NEW YORK (AP) Fox News says it is suspending its contributor agreement with Newt Gingrich “due to the intense media speculation” about him as a potential vice presidential candidate of Republican Donald Trump.
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Gingrich, interestingly enough, last appeared on Fox Tuesday afternoon, shortly after the announcement from Fox about his suspension-and he was there to comment on the vice presidential search process. So in Gingrich, Trump would get deep knowledge of how Washington works, and the lessons an older, wiser Gingrich learned from past mistakes. I think you’ve checked that corner.
“A lot of people who are a little jittery about Donald Trump would feel reassured talking with Pence”, Gingrich said.
Host Sean Hannity said, “I wouldn’t be happy with anyone but Newt” as Trump’s running mate. Gingrich was one of the earliest Republicans to embrace Trump and his unlikely run to become the party’s presumptive nominee, and the former House Speaker has even served as an unofficial adviser for Trump. Gingrich was brought on as a FOX News contributor in October 2015 after being a CNN contributor before that.
Gingrich joins a list of several other likely candidates for the position including New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, retired Lt. Gen. Mike Flynn, and Sen.
It has gotten so bad for Donald Trump that even Newt Gingrich is saying that he may turn down the VP slot if it is offered. He was elected speaker and led the push for a package of legislation that included a balanced budget and tax cuts for the middle class.
Would it be a mistake for Trump to put someone as controversial as Gingrich at his side? Rick Santorum in 2012 on leave before his campaign. It has a certain ring to it, especially if you are Mr. Gingrich. If this is about “media speculation”, Bill O’Reilly was speculating Gingrich would be the pick back in mid-May.
“When one of your strongest supporters is also strongly criticizing something going on at the moment, you can’t help but sit up and take note”, says Caputo.
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Asked about the potential role, Gingrich said, “I know nothing of this”.
