Five years ago, Newt Gingrich praised Mitt Romney's Massachusetts healthcare law when it passed. This is the same plan Gingrich has been discrediting the past few months.
In a 2006 issue of the "Newt Notes" newsletter discovered by the Wall Street Journal earlier this week, Gingrich's two-page commentary commends Romney: "We agree entirely with Governor Romney and Massachusetts legislators that our goal should be 100% insurance coverage for all Americans."
The news this week has left many Americans wondering exactly where Gingrich stands on the subject matter. Changing his stance, or, if you prefer, "flip-flopping," could hurt his campaign during a moment when polls have shown favoritism toward Gingrich.
"Newt is intoxicated with ideas," said commenter John Shniper, in response to the Wall Street Journal's article published Tuesday. "The problem now is that when he debates or takes positions, it requires only a simple Google search to find a time when he supported an idea he now opposes. Maybe all his campaign workers quit because they couldn't figure out how to handle this mess."
Jason Luther quickly responded to Shniper's comments. "Isn't he the same as all politicians? He tells you what you want to hear."
Luther may have a point. With the Iowa Caucuses approaching January 3, the GOP race to the finish line is still unpredictable. There is no front-runner in the state yet. Rep. Ron Paul is tied for the lead at 21 percent, with former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney at 20 percent. Gingrich is close to follow at 19 percent. Appealing to conservatives who oppose nationalized healthcare seems to be Gingrich's strategy at this time.
Many of our followers are seeing Gingrich's "Newt Notes" newsletter as a regression in his campaign. Not only does it put him in the flip-flopping category with fellow contender Mitt Romney, the news is also seen as an embarrassment.
"Gingrich loved Romneycare but now he doesn't. Read your own newsletter, Newt!" tweeted @los_maestros.
Twitter user @BlueDuPage gives the same sentiment. "Newt's past positions on healthcare make Mitt Romney look like…Newt," he tweeted.
"Newt is smart but Newt is not electable and in my opinion will not be the nominee," commented Paula Dowling on the Wall Street Journal article. "He was fired by the Republicans as house leader. Then he decided to resign or not run again because he wasn't leader anymore…I could go on, but my point is that Newt is not electable. In the end, it will be Romney."
The debate has also been featured on USA Today's "On Politics" Facebook page. Facebook user Kasey Deagle says that Newt is the worst kind of hypocrite. "[He is] the kind that supports whatever happens to be popular at the moment."
Coming to Gingrich's rescue is Steve Gabriele. "People have the right to mature and change their opinions as they grow older," he commented on the Facebook page. "The problem for those that run for political offices is that whatever you say or do in the past will come back to haunt you and once it does it is hard to shake off."
So which one is it? Will Gingrich's 180-degree turn on Romneycare hurt him in Iowa next week? Tweet us @HFNewsTweet and let us know what you think.