Gingrich: "Reagan Republican", Or "The Anti-Obama?"

Cartoon: "The Anti-Obama" by Troy Johnson

Newt Gingrich.  Politician.  Former Speaker of the House.  Two time Two-Timer.  Reagan Republican.  At least HE claims that.  Others dispute it.  And a firestorm from the Reagan Republican questioners has arisen in recent days as Newt's South Carolina momentum is in danger of being just a good memory for the Republican candidate.

But chief of all titles may just be The Anti-Obama.  Something Newt can hang his hat on.  And it may be a case of the right man at the right time.  This year brings the Republican base relishing a long awaited sparring with President Obama.  Some have visions of Gingrich dealing blow after blow in the Presidential Debates with Obama.  How they'd like to banish Obama from Pennsylvania Avenue.  And if there's anything left of Romney or Gingrich when the campaign dust clouds settle, Republican faithful hope to overturn the 2008 candidate of Hope and Change.  The stinging irony of that campaign motto has left many Americans longing for the economic prosperity that preceded him.

"Anyone but Obama", is the cry heard from the right.  But staunch Social Conservatives must grapple with promoting a historical adulterer, or a former Pro-Choice candidate while proffering their requisite brand of Christian forgiveness.  Can they back Gingrich should he get the nod?  Or Mitt?  It appears that the Obama vitriol is reason enough to back either.  For this brand of Republicans it's Newt or Mitt or Rick or Ron.  Does it really matter? An Obama TKO is the coveted prize for whoever's wearing the gloves when the bell rings later this year.

Reagan Republican.  Attractive to some circles, but only as attractive as Newt's viability to defeat Obama.  It's all about Obama. For or against him, he's the center of focus.  Which does much to stroke his Presidential ego. This fashion's going to be around for a while.  At least in 2012.

Troy Johnson

Like comics?  See the authors other blog at www.troystoons.blogspot.com

Cartoon on Mitt Romney: Will he visit Hell's Kitchen? What Will He Serve?

Romney Prepares for Obama's Hell's Kitchen:  Cartoon by Troy Johnson

I'd like to hear your opinion on the issue.  Feel free to leave your comments. Thanks!

Help Obama Golf More, a GOP New Year's Resolution Cartoon

Cartoon: "GOP Altruism".  Copyright 2011 by Troy Johnson

It's hard not to be cynical of a number of politicians on both sides of the aisle.  Sure there is one story after another of those who sacrifice to serve our country in this way, and there are many who seem valiant in their quest to turn Washington on it's head and get things done.  Time and again it seems futile to affect any revolutionary changes in Congress or the White House, or even make minimal impact across party lines.  It's hard for many Americans to see pass the shenanigans that occur regularly between the parties.  Perhaps that is why Congress' current job approval rating is in the low double digits- like in the teens primarily by most polls. 

What legislation is good for the country, as seen by many Americans, is relegated to a lower priority, beneath that of the legislative party priorities.  With the Republicans playing the role of shot blocker now, the Democrats are finding it hard to make many shots, and certainly not some of the layups they had through Obama's first two years in the Presidency.  There doesn't seem to be a lot of good offense to be found, mostly just a hypnotizing bore of legislative defense.

Perhaps when we see more evidence for it, we will see our President and representatives not as gamers for their own political playbook, but the duly elected officials we have placed to fight for meaningful victories for our Country.  

Happy New Year!  May we find some ways to get the country's business done this year!!

Troy Johnson

Artist/Blogger

See also www.troystoons.blogspot.com