Gingrich Rips RNC For Its Blagojevich Attacks

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich sent a rather scathing letter to Mike Duncan on Tuesday, accusing the RNC chairman of engaging in "a destructive distraction" by attempting to tie Barack Obama to Rod Blagojevich. In particular, Gingrich hit the RNC for putting out a web ad that made it seem as if the President-elect was hiding a nefarious chapter of his personal history with the embattled Illinois Governor.

"The RNC should pull the ad down immediately," Gingrich writes.

I was saddened to learn that at a time of national trial, when a president-elect is preparing to take office in the midst of the worst financial crisis in over seventy years, that the Republican National Committee is engaged in the sort of negative, attack politics that the voters rejected in the 2006 and 2008 election cycles.

The recent web advertisement, "Questions Remain," is a destructive distraction. Clearly, we should insist that all taped communications regarding the Senate seat should be made public. However, that should be a matter of public policy, not an excuse for political attack.

In a time when America is facing real challenges, Republicans should be working to help the incoming President succeed in meeting them, regardless of his Party.

From now until the inaugural, Republicans should be offering to help the President-elect prepare to take office.

Furthermore, once President Obama takes office, Republicans should be eager to work with him when he is right, and, when he is wrong, offer a better solution, instead of just opposing him.

This is the only way the Republican Party will become known as the "better solutions" party, not just an opposition party. And this is the only way Republicans will ever regain the trust of the voters to return to the majority.

This ad is a terrible signal to be sending about both the goals of the Republican Party in the midst of the nation's troubled economic times and about whether we have actually learned anything from the defeats of 2006 and 2008.

There has been, it seems, two mindsets within the GOP as to how to revitalize the party in the wake of its '06 and '08 losses: seek political blood against Barack Obama whenever possible, or focus on reaching out to moderates and minorities. In addition to Gingrich, Sen. John McCain -- appearing on "This Week" Sunday -- offered a dig at the RNC for their obsession with Obama's (apparently limited or nonexistent) links to Blagojevich.

A Republican strategist, asked about the Gingrich letter, said he agreed with the former House Majority Leader. But, he added, "I think that Newt wants a change at the RNC, and it is an intervention in the RNC race."

(h/t Ben Smith)

Comments

[bascombe]

gingrich as good cop!

BWA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA

[goodmarina]

LMAO! What does this guy have up his sleeve???

[Cowboylove]

The RNC should listen to Newt on this. We are on a sinking shop that is on fire and infested with snakes. Republicans who largely are responsible for this mess want to play partisan gains and let the ship go down. Big Mistake. BIG MISTAKE!

If they keep up these childish temper tantrums, they should just go away FOREVER.

Note I worked for every republican campaign from 1968 to 2000. The neo-con nut jobs had me making major contributions to the Democratic Party in 2004, 2006 and 2008. It nearly killed me, but I had to put country first!

[dm10003]

i'd like to hear more from people like you on both economic and social conservatism and how it's changing to facing the future.

[markytex]

I am not one of those who say "I am right, therefore you are wrong."

If someone has good ideas regardless of party affiliation I am going to listen. I am not going to attack like two football teams trying to get the turnover then a touchdown.

too many people in america want an ideological civil war. wrong.

i want the republican party to change and offer unifying solutions and not divisive attacks. i believe they have good leaders with good ideas (though I disagree with some of them).

i want an intellectual and substantive debate in america.

i don't want americans hoping that other americans with differing views screw up.

we have to move forward and i think common sense will prevail. though, i know some would gleefully blow smoke in our eyes to trip us up and advance their selfish ideologies.

in my opinion, that is the problem.

[bronceye]

Not upset because it's vile and disgusting, upset that it wasn't his idea.

[NuBar]

Newt Gingrinch is positioning himself to run for President. What a farce. I'm sure he would have been perfectly fine with this line of attack during the campaign season.

