While Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum were campaigning heavily in Illinois and Louisiana on Sunday, former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich was VERY busy strolling along the Tidal Basin in Washington DC to look at the Cherry Blossoms.
Now, I understand that the Cherry Blossoms are a big deal this year–they are turning 100. But, considering Gingrich is trying to convince the entire world that he wants to continue the campaign and is committed to “going all the way to Tampa,” spending the Sunday before a the Louisiana primary sightseeing in D.C. is not very convincing. Especially after a recent poll showed him in third place there behind Santorum and Romney.
Gingrich claimed Louisiana would be “halftime” for his campaign. I guess I didn’t realize this halftime strategy included a halftime show.
And unfortunately in order for it to be halftime, you still need to be playing the game. And by looks of things, Gingrich doesn’t appear to be interested in finishing the half.
As the weeks go on, it becomes more clear that Newt won’t win the nomination. When your own supporters are telling you to get your head back in the game, it’s probably wise to listen to them.
But Gingrich doesn’t want to listen. He’s adamant about staying in the race, regardless of what people are telling him. At a dinner in Chicago last week he blamed the media for his recent losses, refusing to acknowledge that maybe his losses had something to do with his disorganized campaign.
On some level, he has to know this is a fruitless journey. By spending Sunday in D.C. with his wife instead of being out on the campaign trail, he’s essentially saying “I give up.” He claims he’s going to be in the race until the end, but his behavior suggests otherwise.
Given the unlikeliness at this point of a Gingrich win Louisiana, maybe he should rethink his “halftime” position. If he leaves the race now he’ll have plenty of time to attend the Cherry Blossom Festival this year (it’s a whole five weeks!) and maybe even shop that reality show to Andy Cohen.
