Newt Gingrich 1-18-08

" Great joining us now on the line is a Newt Gingrich the former speaker of the US House of Representatives he's the author of a new book. Real change from the world that fails to the world works is published by Gregory you can order to offer our website. At how we cart dot com -- thanks for being with us here on the Howie -- show up. Willis -- ago how do you what size up the Republican field right now but candidates who's gonna win the nomination do you think."

" Well I think it frankly depends a lot on what happens in South Carolina tomorrow. I think if if John McCain can win tomorrow and if -- can go on from there two. Florida and then and then from bare -- when there where he was ahead in the last -- and then go ahead to super Tuesday with. All of the media advantages -- is a real shot. On the other hand if Huckabee wins tomorrow and if Romney wins in Nevada which seems very likely. This can be pretty wild -- you know -- can be this stuff for a long time."

" Well I was I was on LA talk show last night and -- just you know as a guest and they said the war what could happen and I said well you know I died put out the same scenario that I said -- Huckabee wins tomorrow mean. Could we have a brokered convention may be down the line in Minneapolis for the first time since 1952."

" Well you might actually the Republicans say don't be the most wide open conventions since 1940 but that's a long way from here -- you have to think that McCain has the -- advantage right now although not by any gigantic march."

" Yeah out. But but you know what I thought as you know are you well are are you like -- to use the old cliche keeping your powder dry."

" What terrible loud you know what proper. Something other Edwards campaign -- today to -- the current situation has."

" Well thank you could I mean -- view that anyone anyone could be in play if you if you get into a situation where nobody has the majority of the delegates right."

" I tried. And then and let him but I but I think I think -- what happens is somebody who is currently engaged who's been out there has been campaigning would end up being the nominee I I don't think you're gonna get somebody to come rushing in here at the last minute. It is so all these guys are gonna figure they paid their dues they worked really -- dominated everything NATO had to do win this thing. And I can be very eager to. Turn to somebody has -- president part of that process so. I think you'd probably getting it in 99 point 9% like it is you're gonna get in nominee the current group."

" Now what about the on the democratic side who would you say is the favorite right now."

" Well I think despite everything I think you have to say that senator Clinton continues to meet the far more in the fact is that she is ahead in most polls in most parts of the country they still have an enormous organization they have tremendous resources."

" Are -- have -- hundred FBI files."

" That's right now I do think that that if if we certainly have Nevada change in those cities some indication that you might end up with Obama would but most of the polls and a lot of show Clinton's slightly ahead. So so -- Nevada it's a big step up for her I think -- will lose South Carolina. But I think that this issue to lose a lot of it turns out that the culinary workers union and the effort Larry Obama to to turn people out of that happens that I think you're at a slightly different world."

" And after word it's. So for McCain versus Hillary Clinton who would you make the favorite."

" All I think given the current environment you have to think that it is to the advantage of the Democrats under almost any circumstance."

" Right even even without the economy sort of book it'll look a little feeble here."

" Yeah -- and and they economy getting weaker doesn't help Republicans at all I think there is real exhaustion. Whereas the Republicans and I think that showed up in 2006 was the Republicans lost every single close senate race is gonna take about that that the degree to which they were zero for six. In close elections not that that's a devastating consequence and I think that there's no reasonably things have gotten any better. And so you know I get. -- I did I guess sort of book called real change designed to lay out how big the change has to be but I do think that that's one of the things were seen overwhelm us is this notion that. People want real change in the Republicans have a very hard time. Being the party of real change while they still have the president's."

" What this change mean -- I -- again that's the title your book real change but -- that's that's sort of a cliche this year as --"

" Well I think change comes in three forms -- comes from the guy -- consultant says please memorize this word repeated every other sentence. And it has no meaning he's doing it as a gimmick -- you know and I think that used to shrug off as. A politics is most disgusting that I think there's bad change bed changes big tax increases more bureaucracy more power in Washington bed change."

" Like the class in 1990. Three in 1994 which -- to your rock revolution's."

" Yeah I mean what what struck me when I was trying to explain what had happened to the conservative movement over the last few days his. Once we won 94 the country for fourteen years has not seen with the left is really like and so the challenge will be if if the Democrats do win. Do -- and fact moved to the left to repeat the mistakes of 9394 and the mistakes of Jimmy Carter. Or today discipline themselves and try to govern from the center. Which is very hard for them to do because all of their interest groups all their energy level all of the -- mr. on the left and by -- I mean -- want to defend America they don't believe in the military you don't believe intelligence they don't want to control the border they don't worry about the legality. They are there against English as the official language of government. They are four big bureaucracy and waste is that we know as a practical matter just doesn't work the sum total vote of my book rule changes from the world but fails to the world that works in. Tragically an -- of these folks on the left represent the world that fails and that's where their bases that would have money comes from -- were their supporters."

" You know -- that you don't you find it argued and you see it yourself I'm sure on the on the right wing message boards and blogs of people say well maybe the country deserves to have but two or four years of audio left wing all Democrat the federal government. And it will remind them and then the Republicans will come bouncing back in 2010 and 2012 do you believe that what happened."

