Newt Set to Announce

Outside the Beltway

Newt Set to Announce

Steven L. Taylor

May 9, 2011

Comments

So reports CNN: Gingrich will announce presidential campaign Wednesday.

The word “quixotic” comes to mind.

Quite honestly, I can’t decide how much this whole bit isn’t just keeping the brand alive (as opposed to actually running for office). In other words: Newt seems to be running to keep himself in the public’s eye and to help him, in the long run, sell books and provide a basis for being a TV analyst.

He and Palin may be in the same boat in that regard.

Although, like Palin, I can see him deluding himself into the notion that running is a good idea.

9 responses to “Newt Set to Announce”

Doug Mataconis

May 9, 2011 at 2:05 pm

Of course, if he wins, Newt will just leave America for a younger, prettier country at some point.
TG Chicago

May 9, 2011 at 2:33 pm

In other words: Newt seems to be running to keep himself in the public’s eye and to help him, in the long run, sell books and provide a basis for being a TV analyst.

See, that totally makes sense for me in regards to Herman Cain. Sometimes you hear about people who are in the nomination race who are actually running for vice-president. Cain seems like a guy who is running for Fox News contributor. And I suspect he’ll have signed a contract by this time next year.

But Newt already had that job, and had to quit it to run for president. If being a TV talking head is his goal, then why would he leave that role for a presidential run? Surely a failed run at this point would diminish his brand rather than strengthen it.
mattb

May 9, 2011 at 3:09 pm

But Newt already had that job, and had to quit it to run for president. If being a TV talking head is his goal, then why would he leave that role for a presidential run? Surely a failed run at this point would diminish his brand rather than strengthen it.

Not necessarily… the trick is to appear serious enough to maintain one’s overall aura. And that aura of authority fades over time.

So Newt has to run and so does Palin in order to maintain their overall stature and not sink into “b” or “c-list” positions (see Dick Morris as an example). Now they also need to not spectacularly flame out — see Guliani or Thompson (and most likely Trump if he goes through with it).

As long as they put in a modicum of effort and get a couple mid place finishes (actually finishing higher is probably more important for Palin who has a far higher status at this moment than Gingrich) their fame is secure for another four years.
Talmadge East

May 9, 2011 at 3:13 pm

Do not discount Newt’s enormous ego.
Southern Hoosier

May 9, 2011 at 4:27 pm

Another Republican elitist and another retread.
michael reynolds

May 9, 2011 at 7:00 pm

Doug won the comment thread right out of the gate.
Southern Hoosier

May 9, 2011 at 9:00 pm

michael reynolds says: Monday, May 9, 2011 at 19:00

Doug won the comment thread right out of the gate.

Agree
SusanWonders

May 10, 2011 at 10:36 pm

Doug has a point. Speaking as an older woman, married for 42 years, I can assure you that after a certain age, most men do grow up. Or slow down. But Newt’s character in other areas is still in question. And his seriousness about running in 2012, or his motives for running, still remain worthy of cynicism.