Lynchburg, Virginia (CNN) - As one Republican advised Donald Trump to stop questioning President Obama's birthplace – another Republican laughed off Trump's queries and said Friday that the real estate mogul is "inventive" as he "hangs out" in the Republican Party.
After speaking at a conservative conference at Liberty University, Newt Gingrich spoke about the reality TV star turned potential GOP presidential candidate. One question he was asked: what does he think of Trump saying he's sent investigators to Hawaii to dig into claims that the president was not born there?
"I think that 'The Donald' is such an interesting person in every way…he adds a lot to the race," Gingrich said laughing.
Then, the former House Speaker added this about Trump: "He's very inventive. And I think, frankly, for a Republican Party that's sometimes a little bit dull - having somebody like Trump hang out is going to guarantee that [the press] will have a lot more to cover."
CNN contacted Trump's office for a response. A representative said "The Apprentice" star was traveling but may respond later.
Gingrich's comments come as Florida Republican Sen. Marco Rubio said in an interview that Trump should "not focus so much" on the "birther" issue.
Trump, who has said he is considering a presidential bid, had recently inflamed controversy by repeatedly questioning if the president was born in the United States. CNN has thoroughly debunked such questions.
–Follow Shannon Travis on Twitter: @ShanTravisCNN
From CNN Politics
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Newtie really should be staying out of the limelight right about now. Most people have long memories and his image just brings about by images of the last govt shut down. Newt and Donald, the 2 head clowns in the GOP "hopeful" circus.
What delightful entertainment! Better than a reality show. But also, scarier, because these people want to run the country.
this guy looks real ugly. if he wasnt rich hed be another blowhard worlthless piece of trash
It's nice that each of these prima donnas appreciates the other's dance.
Go.
Aaway.
Newt's opinion on politics is about as relevant and useful as his opinions on family values and the sanctity of marriage.
The Don didn't even know what his own birth certificate looked like. The one he arrogantly said he kept on display in his office wasn't.
He's not real bright, but you have to give credit where credit is due. He can do more with a dozen strands of hair than anyone around.
He,s also a swindler. Kaddafys Blood Money in his pockets?
I think Trump and Gingrich would make a good pair.......dumb and dumber
Wow, sounds like Trump is even too crazy for Gingrich.
Trump has three chins and one of them was not born in America
To the contrary, there is nothing "inventive" for someone who "hangs out" amongst the birther [sic] fringe. Rather, it's old and tired nonsense.
This just in: One moron likes the other moron! More at 11!
btw... I was born in Hawaii. I have a Certificate of Live Birth and not a "birth certificate". Same with the million other people in Hawaii. I guess no one of us are really citizens of the USA according to Trump. Not even the troops from Hawaii.
This is not oen mug I'm interested in seeing for 4 years. Trump 2010 – NOT!!!!!
Tell Me this is a Joke Trump may be running for president? The very man who has filed bankruptcy how many times? With what education?
Inventive? Is that GOP code for bloody-crazy?
I welcome Trump's candidacy because it's about time we had a Jewish President.
Somehow I hope his investigators think to give up on the birth certificate...it is covered...though the "document" that is being passed as a certificate is not even close to a real one....it is in OCR ball font....this certifcate should have been typed on a manual typewriter...no signatures on it either...no mention of time of birth, attending physician, etc....however...where the investigators should look would be with the airlines...see...his mother was heavy with pregnacy and airlines would not let a woman fly if near delivery at that time...so they should check her visa/passport as to when she re-entered the country...
The Donald sees bankruptcy laws as just another tool for doing business. It's not about morality, it's all about getting richer, using the govt. to protect you from your own bad management. Just like all the banks, mortgage brokerages, stock brokerages, etc. who have grown 'too big to fail' so they ...
Reprobate looks at another reprobate and says: "Hey he's a great guy just like me."
I think Gingrich and Trump have an alliance going on in the GOP primaries. They have not said one bad thing about each other. Gingrich is too smart anyways, if he bad mouths Trump, he would crumble just like Pawlenty.
Anyone who takes Trump seriously needs to be tea bagged.
the more people like Newt and Trump talk and conspire, the better I think it is for President Obama esp with the independents that both parties seek so much. Trump is a loon not really going to run, seeking attention all the while hurting the already extreme image the GOP is getting from the Tea Party. And Newt only appeals to a small section that either or just his personal fans or really don't know much about his past. There is a reason the "real" GOP 2012 contenders are trying to distance himself from Trumps foolishness andwhy serious Dems are laughing at him.
Donald Trump has an objective for only one thing; A paying job with the FOX News station. There is a huge market in the radical extreme Right Republican and Tea Party for the verbal "tar and feathering" of our President in Chief; B. Obama. Trump wants to cash in with this extremist group and at the same time he is showing FOX how he is just as good and better that anyone FOX has now. (Glenn Beck's time spot?) Trump sees a 2 year payday. He sees easy money.
Here is the thing about the Donald. The Tea Party loves the red meat he offers hell they will believe anything. But the Christian right will not forgive or forget wht he thinks of them. I used to think he was smart enough to know that now I'm not so sure.