For a long time, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich looked like he might be the favorite to be Trump’s VP. Some reports suggest it could still be a possibility.
In Gingrich, Trump would have a seasoned Washington insider who knows how the sausage is made, so to speak. There’s no doubt that Newt is a gifted politician with a solid grasp of conservative politics, but that might not be what Trump needs. A campaign built on disdain for the political class might be hurt by Gingrich, who, since leaving Congress, has in many cases sold his soul, and conservatism, for lobbyist cash. Gingrich was an advocate for GOP embrace of Freddie Mac, the quasi government institution that benefits from the sort of implied bailouts and politically driven lending policies that were major drivers of the 2008 financial crisis. He’s also shilled for government dependent green energy producers that suck tax dollars while raising food and fuel prices for hardworking Americans. CBS News Editor Will Rahn perfectly captures the Gingrich conundrum here:
There remains a faction of the party that still sees Newt as a world historical figure who never quite got his due. Gingrich himself certainly believes this is the case, and he appears hungry to sign on to a Trump ticket. And while the former House speaker has no shortage of detractors within the party, he is, by all accounts, a gifted and sometimes brilliant politician who knows a thing or two about how the government functions.
But that sure would be a lot of weirdness on one ticket, wouldn’t it? Not to mention a lot of ex-wives (four between the two of them). Newt carries plenty of baggage from his many decades in public life, and isn’t famous for staying on message or being a disciplined campaigner. Two loose cannons would make for a ticket no one in the media could look away from, but getting eyeballs has never been Trump’s problem.
So as far an insider-y picks go, Newt is probably the riskiest. Then again, he may be the perfect person to turn Trumpisms into digestible policy nuggets: now, what I think Donald meant to say is that…
Translation? Newt is gifted and complicated. If there’s still a game afoot to secure the nomination, don’t be surprised if he can pull a rabbit out of his hat.
AAN Staff
The staff at American Action News are consummate professionals, who when not producing original, hard-hitting content, are scouring the internet to bring you the unfiltered news that matters to you! Our mission is to maximize your experience on our website. If we can ever be of assistance, please do not hesitate to let us know!
