Washington (CNN) – As Republicans begin to prepare in earnest for this year's midterm elections, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich is again challenging his party to do more than oppose Democratic initiatives.
Instead, Gingrich told a gathering of conservative bloggers at The Heritage Foundation Tuesday that the GOP should develop a positive agenda for 2010 that can carry Republicans through to the next presidential election in 2012.
Rather than running from 'the party of no' label developed by Democrats as a talking point against congressional Republicans, some Republicans have embraced the idea of resisting the priorities of the White House and the Democratically-controlled Congress as the midterms inch closer.
"There is no shame in being the party of no if [Democrats are] proposing an idea that violates our values, violates our conscience, violates our Constitution," former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin said last week at the Southern Republican Leadership Conference. But, speaking at the same event, Gingrich offered a very different vision. "There are many things that we can say yes to," he told his fellow Republicans.
Asked about the split between himself and Palin, Gingrich said Tuesday that running only on opposition to the Democrats may result in success later this year, but doing so would leave the GOP without a clear road map for how to wield the levers of government should they regain control of Congress.
"You can't govern by saying no," the former House Speaker said.
"Imagine we won a huge victory [in November]. Imagine that John Boehner's the new [House] Speaker. Imagine that Mitch McConnell is the new [Senate] Majority Leader. What's their agenda? It can't just be yelling no."
Citing unemployment, energy policy, and the size and scope of the government, Gingrich added that "there are a hundred questions that are real," when it comes to what the Republican agenda would be if they recaptured control of Capitol Hill.
Gingrich also opined that having a positive agenda now would help Republicans in the next White House race.
"If you run in '12, you want to win a re-affirming election, in which people actually vote for something," he said.
Citing Ronald Reagan's victory in 1980 and Republicans' success in the 1994 midterms, Gingrich said it was important to offer "solutions not just ideology."
And, referring to the GOP's victory in 1994, Gingrich said, "We did not have a contract against Bill Clinton. We had a 'Contract with America.' We stood for welfare reform, we stood for tax cuts, we stood for a balanced budget."
Asked to name what he sees as the top issues for a positive Republican agenda, Gingrich mentioned creating jobs, balancing the federal budget, developing an energy policy that reduces dependence on foreign suppliers, and reforming the educational system.
From CNN Politics
© 2011 Cable News Network. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
| Advertising practices | Advertise with us | About us | Contact us | Work for us | Help
You have to feel sorry for a party that is listening to the likes of Sarah Palin and Newt Gingrich. She's a moron. He's just a miserable human body.
Well, the democrats are the Party of D'oh!!!!
Endangering us, and making stupid decision after stupid decision....the most productive 4 days they've had is when the capital was snowed in, and they couldn't show up to further slide the country into the abyss....
"What's their agenda? It can't just be yelling no."
For once, I agree with Newtered. Unfortunately, yelling no is all it is, all it has been since January 2009 and, based on everything we've seen so far, all it will be for some time to come. They demogogued themselves into a corner and now have to find a way out. Friendly advice for the good of the country: don't take the Teatards' hands if they offer to help.
From what I read, the agenda of the Republicans (should they win a majority in either house) is to repeal everything that President Obama and the Democrat-led Congress has passed. I guess that represents positive instead of negative movement...,somehow, in a muddied sort of way, maybe, sort of...
Careful Gingrich. Your type likes dumb simple ideas. I don't think their into reforming the educational system, since they don't use it (but need a lot of it). They don't want an energy policy, they want to drill drill and drill.
Also, if the government helps the people get jobs isn't that a socialist thing to do? So now you want the government to be socialist? The tea baggers (not legit "ron paul" tea partiers) will hunt you down and call you a RINO.
the top issues that gingrich called out are the democrats issues [and they have them first] so does that mean that the republicans are now going to acknowlege the fact that barack obama's plan is the same plan they now have? what a joke these creeps are. AND NO..... NEWT I CAN NOT IMAGAINE BOEHNER AND MCCONNELL RUNNING ANYTHING MUCH LESS IN CONGRESS. BOTH LOOK LIKE THEIR UNDERWEAR IS RIDING HIGH OR TO TIGHT,AND BOTH LOOK LIKE THEY HAVE GAS THEY NEED TO EXPELL.
the republicans have cryed NO to many times and now no one is listening!
