Newt Gingrich is the smartest man in the room

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich showed again Tuesday night what we at VUI have known all along, he is the smartest man in the room when Republicans get together to debate. 

Gingrich does not throw out red meat for conservative activists on issues like Medicare and immigration.  Instead he delivers heaping doses of reality and reason and argues for conservative approaches that deal with reality.  

Herman Cain's 9-9-9 plan is solid on the economic front.  But, frankly, Gingrich has more depth on the wide range of issues that faces a President of the United States.  Rick Perry seems lost.  Michelle Bachman and Ron Paul's ideological zeal does not embrace reality.  Jon Huntsman seems to be running for Secretary of State.  The former Senator from Pennsylvania seems to be running for the head of the Christian Coalition.  Mitt Romney, despite his money and the fact he has been running for five years, still comes across as a mid market tv news anchor trying to craft his words to keep his market share. 

Then, there is Gingrich.  He is a man with admitted personal baggage.  But, he has the experience and the depth of knowledge to know what he can do and what he can't do.  Gingrich is serious and thoughtful.  The others seem handled.  

Frankly put, a debate between President Obama and Gingrich would be one for the ages.  It would rival Kennedy and Nixon.  Such a race would give America a real debate and real choice between two heavyweights. 

In that match, VUI thinks Gingrich would prevail.  But, for that to happen, Gingrich must win the GOP nomination.  Nominating Gingrich would be the smart thing for the GOP to do, but the question is will the GOP do it? 

It will be a classic showdown.  Romney will have the professionally crafted soundbites.  Others will throw out the so call red meat.  Gingrich will appeal to thinking about solutions to our problems.  

One thing is certain, big Obama supporters do not want to face Gingrich.  They might act like they are chomping at the bit to go after his personal issues, but more than one Obama supporter has told VUI that they fear facing Gingrich in a debate. 

They should.  He is the smartest man in the room among the Republicans and would be with the President.  To be clear, the President can and will beat the others.  Gingrich would make the President seem like a lightweight.