Early Exit Stage Left

The 2012 candidacy for the GOP nomination of Newt Gingrich (R:GA) is over. An early exit, stage left.

On Sunday, Gingrich was a featured guest on NBC's Meet The Press, and offered the following comments in speaking of the Path to Prosperity put forth by Paul Ryan (R:WI):

“I don’t think right-wing social engineering is any more desirable than left-wing social engineering,” Gingrich said speaking of Ryan’s plan. “I don’t think imposing radical change from the right or the left is a very good way for a free society to operate.”

Many were intrigued by the candidacy of Gingrich, and open to potentially supporting him as he has appeared to have matured and grown since his days as Speaker of the House. Certainly, Gingrich is a fountain of ideas and his work in and knowledge of the arena of US history is phenomenal.

With his comments attacking Ryan and his plan, Gingrich has removed himself from consideration by most conservatives, and almost certainly any Tea Party Patriots. Byron York, of The Washington Examiner, wrote of the comments former Secretary of Education Bill Bennett put forth on his nationally syndicated morning talk radio show. York reported what I heard live as Secretary Bennett said the comments were "an unforgivable mistake, in my judgment" and that Gingrich "has taken himself out of serious consideration for the [2012] race."

To quote The Fonz, correct-a-mundo!

On my scorecard, I did not have Gingrich ranked high, but I eagerly awaited the wide array of ideas I anticipated he would interject into the debate. Instead, he is out in Howard Dean fashion.

Perhaps this is a wake up call for other GOP current or potential candidates. We do not have a revenue problem, we have a spending problem, principally due to the rising entitlement wave. Created long ago with FDR and advanced by LBJ, the entitlements of the past eroding the financial health of this country. Under this wreckless administration exponentially expanding entitlements, inclusive of the new health care legislation, we are heading toward financial ruin.

Free market capitalism, not government programs, will lead the way back to prosperity. Paul Ryan is a leader, the only elected official with the guts to tackle the problem of entitlements. Unfortunately, most Republicans are distancing themselves from Ryan and his plan, for political gain.

Among the critical items on my short list in potentially supporting a candidate in the GOP primary is support of the Ryan plan. Many conservatives and Tea Party patriots would agree. The financial position of the country is in a critical stage, and we demand, since we are all tightening our belts, that it be immediately dealt with. Those who want to dance around the issue and not stand with Rep. Ryan will learn that they cannot hide from us. We surround you, and we will dispose of you, primary by primary.

Newt Gingrich now knows, having been immediately shown the exit stage left with a blown engine before his campaign even got the tire pressure up.