Gingrich: GOP Debates Should Be Scrapped – Former House Speaker and Fox News contributor Newt Gingrich made a bold prediction on Thursday, asserting that former President Donald Trump is the inevitable nominee for the 2024 Republican primary.
During an appearance on Fox News’ The Ingraham Angle, Gingrich commented on recent reports suggesting Republican donors encouraging Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin to join the primary race against Trump.
Gingrich was quick to dismiss the possibility of a competitive primary, stating, “I suspect the money is there, but the votes aren’t.” He praised Governor Youngkin but emphasized that he sees 2028 as a more opportune time for Youngkin to make a significant presidential bid.
‘Trump Will Win GOP Race’
He unequivocally stated, “I think Trump will be the nominee and the question now for everybody is do you want to see Joe Biden reelected or do you want to help Donald Trump? There’s no middle ground here, I don’t think.”
Expressing his skepticism regarding the efficacy of future debates in this scenario, Gingrich suggested that the Republican National Committee (RNC) should consider canceling future debates. He argued that, based on the current landscape, Trump’s dominance is apparent, and the debates would be inconsequential.
Gingrich added, “Look, I think there are a number of smart people on stage last night…if they were in a setting where they could have a real conversation, they would be more interesting people, but it wouldn’t help any of them get to be the nominee.”
Trump, the ‘Movement Leader’
Gingrich emphasized that Trump, rather than merely being a candidate, represents a national movement. He pointed out that this distinction fundamentally changes the dynamics of the campaign, stating, “He is the leader of a national movement, and that’s a totally different psychological and emotional relationship than candidacy.”
Gingrich concluded by reiterating his respect for potential candidates like Nikki Haley and Ron DeSantis but emphasized that the Republican landscape has solidified. He stressed, “Trump is not really a candidate. He is the leader of a national movement.”
The former Speaker’s comments add weight to the growing consensus within the GOP that Donald Trump’s presence and influence loom large over the 2024 primary, suggesting that the party may need to recalibrate its strategy and prepare for a Trump-centric campaign.
It comes as recent polling shows Trump continuing to soar far beyond his rivals, with a more than 40 point lead.
Gingrich and Donald Trump
During Trump’s presidency, Gingrich was generally a strong supporter of the administration. He often defended Trump’s policies and actions, appearing frequently on news programs to provide a positive perspective on the president’s initiatives. Gingrich praised Trump’s economic policies, deregulation efforts, and conservative judicial appointments.
Furthermore, Gingrich played a role as an informal advisor and confidant to Trump. He was known to offer strategic advice and counsel to the president, utilizing his decades of experience in politics to provide insights on governance and policy.
However, it’s important to note that Gingrich has not shied away from criticizing Trump on certain occasions. Despite being an ally, he expressed disagreements or concerns about specific actions or decisions made by the Trump administration. For instance, he voiced reservations about Trump’s approach to the Russia investigation and his behavior on social media.
Georgia Gilholy is a journalist based in the United Kingdom who has been published in Newsweek, The Times of Israel, and the Spectator. Gilholy writes about international politics, culture, and education.
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