They're not the Party of No. According to John Boehner, they're the Party of Hell No. I'll remember that when I go to the polls in November.
Republican – NO
Republican – NO
Republican – NO
No, you certainly cannot govern by saying no. But as far as the GOP is concerned, you cant' govern when you're out of power, either. If they feel saying no helps them win elections, you can bet they're going to continue to do so.
Not a big fan of ol' Newtie but I have to agree with him here. If you're gonna say NO to everything the Dems offer, then at least let the American people know what your alternative is. Sarah Palin just shows her own ignorance by making the statement she did. President Obama even had said that you can not govern by just saying no to everything and I think those of us that are not blinded by the right and the Tea Party movemant can see that this is the case.
Newt is wrong, he had a contract on America and not with America. Palin is a nobody when it comes to politics, remember she quit her post. However, Newt is not what America needs and his vision is the same vision Obama has but both take a different path.
creating jobs> Tax cuts for small business
Developing an energy policy that reduces dependence on foreign suppliers> Clean energy, green energy, wind, solar as examples from Obama.
reforming the educational system> Obama want to re-do no child left behind. Put more money into education etc. Same vision, different paths.
The major difference is, Obama wants to include all in his plans unlike all republicans whose plans are inclusive to only a few.
unfortunately, all the republicans have is no. What else are they going to do? Govern by the bible? That violates the constitution more than anything. And what moral standing do they have? The republicans are becoming more like the taliban every day.
In order to have any real platform to stand on, the Republicans need to speak from Reason, not religion, and they need to offer solutions that stem from thinking that includes the whole of the american people, not just their base. The problem is that their message separates this country and leaves little room for moderation.
The Republicans have no platform but to deny all things democrat. And their entire message cuts out so much of the american people that there seems no room for moderation.
I would blame the majority of the division in this country to the republicans and the tea partiers,and that division is what is paralyzing this nation and it's greatest threat.
It's funny, all the issues cited in the last paragraph were completely ignored when Republicans had control of the White House and congress. Now, we are supposed to believe they would fix all of this if they had control again. By the way, how many conventions, conferences, summits, and gatherings do the Republicans have? It seems like once a week they have trash Obama convention. All talk, no action.
Newt sounds good but I have a hard time beleiving anyone in office right now. far to many lies have fallen on our ears in the last few years.
If the Repub's do regain control of the congress/senate Odumbo will put the VETO stamp on almost everything that comes accross his desk. Which still leaves us all screwed because like the last year nothing will get done due to all the head banging politic's. Sad, Very Sad
If Democrats imagine John Boehner as House Speaker and McConnell as
Senate leader, that will be enough to ensure a HUGE Dem turnout and another Republican defeat. The Tea Party may be vocal, but no one has shown that they are in big enough numbers of VOTERS to influence anything on a national level. As people see the Republicans for the do-nothings they have been for the past 2 years, they will be even less likely to vote for the Party of Palin and her lies and smarmy remarks.
The GOP has been so rudderless for so many years now that I doubt even they know what they want anymore . . .
Putting on their thinking hats might be a good place to start.
One of the smartest guys Republicans have.
I'll bet that there are a lot of Germans and their ancestors who wish there would have been a party of "no" when the Nazi party was coming to power in the 1930's. And NO, that is not a comparison to the current Democrat party, it's just an example of how saying "no" to specific ideas proposed by the party in power is not a bad thing. In fact, it's part of the design of our form of government.
Gingrich is stuck. The real problem for the GOP is they're only into some people doing well, not as many as possible. Which is how rich people stay rich. Obama's policies attempt to benefit more people than anything the republicans have suggested. In fact, sometimes the republicans do damage in their plans, like Paul Ryan not paying for Medicare at all in his health care...um...plan.
