The Observer: One of the most divisive figures in American politics during Bill Clinton's presidency is contemplating a 'wild-card' run for the White House in a desperate bid to oppose his old enemy's wife - Democrat front-runner Hillary Clinton.Republican Newt Gingrich is so unimpressed with his own party's 'chaotic' line-up of candidates to replace President Bush in the 2008 elections that he has threatened to make a dramatic late entry into the race.
The 64-year-old former Speaker of the House spent last week making speeches attacking Bush's handling of Iraq and the 'war on terror' and calling for 'big ideas' that would unite a disillusioned America behind a strong rival to Clinton.
He called General David Petraeus's report to Congress on the military surge in Iraq 'wholly inadequate', adding: 'The gap between where we are and where we should be is so large it seems almost impossible to explain.'
Gingrich plans to criss-cross the country in the next few weeks holding 'workshops' with politicians and fundraisers before assessing his chances of winning the Republican nomination over the leading candidates who have already declared: former New York mayor and narrow favourite Rudy Giuliani, film actor and former senator Fred Thompson, war veteran John McCain and millionaire Mormon Mitt Romney.
Chris in Paris, AmericaBlog.com: I think Newt is exactly what the GOP needs in this presidential campaign. It's just not crazy enough or far-right enough nor has it properly alienated enough people so it's about time they find a serious divider who can push the party over the edge and into a ravine. With all of the leading candidates doing their best to talk about the successful war in Iraq, Gingrich would spice up the debates with his criticism, dividing the party faithful even more. Run, Newt, run.
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