And they’re off! The 2012 presidential election is officially underway!
President Obama was the first to enter the fray, saying he will definitely seek a second term. But now former House Speaker and Republican leader Newt Gingrich wants the top job.
In a botched Twitter announcement, that later turned into a Fox News TV announcement, that moved to a video posted on his campaign website, Gingrich officially announced his candidacy, saying he believes “we can return America to hope and opportunity, to full employment, to real security, to an American energy program, to a balanced budget.”
Although Gingrich comes with a big reputation among his GOP colleagues as well as high name recognition, he also carries some hefty baggage, including infidelity concerns in his two previous marriages. While condemning former President Clinton for the Monica Lewinsky scandal, Gingrich was secretly having an affair with one of his office staffers. And Gingrich broke up with his last wife while she was lying ill in a hospital bed and battling cancer. For many social conservatives who never forgot his cold feelings and marital woes, winning the GOP nomination will be an uphill battle for the former architect of the “Contract with America.” And for some progressive Republicans, many don’t believe an old face like Gingrich can beat a much more likable incumbent Barack Obama head to head.
Gingrich is the first prominent prospective GOP contender for the White House to formally declare his candidacy. But 4 others have filed paperwork and are expected to make an official announcement soon. They include former governors Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota and Mitt Romney of Massachusetts, as well as former U.S. Senator Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania and Representative Ron Paul of Texas.
Others considering a run include former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee; former Alaska Governor and 2008 Republican vice-presidential nominee Sarah Palin; Tea Party favorite, Rep. Michele Bachmann of Minnesota; real estate developer Donald Trump; Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels; and former Utah Governor Jon Huntsman, who just returned to the U.S. after serving as President Obama’s Ambassador to China.
I hope this clown gets the nomination. Then Obama can spank him all the way back to another term.
Looking at that pic of Newt and his 3RD wife, and considering ALLLLLL of the baggage that defines this ridicules man, I'm left with only one reaction to hearing this *news*…..LOLOLOLOLOL!!!
Lol…I'm still laughing about this one…lol.And in *other* related news…..Both, Huckabee and *the Donald* have cofimed that WON'T be running for the GOP presidential nomination. I'm a little surprised to see Huckabee *EXIT stage-right* so soon. But "The Donald's" decision to NOT run comes as little-to-NO suprise to most voters. In short: Who DIDN'T see THIS coming?!