[Abby1]

I agree with your comment. However, I do appreciate that Gingrinch and McCain have publicly denounced the RNC's negative and unfair attacks.

[bascombe]

SO THERE ARE REPUBLICANS WHO DO NOT LIE?

[Oldekirk]

The Republicans still have not learned their lesson why they lost and I hope they never will
Let them attack with false accusations because they have nothing better to offer to us little folks.

[bascombe]

ed zachary

[PatrickforO]

Two things: Newt Gingrich is simply reflecting the feelings of the American people, "Let's just get the job done and forget about attacks for now." When Obama is in power, he has millions upon millions of people willing to lend their own leverage to his bully pulpit through letters and emails to Senators and Representatives; next though Newt did leave the US House in disgrace, he is an excellent co-author of an alternative Civil War trilogy - very good reading, and very well researched.

[bascombe]

I'm sure the south comes out looking better in newt's version.

[Drumbum2112]

They still do not get it! Newt proposes the coarse of action to get them into power. That is all it is ever about with them. His solution is not that we beleive in A,B, and C, they argue about what they should say and do to get elected. There is no agenda for America behind thier process. Obstuction has worked well for them in the past and it is hard for them to give that up when thay have nothing else to offer. They just want to win and will say or do whatever they think will help them win. It is always about the potlitics first. Solutions and answers only come into play when it is about getting elected.

Newt left politics in disgrace and shame, nothing has changed about that. Why does anyone listen to him about anything? Would you let Foley babysit your children? Why give Newt a spotlight in poltics then?

[john stevens 26]

Obstruction, you have to be kidding, right? It seems that in order for Democrats to get elected, 1 of 2 things has to happen. 1, republicans turn in to big spending liberals, i.e. "Education reform authored by Teddy K, and approved by Bush", the "prescription drug progam" being the biggest govt entitlement in 45 years", etc... and 2, Democrats cover up their true socialist agendas, refuse to be called liberals, and fabricate their positions. I.e., Obama consistantly having an anit-2nd Amendment voting record, form voting in IL to ban all semi-auto pistols, rifles, and voting against any concealed carry laws. While campaigning for president, Obama disavowed those views, and said he was pro 2nd Amendment...

Pelosi and Reid were the obstructionists from day one.

Gingrich is being sincere, and you can even give him credit for that.

But it is typical of your ilk, right after 09/11, not even the dems could come together to support the president, and continued the partisan hackery..

Prediction, one of the first things that Obama will do is re-instate the so called "Assault Weapons Ban", will limit pistol magazine capacity to 9 or 10, increase taxes on ammo and guns, and will be radically anit-2nd Amendment. Although, that is not how he campaigned for the presidency.

[NWPennsy]

I live in a very rural area of Pennsylvania where hunting and gun sports of all kinds are very popular and I participate in them. I own guns and like to hunt, but I would gladly give up my guns if I thought it would reduce the incidence of murder in this country. The lives of fellow human beings are more important than my desire to own an assault rifle. The 2nd amendment is the most ambiguous and least important of our civil rights. If the government exceeds it's authority and violates the Constitution as the Bush administration did, will small arms stop it? Of course not - that is an antiquated notion! You can't fight the government with a 30-30, or with an AK47 either. Let Obama ban 'em.

[Drumbum2112]

"But it is typical of your ilk, right after 09/11, not even the dems could come together to support the president, and continued the partisan hackery.."

Yes they could not come together and support what we all know now as the biggest foreign policy mistake in our nations history. You can spin that into “partisan hackery” if it helps you sleep at night, but with the benefit of hindsight, way to go Dems!

The present republican congress has filibustered more legislation than any congress in US history!

"Democrats cover up their true socialist agendas, refuse to be called liberals, and fabricate their positions"

Yeah that's what Rush told you, so it must be true. Don't judge them by what they say and do, judge them by the things I can make up about them. Democrats refuse to be what the right works so hard at redefining what a liberal is.

