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The Case for a Newt Candidacy

Okay, it's a long shot. But Gingrich could be a Barry Goldwater for beleaguered GOP

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Sep 29, 2007 7:59 AM CDT

(Newser) – When Newt Gingrich makes noises about running for president, as he did again this week, eyes roll all over America. He’s deeply unpopular, according to polls, and it seems too late to mobilize a serious campaign. But Newsweek sees an opportunity for the former House speaker in the gloom surrounding the GOP. Gingrich could be a postmodern Barry Goldwater, honorably articulating the conservative platform in defeat.

Gingrich drew headlines recently when he told Republican candidates to abandon George Bush and pegged the Democrats’ general election chances at 80%. If he's right about that, conservatives might warm to Gingrich as a vote they could at least take pride in casting, sacrificing electability for ideology. Newt’s plan to spread that ideology? Skip TV ads and mail DVDs to every voter.

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Possible Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich delivers remarks to the National Rifle Association in Washington, Friday, Sept. 21, 2007. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) (Associated Press)

Former U.S. Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich speaks, as he kicks off three days of policy workshops, at the Cobb Galleria Centre, Thursday, Sept. 27, 2007 in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Gregory Smith) (Associated Press)

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich delivers a keynote speech at the Nevada Policy Research Institute's 16th anniversary dinner in Las Vegas, Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2007. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) (Associated Press)

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich listens as he in introduced prior to addressing a luncheon at the National Press Club in Washington, Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2007. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) (Associated Press)

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The Case for a Newt Candidacy