Considered on GOP presumptive nominee real estate mogul Donald Trump’s shortlist for VP, 72-year-old former House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.) did the unthinkable: Criticize Trump. Taking himself out of the running for VP, Gingrich weighed in on Trump’s criticism of U.S. Circuit Court Judge Gonzalo Curiel’s handling of Trump’s University’s class action suit. Calling Trump’s remarks “inexcusable” and “one of the worst mistakes Trump has made,” Gingrich all but ended his chances, however slim, of becoming Trump’s VP. With all his past baggage, including affairs while House Speaker, it was doubtful Newt was ever in the running. Once a popular conservative during the former President Bill Clinton’s years, Gingrich commanded respect among conservatives, especially his “Contract with America,” writing conservative talking points in 1984 for a generation of GOP House members.
Gingrich could not have been harsher toward Trump with his critique of Judge Curiel. “This is one of the worst mistakes Trump has made and I think it’s inexcusable,” said Newt, ripping Trump for criticizing Curiel for his Mexican background. Gingrich bought the media narrative by Latino activists that Trump showed racism dredging up Curiel’s Mexican ancestry. Gingrich overreacted the swarm of media hysteria against Trump, both inside and outside the GOP. “But, first of all, this judge was born in Indiana. He’s an American, period,” said Gingrich, showing no regard whatever for Trump’s concern about getting a fair trial from Judge Curiel. Newt lectured Trump about what it means to come to America, regardless of one’s ethnic, racial or religious background. Gingrich repeated Democratic front-runner former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton’s talking points.
Hillary’s been painting Trump as an inexperienced racist, making her case the 69-year-old real estate tycoon isn’t fit for the Oval Office. “He is now the potential leader of the United State and he’s got to move his game up to the level of being a potential leader,” said Newt. Newt’s comments mirror the fact that he’s no longer on Trump’s VP list. Similar, but more tempered remarks, were made by Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), urging Trump to tone down his rhetoric. Corker, too, whose been rumored on Trump’s VP shortlist, also looks like he’s out. “I think he’s going to have to change. I’m not talking about him necessarily changing his views, but I think he’s moving into a different phase, he’s talking to the right people,” said Corker, giving Trump more gratuitous advice. Trump doesn’t take well to criticism, especially when it’s coming from the Republican Party.
Gingrich’s remarks were more pointed than Corker, signaling he’s no longer in the running for VP. When you think of who’s most compatible with Trump’s personality, it’s by far 53-year-old New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie. While lacking the legislative experience Trump said he wanted, Christie brings the kind of toughness needed to deal with Hillary’s endless attacks or her eventual VP pick. Trump’s concerns about Curiel’s background brought a tsunami of criticism from Democrats and Republicans. When Trump won Indiana May 3, he though he’d find a more hospitable GOP. Getting as much scorn from Republicans as Democrats, Trump finds himself back in the hot seat. Gingrich’s critical remarks continue to raise eyebrows, leaving Trump dominating the news cycle with condemnations flowing from both sides of the political aisle.
Getting some support from Fox News Judge Andrew Napolitano and former Bush Atty. Gen Alberto Gonzales, both understood Trump’s concerns about getting a fair trial. Like so many other of Trump’s public remarks, they’re often taken out-of-context, especially when it comes to race. Trump’s concern about the Mexican border isn’t only about illegal immigration: He promised New Hampshire voters he’d do something about slowing the flow of heroin and cocaine through the porous Mexican border. “I was surprised at Newt,” said Trump. I though it was inappropriate what he said,” signaling that the former Georgia Congressman is off Trump’s VP list. Gingrich should have said Trump has every right to question whether he’s getting a fair trial, helping explain Trump’s concerns about Curiel’s background, whether Mexican or anything else affecting his impartiality.
Gingrich and Corker helped to narrow down Trump’s VP pick, looking more like it goes to Christie. Speaking out-of-line, Gingrich shows why he’s always made a bad politician, not knowing what’s appropriate or not. Repeating Hillary’s narrative wasn’t appreciated by Trump as he battles many fronts inside and outside the Republican Party. Having beaten back 2012 GOP Mitt Romney’s “never Trump” movement, Trump didn’t need more criticism from possible VP picks, Gingrich or Corker. Under mounting pressure, House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) finally endorsed Trump June 2, only to watch him criticize Trump about his remarks about Curiel. “Paul Ryan doesn’t know the case,” said Trump, referring to details of Curiel’s actions that could affect his impartiality. With Hillary winning the Democratic nomination tomorrow, the media looks to pile on Trump.
