Gingrich told moderator John King he was “appalled” by the choice of subject, saying“I think the destructive vicious negative nature of much of the news media makes it harder to govern this country, harder to attract decent people to run for public office.”
He also accused the "elite media" of protecting President Obama by attacking Republicans.
His comments fired up the audience. But other than going after votes for the South Carolina primary, what was he really saying?
He was appalled by the choice of subject? Gingrich is not a private citizen, who under similar circumstances would likely have grounds to complain of an invasion of privacy. Gingrich has been a public figure for thirty years and has attacked other politicians, including former President Clinton, for private conduct.
If questions like King’s make it harder to attract people to run for office, that might be just as well. How would a President Gingrich respond to the leader of another nation (like China) whom he thought had insulted him?
And blaming the media? This same media brings Newt Gingrich to our television sets, radios and Internet sites on a regular basis and quotes him frequently. Does Gingrich believe the media helps Obama in this regard?
On second thought, Newt, keep talking. Your inane comments may be exactly what Obama needs to get re-elected!