Newt, Redemption, and Leadership

Cal Thomas' article today reiterates the Newt momentum being based in “redemption’ and “forgiveness” of a person's character IF he can get the job done. We have many examples of “fallen” presidents that achieved much (like it or not). One of my least admired presidents was FDR, who cheated on his wife Eleanor with Lucy Rutherfurd. Just saying the words “cheating on his wife” brings JFK to mind. Of course, in our lifetime, Clinton. George W. Bush, the “redeemed” drinker. Obama, the smoker and cocaine user (at this point, however, Obama is not “forgiven” anything because he’s made such a mess of things). But the point is this: despite Newt’s baggage, he is electable because he enunciates the conservatives’ positions with passion and clarity. We’re willing to forgive his personal failings IF he can get us out of this mess.

I had to take a second look at Newt Gingrich when Gov. Perry stumbled and never regained his political footing. Thank God for men of courage like Gov. Rick Perry. He reminds me of Reagan, and we desperately need another Reagan. But even Reagan was flawed at the time with divorce. Right now, however, we have Newt, who may end up as another Reagan. At least, he pays homage to Reagan. That will have to do for now.