The Presidency of Newt Gingrich

[NewYorkExpress]

I don't like Newt, but since I assume your TL has him winning, I'd have him pick Pataki or Bush. Bush to solve a potential feud with a political dynasty that's powerful in the 2000 GOP, and Pataki to carry moderates in swing states.

[NewYorkExpress]

VEEP PICK SHOCK! POLITICAL WORLD ROCKED

July 26, 2000

In Detroit, MI on July 26, 2000, GOP nominee Newt Gingrich shocked the political world by choosing wealthy businessman and Winter Olympics Committee chair Mitt Romney as his running mate. The son of the late Governor George Romney, Mitt Romney was a relative neophyte to politics having run an unsuccessful but spirited race in 1994 against Sen. Ted Kennedy. At the Detroit rally, Romney introduced his wife Ann and his family, and promised to help lead Newt Gingrich to victory for "bold, conservative principles." Instantly, right-wing groups began to launch diatribes against Romney's "liberal positions." But soon, Focus on the Family and other right-wing values groups came to Romney's defense, calling him a "staunch and steadfast supporter of a conservative Supreme Court."

The Gingrich campaign instantly launched varying 30-second ads introducing Gingrich's running mate in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Michigan, and a number of other states followed suit. Karl Rove called the pick "embarrassing and destabilizing," which earned the condemnation of his former boss, Gov. George W. Bush who said that he "welcomed Mr. Romney to the ticket and was pleased to support his compassionate conservatism."

Al Gore and the Democrats began to pile on the lack of foreign policy credentials of the GOP ticket. To hone in on his campaign theme of "steady, effective government," Al Gore chose Connecticut Sen. Joe Lieberman, possibly as a foil to Romney, to serve as VP.

Up Next: GOP Convention and Fall Political Primer

Well, at least Gingrich made history.

[NewYorkExpress]

First format

[NewYorkExpress]

GINGRICH TEAM ANNOUNCES SENIOR AIDES

Late November 2000

Chief of Staff

The Office of President-elect Gingrich announced that former New Hampshire Governor and Bush Chief of Staff John Sununu will serve as the White House Chief of Staff. Sununu is said to be committed to the entirety of the Gingrich-Romney White House agenda, and is a true believer in the economic and political restructuring necessary to put America on the right path.

Sununu has suggested that his son, a member of the U.S. House, will serve as an "informal liaison" between newer members of Congress and the White House. This move, highly unusual, suggests that President-elect Gingrich and senior White House aides will be looking to move swiftly on passing legislation, possibly bypassing the cautious nature of House GOP leadership.

Deputy Chief of Staff

Counselor to former President George H.W. Bush Karen Hughes will serve in this capacity and will focus largely on intergovernmental relations and staffing agencies with appropriate Gingrich appointees.

Counselor to the President

Atlanta super lawyer and former Gingrich legal counsel Patrick Millsaps will be named to this senior role. Millsaps has a very strong personal relationship with the President-elect and future First Lady Callista Gingrich, but is considered a Washington outsider.

Senior Adviser to the President

Longtime political strategist and Gingrich campaign manager, Scott Reed, who also managed Bob Dole's unsuccessful 1996 presidential campaign, will serve as senior adviser in an unsurprising move.

White House Counsel

U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Rudy Giuliani has been chosen for this position. Rumors swirled that Giuliani was considering a NYC mayoral bid in 2001. But given likely anti-Republican backlash in post-2000 elections, Giuliani opted to work for the White House instead.
 
White House Press Secretary

In a surprise move, the Gingrich team has selected Gov. Jeb Bush Press Secretary Nicolle Wallace to serve as White House Press Secretary. The move suggests that the Gingrich team is concerned about overall image and appealability to the American public, including the press-friendly moderate wing of the Republican Party.

NEXT: Gingrich will announce Economic team, including Treasury Secretary where real estate mogul Donald Trump is thought to be a top contender for the post.

Giuliani is already NYC Mayor in 2000, and would be term-limited.

[NewYorkExpress]

I have come down with the flu (only me in July ugh), so it will be another few days before I post. Keeping things very light because I feel like only a semi-human. In the meantime, would love to hear what you all think.

If you want a token Democrat/Independent, how about Mike Bloomberg for Treasury Secretary?