(CNN) - Newt Gingrich took his condemnation of rival Mitt Romney to a new level Tuesday, saying the former Massachusetts governor was not being honest when claiming that he had no relation to a super PAC producing anti-Gingrich television ads.
Asked by CBS host Norah O'Donnell if he would call Mitt Romney a liar, Gingrich answered flatly "Yes."
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"This is a man whose staff created the PAC and his millionaire friends fund the PAC and it's baloney," Gingrich continued. "He's not telling the American people the truth. Here's a Massachusetts moderate who has tax-paid abortions in Romneycare and puts Planned Parenthood in Romneycare and raises hundreds of million of dollars and appoints liberal judges and wants the rest of us to believe he's somehow magically a conservative."
Gingrich said Romney needed to be honest with voters about his record.
"I think he ought to be honest with the American people and try to win as the real Mitt Romney and not consultant-guided version that goes with talking points. I don't think he's being candid and that will be a major issue," Gingrich said.
Later on Tuesday, Romney responded to the charge on Fox News.
"I understand that the speaker apparently is angry and I wish him well. We like he and Callista. There’s a long road ahead, and hopefully we’ll be able to connect with the American people that gets us the support we need," Romney said.
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Bachmann looks ahead to South Carolina
What's new. He definitely did create jobs - in China and India and other foreign countries. Fired hundreds if not thousands of Americans and lined his pockets with millions of "pieces of silver".
He's as un-American as they get. It's all about $$ with Romney. How much more does he need?
we were saying that all along
I think that last quote was from newt...
but all in all – strong words to call one man a liar when you yourself have a history of unfaithfulness
I knew Newt couldn't hold it in any longer. Now I'm going to have to go back to Kroger to get some more popcorn. This is getting good.
Obama/Biden/E.Warren 2012.
So we're in for a big showdown leading up to NH between the pot and kettle. It should make for a tasty think soup – and I can't wait to eat some.