Gingrich Had Affair During Clinton Probe

Former House Speaker Admits He Was Cheating, Says Clinton's Lie Was At Issue

(CBS/AP)  Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich was having an extramarital affair even as he led the charge against President Clinton over the Monica Lewinsky affair, he acknowledged in an interview with a conservative Christian group.

"The honest answer is yes," Gingrich, a potential 2008 Republican presidential candidate, said in an interview with Focus on the Family founder James Dobson to be aired Friday, according to a transcript provided to The Associated Press. "There are times that I have fallen short of my own standards. There's certainly times when I've fallen short of God's standards."

Gingrich argued in the interview, however, that he should not be viewed as a hypocrite for pursuing Clinton's infidelity.

"The president of the United States got in trouble for committing a felony in front of a sitting federal judge," the former Georgia congressman said of Clinton's 1998 House impeachment on perjury and obstruction of justice charges. "I drew a line in my mind that said, 'Even though I run the risk of being deeply embarrassed, and even though at a purely personal level I am not rendering judgment on another human being, as a leader of the government trying to uphold the rule of law, I have no choice except to move forward and say that you cannot accept ... perjury in your highest officials."

Widely considered a mastermind of the Republican revolution that swept Congress in the 1994 elections, Gingrich remains wildly popular among many conservatives. He has repeatedly placed near the top of Republican presidential polls recently, even though he has not formed a campaign.

Gingrich has said he is waiting to see how the Republican field shapes up before deciding in the fall whether to run.

Gingrich joins some other prominent White House aspirants who have been trying to off-load some baggage, reports CBS News chief White House correspondent Jim Axelrod.

Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., has had to explain her cheating husband. For Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., it's everything from unpaid parking tickets to drug use.

Republican Rudy Giuliani is addressing a rift with his son after the former New York City mayor's ugly divorce.

Frank Luntz, a Republican pollster, tells Axelrod that in the post-Bill Clinton era, voters assume their candidates have done something they're not proud of. So, it's not what they've done, but how they explain it.

Reports of extramarital affairs have dogged Gingrich for years as a result of two messy divorces, but he has refused to discuss them publicly.

Gingrich, who frequently campaigned on family values issues, divorced his second wife, Marianne, in 2000 after his attorneys acknowledged Gingrich's relationship with his current wife, Callista Bisek, a former congressional aide more than 20 years younger than he is.

His first marriage, to his former high school geometry teacher, Jackie Battley, ended in divorce in 1981. Although Gingrich has said he doesn't remember it, Battley has said Gingrich discussed divorce terms with her while she was recuperating in the hospital from cancer surgery.

Gingrich married Marianne months after the divorce.

"There were times when I was praying and when I felt I was doing things that were wrong. But I was still doing them," he said in the interview. "I look back on those as periods of weakness and periods that I'm ... not proud of."

Gingrich's congressional career ended in 1998 when he abruptly resigned from Congress after poor showings from Republicans in elections and after being reprimanded by the House ethics panel over charges that he used tax-exempt funding to advance his political goals.

[bullis9]

Never ending.... Politicians are like cars. Same chassis different body.

[dbntley]

This so figures, what a schmuck. Wasn't he also divorcing his cancer patient wife at the time.

[bullis9]

"There were times when I was praying and when I felt I was doing things that were wrong. But I was still doing them."
Newt Gingrich,
From transcript of interview with James Dobson

Isn't that the idea as why we don't prosecute infants....Family values. Give me a break.

[bullis9]

In the case of his wife with cancer. Is he going to hightail it when our country is in trouble? I can't imagine that babbling fool as our Commander and Chief one's enough!

[neoconrcrazy]

Gingrich

is a neocon loser who showed his party how they could hodwink America with their "Contract on America" -

morally a void - and this was the man judging President William Jefferson Clinton !!!!

[bluestardad]

This hypocrisy is right on line with the Republican mantra. Trashing People for one thing that the Republican are doing themselves. Screaming for Pardon for Libby while their ranks are full of pergers and thieves. Unless you have been on your knees with your eyes shut in front of some Stalwart Republican like Mark Foley or Tedd Haggert you would have seen that Iraq did not attack America on 9/11 and that Iraq is in a Religious Civil War. The Republican Hypocritical Abortion hating, Pedophile, Gay Bashing, Sausage Smoken Evangelicals who steals millions of dollars from widow women promising them Salvation while all the time seeing male Prostitutes behind their wife%u2019s back are not good Republican character references. While Pedophile Republican Congressmen are still at large. Congress and its Rubber Stamp Oversight of the Cowardous Neo-Con, Chicken Hawk, Draft Dodgers who are sending others to war without ever serving themselves in the Military. The Republicans SUPPORT THE TROOPS rhetoric but can not even care for our Military wounded who live with Rats and Cockroaches at Walter Reed Hospital. The Sunni are funded by Saudi Arabia the Bush Family friends. Bin Laden is still active while Bush is secretly funding Sunni al Qaeda in Lebanon in an Iran Contra style under the table financing scheme outside Congressional approval. Yea Republicans are fine role models if you liken them to Crack dealers.


