Can Newt Gingrich Beat Barack Obama?

After his big win in South Carolina, opponents question the former House Speaker's electability

January 23, 2012 RSS Feed Print

With his upset victory in the South Carolina primary, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich is surging as the GOP 2012 pack heads to Florida for the next contest. Many commentators credit Gingrich's electric performance in Thursday's CNN debate for his win. He drew a standing ovation when defending himself against claims from his ex-wife Marianne that he wanted an "open marriage" with her and his mistress Callista (now his wife). His South Carolina win has forced former Gov. Mitt Romney, the long-time front-runner who has struggled to garner the enthusiasm of conservatives, to go on the offensive against the former speaker. Reports Ken Walsh, at a rally in Ormand Beach, Fla., Romney

called Gingrich a failed leader who resigned as House speaker "in disgrace," worked as a lobbyist "selling influence around Washington," and "has not had a record of successful leadership."

[See a collection of political cartoons on Newt Gingrich.]

Furthermore, Romney supporters are arguing that Gingrich's flaws will cost Republicans the White House come November. Former Gov. Tim Pawlenty and Florida House Rep. Will Weatherford both questioned Gingrich's electability. "The possibility of Newt Gingrich being our nominee against Barack Obama, I think, is essentially handing the election over to Obama if it got to that point," said Pawlenty. Gingrich's ability to beat Obama has long been questioned and was recently discussed in U.S. News's Debate Club.

What do you think? Can Newt Gingrich beat Barack Obama? Take the poll and comment below.

Previously: Is Newt Gingrich Right to Bash Media over 'Open Marriage' Claim?

Tags:: 2012 presidential election,; Newt Gingrich,; Barack Obama,; Mitt Romney

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I am an independent conservative and Romney to me is more conservative than Obama. Gingrich would never win. Sad that if Gingrich is the nominee, then Obama would win. Do we have a choice when the Democrats and Republicans choose the men that go up for president. 30 percent of the nation is registered republican and about 32 percent democrat. About 38 percent are independents. I feel that a vote for Newt, it is a vote for Obama! I do not want Obama. He dividing this country even more. The liberals to me brainwashed so many democrats and so many of them get handouts by the government! Makes me sick. Told my class about the purpose and the reason for the American Revolution and it was to get away from the Parliamentary System and start more of a state rights rule. Yes, I have a lot of libertarian ideals and I believe in them. Not like Ron Paul because I do not want to legalize drugs and I want to secure our borders, enforce the immigration laws and I support and strong military! Romney supports what I want. He actually had a real job and creating job using his money and not the government's money. Today it seems like DC has become too powerful and they act like a parliamentary capital telling everyone what to do! Exactly what we had a revolution over 200 years ago! Lets get someone that can beat Obama! Sorry Newt cannot! Romney and his family looks wonderful and presidential and can bring class to the White House. Romney has my admiration and respect. Gingrich does not. I think Romney can get the the undecideds in this race and with the popular vote he might get up to 55 percent plus of the vote! I believe Romney has the best chance to get Colorado, Ohio, Florida, NC, VA, NH, PA, RI, Maine, Indiana, Wisconsin, MN, Iowa, WV. Gingrich to me will just carry the South. He might even lose Florida, He will not win Ohio and any Northern States. You need some Northern States to in in the General Election. If Obama wins another 4 years, the country will heads towards being a California and we will be like France, England or Greece because some misguided conservatives put their faith in someone that to me is not really conservative. I go with Ann Coulter, Russ, Gov Christie and others!

Daniel Sullivan of FL 10:28PM January 24, 2012

Daniel Sullivan you call yourself an Independents, so why do you care who the Republicans nominate?
This is a critical time in American history and whoever gets the nomination needs to have a strong vision of America's future and being Liberal light is NOT the way to win the general election. We need someone that will draw a very bright and distinct line between the Democrats that are becoming a left-wing America hating party and the GOP. I for one would like to see the GOP get away from the "moral party" claims and focus on Freedom and Liberty in all aspects of governing as laid out in the Constitution. Gov. Perry is 100% correct, the federal government should be a very small part of our lives and the states should have the majority of the power and then if you don’t like a state you move to one you do like, it’s called mobility.
We Republicans have to stop worrying about the "Independents" and nominate the best Constitutional Conservative that is willing to put themselves through this horrible process. Then if the "Independents" agree then they can vote for them, but trying to please the people that cannot make up their mind as to their political beliefs is stupid and limits our choice. Think about it, if we did as the "Independents" want we would have one of two choices; Democrats and Democrats light, or we would have Republicans and Republicans light. I know it makes the people that call themselves "Independents" feel good to be “independent”, but it is time to step up and choose sides. I know it takes a little fortitude but life is tough so man up.
I personally think a Gingrich/West ticket would be a great ticket and I would proudly vote for them.

Larry of CA 10:38AM January 24, 2012

Why Newt beats Romney.
1. Romney looks weak, does not look good under pressure. Flips even on his taxes and does not stand his ground. Obama will catch him in a "Sara Palin" moment and show he is not truly Presidential material.
Business in not Politics, ask Donald Trump...
2. Newt has 15 year old baggage but just like Clinton you become tone deaf and start to see his ability to wheel and deal to get things done. Building companies is nothing like the circus in Washington where everyone has to get something for their vote and constituents back home. You have to know the players and how to play the game and Newt spent most of his life there. Romney will have to go thru at least 2 years of a learning curve and may never get anything done if the congress has a split majority. Newt also represents a stark contrast and a tougher image on the world stage. He is very intelligent and definitely not a whimp. Romney is like Obama "constantly trying to please. whom ever, when ever" Newt will stand up and get some respect even if he does not deserve it. At least he knows how to get things passed. Don't believe it? Ask Clinton...(most popular president)!!! We have to break the grid lock and sometimes it takes an insider to get it done. Obama proved that! Forget Romney, he will lose!

William of FL 4:06AM January 24, 2012

Can Newt Gingrich Beat Barack Obama?

After his big win in South Carolina, opponents question the former House Speaker's electability