Despite a bad debate, Floridians could do worse than to boldly go with Newt Gingrich (15)

Newt Gingrich is in danger of becoming a political punchline. Halfway through last night’s CNN Republican debate, moderator Wolf Blitzer asked, “Why would your wife make the best First Lady?” I so wanted Newt to answer, “Because my wives are used to serving fixed terms.” Instead he talked at great length about her mastery of the French horn, before finishing with, “I look forward to hanging out with her at the White House.” Maybe grab a beer, have a few laughs, play a bit of Haydn…

It was not a good evening for Gingrich. To summarise it, Rick Santorum won (with a couple of beautiful flourishes about God and healthcare) and Ron Paul scored points for sanity. The best answer of the night came from Paul. When asked what role faith should play in the White House, he said that it shapes character but not policy: “religion can affect my character and the way I treat people and how I live” but “my decisions” would be always be based on “the oath of office and promises I’ve made to people.” You have to watch the sweet way that he says it to get a sense of its gentle power. It was a Lincoln moment.

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See Also:

Romney pressures Gingrich at Florida debate

Final Florida push begins after contentious debate

Romney Mocks Gingrich’s Plans For Moon Base

Gingrich jab at debate moderator deflected

Senior Republicans lash out at Gingrich

Afternoon Updates:

12:05 pm EST, January 27th, 2012 – Campaign attacks follow Romney, Gingrich into last debate before Florida primary

12:07 pm EST, January 27th, 2012 — Dole vs. Gingrich: The GOP Empire Strikes Back

12:10 pm EST, January 27th, 2012 – In Florida, ugly Republican fight gets even uglier

12:12 pm EST, January 27th, 2012 — Sheldon Adelson Could Give $1 Billion To Gingrich And Not Notice

12:14 pm EST, January 27th, 2012 — Obama’s state-of-the-union flop

12:17 pm EST, January 27th, 2012 – The Worst is Yet to Come in Florida Contest

12:22 pm EST, January 27th, 2012 — Newt Gingrich still badly outspent in Florida

12:24 pm EST, January 27th, 2012 — The GOP Empire Strikes Back at Newt Gingrich

12:26 pm EST, January 27th, 2012 — And We Should Hate Newt Gingrich for This?

12:27 pm EST, January 27th, 2012 — Latest Polls