Gingrich wouldn't vote for Ron Paul
(CNN) - Newt Gingrich said Tuesday he wouldn't vote for Ron Paul if the Texas congressman won the 2012 GOP nomination.
Speaking to CNN's Wolf Blitzer, Gingrich slammed Paul as out of line with mainstream Republican viewpoints, including his stance on Israel, Iran, and September 11.
"I think Ron Paul's views are totally outside the mainstream of virtually every decent American," Gingrich said on CNN's "The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer."
Gingrich continued: "He's got to come up with some very straight answers to get somebody to take him seriously. Would I be willing to listen to him? Sure. I think the choice of Ron Paul or Barack Obama would be a very bad choice for America."
When asked if he would be able to vote for Paul if his rival won the 2012 GOP nomination, Gingrich said unequivocally "No."
"I think it's very difficult to see how you would engage in dealing with Ron Paul as a nominee," Gingrich said. "Given the newsletters, which he has not yet disowned. He would have to go a long way to explain himself and I think it would be very difficult to see today, Ron Paul as the Republican nominee."
Paul's role in writing newsletters with racist remarks came under increased scrutiny last week as polls showed the Texas rising in popularity among Iowa voters. The most recent, from the American Research Group, shows Paul, Gingrich and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney in a dead heat for first place. Paul has indicated he did not write all of the content in his newsletters and had not read some of it before publication.
In responding to negative ads Paul's campaign has released slamming Gingrich's record as a conservative, the former House speaker said the spots were inaccurate.
"You look at Ron Paul's record of systemic avoidance of reality, his ads are about as accurate as his newsletter," Gingrich said.
Gingrich named Paul's stance on Iran as representative of Paul's extremist viewpoints.
"He's not going to get the nomination. It won't happen," Gingrich said. "The people in the United States are not going to accept somebody who thinks it's irrelevant if Iran gets a nuclear weapon."
Paul's campaign responded to Gingrich Tuesday, calling his remarks "childish."
"Frustration from his floundering campaign has Newt Gingrich showing who he really is: a divisive, big-government liberal," Paul Campaign Chairman Jesse Benton said. "Newt has a long record of standing against conservatives dating back to his support for liberal Nelson Rockefeller over Barry Goldwater, so this sort of childish outburst is nothing new."
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I have to agree. As weird it might sound, even Obama will be a better choice.
What does he know about "Decent Americans". He should be the last one to talk about that. Attack, Newt, Attack, good boy. Now go lay down with your bone.
democrats criticize ron paul, and criticize new gingrich for criticizing ron paul.
Every one of the Republican candidates is frightening, with radical plans for America, from closing government departments when they have no idea what they do, to removing all regulations on drinking milk, what idiot would even envision that? Oh, Ron Paul the old geezer of course.
Can't feel too sorry for him. Newt should have no problem getting a job as a "historian" for some other corporation –
I am usually afraid that a candidate will not keep his promises. I am VERY afraid that Paul would if given the opportunity. I hope that the voters do not choose to take us down that path.
Well, golly there Newt. What's the big fuss. You and Perry didn't get enough signatures to get placed on the Virginia ballot? I guess I'll take your non-vote of Ron Paul & a few million Virginian's decision to not vote for you and call it good. I wouldn't cheat on my wife while she's battling cancer or make commercials with Nancy Pelosi either sooooo....... Looks like you're just a big fat loser, Newt!!!
Shove it gingrich. Liar, traitor, moron.
Ron Paul has MY vote!
Whatever you may think of Paul's views, he is at least consistent, and seems much more genuine than the others, who would say just about anything to gain in the polls. It's sad how much basic honesty stands out right now.
I wouldn't vote for Ron Paul either but I think he has the right ideology. I definitively wouldn't vote for Gingrich. We know how a voter marriage to him would end. Ron Paul just doesn't have all that it takes to do the job. Obama is a better choice.
Yes...good boy Newt...that was perfect...just like your AIPAC/FED/Illuminatti/Etc. masters told you to say it.
Newt's presidential run has been a perfect book tour, keep following the money Newt
Ron Paul is dangerous to America. He has a cult-like following that would "follow" Ron Paul off a cliff. According to the cult, Ron Paul can do NO wrong.
@Don WV–good one, buddy.
I'm not saying I agree with Ron Paul, but maybe Gingrich should take a step back and realize that being out of touch with "mainstream" Republicans – or even mainstream America, would not be a terrible thing. Just because an idea or point of view is "mainstream" does not mean it is correct.
I have voted Repulican for President each time since I have been able to vote. I for one have not seen one republican worth voting for this time around. Not one is standing up for us while this country keeps going down. Two major stores are now going to close stores but no one is saying anything about it. There to busy fighting each other. Bachman has more balls then the men running.
Then we have the President getting ready to ask for a debt ceiling increase. He thinks it will carry the government for a year. However we the American citizens only deserve a 2 month extension on the tax break. Why are republican canidates not bringing this up. If you have paid attention to the news we have been shown as our average salery has dropped our elected officials have been going up at a rate that is unbelieveable.
At this point I have no respect for the people running for the republicans, I hear he did this she did that and not one is saying what they could do to fix the problem.
lol gingrich doesn't think ron paul will be relevant... but gingrich is the one who couldn't even get on the ballot in VA... what a joke!
That makes us even, I wouldn't vote for the Newt
since when does Newt Gingrich get to speak for decent Americans...
The people of America have seen the goon squad of the GOP and after they shoot up in popularity, they come back down in a crash landing. Paul however, slowly and steadily spreads his message of peace, prosperity, and liberty, and a growing number of people are understanding and accepting of his message. He fights for states rights, individual liberties, against the TSA & NDAA & evil Patriot Act & the costly Wars & the racist War on Drugs & the corrupt Federal Reserve.
Ron Paul is the only vote for peace, prosperity, and liberty. Gingrich and Obama are both corrupt warmongers.
Newt, you big, phony neo-con....a model representative for the corrupt GOP which fawns all over you. Yet your popularity declines. American citizens are tired of same fake, war-mongering money grabbers like you Newt. They support Ron Paul because he is truthful , trustworthy, peaceful and thrifty...everything you and most in the GOP are not.
Newt Gingrich is the sleaziest human being ever. Gingrich is an admitted DRUG USER, WIFE ABUSER, DRAFT DODGER, WARMONGER, and HYPOCRITE. Ron Paul is a military veteran who has never taken drugs, been married to the same woman his entire life and is the ONLY candidate that supports peace and liberty. It is to Ron Pauls credit that a POS like Gingrich would not support him.
For every dollar of hard-earned campaign cash Ron Paul spends informing voters about the issues, it seems like Gingrich gets $20 in free open-mic, media attention ... Interesting sympathies being propagandized here.
I would vote for me!
I refuse to vote for someone named after a salamander! No Way! He sounds like he's trying to Bully the public into not voting for him.
Essentially calling people DUMB if they vote for him, on top of that, how many times does Ron Paul have to say he didn't write those letters for people to get a clue?
Nice try NEWT...lol...