I just Wish that republicans stop saying "the American People" when they spread their lies. They do not represent me or anyone reasonable person that i know. Why would they even think of playing politics with wall street regulations. Our country suffered severe financial terrorism from these crooks and they are choosing to side with the enemy. Wake up america and vote republicans out and do buy their deceitful rhetoric. They were in power very recently and did nothing to serve our interest. I would rather keep the democrats in office rather that electing republicans for doing nothing depite full pay and health benefits they get from tax payers.
I would take Nancy Pelosi any day over John Boehner and the way he has behaved over the past year should be a red flag to everyone as to what kind of leader this man would be. He does not deserve to be speaker of the house, but rather in the dog house!
The problem is that Gringrich knows what is wrong but he has no idea how to overcome the problem. It does not take a rocket sciencetist to know if something is wrong, but to have a solution is takes some brains which I find at a premium in the republicans party of today.
They could make a big difference in what we get as policy and programs if they would quit worrying if they will get any credit, but instead they will try to take down the economy, the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, our relations with other nations just to try to make Obama look bad.
At the present STUPIDITY IS RULING THE REPUBLICANS PARTY.
You are correct but I haven't seen anything to say yes about unless you want more taxes, more spending, more debt, and so on.
Obama only cares about one thing and that is what he will look like in the history books.
The polls say world leaders respect him why not he cows down to them every chance he gets.
Sorry, Newt, those issues are already on President Obama's agenda. You'll have to find something else.
That would be Hell No. That they would be yelling.
Please for the Country First, you all's slogan
do your job add to and subtract from the ideals from the majority, as it should be done.
If you do win the next President election, what do you think is going to happen.
how does that saying goes "I do not get mad, I just get even".
So you have your chance to do right and listen to Newt not The quitting Gov. Palin
the party of no is saying they cannot govern by saying no.........no no no no no no, hahhah, round up all these racists and put them away for good, round up all these immigrant haters and put them away for good,
And then imagine if Sen. McConnell & Rep. Boehner actually got the memo and started working together WITH our president and their Democratic colleagues for a change.
If McConnell's absurd opposition to the much-needed finance reform today is any indication, many Americans are not buying it as anything other than "no" (again) and will not vote for that nonsense in November.
someone get this moron in a staight jacket.
Thats right they better prepare. After all look the Dem's said no for most of the last 8 years and they are three years into governing Congress and are still inept. Pelosi has perefected stone throwing at the opposition but she couldn't manage a Dairy Queen.
I think Newt is a slimy as they come as a politician but I have to give him credit on this one. He is right on the money with this statement.
I also think he is starting to smell disaster in Nov 2010 for the Republican Party. His party is hanging their hats on Palin and her Tea Party clowns (I'm sure there are some tea party people who have good ideas but they are getting drowned out by the nut jobs) and he is reading the tea leaves (no pun intended here) and seeing a downward trend for Republican candidates in the upcoming election. The economy is getting better. There will be more confidence in the President. Foreign policy is doing pretty well under Clinton. This does not bode well for the party of no. He knows that moniker is really starting to stick.
I think most republicans disagree with Newt and they just say Hell No. Obstruct! Obstruct! Obstruct! our way to victroy the hell with doing the peoples business we get paid either way so long as we get elected. They have been the party of no ideas for a very long time. They are an affront to less spending and less governent just see the Bush era.
Newt has hardly come up with a novel idea. We've been telling the GOP this very thing since January 2009.
Dear GOP,
I was so apalled by George W Bush running my country into a ditch that I really did not notice,or care, that he was running your party into a ditch as well. Can the GOP of 2010 actually be the same party that ended slavery and won the civil war?, that built the inter-state highway system? established the EPA? There was a time when the GOP was willing to do things for the American people. When they would work with Democrtats to get things done and help the country. Now that they worship on the alter of personal distruction they are so determined to not let Obama succeed that they are willing to sacrafice the good of the counrty to make it happen. It is a trait they started with McCarthyism, strengthened while trying to impeach Pres. Clinton. I thought it had reached it's worse with George W Bush's war on the constitution when, drunk with their own power and Karl Rove's "permenent majority" they bankrupted to country morally ethically and in the end financilaly. Now that the people have taken away the power they wasted the wheels have really come off. How ironic if it is Newt who get's them to see the error of their ways.
