The writ against Newt is that he overstates. Sure there are other issues packed in his infamous baggage, but in a skyrocketing campaign powered by debate performances, the man's penchant for hyperbole is central to the diatribe that he's untrustworthy. Even his Freddie Mac apostasy centers on his exuberant public statements as much as on the fees he accepted.
What's less acknowledged is the extent to which he's overachieved. Seriously, who is the most successful Republican of the past half century? Ronald Reagan. Obviously.
Who's second? Newt Gingrich. Without him, Clinton has an economically failed Presidency. An accomplishment like that is an indictment to a grasping backbencher like Michele Bachman, and made him the bete noire of smart Left Wing America. (Or is that Left Wing Amerika? Kidding. Just kidding.)
2012 voters in their twenties barely remember 1990s politics anyway, so they'll learn fresh how Newt's leadership was essential to building the best economy in American history and even more importantly to increasing American happiness. Happiness successfully pursued? Yep, jobs, jobs and more jobs, millions of welfare recipients moving to payrolls, crime plunging. Morning in America? Hell, Newt's Contract with America led to a decade of gloriously sunny days in America.
Newt did this while leading the Clinton Presidency from behind. Clinton? That's Bill Clinton. You know, Hillary's husband. So along with Slick Willy, Newt was the last Washington leader to partner with the opposition to achieve undisputed great progress for America. IOW, he's done more than talk a good and occasionally bad game. He's delivered. BIG TIME.
Overachiever. Overstater. I'm willing to accept the latter to gain the former.
Besides, when has it ever been a crime to be a big talker in America? This is the country that gave the world tail-fins and a thousand songs in your pocket. Some hyperbolic optimism, backed up by some 1990s-style overachievement, would do America a world of good right about now.