" Whether it spent about their big government and -- depends -- how fast Republicans apartment think the the most puzzling part of the last few years. Has been agreed it would Republicans got off track. And and ended up advocating things that are clearly not -- Republican Party historically it was four."

" It is a key is that human nature that you know you always become what you wore what do what you railed against in your youth."

" Or development sometimes yeah actually it leaders who remember -- they've got. -- Ronald Reagan Bramlet Abraham Lincoln."

" While it's -- there was only a 120 year break between those two guys. I just I I don't I don't know why I -- we have we elected in Massachusetts you know you're very liberal governor two 2006 play after sixteen years of Republicans. But he's been pretty much behind me by a a semi conservative democratic leadership in the legislature -- I used a semi theory with very guardedly because -- just don't they don't want to give him all the power but I don't think you have that kind of break in Washington -- with Nancy Pelosi and and Harry Reid."

" I think he probably would not and I think you which is which is well I think you probably amend and if you look at the congressman Rangel chairman of the Ways and Means Committee has just put in a bill they'll raise taxes by well over a trillion dollars. The democratic house position last year passed a bill that would strip American workers the right to vote the secret ballot before being forcibly union didn't go to Minnesota but that's disrupt them mean you Clement of the things they were trying to do he realizes very very left wing the that's perfectly appropriate that Nancy Pelosi represents. A San Francisco because she represents Sampras has got those are the valuation represents. Position would represent a very very left wing house which should be constantly saying the democratic nominee. But the democratic president all of us do these things and and if they do those things I -- suspect it would be eight surprisingly difficult period. 394 exactly. We're and I and I paid by the way that would re edit it wants conservatism doesn't have to carry the burden of the current Republican base. And is able to go back to. The comparing itself to the other folks I think that you would you would rapidly see people -- Goldman's."

" We're talking a Newt Gingrich she's the author of the new book real change from the world look fails to the world works and you can order write off -- our website now what part about comments published or Gregory it to bookstores everywhere the reach somewhere knew that you you've been acting -- sort of an unofficial adviser to Mike Huckabee."

" Knowledge -- the sidelines might but I advise most of the candidates on our side. My view is that there of the things we did Americans solutions the things we've done in writing real change -- all these ideas with a with -- with these guys that I want. The best informed in the most positive number possible representing our side in the general election."

" Who would you say who if you had the list would you say is the most conservative applicants."

" I deliberately don't get involved and it them happily going to be for the comedy because compared to senator Clinton and senator Obama. I am confident the nominee's going to be a lot in our nominee's going to be dramatically more conservative and it a lot of them."

" Let's take a couple of calls with Newt Gingrich the former speaker of the US House of Representatives and the author of real change from the world -- fails to the world works. Paul your next with how we car Newt Gingrich go ahead Paul."

" You know the signal is that as well -- a big problem it was stated that's what to do for example YE -- healthcare watt what it's doing -- rob these -- and on the equipment out here is going to hurt them in the bulk. Because you know like its forces -- to have -- sure if Massachusetts. What I can afford that aren't really as good betrayed he thought that what that shouldn't."

" I I think -- does pose a challenge because I think that it is. In detail this in connection big idea and -- it to the details. And the details are much more problematic and people."

" Why I think -- Fred Thompson has pointed out and at least one debate that Ted Kennedy was that the bill side. You know mirror what more do you need to know about it."

" And and and I think that's why governor you know -- hasn't used it as much as he -- mean it was a serious effort his part but it's also part of members of Massachusetts had probably -- the richest Medicaid program in the country. I'd had more surplus money to convert to this program neighbor Wales the country and when you take that out of masters as he go to California. Or Texas. A Florida you'd be just massively expensive to try to repeat the the messages --"

" 18774694322 thanks for the call polls show on your next with how we -- Newt Gingrich author of real change from the world -- fails for the world works new book go ahead."

" Harry mister speaker -- question for you after -- we -- and I it would record a question I took it upon didn't say Maggie Williams was coming back into run a campaign Maggie Williams is the one net. We have to country -- evident testified during all the Clinton scandals. So my question is are we ever going to get to ask any of those questions because it's seems like right now anybody brings up everything. -- negative of that negative diagram there I -- it's."

" Struck John I get to wards where you moral law and right Kamal. Had this and this is the tenth anniversary you're bringing up ancient history right don't amid. But for the Democrats will say if anyone raises such a question."

" I I think that to suggest that there's any parallel between senator Clinton and the First Lady in the -- and the administration before this one this is clearly -- I can't imagine why anybody would think that there's any direct relationship between the two even if their names --"

" What do you think you better get -- bring up some Joe Klein said the other -- he was speculating whether or not and you know you know of the clintons for you know war fairly well -- quorum for work with with them when you were the speaker of the house. He said that may be may be Bill Clinton with his with his increasingly volatile behavior is. Subconsciously trying to sabotage his wife's campaign."