Contact Congress http://www.visi.com/juan/congress/

[adian1-2009]

So, Goood Maaan, you were not a hypocrite? And then, how would you define what you were doing? And now you say that you were not keeping to your own nor to God standards. Well, would you be kind enough to tell us about the standards you would recommend we should follow? HYPOCRITE CROOK!!!

[crater7]

HOW CAN THIS BE? THERE ARE TIMES I HAVE FALLEN SHORT OF MY OWN STANDARDS. THERE ARE CERTAINLY TIMES I HAVE FALLEN SHORT OF GODS STANDARDS.
I guess he will go into rehab, and his sins will be cleansed? On the other hand, he will continue to condemed Bill Clinton for falling short of his standards. Clinton should have checked into Rehab, and then Newt, would have forgave him of his sins.

[elz523]

Gingrich... neocon... hypocrite. Those words go together well.

This is another example, along with Rudy who also cheated on his wife while in office of how the conservatives are not about family values. They are all about showboating for the religious conservatives. They can point their fingers at everyone else,just so long as they don't have to live it.

I say RUN NEWT. You'll will get trashed in the general election!

[joanpz]

...notice NO CRIME, NO GUILT, NO PENALTY WAGED when GOP POLITICIAN "falls below God's Standard".
Guess poor Bill was only CHARGED BECAUSE OF HE WASN'T A MEMBER OF THE "GOOD OL' BOY'S" PARTY!

[i_am_emac]

this isnt even new news, this has been known for years, it was even in a book by Daneesh Desusa, what is the point of this story? Accept to remind us of Clintons actions in the whitehouse and his purjury and impeachment....

[dallison7]

(AP) Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich was having an extramarital affair even as he led the charge against President Clinton over the Monica Lewinsky affair,

Gingrich's congressional career ended in 1998 when he abruptly resigned from Congress after poor showings from Republicans in elections and after being reprimanded by the House ethics panel over charges that he used tax-exempt funding to advance his political goals.

YEP, HE'S A REPUBLICAN ALRIGHT!

[mgpm-2009]

what a disgusting pig. At least Bill Clinton lied in an attempt to try to protect the feelings of his wife and child. This idiot is a hypocrite of the first order. Oh man oh man...

"Doesn't remember" divorcing his wife while she was sick with cancer. He's a piece of work. What a jerk.

[diamtool]

ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha haha! hilarious holy hypocrites newtman!! Foley was out boy hunting and newt was tappin' the aide while they all played pompous and holier than Bill!
Lindsey Graham said yesterday that perjury isn't that bad -talking about Scooter. When pressed about the difference from Clinton's case Graham said it was like "apples and oranges". Ok, so apples are a stained dress and oranges are enabling liars to start an unnecessary war with 3000 plus American heroes dead??
God Bless our Troops
God forgive George Bush

[theusa1st]

What nerve saying he deserved impeachment for lying. Apparently, Clinton thought it was nobody's business that he did this which was what you thought too for many many years.
Posted by ttinsly at 07:25 AM : Mar 09, 2007

The BIG difference is that Clinton lied under oath to a judge...that is a federal crime. Telling the truth under oath is a cornerstone of our judicial process. Both guys are jerks for what they did to their families...very selfish.

[formrusmcsgt]

His first marriage, to his former high school geometry teacher, Jackie Battley, ended in divorce in 1981.

Hmmmm.... marrying your high school teacher and then going through two divorces to end up with a woman 20 years your junior doesn't seem to indicate the Newt has very honed decision-making powers, does it?

[formrusmcsgt]

The Repubs certainly have a dilemna in beyond the stench of Bush in '08. Rudy can't rally the conservative base, McCain appears over the hill, and the leader of the pack Romney (in his magic underwear) is being attacked by members of his own party.

Mitt under attack by own party: Mass. GOP aims to sink prez bid

By Jessica Heslam
Boston Herald Media Reporter

Friday, March 9, 2007 - Updated: 01:17 AM EST

A Web-based %u201Ctruth%u201D squad is poised to chase Mitt Romney in an effort to trip him up on the presidential campaign trail - and its members are Republicans from his very own Bay State.

