Gingrich Takes On Rush In A Battle of The Fat Asses

[Benny B]

Newt Gingrich became the highest profile Republican yet to push back against Rush Limbaugh, saying on "Meet the Press" that it's "irrational" to hope for the President of the United States to fail.

"You've got to want the president to succeed," said the former House Speaker. "You're irrational if you don't want the president to succeed. Because if he doesn't succeed the country doesn't succeed... I don't think anyone should want the president of the United States to fail. I want some of his policies to be stopped. But I don't want the president of the United States to fail. I want him to learn new policies."

[Straw Man]

Newt Gingrich became the highest profile Republican yet to push back against Rush Limbaugh, saying on "Meet the Press" that it's "irrational" to hope for the President of the United States to fail.

"You've got to want the president to succeed," said the former House Speaker. "You're irrational if you don't want the president to succeed. Because if he doesn't succeed the country doesn't succeed... I don't think anyone should want the president of the United States to fail. I want some of his policies to be stopped. But I don't want the president of the United States to fail. I want him to learn new policies."

Newt doesn't hold elected office it's likely that he would feel compelled (threatened) by any backlash from Rush.

Also, I'm pretty sure he knew exactly what he was doing when he chose his words.   If Rush doesn't slam Newton on Monday then all the other Repugs may quickly rediscover their balls.

[Straw Man]

Something tells me Newt knew exactly what he was saying and I'll be amazed if we see this kind of nonsense from him

Congressman Phil Gingrey (R-GA):

the comment
"I mean, it’s easy if you’re Sean Hannity or Rush Limbaugh or even sometimes Newt Gingrich to stand back and throw bricks. You don't have to try to do what's best for your people and your party. "

the apology
“I clearly ended up putting my foot in my mouth on some of those comments and I just wanted to tell you, Rush, [...] that I regret those stupid comments.”

RNC Chairman Michael Steele:

the comment
Rush is not the head of the Republican Party. He's an "entertainer" whose show is "incendiary" and "ugly."

the apology
"My intent was not to go after Rush - I have enormous respect for Rush Limbaugh..."
"I was maybe a little bit inarticulate... There was no attempt on my part to diminish his voice or his leadership." "I went back at that tape and I realized words that I said weren’t what I was thinking..."