What’s harder to believe: That former House Speaker Newt Gingrich was having an affair while he was presiding over the 1998 impeachment of President Bill Clinton for perjury and obstruction of justice related to the Monica Lewinsky affair? Or that Gingrich now professes to see no hypocrisy in his actions?
“The president of the United States got in trouble for committing a felony in front of a sitting federal judge,” Gingrich said in a radio interview with Focus on the Family’s James Dobson. “I drew a line in my mind that said, ‘Even though I run the risk of being deeply embarrassed, and even though at a purely personal level I am not rendering judgment on another human being, as a leader of the government trying to uphold the rule of law, I have no choice except to move forward and say that you cannot accept . . . perjury in your highest officials.’”
It’s also hard to believe this confession won’t bother social conservatives, should the thrice-married Gingrich jump into the 2008 presidential race.
Posted by Rhonda Holman
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72 Comments
Nein, Newt, nein! Stay home with ole no. 3. The Republicans already have a former (?) cheating husband, much married candidate. Giuliani!! Another marital low-life will just muddy the water and the conservative christian crazies (CCC) will be forced to talk about sex. Can’t have that, it might lead to dancing!
I just find it difficult to believe thats omeone would do Newt.
Even more than his hipocricy,
No Rhonda, this is a lesson that a President shouldn’t be getting a blowjob while talking on the phone to a dignitary of a foreign country.
Newt’s problem is that this will be a particular issue among his constituency. That, along with the fact that he made a big deal about someone else saying “I didn’t have sex with that woman … “
Newt has always been a hypocritical arse. He served divorce papers to one of his wives while she was in the hospital battling breast cancer:http://www.robertscheer.com/1_natcolumn/99_columns/081799.htm
Ethical he is not, and has never been. Opportunistic…that’s another matter.
But’s what’s funny is that, while this episode is repugnant and hypocritical, he’s essentially right: neither he, nor Clinton, nor Scooter Libby did anything illegal. Clinton and Libby were charged with perjury.
And as Newt says, that’s a big crime that his own party should remember to honor now that Libby has been convicted.
Giuliani’s another prize:”His policy of humiliating and intimidating his critics finally extended to his own household. Giuliani could, in fact, have learned something from the wise guys he used to bust about how to keep a mistress without embarrassing the missus. In 2000, the second Mrs. Giuliani, newscaster Donna Hanover, had to obtain a court order to stop him from bringing girlfriend Judith Nathan to Gracie Mansion, where she and Rudy’s children were still living. Rudy struck back by announcing his separation to the press before telling his wife. Donna had a press conference outside the mansion in which she accused the mayor of also cheating on her with his former press secretary, Christyne Lategano, though that wasn’t news to any of the reporters in attendance. Rudy had the last word. The wife and kids were eventually booted out of said mansion, and Judy Nathan became his third wife.”
http://www.salon.com/opinion/feature/2006/12/05/giuliani/index2.html
Republicon hypocricy? We didn’t already know that?
Why is Newt’s affair just becoming news again, because he’s running for President?
Most of us remember how he wanted CLinton so badly, that he had to fall upon his own sword in order to do it.
By the way, this is what I’m talking about the difference between Rudy Guiliani’s affairs, and Newts and Clinton’s for that matter.
I actually prefer Rudy’s politics to Newts. I think Newt is a POLITICAL snake, but Rudy is a snake in the whole sense of his being.
Newt just did the same thing that Clinton did. And I don’t think the affair should disqualify him from office. His politics should disqualify him from office. Rudy shouldn’t even be considered for office.
dave weighs in,,No Rhonda, this is a lesson that a President shouldn’t be getting a blowjob while talking on the phone to a dignitary of a foreign country.
Dave does this mean if clinton wasn’t on the phone it would have been ok?
Right Morg,
If Clinton wanted to get a motel room and get his pipes cleaned, that’s fine with me.
But don’t do it on my dime and in the White House which the taxpayers own who expect a certain decorum and conduct.
I know what you mean Dave.I get the same reaction when Dubya spends all that time down at the ranch.
Not sure what you mean about Dubya’s ranch. It is his personal property and the First Lady travels with him
Care to explain?
That’s the end of Newt’s Presidential ambition.
Yep! He’s hypocritical.