After watching Republican agenda collapse and fail so totally at everything, they turned to demonizing the left with repeated nonsense. "Liberals hate America" "liberals want higher taxes" "they want us to fail in Iraq" "liberal want people dependent on government" and on and on. I may not be as liberal as Jesus would like, but I try and I have never wanted any of those things, never met anyone who did. Yet you people swallow that everyday. Ditto indeed.

[MJinCanada]

How much of an idiot are you, John Stevens?

It's wrong to try to give kids better education and okay for all the ignorant paranoids to arm themselves to the teeth?

It's wrong to keep old folks healthy but okay to bail out corporations who greedily screwed themselves into a hole?

Yeah, I live in another country and I'm glad. I don't have a gun, I don't lock my door all day unless I go out, I'm not afraid to walk alone at night, my kids have textbooks and teachers and are learning real history, math and science. Nine times out of 10 when the police go to a school it's to give a safety talk. And when I needed surgery to screw together a broken ankle, all I paid for out-of-pocket was the crutches. Even physio was covered by medicare.

When will you learn that when you pay taxes you deserve more back than wars and scaremongering?

[CVN65]

DB2112-I am guessing that you are a big Neal Peart fan. I am as well and play Rush in the car for my sons 8 and 5. They love the drum solo in the live version of YYZ. You have to realize that everything that you accuse Repubs of, Dems are just as guilty of. The reason the GOP lost the last few years is that they tried to govern from the center and completely abandoned their principles of fiscal restraint and limited govt. Newt rode a popular wave into power but failed to deliver on his promises. He was never convicted of anything, either, just accused. Check your own house first-has Pelosi done anything she claimed she would do? Did she "drain the swamp" or enact "pay-go"? Did she eliminate earmarks? Did she ever try to work with the opposition? Or is that only important for national harmony when the Dems are in charge? Because they certainly did nothing except obstruct and criticize. Get ready for four years of this- the GOP base is pi$$ed at the namby-pamby collegiality of fools like McCain; Dems bring a knife to the fight and the Repubs bring muffins.

[greymom]

You allow your children to listen to Rush! Do they then verbally abuse you and their friends with sarcastic remarks, cut people off and become rude little stinkers without moral boundaries? I would no sooner let my little ones listen to that creep than let them see a porno movie.

[SEQUOIABISON]

The usual bomb throwing Gingrich is actually showing some restraint in his criticism of democrats, I really never thought it was possible for him to speak truthfully.

The gang of republicans he is attacking, are using the same guilt by association tactic that McCain and Palin tried so ineffectively during the presidential campaign, it did not work then and it will not work now.

[dianhow]

Gingrich's is not stupid..he MUST have an angle..this does not sound like him. Wonder what he's positioning himself for. Or does he see ' the writing on the wall ' of 8 years of a Democratic President ? Yepp Thats it- He wants to look like a moderate, so he can run in 2012.
SLY FOX. Same old same old .

[rcozad]

Early this morning I had to run outside to see if the sun was going to rise in the west, I am in total agreement with Gingrich!? Whats next?

[brandon102]

I hate to say it -- well, I guess I don't really hate to say it -- but I suggest a more cynical, and accurate description of what Newt is doing is positioning himself to run for president in 2012, he's read the tea-leaves and knows that "moderate Newt" positioning himself against the "extremest Repubs" will get him lots of ink (or electrons) and keep his profile in the news a little longer.

Like Rover Rove, there is nothing about this man that is not slime and lies. That much has not changed.

[daddyG56]

I saw him on Washington Journal recently, and he was speaking in a centrist fashion at the beginning of his appearance. When the calls from viewers started coming in with random questions, it was revealed to be the same old Newt.

He's trying to show Repub candidates how to publicly reinvent themselves , while holding their far-right cards close to the vest until an important vote comes up.

