Coburn: Gingrich the last person I'd vote for
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/04/02/art.newt0402.gi.jpg caption="Sen. Tom Coburn had some harsh words on Friday for former Republican Speaker Newt Gingrich."](CNN) – Newt Gingrich's camp refused to respond Monday to some sharp words spoken by fellow Republican Sen. Tom Coburn, just days after the Oklahoma senator said Gingrich is the "last person I'd vote for" during a town hall meeting.
"I'm not going to respond to that," Gingrich spokesman Rick Tyler told CNN.
Coburn ripped GOP heavyweight Newt Gingrich on Friday and took a shot at the possible 2012 contender's politics and his personal life.
"[Gingrich is] a super-smart man," Coburn said at a town hall meeting in Wagoner, Oklahoma, but added, "he's the last person I'd vote for president of the United States."
"His life indicates he does not have a commitment to the character traits necessary to be a great president," Coburn said.
The comments were first reported by Tulsa World, and Coburn's Senate office confirmed their accuracy to CNN.
From CNN Politics
- Jason Sudeikis and 'Ted Lasso' cast meet with Biden for mental health discussion
- 10 Cards Charging 0% Interest Until 2024
- Trump's team puts forward ally in hopes of undercutting Cohen testimony in NY hush money case
- Untitled
- Untitled
- Capitol Police see no current threat to US Capitol, but DC prepares after Trump calls for potential indictment protests
Hell, we elected a "community agitator" I mean "organizer" with a resume that would fit on a postage stamp, twice... on each side.
Why not Newt?
I figure at this point we could elect the average panhandler in the city park and he'd have as much experience "saving" or creating jobs as Barry Dunham, I mean Barry Soetoro, I mean Barack Soetoro, I mean Barack Obama... this guy changes his alias more than the average hood on the FBI most wanted list.
Newt, you're getting thrown under the bus by everybody. First your ex-wife and now Sen. Coburn. Maybe you should learn to keep your mouth shut and stop giving your opinion on every matter. You are not holier than thou and you just make yourself out to be a hypocrite whenever you speak.
The fun begins! Wait until Republicans start taking on the idiot known as Sarah Palin!
Ditto! I have a whole new respect for Coburn!
quite a long list in the "last people I'd vote for" category =>
Pretty much every Republican except for Colin Powell.
Senator Coburn, I agree with you 100%!
I never thought I would agree with a republican...but I do this one
Somebody with common sense from the party of NO!
People used to have self respect and knew when to crawl back under the rock when they got in trouble. The grinch hasn't got a chance and he knows it. He must be getting money under the table for something.
BTW – I need to say something about this because it is my State and what's her face endorsed a complete teabagger unknown named miller.
miller's bio shows him as an investment consultant and, the clincher, drum roll please . . . . . . . . a "community activist".
Smart man!
As usual, Tom Coburn is correct. Newt's ego and personality appear to be an on-going problem. Too bad. Smart man.
Hmm. I guess there are two smart repo-lickings. Gingrich Kan doing whatever it takes, and Coburn challenging yet another gOp nut-magnet.
Gingrich can develop and articulate conservative ideology and policy better than anyone currently on the national scene. But he lacks the character for public office. He would pose the same problems that Clinton did as president. Competence lacking character. This is not the formula for good leadership.
Exactly!! We need a morally pure man to lead us- like an alcoholic / drug addict morning zoo DJ.
I agree. Gingrich was part of the Republican Revolution who held some lofty goals and had much initial success. But time has shown that the conservative ideals were only surface cosmetics for many of these leaders, especially Gingrich. I am tired of the Republican party not sharing the traits of both fiscal and social conservatives. This is why they were so out of favor a few years ago. There is a chance at a conservative comeback but we are no longer trusting the RNC. Gingrich represents the RNC to many of us. We are looking at the inidivuals though and looking for conistency in their political and private lives. This is why Scott Brown will trump Gingrich all day long...
The GOP vaucum of lack of leadership is appauling. The nuts come out to try to gain control. And that means you get "Kook Newt", "Bailin Palin", "lintball Limbaugh and "Redneck Beck". And their too many other to name.
In his own mind, or perhaps "politically." But can we please all agree, at least those of us who saw him in action in 1994, that the man is a mental midget with the gravitas of a Palin?
Too bad Coburn is saying "no" to Newt for the wrong reasons.
"Lifestyle?"
Please. How about "right-wing radical divisive nutcase?"
A lot of people feel that way. Gingrich need to think long and hard before throwing his hat into the ring again. America just don't want him no matter how smart he pretends to be. As a matter of fact he makes most people stomach turn and he has a short memory if he thinks the American people have forgotten all of his mess. Not going to happen fat boy!
Throwing stones from glass houses..... Gingrich was the last qualified politician we had in the house. While his personal life has struggled, as a politician he is spot on with his analysis of our political issues and has solid ideas to address the problems. His success as house speaker is unmatched. The political reform that occured in the house under his gavel was unprecidented. The media hated him. He was that good. He could do a great deal to fix the mess we are in now. He has done it before.
Newt is the only person that doesn't know that everyone dislikes Newt.
Keep those delusions of grandeur and fear mongering going you big headed twerp.
I seldom agree with Tom Coburn, but he is absolutely correct in stating that he would not vote for Gingrich for President. Gingrich spells trouble not only for the Republicans but for this great country as well.
Current Republican leadership not wanting to vote for "super-smart man," or any smart man for that matter? No surprise there, folks. My guess – that any smart woman would definitely be out of the question as well?
I agree. Tom Delay for president!!!
"last person I'd vote for"... Therefore, according to RepubliCAN'Ts – he will then be the WORST PRESIDENT IN HISTORY – and he didn't even get elected yet!!!! Wow – RepubliCAN'Ts sure know how to predict the future – they have people like BECKy who is 'God-sent' and full of LOVE and CARIING for 'all' mankind!!! Yea, right!!!
In this case – Coburn is right!! No one will vote for ginGRINCH!
Sen Coburn should remember Ronald Reagan's dictum not to speak ill of a fellow Republican and just "shut up"! The Democrats have failed so completely on the Economy and UNEMPLOYMENT that Republicans have an opportunity to overcome their mistakes of a few years ago and save us in Nov from the extreme left wing Elites that are so contemptuous of the American people. Republicans don't need to look petty and stupid arguing with each other and engaging in petty insults when the country needs and expects more? So stop it!