(CNN) - Asked how he plans to engage the gay community in his bid for president, Newt Gingrich on Tuesday told a voter he wouldn't be the right choice for those basing their decision on the issue of same-sex marriage.
"If that's the most important (issue) to you, then you should be for Obama," Gingrich told Scott Arnold, a man who identified himself as gay.
"Okay. I am, but thank you," Arnold replied.
The comment ended a rather cordial exchange between the two at a campaign stop in Oskaloosa, Iowa.
Arnold, an adjunct professor at William Penn University, approached the former speaker, asking Gingrich how he would sway voters who disagreed with him on same-sex marriage.
"How do you plan to engage and get the hope of gay Americans and those who support them?" Arnold asked.
Gingrich replied saying he doesn't expect to get the backing from voters solely focused on changing the definition of marriage.
"And I accept that that's a reality," Gingrich said.
Gingrich has frequently taken a conservative line on the issue. Last week, he signed a pledge with the National Organization for Marriage, promising, among many things, to back a constitutional amendment defining marriage between a man and woman.
"On the other hand, for those for whom it's not the central issue in their life –if they care about job creation, if they care about national security, if they care about a better future for the country at large-then I think I'll get their support," Gingrich said.
Also see:
Iowa faith leader asked Bachmann to consider dropping out, campaign says
From CNN Politics
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Don't wory, Newt! Most people will vote for President Obama!
My question is: How many times can Newt shoot himself in the foot(feet?) before he keels over? How many bullets does he have in that gun of his?
I guess I had two questions.
Looks like Newt was only in it for the book sales after all. How else can you explain his repeated attempts at self destruction?
if they care about a better future for the country at large-then I think I'll get their support," Gingrich said.
FOR NON GAY PEOPLE OF COURSE (tongue in cheek)
The GOBP deathcult's "big tent" is about the size of a small one person pup tent right now. People the GOBP deathcult hates: The poor, the middle class, workers, women, gays, non-whites, environmentalists, religions that differ from twisted phony "Christianity" they claim, union members, public employees, soldiers, foreigners and whoever Fakes News or Rush Dumbo singles out.
No one is talking about changing the definition of marriage ... just expanding it. What's wrong with having more people stand up in public in the sight of God and pledge their love, loyalty, and fidelity to the person with whom they want to spend the rest of their lives? If you believe in freedom for all, why limit Americans pursuit of happiness to just one group.
Most man-woman marriages end in divorce, as Newt knows all to well. Maybe we should revisit the definition of marriage to make it more relevant to the reality of life in our country.
Newt will never be president how you going to discriminate against gays and you need there vote to win.
Republicans are bunch of racist politician.
President Obama 4 more years.
I'm not a Republican and I wouldn't even consider supporting him, but I have to admit it's a pretty good answer and the type of answer I wish more candidates would give on issues. You would get more respect from voters if you give an honest answer than scripted garbage we are getting now from both Dem's and Rep's.
Are you sure you have so much support that you can afford to alienate any group? You are the original "Fat Cat" and I wouldn't vote for you if you were the only candidate.
It's Newt's world - he just allows some of us to be able to survive in it. Didn't you learn in the 1990's ??
Newt is running because it gives him a chance to meet women and make lots of money. In Newt's America, not all people can have equal rights.
He finally popped. It was a little one because it doesn't offend a majority of people, but it is still a pop. I guess Newt is going to emit a series of little pops that insult a small electorate instead of one big serving of hubris that offends a majority.
Let's review. He just insulted the gay community. He has insulted inner poor kids. I missed a couple more of them, I know.
If It came down to Newt Gingrich and President Obama ,than President Obama will win every time. Newt Gingrich Is a Crook and a Cheat and all he does Is LIE.
I love how this man consistently shows that he is not fit to be president. If you aren't going to be president for all Americans, why are you in the race? For Newt, the answer would be to sell books. He really doesn't want to be president; that would cosntrain his ability to peddle books.
I thought every vote counts, BUT not to Newt it looks like!
And if elected, just like every other Repub, Gingeritch will not respect you for who you are or consider your opinions if you do not agree with him.
Newt's newly found Faith in the words of Jesus Christ hasn't made him very compassionate. Oh well, Jesus said the Father will judge us as we judge others.Matthew7,1.
Now I am ROTFLMAO!!
►"If that's the most important (issue) to you, then you should be for Obama," Gingrich told Scott Arnold, a man who identified himself as gay.◄
As if that is the MOST important issue to President Obama!!!! Really? On another note, maybe that was an important issue for the man but not the ONLY issue – NEWTron could have lost a vote being ignorant in his answer!!!
Whew – this Reality Show is getting really good – You almost hate to take a break for commercials!!!
Obama 2012 – Because he is for the DIVERSITY of America!!!
Lizard is in free fall in the polls. Ron Paul is the flavor of this week. GOBP wingnuts hate him more than Lizard so this will be fun!
Where are the fiscally conservative but socially moderate candidates? There are so many Americans, including us gay folk, who fit this category but we have no representation. The "top tier" Republican candidates for President are so extreme socially that there is no way in the world I could give them my vote. It's not just about gay marriage...none of these candidates could even bring themselves to support the repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell, and many stated in the debates that they would support reinstating the policy. How sad. Times are changing....don't they get it?
wow.. if President Obama had addressed anyone in the public in that manner... Fox would run the sound bite 24/7 and calling for his head...
So who are the Log Cabin Republicans going to support this time out? The avowed Gay Bashers or the ones who ignore them and hope they will go away?
Obama might not be great, but it beats having to have a little pink triangle patch put on my shirt...which is probably what will happen under a Tea Party president.
Add women and minorities to that. Oh and teachers. And...Unions..and........
Same old Newt Gingrich