Why Gingrich haters help him

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich is amongst the most accomplished House Speaker's in U.S. history. But, that does not mean he was the most popular. Gingrich made history, helping to elect the first republican congress in 40 years and getting them re-elected in 1996. Gingrich's Contract with America called for big reforms, and he was able to deliver on tax relief, spending restraint, anti-crime legislation, tort reform, and welfare reform. However, some disliked Gingrich. Many in his own party disliked him starting just 2 years into his speaker-ship. Like him or not, Gingrich got something done, and with a democratic President. One of the anti-Gingrich members of the republican establishment was an Ohio Congressman named John Boehner. 12 years after Gingrich left the speakership, Boehner took over under a democratic president and got little done. But Boehner was not the only one. Establishment republicans in Washington disliked Gingrich, and the media had and continues to have a field day with him. However, the more people dis Gingrich, the better he seems to do. Yes, he lost traction during the final 10 days of the republican campaign heading into Iowa, and he placed 4th. But, he won South Carolina, something he intended to do early on and he did so decisively. It seems that finally, those forces against Gingrich back-fired. Newt is not only back in town, he's back in the republican race. In 1999, after leaving the speaker-ship, he was unpopular. By 2002, he became a highly touted conservative commentator on the important issues of the day. By 2008, he could have mounted a credible bid for President. This year, he has done so and is now Mitt Romney's challenger for the republican presidential nomination. But, the anti-Gingrich sentiment in both the media and the GOP establishment continue. Yet, voters like him. They like him probably because he is not a conventional candidate. Conventional candidates are a lot like Mitt Romney; well-spoken, their hair is perfect, and they stick to the script. But, Speaker Gingrich is very different. Unlike most candidates, he is blunt, has been married more than once, and instead of having a few big ideas, he has many. Yes, this turns some people off. Yes, this makes the media's job harder. But, those in the tea party and the grassroots who are tired of empty promises and slogans appreciate Mr. Gingrich's candor.