“We’re getting a much more aggressive pro-American trade policy and pro-American foreign policy. The other side sees this as the end of their way of life.”- Newt Gingrich
Washington D.C. appears to be coming undone at the seams. Battles are no longer being fought solely along partisan lines. It’s not just Democrats versus Republicans anymore. Instead, party infighting on both sides of the aisle is sowing a quiet but palpable chaos. Former Republican House Speaker Newt Gingrich believes that much of the infighting is because of Trump’s moves to “drain the swamp”. Gingrich appeared on radio, supporting President Trump and railing against the “alligators” in the swamp.
“Donald Trump really is draining the swamp, and the alligators are really unhappy,” – Gingrich
Gingrich has long been among Trump’s more ardent supporters. At times, he had been rumored for the Vice President position and other high-level spots. While Gingrich is not officially a part of the administration, he remains a close supporter of President Trump.
Gingrich believes that Trump’s campaign to drain the swamp is the source of much of the pushback against the President. Gingrich argues that Trump is putting America first, and for the privileged elite, this means taking a backseat.
“I think a lot of countries are beginning to respect the United States of America once again.”
Gingrich also praised the President for making America more respected on the world stage. American hostages were recently released by Pakistani security forces. After years of being held hostage under the Taliban, American Caitlan Coleman and her Canadian husband, Joshua Boyle, were released. Gingrich believes that this is because Trump pressured the Pakistanis into taking the issue more seriously.
Is Gingrich a Swamp Creature Himself?
There’s a bit of irony to Gingrich’s claims. In many ways, the modern Congress was born of Gingrich’s machinations during the 1990’s and the Clinton Administration. Under Gingrich’s watch, Congress became all the more partisan and the idea of negotiating or working with members across the aisle was treated as unthinkable.
Further, while many Americans loathe the vast amounts of money that have flowed into elections and campaign coffers, it was Gingrich who turned Congress into a fundraising circuit. Gingrich created the “Fundraising Congress”, shifting focus from governing to raising money for campaigning. With the House being reelected every two years, money has become vital for securing office.
Analysts suggest that most members of Congress now spend somewhere between 30 to 70 percent of their time fundraising. Further, to increase loyalty among voters, both in terms of dollars and votes, politics has become all the more partisan in recent years. All too often, sound policy is set aside in favor of fervorous words meant to incite voters and donors.
Also, Gingrich has taken millions of dollars from Freddie Mac and others through his consulting firm. While Gingrich often railed against lobbyists and never registered as one, he has acted as a de facto lobbyist, charging “consulting” fees to various companies and organizations in exchange for access.
Given all that, it’s surprising that Gingrich is suddenly turning on the “alligators.” Besides, where else do “newts” reside, if not in swamps? I’ve got nothing against our amphibious friends, but Newt Gingrich has little room to talk when it comes to money and influence corrupting politics.
