Take a Stand, GOP: Disinvite Newt Gingrich!

Newt Gingrich had faded from the public eye for a while — but then vaulted back into it in the wake of the Republican’s disastrous election cycle in 2008. And as he keeps making headlines as one of the leaders of the Republican party, so does what he says — even his tweets.

On May 27, Gingrich tweeted “White man racist nominee would be forced to withdraw. Latina woman racist should also withdraw,” with reference to President Obama’s Supreme Court nominee, Sonia Sotomayor. It was in reference to those now-famous lines (taken out of context) from one of Judge Sotomayor’s speeches in 2001: “I would hope that a wise Latina woman with the richness of her experiences would more often than not reach a better conclusion than a white male who hasn’t lived that life.”

A firestorm ensued, with people across the political spectrum saying Gingrich had gone too far. And on Wednesday, he backed down on a message posted on Newt.org, his website:

My initial reaction was strong and direct — perhaps too strong and too direct. The sentiment struck me as racist and I said so. Since then, some who want to have an open and honest consideration of Judge Sotomayor’s fitness to serve on the nation’s highest court have been critical of my word choice.

With these critics who want to have an honest conversation, I agree. The word “racist” should not have been applied to Judge Sotomayor as a person…

But instead of letting Gingrich’s statement blow by quickly, the Republican Party should take a stand. Gingrich is scheduled to headline the National Republican Congressional Committee’s lucrative fundraiser, the 2009 Senate House Dinner on Monday, June 9. That’s right — the Republicans are giving center stage to the man who recently had to eat his words.

Republicans should send a signal that they’re not going to tolerate Gingrich’s shameful rhetoric. NRCC Chair Pete Sessions has the power to make a dramatic statement, and he should: He should disinvite Gingrich from the program.

This would show America just how serious the Republicans are about being an open, inclusive party — instead of closing in around the old way of doing things, a way that has gone badly awry.

Join me in urging Representative Sessions to denounce Newt Gingrich’s shameful rhetoric and disinvite him from their fundraising dinner.

Read more: newt gingrich, NRCC, pete sessions, politics, take action

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Victoria L.

7:32PM PST on Jan 21, 2012

I think it's time we revisit this situation.

send a green star

Bill R.

9:03PM PDT on Aug 30, 2010

Janie Massey, thank you for your comment. It is really sad that we elected Obama without knowing anything more about him that "Change". Now, in November we will have change and hopefully it will be transparent and honest. Yes, I love my bubble, and I will continue using it until we as Americans can get our country back from the brink of bankrupcy by the Obama Administration. Thank you again for mentioning me.

Past Member .

11:47AM PDT on Aug 30, 2010

Bill Reese, you surely must live in a bubble. I feel sorry for you and others like you.

Pat G.

2:18PM PDT on Jun 19, 2009

Carla, there are a lot of folks today that think if you don't agree with everything they say, you need to keep your mouth shut. This is why they want the Fairness Doctrine so people like Bill O'Reilly, Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity and others will be taken off the air. FOX news has the highest ratings by far of any other news channel, and believe me, there are a lot of things going on that ABC and the rest of them won't report. FOX reports everything. Even obama admits what a megaphone they are. He's so scared of them, he won't even go on a FOX show. He wouldn't be able to answer their questions, that's why he only speaks with the ones that agree with him. I thank God for FOX News.

2:05PM PDT on Jun 19, 2009

As far as disinviting Newt, if obama was the man he ought to be, he would have disinvited himself from Notre Dame. Look at all the furor and dissention he caused, yet so brazen he wouldn't do the right thing and not go.

2:02PM PDT on Jun 19, 2009

Atta girl, ROSANNE! Yes, you do have every right to speak your piece as much as any of thes other folks. CONTROL is the word of the day for dems, and you are also not supposed to say anything they disagree with. My, my. It's my way or the highway. He derailed Mr. Walpin and did not follow the law by giving 30 days notice. All because of his mayor buddy in CA that was blowing our money on things he shouldn't have. Should he resign??? You Republican haters are the dumbest, self-serving, cult followers I have ever seen. This country sadly is now a reflection of you.

Rosanne G.

12:57AM PDT on Jun 11, 2009

To Velibor S.-Don't tell me what I can & can't say. I try to edit my comments & utilize every bit of space that I am allowed. What I say is what is on MY MIND. You really need to STOP with your CONTROL issue. Read the ones you want & leave the ones alone that you don't agree. This world exists because of everyone, not just you and your kind. I really wish that you could STOP calling names. Take a mother's advice. If you aren't going to say something nice, don't say anything! And please, learn how to spell my name correctly. It was right in front of your face, when you decided to berate me for not being like you. This is a comment section, not Germany during Hitler's regime. I really am entitled to an opinion. Don't care what you think, so don't worry about what I think. I don't need to control anyone. I just like to write & speak my opinion & it doesn't have to be the same as anyone else's, especially yours. Did you ever hear of peaceful coexistence? Wouldn't that be special? Try stating an opinion without calling someone different than you a name. I challenge you. GROW UP & if you can’t, maybe SHUT UP! You're no more important than I am. I hear you calling me RAMBLING ROSE! Maybe you can spell "ROSE" correctly because it's a four-letter word?

Carla A.

1:33PM PDT on Jun 10, 2009

This is Liberalism?!! Preventing people from speaking if you don't like what they may say!! I'm an independent who wants to hear all sides - politically correct or not. Shame on anyone who falls into this trap of censorship so only ideas you approve of are able to be heard.

Lilise C.

6:33AM PDT on Jun 8, 2009

I could care less who comes! Let them hang themselves! Oh, and please invite the other killers, Cheney and Palin too!

Natalie S.

4:58AM PDT on Jun 8, 2009

If you look into Newt's background you will see what an unbelievable man really is..it is the pot calling the kettle black!! If this is the best spokes person the Republicans can come up with...they are in worse shape than I thought!! Add Rush, Dick and all and you can really get sick!!!