Gingrich not running

Posted: Saturday, September 29, 2007 1:00 PM by Chuck Todd

From NBC's Chuck Todd
Former Speaker Newt Gingrich has decided not to run for president. Gingrich spokesperson Rick Tyler said the conservative icon was given legal advice yesterday that said a presidential campaign would have jeopardized the 527 status of American Solutions should Gingrich had remained involved. Exploring a run for president and continuing his work with American Solutions were legally incompatible and Gingrich chose his American Solutions project. All work that was supposed to go into the presidential exploration has been permanently halted.

While Tyler didn't say it, Gingrich basically was prevented from running for president by John McCain since the McCain-Feingold campaign finance regulations have made mixing political projects very difficult.

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Comments

<i>... prevented from running for president by John McCain ...</i>

Marginally true, but it could have had something to do with the fact that "American Solutions" has been a flop. With 200 sessions scheduled across the country, only six people have indicated an interest.

Newt is a pompous technocrat who believes America would be just fine ... if he were dictator.

Bill Westmiller, Thousand Oaks, CA (Sent Saturday, September 29, 2007 2:02 PM)

One of the evangelicals recently said that none of the republicans could pass the "straight face" test and Newt may have been their last hope but then again a man who carried divorce papers to the hospital for his wife to sign may not pass that test either. The man who engineered the contract on America probably thinks he can do more damage to the working man from where he is.

Rufus Gibbons, DC (Sent Saturday, September 29, 2007 3:25 PM)

This troubles me greatly. Maybe we will need to mount a movement to draft Newt and get him to drop other committments.

Jim Gray, Nashville, IN (Sent Saturday, September 29, 2007 5:02 PM)

That's too bad. He was America's only hope for a great President!

Leonard Matthews (Sent Saturday, September 29, 2007 5:47 PM)

Sorry to hear the news about Newt. He was a breath of fresh air with his ideas about the solutions to problems that other politicians ignore and continue to tell us the metaphors for their solutions.

Cliff O'Connor, Oswego, NY (Sent Saturday, September 29, 2007 5:48 PM)

I'm glad this SOB is not running. He's nasty. How do you feel about Newt's decision to pass on running: http://www.youpolls.com/details.asp?pid=610

Frankie (Sent Saturday, September 29, 2007 7:13 PM)

He's probably got a new 'Kitten' that is taking up all his 'Candidate' time. Look for a book tour next fall.

Steve Turner Cedar Falls Iowa (Sent Saturday, September 29, 2007 10:55 PM)

The Democrats don't follow the campaign finance laws. Why do the Republicans have to?

Ralph Waldo, Emerson CA (Sent Saturday, September 29, 2007 11:42 PM)

Hi Chuck. I thought Gingrich was going to run if he could raise $30,000,000. Are we sure that he didn't come up with this "mixing political projects" as an excuse because it was obvious to him and his advisors that he wasn't going to come close to that amount? Last I heard he was about as popular as Dick Cheney.

Irwin, Pittsburgh, PA (Sent Sunday, September 30, 2007 12:08 AM)

One of the advantages of living in a retirement home is that you have friends who are radical right and left wingers. Last night one from the right with a long face said Newt is not going to run and he was our only chance of beating Hillary Clinton. Three of his belief agreed with him, then one said look at the bright side maybe Hillary can bring about the universal health care which is sorely needed. The others agreed. I cannot imagine what Newt could have done that is more important than universal health care.

Rufus Gibbons, DC (Sent Sunday, September 30, 2007 8:31 AM)

Its disappointing to hear Newt is NOT running for president, I've been a fan of his ever since he was Speaker of the House.However, I respect his decision.

Rick Post, SAaint Mary's, Ga. (Sent Sunday, September 30, 2007 9:40 AM)

What a lame excuse!
Newt's just become fat and happy.
All's he can do is talk a good game.
No one will take him seriously now.
BOOOOOO!

Erick (Sent Sunday, September 30, 2007 12:35 PM)

I hope what I am reading does not come to pass. He is the only man with enough intelligence to restore America to it's rightful place as the leading nation in the world.

Archie Huebner Dalton, Ga. (Sent Sunday, September 30, 2007 5:58 PM)

It's a crying shame because Mr. Gingrich already had my vote!

Mark Tims, Diana, TX (Sent Sunday, September 30, 2007 8:40 PM)

Good decision on the part of Dr. Newt. It would have been a wild goose chase anyway. America does not need another bogus 'Contract for America'. He needs to wait for another ten years before trying another ploy

O. Isaac (Sent Sunday, September 30, 2007 8:47 PM)

YaY

Nick (Sent Monday, October 01, 2007 8:23 AM)

THANK GOD!!!!!!!

Ron, St. Louis, Mo. (Sent Monday, October 01, 2007 9:31 AM)

LMAO< the guy kicked out by the gop isn't running..... we'd have to relive his bribes via cell phone , his dumping his cancer stricken wife in the hospital, his screwing his secretary in a Federal Limo while going after Clinton,his endless spending of tax dollars on pet projects ie, gop projects.

he's the perfect repukician.. he should run

Tuck, Realityville, Kansas (Sent Monday, October 01, 2007 9:33 AM)

This is another reason McCain-Feingold should be repealed! Newt has the knowledge and persistance to win. McCain is too liberal, Mitt has flip-flopped on too many issues, Rudy is too socially liberal, and Fred doesn't have the fire in his belly to really make it happen and has no firm religious foundation. Newt was the answer! Now we have to hope that Huckabee or Warner can pick up steam!!!

Karen Kinsley, Colorado Springs, CO (Sent Monday, October 01, 2007 2:48 PM)

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