I was watching former Speaker Newt Gingrich on the Bill O'Reilly show yesterday and I was a little irritated by the way that O'Reilly seemed to be totally brushing off Newt's chances in 2012. Yes, many of Newts staff members have quit recently...but that means very little right now. All that matters is who does well in the Iowa and New Hampshire showdowns in early 2012.
However, I did agree with O'Reilly in one area. I do think that Newt may have missed his window of opportunity. If Newt really wanted to be President, he probably should have run in 1996 or 2000. He has been out of the game for too long. He has been making his living off the "chicken and dumplings" lecture circuit and from selling his own books.
He is a smart man, and an ideas guy. He would be a great addition to anyones Cabinet, but much like Sarah Palin, I think he prefers the money and the attention of the lecture and book signing circuit.
You can't walk away from politics for a decade and then expect people to instantly elect you President.
That only happens in Haiti.