Founded by GOP consultants Holly Robichaud and Ron Vining, the Mass Republicans for Truth plans to launch a nationwide attack on the former governor%u2019s record - including radio and TV ads.

%u201CHe%u2019s running for the highest office in the nation and voters need to know the entire record,%u201D said Robichaud. %u201CWe can%u2019t elect an unknown quantity to president of the United States.%u201D

So far, about 40 Massachusetts Republicans, including elected state committee members and activists who have been involved in campaigns for years, have joined Massachusetts Republicans for Truth. Robichaud, a contributor to the Herald%u2019s Monday political briefing, said she would not yet identify the other members. The group%u2019s website goes live Monday.

[theusa1st]

Hmmmm.... marrying your high school teacher and then going through two divorces to end up with a woman 20 years your junior doesn't seem to indicate the Newt has very honed decision-making powers, does it?
Posted by formrusmcsgt at 08:00 AM : Mar 09, 2007

First older woman when young and then younger woman when old...sounds like a smart plan to me.
Just kidding...like I said both very selfish

[antoniof123]

I am so glad that I voted for and let me say this would vote again for Bill Clinton. I miss the days when the economy was growing and our debt was decreasing. Now once again the contract on America what a joke I hope he does run and the Republicans continue in there lock step with the party. It will be a blood bath in 2008.

[bluestardad]

This hypocrisy is right on line with the Republican mantra. Trashing People for one thing that the Republican are doing themselves. Screaming for Pardon for Libby while their ranks are full of pergers and thieves. Unless you have been on your knees with your eyes shut in front of some Stalwart Republican like Mark Foley or Tedd Haggert you would have seen that Iraq did not attack America on 9/11 and that Iraq is in a Religious Civil War. The Republican Hypocritical Abortion hating, Pedophile, Gay Bashing, Sausage Smoken Evangelicals who steals millions of dollars from widow women promising them Salvation while all the time seeing male Prostitutes behind their wifes back are not good Republican character references. While Pedophile Republican Congressmen are still at large. Congress and its Rubber Stamp Oversight of the Cowardous Neo-Con, Chicken Hawk, Draft Dodgers who are sending others to war without ever serving themselves in the Military. The Republicans SUPPORT THE TROOPS rhetoric but can not even care for our Military wounded who live with Rats and Cockroaches at Walter Reed Hospital. The Sunni are funded by Saudi Arabia the Bush Family friends. Bin Laden is still active while Bush is secretly funding Sunni al Qaeda in Lebanon in an Iran Contra style under the table financing scheme outside Congressional approval. Yea Republicans are fine role models if you liken them to Crack dealers.


Contact Congress http://www.visi.com/juan/congress/

[jetlizhan]

are these women crazy? money, political power, etc - doesn't matter - i just can't get pass his face, ugh!!!!!!!!!

[skyk-2009]

The BIG difference is that Clinton lied under oath to a judge...that is a federal crime. Telling the truth under oath is a cornerstone of our judicial process. Both guys are jerks for what they did to their families...very selfish.
Posted by theUSA1st at 07:58 AM : Mar 09, 2007
+ report this comment

LOL You poor sheep are never going to learn are you. You just continue to carry the water for these people. The SAME people who were screaming for Clintons head are the SAME people who want Libby Pardoned. The "lie" Clinton told had NOTHING what so ever to do with White Water, which is what Starr was appointed to look into. The LIE told by Libby had EVERY thing to do with the Investigation of the Outing of the CIA Agent, you Fascist say the difference is that Libby is a Loyal supporter and deserves to be pardoned. God how low are you people? It's getting to the point that I want to take a shower everytime someone says the word Republican.

[skyk-2009]

What is so disgusting about this story, asside from the obvious thing with Clinton, is that these pathetic losers were USING "Family Values" to troop simple minded "Christian's" to the polls. When you think back to the way Falwell, Robertson, Dobson and the rest were acting about you and me during that period. I'll give you even odds that all these lifeless pieces of human Garbage will do about this is just some lip service. THEY are the real vilians in all this.

[vet_sk]

This goes right to the core of so many of our politicians. Still I can't see why good people like Arlen Spector stay with the GOP.

I still hear that it was somehow okay that Bush lied us into a war since Clinton lied about getting a bj.

We have a worldwide mess on our hands and now the President is trying to create a legacy in latin America. Does he not see that he is one of the most hated men on the planet?

[formrusmcsgt]

are these women crazy? money, political power, etc - doesn't matter - i just can't get pass his face, ugh!!!!!!!!!
Posted by jetlizhan at 08:22 AM : Mar 09, 2007

Maybe he's irrestible in a speedo...lol.

