Hypocrisy, Cronyism and Bad Politics Threaten Gingrich Candidacy

By Ron Fournier // November 17, 2011 | 8:45 a.m.
Updated: November 17, 2011 | 9:14 a.m.

Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich, speaks at the CBS News/National Journal foreign policy debate at the Benjamin Johnson Arena, Saturday, Nov. 12, 2011 in Spartanburg, S.C. Republican presidential hopefuls sharply criticized President Barack Obama's efforts to thwart Iran's nuclear ambitions Saturday night as too weak but disagreed in campaign debate whether the United States would be justified in a pre-emptive military strike. (AP Photo/Richard Shiro) (AP Photo/Richard Shiro)

Hypocrisy, cronyism and bad politics aren't going to get you very far in the 2012 presidential race. Which is why Newt Gingrich's ties to the government-sponsored mortage company Freddie Mac is a story with legs.