The interesting thing I heard in the news is about a Madame who runs the largest escort service in Washington DC is autioning off her client’s phone list to the highest bidder.
Let’s say there are plenty of politicans going nuts over this.
Would be interesting to see who shows up on that list.
RepubiKKKhan,
That’s truly the most asinie rationale for condemning Clinton while giving Gingrich a pass that I’ve yet seen. Congratulations.
Just goes to prove, yet again, that Republicans don’t give a shit about ‘family values’ or much of anything else. What they care about is hating Liberals. Anything that allows them to go on doing that is just fine. Pathethic hypocrites, every one of you.
The best part is that the prospect of the Noot running for President alternately makes some of you wet while it makes others hard. But guess what? He’s terrifically unpopular with the electorate.
Wheee-hoooo! Newt in 2008! Hoo-yeah!
I never gave Gingrich a pass. I think he’s arrogant and self-serving. His chance of getting a nomination for the Presidency is slim and none.
The only thing I enjoy about Newt Gingrich is the time when he talks about history and gives explanations of what our forefathers may have been thinking. He is an acute observation, but has too much baggage filled with dirty laundry to be a candidate for any office.
This is the guy that gave us the “Contract on America”.
I guess his possible Presidential bid should be themed “Contrasts in hypocrisy”?
Oh the kook base will look right past this IOKIYAR!
But I think any realistic hopes for the oval office are done. Sorry Hank.
Khan – I guess my position would be that if an employee can do the job while ‘getting some’ why care? I haven’t seen anything saying he wasn’t performing. Maybe he is just real good at multi-tasking!
Maybe Mr. Ben Huie,
But I don’t think your wife, if you have one, would appreciate services rendered at your place of employment from an outside agent. :)
Very true. That is why I have proposed the appropriate punishment for him – give Hillary Lorena Bobbitt’s knife and a pre-approved pardon! Beyond that – not my problem!
BTW – and I have one – almost 36 years now. (She is a Saint)
!_!
Republicans are great at compartmentalizing, and rationalizing so they can continue to do what they do while attacking others for the same acts.
It is a long list, Henry “Youthful” Hyde, Dan “Watermelon Man” Burton and Bob “Speaker of the House for Thiry Seconds” Livingston.
Hypocrisy is a Republican tradition.
Ben, any woman that would stay with you for 36 years is MUCH MORE than a saint……
(wink!)
Ya’ll need to be afraid, very afraid. Back in ‘91 I had a chance to read a lot of Newt’s GOPAC material that helped republican candidates take over the house in ‘94.
The man is a political genius. This latest revelation of old infidelity news serves two purposes: 1. By getting it out before he announces in September it inoculates him from his apponents bringing it up 2. It allows him to see what the various group’s talking points are and allows him to come up with a pro-active response during the primary season.
Newt will come up with a campaign that will appeal to a lot more than the Christian conservatives. When Newt is in his campaign mode he controls the debate. And he will be talking about issues that will have the liberals on the run.
Hank
“Ya’ll need to be afraid, very afraid.”
Believe me, Hank, if Newt is elected President, we will ALL be afraid. I do not think that America could survive another Republican administration at this point.
Newt took party politics and partisan divides to a whole new level. At least Bush PRETENDED to a uniter and not a divider. Newt doesn’t even bother with pretending. That approach may appeal to the hardliners on the Right, but the country needs to heal after years a partisan divisions.
Sorry bout your boy Newtie Hank. NOT
“,,,Issues that will have liberals on the run.”
Uh like what? More tax cuts for folks like you? More wars of aggression?
SELL it Newtie SELL IT!
Hey Hank? Shouldn’t your faith have you at odds supporting a hypocritical, lying, adulterer?
Wouldn’t supporting him invite the finger of hypocrisy to point in your direction?
I’m still trying to get a fix on this “Christian values” thing.
If anyone could sell itit would be Newt. He is intelligent.
I saw him recently discussing the disasterous failures of Bush’s invasion of Iraq. He discussed some of the same things others had – especially the fact that had anyone in the administration not slept through history class they would have foreseen it.
In particular he talked about the need to work with tribal leards in Anbar Province. Something the Bush administration chose NOT to do.
There is no doubt that the man is intelligent and a student of history, Ben, but he was also the most partisan Speaker we have ever had. I do not believe that we can handle further partisan divisions.