He's been gearing up for a run for some time now. It's been almost two yrs. since he started working "with Hillary" to find solutions to the health care crisis. What, did you think those commercials with Carville were just to make a couple bucks?

[raymurt]

yep, Newt's saying "hey look at me, I'm a moderate, I'm the guy who can bring the country together"

Insert snake metaphor here...

[Londonboy30]

They tried this in the run-up to the election, and had their a$$e$ handed to them on a plate as a result. Will these people ever learn? The majority of the American people don't buy into this BS, it's counter-productive and shows just how far behind the GOP have fallen. Idiots, every last man-jack of them.

[lbosco]

Well Newt has found religion at last! If the Republicans can't be part of the solution to our many problems, then get out of the way. We need to move forward with or without them!

[Londonboy30]

Yup yup!

[dianhow]

Newt has NOT found religion..it's all about self interest. .so he can run in 2012 or whatever is up his sleeve. Let's not be fooled...again. Yes..there are several good Repubs out there..but I do not believe he is one of them. He's very crafty.

[Lionsden]

Obama comes from what has to be one of the most corrupt political organizations in America: Chicago Politics. It is not unfair to wonder aloud about how Obama might be connected to it.

When one thinks of Rahm Emmanuel stabbing a table with a knife at a dinner (shouting "DEAD!") one thinks of violent, corrupt, ruthless politics. I'm sorry, but this should not be overlooked.

Apparently, Obama thrived in this atmosphere and brought along a violent man to be his chief of staff. I'm not surprised that this doesn't bother the left.

Fox News reported that Obama says he will fire anyone who doesn't have a squeaky-clean repuation on the internet. But it seems you can get a job working right next to him if you pick up a knife, stab a table and shout "dead!", or send a dead fish (like sending a horse head?) to someone that annoys you.

[s miller08]

Yes, and Dick Cheney is a lamb. He never once intimidated anyone into doing his will.

[Londonboy30]

And John McCain is famed for placid approach to life, right?

Oh.

[TwentyCharactersLong]

Rahm Emanuel has a temper, but can you point to actual malfeasance of his job? No.

[cjk002]

Okay, this is getting ridiculous.

So now Obama is hiring "violent" people. Are you kidding me? Besides the knife thing (which was a joke), what other evidence do you have that Emmanuel is violent?

Maybe you should take any reporting you hear about Obama from Fox with a grain of salt, seeing as how they tried to discredit him from the moment he became a candidate. Did you ever stop to think that maybe Fox is doing all this to try to damage the administration's credibility so they can't get their agenda through?

[Drumbum2112]

"Fox news reported"

[trisha08]

I thought the exact same thing.

[GregJL]

'Nuff said? :)

[mukTech]

So, I guess Obama has fooled all of us millions of people who have supported and voted for him huh? Get a life........

[recless]

It's a terrible thing to say, but between watching the GOP rip itself apart like a pack of rabid wolves, and watching the Christians in this country attack each other for not being "real" Christians and splitting up their churches, this is becoming better than anything on TV.

Now, we do all know that this is just a power play by the NewtieBoy to gain control of the GOP for himself, right? You didn't think he was ever about anything other than his own power I would hope. He's just crass and self-centered enough to think that he can save the GOP, and in the process make himself President.

[dragonfur]

Gingrich is like Joe Lieberman. Pretending to be sympathetic to the Democrats, while plotting like a Republican underneath. At least he's more fun to watch than poor old boring Joe. (And watch him, we'd better. Having him seem friendly and open is like having a snake in the garden. You have to watch every step!)

[WritusMaximus]

Let the investigations take their course, please! Let the FACTS, the TRUTH speak for themselves.

"People may doubt what you say, but believe what you do."

[guitrman]

err....mmmm......Golly Gee Newt......glad you've seen the light. Thanks for the help. You will understand though if I withhold any belief in what you say until more evidence is shown? Yeah, I knew you would. Thanks.