Gingrich: The Republicans' Congress Worst Fear

The right-wing citizens of America seem to be edging towards Newt Gingrich as their presidential hopeful, but their other elective representatives are running scared. Plenty of Republican standards have spoken out against the ex-speaker's ability to lead the country, and his list of endorsements trails behind those of his fellow candidates.

Now, besides this dismal position, a more lingering problem faces Gingrich. The economic troubles and conservative backlash, plus the 2008 elections, have given many Republicans the hope that Obama can be voted out of office. However, while the fundamental caucus voters have been drawn to Gingrich's hearty rhetoric, other strategists note that his speeches will drive away the moderates in the country. Not to mention, enough previous employees and colleagues have described him as confrontational as much with his allies and his enemies. In addition, enough average voters remember his ethics trial and marital infidelites from back in the nineties, and aren't ready to switch back from the forward motion of recent elections.

The self interest of fellow Republicans fear that if indeed he is elected, or even become the nominee, he will alienate independent voters that will, in turn, vote them out of Congress. Gingrich's messages may correspond with the GOP's general message, but most people see him as a good man to keep in the backround and churn out ideas, not become the front guy for the movement. Since the House of Representatives and the Senate have the real power in Washington, keeping a good face on the Republican party might be of paramount importance.

Paul Kane, Washington Post. 12/18/2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/republicans-wary-of-newt-gingrich-presidential-nomination/2011/12/13/gIQA5yViuO_story.html