Hey J R,
What is one of your most important issues?
If you are to be believed, immigration is one you’ve harped on in the past. How’s that working for you now that the democrats have congress? Do you know Newt’s position on the border? That would be a good homework assignment for you, you’ld probably like it.
Sure he’ll have a problem with the Christian right, but unlike the apathy that caused us to lose congress, Newt knows how to get out the vote. Newt will promise (and deliver) the judges we want. Unlike Bush he will not abandon them in the confirmation process. He has experience getting his way in congress and he’ll work for them.
You need to read my previous post, I don’t think I mentioned that I supported him. I’m merely telling you guys on the left (the far left) to be afraid!
He’s not my favorite candidate, but if the dems put up Hillary or Edwards, he has my vote if he is the nominee.
Hank
I agree WSC. There used to be a tradition in the House that there was a “Freshman Caucus” of ALL the new members. Sort of a learning place where they got to know how things are done. It was bi-partisan. Newt changed that. He didn’t want newcomers to get the idea they could work with their colleagues across the aisle.
But, Hank, with all due respect, do you think that the country can handle more of the partisanship that Newt would bring to the table?
It is one thing that we bicker on the blog, but sooner or later we need to move forward. Some on the right have just demanded that we all get in lockstep behind Bush, but that was never going to happen.
So, MORE divide?
I don’t know Clark,
You see, being on the right politically I don’t accept your premise. I believe it’s the democrats more than the republicans when it comes to the ‘great divide’.
Bush went to Washington thinking he could work with the democrats. Newt knows better. Bush sits back and lets the democrats and the MSM control the debate. Newt knows better.
I don’t vote for a politician to go to Washington and compromise my positions just to get along. Bush has been a disaster. He doesn’t fight for what he thinks is right. Any republican that gets elected president will be relentlessly attacked by the left. Newt has suffered that relentless attack when he was in congress. He won’t be surprised by it and he’ll be ready for it.
Oh come on Hank!
Newt pays lip service to the border issue. He aint gonna do anything to stop the flow of cheap labor to business! He’s of the same cut as those who want the free trade America zone. He may be able to FOOL a few people. But you don’t have to scratch too deep to see where he really is.
No Hank. Newt is a capitalist first, a Republican second, a conservative third.
“American” is WAY down his list.
“I believe it’s the democrats more than the republicans when it comes to the ‘great divide’.”
Sorry, Hank, but I have to strongly disagree. It was Gingrich that authored the advice to Republicans to refer to Democratic positions as “bizarre, twisted, etc.” Newt took partisan politics to full contact status in the early Nineties, not the Democrats.
If that is what he wants to bring to the Presidency, then we may as well start dividing the country up now. The Union cannot survive much more of the Gingrich approach to politcs.
So..
How’s that pesky ‘illegal alien’ problem going for you now that the dems control congress?
Want me to tell you? The dems will make them ‘guest workers’, then give them amnesty. They’ll all register as democrats and your boy will work for a Mexican when he grows up!
You really need to be afraid!
Hank
“The dems will make them ‘guest workers’, then give them amnesty.”
Amnesty for illegal aliens is/was a Bush proposal. No Democrat has come out for amnesty.
Amnesty is a Republican proposal.
Of course you disagree Clark, I acknowledged we were on different sides of issue!
Newt took over congress. Instead of facing him on the issues, issues the American people supported by the way, they brought him up on ethics charges 78 times. He beat them 77 times.
Now, which side do you think was bringing politics to ‘full contact status’?
Nah Clark, the democrats have been dividing the country for years! Hell look at your leading candidates now!
Hank
Yea well I said Bush was a disaster. But its the democratic congress that will bring the bill to his desk.
The republicans killed it last year.
Hank
Barack Obama is dividing the country?
How?
By being black? By being young? By being a Democrat?
By the way, Hank, the ethics problems Newt had were with a REPUBLICAN Congress.
Remember?
Be afraid.
“But its the democratic congress that will bring the bill to his desk.”
No Democrat has suggested amnesty for illegal immigrants.
Barack Obama is dividing the country?
I don’t consider Obama to be a serious candidate. Hillary will chew him up and spit him out!
By the way, Hank, the ethics problems Newt had were with a REPUBLICAN Congress.
Remember?
Yep, it was a republican congress, but it was the dems making all of the wild, baseless charges.