Sarah Palin entered the Dem trap of accepting that she belongs to the party of NO. People do not love the negatives and don't get motivated by it. This label of No gives light to people to understand what level of thinking are, of individual GOP leaders.
Help, please do not listen to this man, he is making sense!!!!
Of all the Republicans out there speaking, Gingrich is the only one who says something reasonably intelligent – on occasion.
Will the Repukes listen to him?
NO!
Well then talk to me. What changes are you wanting and how will this help us. Dont just say cut cut cut....no taxes...cut cut cut..you need better ideas that impact us folks. Also this exstremism that you talk about in the administration is just to mislead folks. Tell us solutions not fear tactics. Tell poeple the truth dont mislead them. You republicans have your work cut out for you.
Republicans will need a message to compete in November. On the flip side, you have a lot of unemployed people and people who will be gaining access to healthcare who will be voting Democratic. The real difference will be which party can get it's members to the polls. The winner of that race will be the winner in November.
The Republicans have never had an agenda except take care of the rich. from the Railroads, to union busting, to Reagan's tax cuts, to Bush going to war and giving tons of money to contractors.
They're going to turn on him next.
Newt the RINO Gingrich; Jump in the race or sit down and shut up!
Republicans better let Palin know they're not her children that she says no to, it didn't work in her parenting and it doesn't work in politics. Yelling and saying "NO" has no sticking points other than no, and Newt is right on this one. Saying "no" makes Republicans appear too lazy and unintelligible to research and bring forth informed facts an talking points. Republicans are setting themselves up for the big questions "WHAT IS YOUR SOLUTION".
Good idea Newt, but it is way too late. The GOP's obstruction of the health care bill, even though it was almost entirely comprised of parts of former GOP health care bills is just plain criminal. Worst of all, it just demonstrates that the GOP is not interested in helping America, only in getting back into power. I'd be happy if you all never got elected again.
Why should it be different then. Let`s have consistency folks !!!! NO,NO,NO,NO,NO,NO,------ and NO.
Can't believe I'm saying this but Newt is correct.
Newt's got that right, but he better be careful. Palin is on a Rino hunt.
Hey, Newt.
Are you not worried that Sarah and Rush will be angry with you?
As an independent, it is refreshing to hear someone in the Republican party say that they are at least thinking of positive ideas rather than the same old sarcastic sound bites, some of which are half truths and/or out right lies.
Don't tell us what is wrong. Tell us how you would fix it.
I would also like to take this opportunity to say that I know several teabaggers collecting unemployment. Isn't that socialism?
But it's such an easy word. Most two year olds can say it.
Are we sure Newt isn't thinking about changing parties? "creating jobs, balancing the federal budget, developing an energy policy that reduces dependence on foreign suppliers, and reforming the educational system," sounds a lot like part the Obama agenda. But maybe not since the Obama agenda also includes some major foreign policy objectives designed to make the world a safer place, something missing from Newt's agenda.
It is heartening to hear some GOP members saying things that make a little sense lately. They must see that their reputation as a party is on the line if they merge with the Tea Party (crazy) movement. Colburn of Oklahoma a week or so ago said that you can't trust everything you hear on FOX News because they are frequently biased! This is great. I would love it if we had two decent parties to choose from someday instead of one that is incompetent (usually) and one that is evil (usually). I always go with the incompetent party, but I'm not made of stone. If the GOP would stop being so in favor of corporations over the wellfare of the people and would stop looking so anti-minority, I might give them a chance to woo me.
Warning!!!! you may be overloading Palin's brain cells!!!!!
One day not long ago Newt yelled "No" too, and shut down the government. Now it's "Solutions." What'll it be tomorrow, "No solutions."?
You republicans seem to forget that you need VOTES to get elected. If you play political football with people's unemployment, your going to find a lot republicans like me, switch to independents! People will not long remember what you do for them, they have extremely LONG memories of what you do TO them. If there are any brains left in the leadership, you'll get this point and realize that there is no upside to colburn's position, other than media glory. People aren't stupid... when goldman-sachs, the war effort etc.. have a blank deficit check, trying to find a standoff for the U.I. extension is shooting yourself in the foot. There is no more destructive issue you could take a stand on and not be hammered in the midterms.. WAKE UP!
