(CNN) – Newt Gingrich admitted Wednesday he's never seen the popular "Jersey Shore" TV show but he'd think about stopping by the famed beach house sometime.
Sharing the stage with "Jersey Shore's" Nicole 'Snooki' Polizzi, the former Republican presidential contender took a breather from politics to chat with the star, appearing with him on NBC's "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno."
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Wearing a black, formfitting dress, Snooki seemed pleased with the idea of the former House speaker stopping by.
"That'd be awesome. You could drink 'Ron-Ron' juice," said Snooki.
Clad in a traditional black suit and gold tie, Gingrich and Snooki's contrasting attire didn't seem to bar the two from trading compliments.
Although Gingrich admitted to never having seen Snooki's show, he nevertheless congratulated the reality star on having two New York Times best selling books.
Snooki, who was on with Leno before the politician was introduced, quickly shot back, "I'm trying to be like you."
Following Snooki's departure, Leno and Gingrich discussed the current state of the presidential race, including presumptive Republican nominee Mitt Romney's elusive tax returns.
"Here's my prediction. Romney can start playing the 'please the media' game, now you release your tax returns. That will lead to three weeks of, gee, what's in the tax returns? We can spend from now until Election Day on whatever the next phony thing is," said Gingrich.
Leno reminded the former GOP contender that once upon a time during the primary season; Gingrich pressured Romney to release more tax returns.
Asked if Romney will make a surprising, "out-of-left-field" choice for a running mate, Gingrich quipped, "Given everything we know about Mitt Romney, do I think that he would make a wild, outside of the box choice?"
But, if called upon, would Gingrich join the Romney ticket?
"I would be very flattered, and I would think that he had lost his mind," said Gingrich.
"Would you turn it down?" asked Leno.
"I'd have to talk to Callista," Gingrich said, referring to his wife.
Gingrich laid out four criteria for the vice president that he would use if he were in the former Massachusetts governor's shoes.
"Could the person be president? Portman could," said Gingrich, referencing Ohio Sen. Rob Portman, rumored to be on Romney's short list for the position.
Gingrich continued: "Is he generally, philosophically in agreement? Portman would be. Does he help some to win the presidency? And could he help in the Senate next year?"
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Gingrich and Snooki break it down .
This is the leadership the GOP is promoting .
It's good to see the Newt on top of his game again.
Newt and Snookie, that's just about right. Maybe Karl Rove and Ann Coulter could join them and you'll have one hell of a beach party. I wonder who else might join in? Maybe the Awesome W himself.
I just threw up in my mouth.
Newt and Snookie, total opposite sides of the political spectrum. Snooki-land where Snookis live is as Democrat as America can get, just check the nyc metro area, the facts are the facts.
Newt calls for Romney to release his returns. Romney should. I cannot believe that he that arrogant and smug to believe that he can bamboozle the public into electing him to POTUS. I know they won't. The polls right now are irrelevant. I don't want a president who is being paid for foreign governments, or special corporate interests. That is why releasing tax returns is so important for our highest political leaders. Besides, you cannot get approved as a cabinet member submitting only two years of returns.
Gingrich is like many people in the GOP; has moments that are good and I will agree with him. Unfortunately their assumptions have been more wrong than correct.
This combination of Snookie and the Newster seems to feel right. In terms of intelligence, morality, and dignity, these two are on exactly the same page.
They must have had to replace the interview chair afterwards from all the slime.
Newt Gingrich, Snooki and Jay Leno all in one room... Why couldn't the building have collapsed or experienced a gas explosion or something?
Snooki is a conservative. Think about that....
so the dipstick and dipstick holder got together and exchanged compliments big deal. That is about as much of the news as ford's new recall.
Popular "Jersey Shore" TV show? Nicole 'Snooki' Polizzi a star?
No wonder he lost.. !!!
Doug
Newt and Snookie, total opposite sides of the political spectrum. Snooki-land where Snookis live is as Democrat as America can get, just check the nyc metro area, the facts are the facts.
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I just love right wing circular logic. It is so complete. Snookie is a conservative and so is New Jersey's governer.
Why does CNN think anybody on this planter cares what Newt has to say or thinks. Same goes for Snooki. Two totally irrelevant people.
Glad I missed this show. Two slimey disgusting people. No talent snooki. disgusting and sickening. But she looks like Newt's type.
mike - Why does CNN think anybody on this planter cares
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Who you calling a potted plant? Snooki is probably as close as you can get.
Meet the future Mrs. Gingrich. She's got all the attributes Newt likes. All two of them.
Hey Doug....Snooki is not a Democrat....check your facts first!!!
I rather see the President with Clooney, who has put his life in danger in Dafur than this fat guy with no future with looser unwed snookie.
That show is still on?
Newt's just hanging around waiting for the opportunity for the Republicans to dump Romney and if they do, I don't think they are stupid enough to install him and his 3rd wife.
max - Hey Doug....Snooki is not a Democrat....check your facts first!!!
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Really? She is smarter than she looks!!
Before you folks argue about whether Snooki is a Democrat or Republican, you might want to determine if she's even human.
So let's hear all the conservatives who were complaining about celebrity influence in Democratic politics sound off on this. I'll wait...
This makes sense. They are both conservatives with about the same IQ and morals. Of course they should get along.
looney tunes