Be afraid.
Interesting, now that the dems are in charge, what exactly are they doing about the border?
Hank
Hank,
After this administration telling me how afraid I should be I have become a very brave woman. I saw where their scare tactics got my country and it’s done wonders for my back bone. So, hearing a Republican tell me to “be afraid,” makes me more determined to be brave. You’ll all need new talking points.
Newt is smart about political tricks. And I for one am very weary of political tricksters. One thing I will give the recent Republican politicians TOTAL CREDIT for is waking me up! I won’t be fooled again, won’t be apathetic either — I’m paying close attention and that isn’t something I did before that “Contract with America” fiasco. Since Bush&Co I became even more determined.
Your side has made me a much better American!
“now that the dems are in charge”
Sorry Hank – border is still largely an executive branch responsibility.
And Hank, I wanted to add how happy I am to hear Nathan will be coming home! I know you have much more important things to think about than us, but when you get a chance please let us know he is safe and out of harm’s way. Thanks in advance.
“I won’t be fooled again”
When you say that, Linda, you are REQUIRED to do the Roger Daltry scream.
I trust that you followed the rules on this one.
I’ll sure do it Linda! Thanks! He’s pretty busy and I think his internet access is screwed right now.
Hank
wsc, legs spread in my best angry, arrogant stance… How did I know if anyone would hear, “WON’T GET FOOLED AGAIN,” it would be you!?
Cobo Hall, 1970, the Who, floor seats, several friends, a large organic cigarette, White Castles on the way home.
Life was good!
Hank – welcome “the boy” ;^) home for me too!
You got it Ben, Thanks.
Hank
Hank,
I do not believe that your concerns about the border run any deeper than Newts.
Oh you may be afraid of the long term political ramifications. But I think you are just fine with illegal workers taking American jobs for substandard pay and working conditions. You said as much at the first meetup.
“I worked with some in Idaho laying cable. I’ll tell you what. They worked their assess off and they didn’t ask for a break or lunch or bitch about the job.”
SOMETHING like that. No doubt not an exact quote.
And YES SOME Democrats want to mine the illegals for votes.
This is a difficult issue because it’s an issue. I don’t think it can be settled with half measures. It either has to be total deportation or total citizen status. Total citizen status would at least eliminate the exploitation of these people.
Affairs, crimes and drunkeness are bad only when Democrats do it. When Republicans do it, it is OK. Gingrich, Guliani and all those retarded con prechers caught with other men or whores? That is all “a big misunderstanding” you know. Noel Bush and Rush Limbaugh forging prescriptions in Florida and not spending a night in jail? Yes but don’t you try it even if you are an old man in pain and wheelchair bound or you will get 5 to life in con ran Florida. Ask Richard Paey.http://www.november.org/stayinfo/breaking06/PaeySupporters.html
I have often wondered how Republicans have kids since they hate sex so much.
Didn’t Newt mary his Aide? Bet there was alot of hanky panky going on in his govt. office just like at the W.H. Newt and Clinton, both doing aides, while one is busy trying to impeach the other for an extramarital affair. Anyone doubt Newt would have lied under oath if the circumstance had been pushed upon him?
What I fail to understand is why the American people cannot see the difference. Gingrich and Clinton both broke a moral law. Clinton took an oath to uphold and defend the Constitution. Most Americans I know take that to include upholding our laws. Clinton lied under oath before a federal judge, obstructed justice and his perjured testimony likely caused the plaintiff to lose her case. Gingrich did not. It does not matter what them man lied about. Libby has been found guilty of perjury and obstructing justice. He may go to jail. He should not be pardoned. Some one recently said Clinton agreed to a deal but never admitted guilt. If that’s the case, he is “not guilty” which, under US law is not the same as innocent. The spin doctors have convinced too many naive citizens that the issue was illicit sex. As scandalous as that was made out to be, it was not the true issue. That is why Gingrich is not being hypocritical. He did not commit the crimes Clinton did. As president, he should be held to a higher standard, not a lower one.
Well, Para, I hope you are feeling well today. No back aches or overextended joints?
I was afraid that you might have hurt yourself twisting into knots trying to come up with an explanation that would allow you to damn Clinton while praising Gingrich.
But, you failed in several keys facts….