[skyk-2009]

Having an affair is not a lie?
Posted by SHURCH4TRUTH at 07:17 AM : Mar 09, 2007

Isn't an affair a lie UNDER a VERY somber OATH? It's either before a Justice of the Peace (Judge) or (God) yet these freaks say there's a difference. Wonder where?

[formrusmcsgt]

Does he not see that he is one of the most hated men on the planet?
Posted by Vet_SK at 08:28 AM : Mar 09, 2007

He sees it alright, he just doesn't understand it.......

[zootallures2]

Well, that pretty much sums up the difference between Democrats and Republicans, don't it? The Repulicans pretent not to be sick deviants and the Dems pretend not to be swindlng crooks by blaming the other party for it. Think about that the next time a Repub calls you a traitor. A traitor in the US is either someone who can't stomach crime, or someone who doesn't care aboout money, power, and status. You know it... get real!

[theusa1st]

LOL You poor sheep are never going to learn are you. You just continue to carry the water for these people. The SAME people who were screaming for Clintons head are the SAME people who want Libby Pardoned. The "lie" Clinton told had NOTHING what so ever to do with White Water, which is what Starr was appointed to look into. The LIE told by Libby had EVERY thing to do with the Investigation of the Outing of the CIA Agent, you Fascist say the difference is that Libby is a Loyal supporter and deserves to be pardoned. God how low are you people? It's getting to the point that I want to take a shower everytime someone says the word Republican.
Posted by skyk at 08:24 AM : Mar 09, 2007

Another day...same old blather from you. Again...lying under oath is a federal crime...is that something you can't comprehend? I don't care who the pig had *** with. In your world the Dem's can do no evil...in my world both side of the isle aren't so innocent. The difference between me any you is I only stated the facts...you always resort to name calling and lashing out like a spoiled child when you don't get your way or somebody says something you don't want to hear.
You are one of the most intolerant people I have seen on here...get a life and stop distorting reality.

[billysmith6]

Oh Fig Newton. He never misses a meal, does he?

He's responsible for leading Bush into power with propoganda and Republican programmed vote count machines: that the Dem's still don't have a CLUE yet. Dem's are getting company who made the machines to test them instead of programmers looking for real time web links to alter the data.

The Evil and the Dumb: well Dumb Dem's is no doubt better than Industry's devil worshippers, the Republicans. But what a choice!?!?!?!

[petesis]

Gee who would have figured Newt was a HYPOCRITE? (Only anyone who actually knew anything about him).

[bluestardad]

50 YEARS OF SACRIFICE IN THE MIDDLE EAST IS ENOUGH! These little Neocons should be taken out and hung along with all their entire families for all the loss of American Life they have caused over the years! They are causing a back lash against Israel one of our allies in the Middle East. But then this NEOCON MEDDLING is the very thing that caused Jews to be persecuted in Europe. They got in politics without regards to the feelings of those they trampled over until the countries have had enough then they rose up and killed six million of them. Israeli Neocons are causing our Elected officials to fight their wars in Proxy! They are bragging in their advertisements read below. Follow the money do not take my word for it see how many Congressmen are influenced by AIPAC money and how they are voting on Iraq!

http://www.aipac.org/forms/join_aipacClubs.htm

[macusweil]

This guys is such a BIG time loser, just like all the rest of the GOP neo.com leadership.

This is true not because he had an affair, but because he's a hypocritical psychopath.

Here's a guy who doesn't stand a snowballs chance in heck to ever hold elected office again, out side of dog catcher, maybe!!

[briannorwood]

Just one word...

HYPOCRITE!

[terrapin78]

Once a liar and a cheater always a liar and a cheater.

Gingrich is both!

[frtr0ua5]

Newt is a hypocrite, I guess he forgot about jude not less you be judged. It's one thing for sure, what you do in the dark will come to light. Let's see, he married his high school teacher, served divorce papers to his second wife while she was recovering from cancer surgery, had an affair with his congressional aide, while passing judgement on Clinton, I don't know what type of family he came from, but it sure doesn't sound like the family values he tried to push down the throats of the American people. He should just go some where and be quiet.

[macusweil]

Quote- "There were times when I was praying and when I felt I was doing things that were wrong. But I was still doing them." -Newt Gingrich,

He was of course talking about the GOP's Contract on America!!

[terrapin78]

Hey theUSA1st-
Same goes for "Scooter". Lying under oath and he got convicted of it.

[ekucrew]

Newt...an adulterer? Say it ain't so!
The tongues of Hannity, Coulter, Limbaugh, Horowitz, Ingraham, and *** Morris will all be tied in knots and flapping at both ends trying to spin this saga......

[briannorwood]

Let's see...