You can't govern by saying no, says Newt. But out of the other side of his mouth, he wants to repeal just about everything.
Yep, that's the Republican platform – unreality.
You can't govern by saying yes, either, if your yes means doing the wrong things.
Time for government to look at what needs to be done, and moving forward, rather than doing what is wrong.
They could always pick a war with someone else; Yemen maybe?
Repuglicans will be a party of "no" until they get back majorities in the congress, then they will support everything initiated by their party again! Just remember their promises before they got back in under George Bush! Repuglicans did not pay for nothing during 8 years of Bush administration, and left 8 trillion deficit and 1.3 trillion yearly deficit! They also spent or squandered Billions of the surplus left them by Bill Clinton; left 2 Wars, @ nuclear Conflicts, Wall Street, Banking, Mortgage, Auto, Education, and Healthcare crisis! FOR REPUGLICANS IT WILL BE ALWAYS "NO" TO DEMOCRAT INITIATIVES!
Newt should never allow himself to be compared to Palin. I rarely agree with him but compared to Newt, Palin's credentials are super weak. And besides she is a quitter.
This stuck-in-the-1990s idiot has to make up his mind. It is the Dems' fault or is it the Reps' fault that the country is in such a fiscal mess?
He must not realize that picture-takin' machines can make it easy for anybody to watch and hear him talk, jus' about whenever the want to. He thinks he can say whatever he wants on one day and change it around the next in the next town, and no one will be any wiser.
Dr. Gingrich, please-pick one side as having more blame, pick one side as having better answers, pick one side to stand out of the way of.
He otta no!!!!
The whole idea of the GOP being the party of "NO" vs. party of "YES" is a ridiculous discussion of semantics. If the GOP does not agree with the Democrats' ideas or legislation, of course they should stand firm in their convictions and say "No." The same goes for Democrats. It just so happens that since Democrats control Congress, the GOP is bound to take the "No" stance more often by default. The discussion within the GOP should focus on ,not only pointing out differences between party ideaology (as Sarah Palin is great at doing), but taking that a step further and stating WHY the GOP argument is better, and HOW the GOP plans to implement their ideas. In other words, they need to discuss HOW they differ, WHY they differ, and WHAT they plan to do. It's a shame that circumstance and the media have portrayed the GOP negatively as "The Party of No", but they can move beyong that by presenting a clear, focused, and complete plan for how they want to implement their agenda.
imagine empty headed sheep in a slaughter house.
"Asked to name what he sees as the top issues for a positive Republican agenda, Gingrich mentioned creating jobs, balancing the federal budget..."
Oh of course, who wouldn't want that? It just seems silly that in the midst of the worst recession in a long time, republicans think this is the perfect time to scream about the budget. But of course we gotta help the economy too. I wonder how they would simultaneously reduce the deficit and stimulate the economy? Oh I know, cut taxes! But how would we reduce the budget when revenue is decreasing even more? Well then we got to reduce government spending, which will result in more people losing jobs and a weaker economy. So we'll just cut taxes more...
But your Holy Goddess Sarah Palin (blessed be her name) says you're the party of "Hell No". Isn't Newt committing blasphemy by disagreeing with the Holy Goddess?
The last time the Republicans had power, even with a Republican President, they seemingly had no agenda. They could bairly pass Part D and could not pass immigration reform. What they were good at was looting the public purse.
The Republicans are incapable of governing period. What good has the GOP done the past 20 years? Anything?
This guy talks out of both sides of his mouth. At the so-called "Southern Republican Conservative (Confederacy) Conference" he called our President the "most dangerous, far-left leaning liberal President we have ever had." Those words are lies, inciteful, fear-mongering and untruthful, to say the least. First he stirs up hatred, anger and fear, and then he wants to calm people down?? What's up with this jerk?
Look whose waking up and smelling the java?
The GOP has painted itself into a corner. No where to go without stepping all over the mess that they've been spreading for 15 months.
