[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/11/23/art.gingrich052809.gi.jpg caption="Gingrich to hold jobs summit one day before Obama's."] Washington (CNN) - Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich will kick off a series of town halls on jobs next month, one day before President Barack Obama holds a jobs forum at the White House.
Gingrich's American Solutions organization announced Monday that Gingrich will hold what it calls a "real jobs summit" in Cincinnati, Ohio, followed by another the next day in Jackson, Mississippi. That's the same day Obama holds his forum in Washington.
The president announced on November 12 that his forum will include representatives from business, organized labor, and academia, among other sectors.
The nation's unemployment rate now stands at 10.2 percent, the highest level in more than a quarter century.
"Our economy's growing again, for the first time in more than a year, and we know that economic growth is a prerequisite for job growth," Obama said Monday, after meeting with his cabinet. "But having said that, what I emphasize today is we cannot sit back and be satisfied, given the extraordinarily high unemployment levels that we've seen."
But Gingrich takes issue with Obama's economic programs.
"President Obama's upcoming 'Jobs Summit' in Washington, DC is an acknowledgment that the big government stimulus package failed to create jobs. For an administration that is actively promoting job-killing health care, energy, and big labor legislation, holding a 'Jobs Summit' is deceiving political theater in the midst of millions of Americans struggling to find work," the possible 2012 GOP presidential hopeful said in a statement.
"Beginning in Cincinnati, we will be traveling the country talking to small business owners and entrepreneurs – the engines of growth in our economy – to get their ideas on how to create jobs and grow the economy," added Gingrich.
American Solutions spokesman Dan Kotman said additional town halls will be announced next year.
Follow Paul Steinhauser on Twitter: @psteinhausercnn
Obama already had his jobs summit...in China...since that is where he has been sending them.
he has no credibility, so timing is the only thing he has to attract the media
laughable, his solution: more of the answer 'no'
an actual solution need not be considered
If you want to create jobs, loosen credit access for small business. The banks received the TARP Bailout, and the money was quickly moved off shore. General Motors did the same thing, sending a huge payment into Germany to support a manufacturing facility. Politicians do not create jobs, business people, namely small business people, create jobs!
Newt, don't come by my business. My memory is as short sighted as so many others.
From the K Street Project to your pal Abramoff, you are the root of the corruption in Washington.
Good news Newt, Onama is going to have to think about jobs first, then he will decide.
Newt Gingrich is a has been. I think it is funny how he keeps trying to make himself relevent. ROFL
What a joke "a real job summit" , the only real job here is for Newt to get people to vote for him. Another Republican trying to play people stupid.
Funny, I don't recall hearing Ginrich worry about the employment rate ever before. I think he thinks he has a shot to get back into power.
At this stage, whatever works.........
Maybe Newt can tell us where Bush and Newts policies sent all the jobs
Until the GOP stop using the mantra ( more tax cuts will create jobs ), I don't want to hear anything they have to say. Banks aren't lending money period. Corporations are outsourcing as fast as they can to keep labor costs down to satisfy the shareholders regardless of federal tax breaks and state incentives. Private capital companies aren't willing to work on investing in infrastructure. If the GOP would work with the Dems on finding a non government solution ( meaning no more tax cuts or subsidies ) to get employment moving again, I just don't care to hear anything they have to say.
There is only one word the GOP know; that is NO! I can't see or have not seen them dong anything to help with the mess they created.
Instead of finding solutions, they are hell bent on causing more distruction.
No, to the stimulus that assist keeping teachers, ploice officers and other important public resources in place. Not to mention creating jobs for many who can have a good Thankgiving.
No, to healthcare. Why should they? They are the same ones who said no to Medicaid and Medicare.
They are even saying no to themselves and can't find a common ground. The party of NO should remember the voters who elect them.
Newt's much smarter than Obama and would be qualfied to run the country, unlike Obama. Obama is good at community organizing, bake sales, and dithering. Oh, and bowing.
Newt will have real ideas for creating jobs. Obama will be putting on a show to look like he's interested. Guess who the press will cover?
another polarizing bush left over that thinks this country would ever vote in this loon!
oh look!.. it's the GRINCH that stoled Christmas, Watch out for your ornaments!
When politicians include reps from business, they often pick leaders from large corporations, not small businesses. Let's not forget that we need small businesses to help us revive our economy, because big corporations will not bring any jobs back.
This is also one reason why we should include a strong public option to make health care coverage affordable for small businesses. Go ask small businesses in Massachusetts and you will find their Commonwealth Care now insures many workers otherwise uninsured before.
Job creation, economic recovery and health care reform are all interconnected.
We certainly have ALOT OF REPUBLICANS playing the role of President these days!!
Are you serious? Newty has done anything the past 8 years to help americans. So wen obama comes up with simething good he copies it. Wow rpublicans are just sorry