldwater. Gingrich is “about as un-Nixonian as a politician can get simply because, in the end, he doesn't crave power. He just craves attention. Which means that, unlike Nixon in the 60s, Newt will always be available to kick around.”

[Images (5)]

[Quotes (2)]

Former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich speaks during the Texas Republican Party State Convention Friday, June 13, 2008 in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, appears for an interview with George Stephanopolous on ABC's This Week, in Washington. (AP Photo/ABC News, Lauren Victoria Burke)

In this photo provided by ABC News, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich appears for an interview with George Stephanopolous on ABC's This Week, in Washington, Sunday, April 22, 2007. (AP Photo/ABC News, Lauren Victoria Burke)

The Rev. Al Sharpton arrives at criminal court Monday, Oct. 6 , 2008, in New York. (AP Photo/Louis Lanzano)

The Rev. Al Sharpton addresses the Southern Christian Leadership Conference in Kenner, Tuesday, July 29, 2008. (AP Photo/Bill Haber)

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To borrow a line Marion Barry once used about Jesse Jackson, Newt don't wanna run nothing but his mouth.
- Jason Zengerle, the New Republic

The way Newt stays in the spotlight is by not every fully entering into it. His role is to stand on the sidelines, offering a constant stream of ideas and critiques, so that he never really has to be accountable for any of them. - Jason Zengerle, the New Republic

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 3 comments

Shannonals

Mar 7, 2009 10:55 PM CST

Gingrich is a joke

riffran

Mar 6, 2009 1:54 AM CST

so newt flings the "con card" as quick as Al claims rascist issues....no...he isn't that bad, plus he don't have the Don King hair going either

bacimom

Mar 5, 2009 4:19 AM CST

I have no love for Neocons. True Cons barely exist and only consist of the likes of Andrew Sullivan and Chris Buckley... but if I had to choose a representative of the GOP I'd take Newt over Rush or Steele anyday. Newt at least is an educated, thinking Republican. I don't necessarity agree with what he thinks, but he does think. On the other hand a paragon he isn't. Did he not inform his dying wife he was divorcing her in her hospital room? Family values!

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Newt Gingrich • Al Sharpton • Barry Goldwater • Richard Nixon • conservatives

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Newt Is the Conservative Al Sharpton