And yes, that would involve an AWFUL LOT OF BACKPEDALING.
tee hee.
But the GOP says otherwise. Personally I hope the rest of the republicans do not believe you, because you're right. The rest of the GOP believes that because the Tea Baggers are LOUD that they represent lots of people. I guess they do if you call 11% a lot. I hope the Tea Baggers take over the republican party completely, that way we'll get the rest of the say no republicans out of office and move our great country forward again.
Gingrich is correct that you can't be a negative governor/legislator. There is no way that they can tear down things and seen as doing what is needed. There are no ideas behind "no" and that is where the GOP will stumble.
They are the part of "no" because they have NO ideas.
It's more than saying to NO cooperation with the Obama administration.
BTW, you can govern by saying no if you are saying no to the people and yes to corporations.
Dare I say, I agree with Newt!?
As an independent thinking, voting American I am constantly amazing and dumbfounded and the BLIND manner in which Republicans and Conservatives approach EVERYTHING. The simple "NO" (because I say so approach) is not only foolish, it's a sign of no ability to see fact vs. fiction, to read, think and understand policy and above all else flies 100% in the face of how Americans think. "NO" also goes counter to everything Americans have achieved since before we signed the Dec. of Independence. Seriously, had "NO" won we would not have conquered space travel, not have seen the Berlin Wall come down, would not have the medical, scientific and technological strength and achievement that Americans have used to lead the world.
"NO" is about ignorance, fear and the worst kind of "simplicity" – a lack of intelligence and the lack of human capacity to reason, to negotiate, to do what we need to push ourselves BOLDLY into the future.
A United States that allows itself to be governed by "NO" will absolutely fail. Despite all of the fearful "NO" we hear from Palin, Beck,
Steele, and on and on and on...still has not silenced the "YES WE CAN" attitude that whether you want to admit it or not, IS seeing the economy improve, IS seeing advances in diplomatic relationships, IS seeing the stock market advance (and with that comes Main Street's Growth in Individual Pensions, Investments and ultimately growth).
So, say "NO" all you want BUT that will only get you a "NO" in the voting booth. Fast forward a couple of years from now...I think we'll see a Second Term of Our Current President. And to that we say a resounding "YES".
Listen to Ryan Mr. G! You had your chance and blew it!
One correction to Newt's commentary – the budget WAS balanced under Clinton. He did it.
As much of a sleazeball that he is, at least he understands modern politics. If the RNC thinks that they have a shot of gaining control of either houses by voting "no", they are in for a rude surprise.
Let's see... Republican plans fro the economy so far: 16 pages, (double spaced of course) half of which were stolen from Obama's plan. Republican plans for health care reform: 3 pages of bullet points, including the title page, most of which were, once again, stolen from the Obama plan. Yeah, I think republicans have a clear plan for America: producing empty bullet points with ideas stolen from your opponents.
It's about time someone from the right showed enough courage to point out the obvious and demand something more. I'm offended by the current Republican strategy of "just say no", because the only ones who really get hurt by it are the American people. We need the government to be solving our problems, not grinding to a halt simply because one party thinks it will afford them political leverage.
I know how to say "No" as well and I say no more Neo Conservatives in the people's government!
I'll never vote for any GOP person who is not a conservative Libertarian.
I'll vote for blue dog democrat before I will ever vote Neo Con!
The party of NO is Staying the Course Newt.
Just two weeks ago repubs vowed to NOT work with this President and the rest of Congress on future bills.
Stay the course, or they'll be calling you a RINO.
No flip flopping now.
"Imagine we won a huge victory [in November]. Imagine that John Boehner's the new [House] Speaker. Imagine that Mitch McConnell is the new [Senate] Majority Leader"
Oh Lord, that's even scarier the the financial meltdown we just endured. I can't think of anything worse for this country right now than Boehner and McConnell running the show.
Yes, we sure prefer republican plans over just a straight-out saying of no... Just like in 2006 when democrats swept the House and overtook the Senate because the republican plans were sooo much better than the democrats' NO. Um... What was that NO again? Sounds awesome. I just have very recent memories of where republican 'plans' lead...