Newt Gingrich had some choice words yesterday about the "fair and balanced" network he used to work for: “In our experience, Callista and I both believe CNN is less biased than FOX this year. We are more likely to get neutral coverage out of CNN than we are of FOX, and we’re more likely to get distortion out of FOX. That’s just a fact.”
Although I completely agree with Gingrich, it's hard to be too sympathetic to him. After all, this is the network he used to work for. Did this bias suddenly erupt during this campaign season? His "this year" qualification suggests he thinks so. Secondly, this is the same Newt Gingrich who can't seem to open his mouth without attacking the "elite media," including one very public attack on CNN. Regardless, why is he only complaining now, when he is at the tail end of his candidacy?
Steve Kornacki at Salon has an interesting piece on Gingrich's come-to-CNN moment. Noting the low regard the Repubican establishment had for him to begin with, Kornacki writes that Fox News' treatment of Gingrich was a symptom of that sentiment, not a cause of it:
...Gingrich (doesn't) seem to appreciate the crucial role Fox played in facilitating his return from political exile early last decade. Gingrich, don’t forget, was kicked off the political stage by his own party after the 1998 midterm elections. And his embarrassment grew worse when it was revealed months later that he’d actually been conducting an extramarital affair while leading GOP’s push to impeach Bill Clinton over his relationship with Monica Lewisnky. Gingrich was supposed to be gone from politics for good. But Fox was willing to put him on and treat him as an elder conservative statesman, allowing Gingrich to spend the aughts restoring his standing with rank-and-file Republicans across the country.
So while it’s fair to say that Fox played a big role in the demise of his presidential campaign this year, it’s equally true that Fox is the main reason there was a Gingrich campaign in the first place.
So forgive me, Newt, if I just can't feel your pain.
I started the whole damn neoCON “new social CONtract” scam and now I’m being picked on by my main beneficiary, Fux Nuze’s Jabba Ailes!!!!
All these Republican frauds are loyal to Nixon-trainee Roger Ailes, and will throw The Newt and his phony wife under the bus.
We suspect The Newt is throwing hints at CNN for possibly a job as contributer. He knows his future with Fox “News” is over.
NOTE TO THE NEWT
Don’t be upset if Hannity drops you as a guest from his radio show. His loyalty lies with Roger Ailes.
