(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.
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Arnold should ask obama, who is also against same sex marriage, and see what his response would be.
Obama will win 53% of the vote, you heard it here first.
Great advice Newt, why chase voters you can't really win.
Gays are out, most college students are out, most people in poverty are out, many senior citizens are now out too (after the republican proposals for medicare reform), most moderates and independents are out. That doesn't leave you with too much. Give up already.
For the gingrinch marriage is between a man and 3 women......
I appreciate his honesty. I hope he appreciates mine at the voting booth.
A lot of rabid liberal fascist posters today. Good for Newt for standing firm on a position. I don't believe he ever said he was the most moral candidate, so when it comes to the multiple affairs he's had, then he's in good company with Bill Clinton. Anyway, you won't hear similar statements of conviction from the other equivocating suck up pols who'll say anything to get elected.
The VERY shallow brain and NO self control of his mouth is revealed by Newt once again!
Another great example of how he would "try" to represent this county on a world stage.
It's no wonder that we are referred to as ugly Americans around the world with a clown like this as a possible President!!!
Oh Newt. Just go away and collect $60,000 a speech from people who are just as hateful as yourself. Go away and dream of how great America would be if only we could repeal every bit of social and regulatory legislation of the last 111 years. Go away and let the rest of us fix the divisions in our political discourse you have encouraged since you entered politics. Newt, please, for the sake of the country. GO AWAY!
If you want to see your country continue to be ran into the ground, then vote for Obama!
So basically Newt just told slightly more than half the country (those who believe marriage should be between two consenting adults regardless of gender) to vote Democratic.
Heckuva strategy you got there, Newt.
Log Cabin Republicans take note please.
The Institution of marriage has been flushed down the drain anyway by people like Newt Gingrich. The right-wingers who have tried to protect it, have done more to destroy it than anyone. Like many conservative policies, marriage will die a slow death, as it is unable to adapt and change to keep up with humanity.
There is no room in the GOP for gays, blacks, Latinos, Muslims, the poor, the middle class, women, college students, and anyone with an education above the third grade.
Plenty of room for birthers though.
The MEN and WOMEN of america must stand with newt against those who want to pervert what it means to be a man and what it means to be a woman.
Got get a kick out of a chronic adulterer standing up against gay marriage, LOL
HYPOCRISY
Let Newt's response to the gay individual be a clue for everyone...... he's for people.... but only the people like him...
Chearters are top on his list... once a cheater...always a cheater....if you cheat on those you care most about... you'll cheat on those who don't matter .....at home and in business.....
So make your choice.....go out and vote and take your friends!
Great idea, telling a good amount of the voting population to vote for your potential rival.
Insulting
Gingrich is just an insulting, confused and disoriented 'OLD MAN' who seems to be losing his bearings. He's not one who's willing to engage ALL Americans. unemployed, Hispanics, African Americans, and Gay and Lesbians Americans are simply 'thrown under the bus' by Gingrich. No wonder he's considered as the GRINCH this Christmas.
Is he really forgetting his multi-marriages and his extra-marital sexual affairs?
He's so weird!
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.
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AMEN! AND remember he was CHEATING ON THE WIFE HE WAS MARRIED TO AT THE TIME! what a joke!
Newt is being very misleading. He is implyng that those who support same sex marriage are only one issue voters and that those who are opposed to same sex marriage, are voting on different issues. The fact is, there are many people who will vote against a candidate, just because he/she supports marriage equality.
Newt....wouldn't you be "pro-AFFAIRS and pro-marriageS" regardless of the circumstances? Just trying to understand.
a few years back i would have never voted for ginghrich, but today i realize that Obama is a liar just like the rest of them. He has failed to keep one single campaign promise and recieved a noble peace prize that should be retracted. Obama is a puppet liar for the jews and the American people will never wake up and smell the coffee so they are in for another four years of crap regardless of who they vote for.
I wont even go into the gay issue its so irrelevant right now, America has lost its way and the only thing it knows how to do is lob bombs at people when they dont know what else to do. Its only going to get worse!
and i don't vote for people who can't keep their marriage vows, newt. I'll vote Obama for that one, too.
Newt isn't the right choice for any voter, gay or straight. It's interesting that his sister is a lesbian and she won't be voting for the disgraced former speaker either.