One, despite the fact that she did not have a case, Paula Jones did not lose in court. They settled out of court since to litigate would have been more costly than settling for Clinton.
Of course, she had no monetary damages to “win” since the incident, if it happened, did not result in financial damages to her. Actually, she made money off the incident, since it is unlikely that Hustler Magazine would have paid her to pose nude if it wasn’t for her notoriety.
Secondly, for the zillionth time, Clinton was never charged or convicted of perjury or obstruction. He PARSED his answer in front of the Grand Jury based on the Judge’s definition of sex, the famous what is “is” defense.
Clinton was never convicted of ANYTHING.
But don’t let the facts get in the way of a good story.
By the way, I imagine that you are pretty cool with the whole Iran – Contra fiasco from the Reagan – Bush I years?
Ah, but so much for the rule of law when it applies to Republicans – right?
No Clark, a deal in place of being found guilty – no lo contendere. Gingrich was not brought up on charges for the same things Clinton was. I’m tired of trying to explain the law to people who refuse to understand it. And, as to my health – thanks for your concern. Just had a complete check up and I’m very healthy. The rule of law ,as I have said NUMEROUS times should be enforced. Libby should not be pardoned. Oh, I supposed he’s another democrat being victimized – bull. I also thing Iran Contra was obscene. No, I am not ok with it. But, you, as usual will ignore that!
Damn, I forgot my favorite all time Republican hypocrite on the subject of illicit sex.
Who could forget Helen Chenoweth-Hage (R-Idaho)?
As a single woman, she had an affair with married man, destroying his marriage. Naughty girl. Of course, she trashed Clinton for his infidelities while ignoring her own because…….
…. she had asked God for forgiveness and it had been granted therefore…..
….. no issue!!!!!
No one knows if she asked for forgiveness from her lover or his wife.
Chenoweth-Hage was born in Topeka, KS in 1938 as Helen Palmer. She “served” in Congress from 1995 to 2001. She died in an automobile accident (not wearing her seatbelt) in October 2006.
Sorry, Para, but you have to bring FACTS to the table. I stand by my statement, Bill Clinton was never charged or convicted.
No perjury.
http://www.huppi.com/kangaroo/L-clintonperjury.html
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3827/is_199902/ai_n8848984
No criminal prosecution.
http://archives.cnn.com/2001/ALLPOLITICS/stories/01/19/clinton.lewinsky/
Under an agreement with Independent Counsel Robert Ray, Clinton’s law license will be suspended for five years and he will pay a $25,000 fine to Arkansas bar officials
Hypocrisy aside, the issue is the perjury. Clinton should have been impeached for lying under oath.
Well, Brad, if Clinton was guilty of perjury, why didn’t the Senate convict him? Why didn’t Starr press criminal charges?
Hmmmmmmmmm…….
By the way, Clinton was impeached by the House of Representatives, but has not convicted by the Senate.
But I will ask the questions of you that I asked of Para.
Were you okay with Reagan lying to Congress about Iran – Contra?
Were you okay with Bush I pardoning the principals BEFORE their trials in 1992?
Does the rule of law apply to ALL politicians or do the Republicans get a pass?
I’m sure pardoned before tried, in para’s world Is the Same as Innocent!
There goes Ben Sppegie trying to blathering while he sucks on the government welfare teet again. Bennie boy you really need to lay off mommy now, its time for her milking by the farmer. Share the milk benpoop, don’t always be the slob selfish punk that you are.
Oh there Clark the fart also, we a treasure he is to the communist party. Keep going Clark the fart.
Slob,Quite a nic you’ve chosen for yourself. One thing though; before blogging, it helps to learn to write, and the prerequisite for learning to write is learning to think. Come back when you’ve passed both courses.
Hey Slob, how are those math lessons coming?
Do you still think that $9 trillion of $12.49 trillion is SIX PERCENT?
Fuzzy math, dude?
And it’s “teat” not “teet”, you could use some lessons in spelling, too.
Slob is just a welfare cheat who is mad because he got caught. While he was in prison all his fellow inmates decided he was ‘pretty’ and did him in every orifice he has.
Meanwhile, on the outside, his mother was busy doing quarter tricks on South Broadway. Now that slob is out he is sharing a street corner with her.
Hey Newt is the perfect family values candidate- after all he has more families than most, and may be working on even more!