" I don't believe that a mandate I saw that comment and I don't believe that's their way don't believe that. I think it President Clinton would love to back -- the White House."

" Just love to have the chance to go around the world as the husband of the present."

" You know I I think that's a big underestimation of how ambitious these people. But I wouldn't be at all surprised that President Clinton decide the being the next secretary general of the UN was an appropriate career move for him."

" On the other hand on the white war. How do you explain his again his his -- outbursts of temper you know -- may may -- he always had these outbursts of temper but they were always in in the the confines of the -- officer he always I mean he's battling with with TV street reporters in San Francisco you know -- in front of dozens of cameras this is not the old Bill Clinton."

" Six you're talking about viciously aggressive people. Taking on a man and his retirement years. It asking him mean and nasty questions and behaving in a way that is less -- the adulation he's got medicine foundation and it's taken a guy who's just a little bit out of practices you know he's -- slam basketball and ask them also. And then trying to get back into the rhythm here and their -- and him and he's not nearly up. He can't punch we have a nice guy am I. I wrote a book about charity -- what do you -- enemies -- you know I think he's you cannot have this kind of harsh unyielding. One dimensional view of one of America's great Phillips about leaders and there's a man who has spent the last two years -- crisscrossing the world being prepared to give away your money."

" I don't why would I ever -- him when he says that he had night he and his campaign wife's campaign had nothing to do with try to hamstring their opponent's campaign in the -- about eighty he's never lie. Right after all."

" How another as a good example. That happens to be as well put this out as a history teacher right."

" Okay I've got -- a student I've taken notes."

" All right okay okay there happens to -- this deal where benign unionized casinos. Get to hold a precinct meeting for the caucus the democratic -- none of it nonunion casinos are allowed to do yes and a half. Happens to be nationally to the benefit of the culinary workers 60000 members in the -- yes. In a way that was an enormous shock every decent person. They decided to endorse Obama after he came in second in New Hampshire yes. Now at that point clearly you could not allow a one sided. Union dominated precinct meeting yes in nine places to the disadvantage of senator Clinton."

" Yes pinky -- floods will be controlling those caucuses tomorrow."

" And so the teacher unions yes. Without checking with anybody. Acting in the best spirit. Of American -- do it is yes and speaking to meet the legal woman voters standard."

" Yes and in the memory of Samuel -- bumpers."

" Safety -- perfect. They did something which came as an enormous enormous shock to president and senator Clinton and did not realize. Until after they read in the newspaper. That closing down these nine precincts might disadvantage thousands."

" our workers yes no way to clearly appropriate yes or that most of whom worthy of the same ethnic group as the nation's first black president. William Jefferson Clinton."

" Say that they're from Arkansas. So I think that it up. You've got to do this this this soap operas and soap opera."

" I even enjoy in the hell is this isn't this an enjoyable campaign -- just I just the import of a spectator sport."

" But as somebody who is just. Amazing I am amazed at this whole process you know I I spent I've been look in this business -- soft or racial. So I spent literally fifteen years studying this stuff and working at it. I think this is the best -- campaign year of my life. I think typically there's going to be more confusion more things that surprise you more fascinating things to talk about that any campaign in my life."

" I I agree and I think it's it's going to be great let's -- let's take one more call for Newt Gingrich is going to leave it the bottom of the our Kevin you're next with Howie Carr had a Newt Gingrich author of real change go ahead Kevin."

" Thank you I knew I have a two part Huckabee question number one of the going too far with the caught up. And number two what did you take this statement this morning on CNN that the competition in the living breathing document thank you."

" Well I don't quite know what it means I don't know what it meant that -- statement urgency had and I think that it's important for governor Huckabee to emphasized the governor half of his career not these former Baptist minister has his career is that they trimmed of any chance of winning he's got to build abroad and is based dramatically but I think that that's that's something he's got to decide --"

" But he ice on Michigan he only got up among voters Republican voters who didn't identify themselves as evangelicals we only got 8% of the vote he's. He doesn't seem to have much of a base outside -- an."

" That you met his challenge any you cannot become a major contender if he can't break out of that based group. Demanded that debt that it gives going to start but it but it can't give them such."

" He's talking about you know cause bringing god back into the public arena the confederate flag flying over the the capitol in Columbia mean this is not ways to broaden his base is it."

" Not that it actually understand his reference to the flag in Colombia that -- he's trying to you know."

" Well he didn't apparently know about it either because he refused to answer any follow up questions from reporters later well right."

" is wise and has parts. Classmate that's that's that's an issue that but I would lead to south Carolinians."

" I I think John McCain learned that lesson the hard way to need to the year 2000 new -- ashtray. Newt Gingrich thanks a lot for being with us we appreciated the title of your book is real change from the world -- fails -- the world that the works you sure you don't want to -- the most conservative Republican candidate."

" Actually not but it's fun talking -- has its always on -- the."

" Thank you knew I appreciate it's almost fun talking to you maybe we'll see at the brokered convention when you announce your candidacy in Minneapolis now. You want to part of it now I guess not I'm holly Karr"