Coming on the heels of another disastrous day in what has thus far been a pretty rocky campaign, former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich said that he’s not interested in talking about the problems that have plagued his candidacy in recent weeks.
He’s more interested in discussing the “big ideas” and “big solutions” that he says his candidacy offers.
“We have big ideas. I just think that’s part of how you campaign. You talk to the American people about big things,” said Gingrich, a former history professor, during a speech earlier today at the Atlanta Press Club.
“I’m not running to talk about the nuances of campaigns,” he said.
Before launching into his speech — an address focusing on economic policy, the Federal Reserve and repeal of the Dodd-Frank bill, which increased financial regulation in the U.S. — the former Speaker reminded reporters who’ve been quick to dismiss his candidacy as a hopeless endeavor that Arizona Sen. John McCain’s cash-starved candidacy had been written off by the press at this point in 2007.
“The fact is campaigns go and down,” said Gingrich.
Gingrich, who had kind words for GOP rival Ron Paul, proposed auditing the Federal Reserve and significantly curtailing its power during his remarks — positions long held by the Texas congressman — but focused much of his speech on criticizing President Obama.
“We need to replace the food stamp president with a paycheck president,” he said. “The pain inflicted by the Obama depression runs deep.”
Gingrich’s remarks come a day after two of his top fundraisers — fundraising director Jody Thomas and consultant Mary Heitman — resigned from his campaign. Sixteen senior staff members, including his campaign manager and chief strategist, had abandoned ship on June 9. It also follows Tuesday’s damaging news that Gingrich and his wife had a second high-dollar credit line at Tiffany’s, the luxury jeweler of the rich and famous.
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