PHILADELPHIA (CBS)- Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R) has received the Lincoln Award from the Union League of Philadelphia. Many saw his visit to the city Thursday afternoon as another step in an exploratory phase of a run for president.
Inside the ornate banquet hall, about 400 people heard from the former Congressman, known as the architect of the 'Contract with America' in the mid 1990's.
"We balanced the budget in 4 straight years, and paid off $405 billion in debt, and we did so by cutting taxes, not raising them," Gingrich said.
Gingrich has been reading the headlines recently about President Obama's birth certificate and made light remarking that he was born in Harrisburg.
Gingrich's speech included several Philadelphia references to the serious work of the Founding Fathers, but also what needs to be fixed right now in this country.
"We should reestablish the work ethic by replacing unemployment compensation with a worker training program, that says if you need the money, we'll help, but in return, you will get trained and acquire new skills and marketability," Gingrich said.
After the event, reporters questioned him about seeking the Republican nomination for President.
"To folks who are really curious, just watch Twitter and Facebook next week, and you'll have all of the information you need,"
Reported by Steve Tawa, KYW Newsradio
Newt Gingrich Receives Award In Philadelphia, Comments On Possible Run
/ CBS Philadelphia
Inside the ornate banquet hall, about 400 people heard from the former Congressman, known as the architect of the 'Contract with America' in the mid 1990's.
"We balanced the budget in 4 straight years, and paid off $405 billion in debt, and we did so by cutting taxes, not raising them," Gingrich said.
Gingrich has been reading the headlines recently about President Obama's birth certificate and made light remarking that he was born in Harrisburg.
Gingrich's speech included several Philadelphia references to the serious work of the Founding Fathers, but also what needs to be fixed right now in this country.
"We should reestablish the work ethic by replacing unemployment compensation with a worker training program, that says if you need the money, we'll help, but in return, you will get trained and acquire new skills and marketability," Gingrich said.
After the event, reporters questioned him about seeking the Republican nomination for President.
"To folks who are really curious, just watch Twitter and Facebook next week, and you'll have all of the information you need,"
Reported by Steve Tawa, KYW Newsradio
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