Newt Gingrich

I used to have a bad taste in my mouth when it came to Newt Gingrich.

I have a dim recollection from the Clinton days of being disgusted with both sides. Clinton for his moral laxity and the Right for dressing the entire affair in bangles and making a circus out of it.

In those days, Gingrich was hounded by various ethics charges, and took a good beating in the media.

In the past few years, though, my respect for Gingrich has grown significantly. When I hear him speak, I’m usually nodding in agreement.

Yesterday on NPR, he spoke about 2008 presidential hopefuls and campaigns that are already in full swing (although the election isn’t until next November). The major problem, says Gingrich, is political consultants that start the whole process earlier and earlier with each go around. These consultants encourage candidates to poll-test every decision and statement.

Narrowly-focused, consultant-led campaigns are no way to see how a candidate would lead if elected. It bears almost no relation to the job in office. And it actually shrinks the candidates — who are remarkable men and women — in the process.

I’m in full agreement, Newt. I don’t care to have a country run by focus groups and polls.