He felt compelled to impeach Clinton because he lied about about an affair.

And what has he said about Scooter?

Nothing.

[grumpas]

That takes guts to condemn someone for something you are doing!!!!!!! But, it is not at all surprising. The ones who are always the loudest in their self-righteous accusations are the ones who aren't any better. If the truth were known I am sure Reagan and a most of the other ones were doing the same thing. The right wing press did them the favor of not calling it to anyone's attention. It's just one more of the myraid of reasons a lot of us have grown to despise everything the Republican Party stands for.

[ov442]

Funny that he may have a shot at and still yet run for president as a republican, while confessing that he had "periods of weakness" in his life where he was doing things he wasnt proud of.
at the minimum...30 YEARS? of doing bad, immoral, unjust things?
the man was clearly messing around with his second wife before the 1st divorce was final, did same to 2nd one with a new young woman, and was reprimanded for unethical activitites in congress.... a 30 year span of unethical lifestyle.... and this is a guy many republicans back for a run to the white house? no wonder the GOP is an embarrassment of corruption, immoral behavior and ill ethics.

[theusa1st]

Hey theUSA1st-
Same goes for "Scooter". Lying under oath and he got convicted of it.
Posted by Terrapin78 at 09:01 AM : Mar 09, 2007

Absolutely...nobody should be above the law.

[theusa1st]

and this is a guy many republicans back for a run to the white house? no wonder the GOP is an embarrassment of corruption, immoral behavior and ill ethics.
Posted by ov442 at 09:15 AM : Mar 09, 2007

Don't forget to look on the other side of the isle...they are no better. I believe that the best person to be president (whomever that would be) wouldn't do it because of the gutter politics from both sides...unfortunately we all lose.

[clestes-2009]

Hypocritical jerk.

[rochest]

the next time these folks speak about family values I hope folks will just tune them out. Since you need not change your ways only admit feeling bad about your human failings, hey you can even do it a second time, and still speak about family values. what about real family values like universal health care, increase subsidies so mothers can get day care for their children while they work, fully fund no child left behind, equal pay for equal work, changing the bankruptcy laws so job loss or one major illnness does not put you in debtors' h*ll like the present one does, how about restoring funding to the VA and all its outreach programs, how about continuing to fund religious social service programs but removing their ability to receive funds if they require a religious test to receive services, what about paid family leave for both parents when they having a child or adopt one? There are others but the next time I hear someone speaking of family values I do not want to hear about someone's sexual orientation or practice if it's between two consenting adults.

[godseyesore-2009]

Typical hypocritical repugnacan. They all get away with such ignominous behavior....just look at bush, cheney, rove, ad infinitum.

[perception5]

The difference is Slick Willie LIED to the American people....... and Slick Willie LIED to a Federal Grand Jury......
...... then Hillary LIED when she went of the liberal friendly "Today" show with Katie to tell the American people that this whole Monica thing was just a "vast right-wing" conspiracy".....REALLY NOW??? Yeah....until we found a little white spot on Monica's dress.

[monty_4]

Pertty *** heretic for a man of faith. After losing faith in the Democrats, I'm now certain I'll never vote Republican again. Here's a revelation: I'll pick candidates on their qualifications and track record! How could I have been so stupid not to have realized this before? Oh yeah...the 'liberal' media.

[bluestardad]

This hypocrisy is right on line with the Republican mantra. Trashing People for one thing that the Republican are doing themselves. Screaming for Pardon for Libby while their ranks are full of pergers and thieves. Unless you have been on your knees with your eyes shut in front of some Stalwart Republican like Mark Foley or Tedd Haggert you would have seen that Iraq did not attack America on 9/11 and that Iraq is in a Religious Civil War. The Republican Hypocritical Abortion hating, Pedophile, Gay Bashing, Sausage Smoken Evangelicals who steals millions of dollars from widow women promising them Salvation while all the time seeing male Prostitutes behind their wifes back are not good Republican character references. While Pedophile Republican Congressmen are still at large. Congress and its Rubber Stamp Oversight of the Cowardous Neo-Con, Chicken Hawk, Draft Dodgers who are sending others to war without ever serving themselves in the Military. The Republicans SUPPORT THE TROOPS rhetoric but can not even care for our Military wounded who live with Rats and Cockroaches at Walter Reed Hospital. The Sunni are funded by Saudi Arabia the Bush Family friends. Bin Laden is still active while Bush is secretly funding Sunni al Qaeda in Lebanon in an Iran Contra style under the table financing scheme outside Congressional approval. Yea Republicans are fine role models if you liken them to Crack dealers.


Contact Congress http://www.visi.com/juan/congress/