(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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A two-time cheating divorcee in favor of the "Defense Of Marriage Act?" Are you serious, Mr. Bling-Rich? This is a bit like appointing Bernie Madoff to head the Securities and Exchange Commission...
I don't care one way or the other about this marriage debate, but I completely agree it's not a priority for most people right now when compared to the economy. That said, most of the candidates (including and especially Newt) fail when it comes to the economy, so if both candidates fail these secondary issues become much more relevant.
I was brought up to believe in equal protection of the law. That's why I vote for Democratic candidates.
Whether you agree with his belief or not, you must admire him for having the courage to state what he believes and for taking a stance on an issue.
This is so rare for politicians.
Gingrich has already lost the vote of his lesbian sister. Good for her.
Gay marriage is the only type of marriage Newt hasn't tried
Keeping it Real I was tempted to take your bait but I think that Searing Light of Truth and Justice seared your lips shut with their response.
That's right Americans, Republicans only want a specific group of people to support them. Gays, blacks, hispanics, women, anyone capable of independent thought need not apply.
Given that there are only two issues on people's minds, at this time (the economy and the economy), I don't know how much of an impact this will have.
Of course there is that third issue: the economy.
That smell of smoke you may be noticing today all across the country is from the brains of all the Log Cabin Republicans and GoProud gays trying to think of a way to spin this slap in the face their way somehow.
And, as for "National Security" Newt, Obama has proven far superior to anyone in recent administrations. The GOP just hates that! Newt, you're a loser.
Searing Light of Truth and Justice, I think your light just burnt out, as you are indeed completely in the dark. Your misguided ramblings ignore the numerous promises that Obama has made and failed to keep. Seriously, do yourself a favor and put away the rose colored glasses and do a few minutes of research for yourself instead of playing the clueless lemming that you seem to be.
Gingrich continues to add to the entertainment the Republican wannabee candidates provide us each and every day. Where does the Republican Party GET these morons. They can't think on their feet (Perry), make pretty bizarre gaffes (Perry, Gingrich), have affairs whether acknowledged or not (Cain, Gingrich), are completely out of touch with our society (Bachmann, Perry, Gingrich, Romney). Keep it up, just makes voting for Obama, which I will do, much easier for undecided people who believe in diversity, freedom of choice, etc. etc. etc.....
While I disagree with Gingrich on the issue, I applaud him for being honest.
We should be glad Newt didn't spin his answer – I"ll respect him for that.
However, being President means being president of all US citizens:
LBGT, Jewish, Hispanic, Athiest, Rich, Poor, Christian, etc.
Too many of the GOP Candidates only want to be president of
a Christian-White-Rich country.
The same token if you are a wife cheaters.....VOTE FOR NEWT GINGRICH. And who knows he might give you an advice or two on how to cheat further on your wives.
Atta boy, Newt. You can kiss another large block of voters goodbye, along w/ other minorities, the working poor, the middle class & the well-educated, intelligent voters. Did I leave anyone out? I don't think you appeal to the youth vote either...guess that leaves the Faux News viewers, Limbaugh listeners, tea party wingnuts etc.
Newt defines marriage as between one man and a series of women.
I like his answer, he didn't do the usual political double talk. He doesn't support gay marriage and thats it.
Newt added "But if you want to screw around on your wife with a broad you'll eventually marry and then screw around on HER with ANOTHER broad you'll eventually marry then I'm your man." "And hey, do me a favor, go over there and distract my wife while I have a "private conference" with my new "Women's Voter Outreach" chairman. Shouldn't take longer than 15 minutes."
After reading the first 100 posts about this, about 92% (give or take a couple that were hard to get a true fix on) of posters feel that Gingrich should either have appeased the man by saying something he didn't mean and wouldn't stand behind, he should have changed his views because they were actually called into question, or (and I'm guessing on this one) he should have somehow recused himself because he's not perfect, with respect to "family values" (which gay marriage is incorrectly grouped with, by the way, as are most of the things people put into that category).
I'm with Newt–if Gay Marriage is your most important issue, by all means, go with someone who sees it the same way you do. But if that IS your number one issue...wow. I'd like to think that most people, gay, straight, or bi, find other things a smidge further up the importance ladder, like nukes in the hands of Iran or North Korea, or education for socially disadvantaged kids, etc. Nothing wrong with having an issue like this that is your tie-breaker, but MOST IMPORTANT?
(Interesting that CNN's spell checker doesn't recognize the word "recuse"...)
So, what people here seem to lack is an understanding of leadership. Which is understandable, because their current president lacks it in just about every manner. EVEN THE FOLKS THAT STARTED THE OWS stuff refer to him as "somewhat of a gutless wonder."
YES WE CAN! OK, great. So when are you going to?
And...accomplishments? Surely, you're joking, right? Please tell me you are joking. You must be joking. If you're referring to the legislation that even his own party doesn't want....hello!?!?!?
Interesting to see how many people on this thread who are preaching tolerance are extremely intolerant of viewpoints that differ from theirs. Tolerance must have a very narrow definition i.e Tolerance : My way or the Highway.
Newt Gingrich is the worst candidate for president in the history of the USA. I do believe he's worse than George W. Bush, and you have to go some to be that bad.
Look, I am a democrat and always have been, but do not believe in gay marriage, nor do I believe in giving amnesty to illegal immigrants. However, I would vote again for Obama because on EVERYTHING ELSE he holds my values and the republicans do not. I can't stand Newt Gingrich, but I do agree with the answer he gave this person. . And another thing: I DO NOT "HATE" GAYS, OR " HATE" ILLEGAL (or legal ) IMMIGRANTS. Just because we disagree with a person's lifestyle, or a person's legal status in this country, does NOT MEAN WE "HATE" THOSE PEOPLE.
If anyone turns people against each other, it's democrats. They love to play the race card, use the gay issue to their advantage, and they protect every religion's rights except for jews and christians.
Seeing how most of the repub candidates are as liberal and corrupt as their dem counterparts, vote for a real conservative.. Ron Paul!