CAMPAIGN 2012

Gingrich: Americans 'Will Be Looking for Substance' in Campaign

Updated: July 1, 2011 | 9:35 a.m.
July 1, 2011 | 9:34 a.m.

This is not Newt Gingrich’s moment. The former House Speaker's senior staff departed en masse in June, he is expected to report fundraising troubles for his presidential run, and the media is zeroing in on rumors that his wife runs his life.

But Gingrich isn’t down. Asked Friday on "Fox & Friends" about a Fox poll showing just 3 percent of respondents supporting him in the GOP race, Gingrich said, “I think the American people will be looking for substance, and my campaign is going to offer specific real solutions across the board” on issues like jobs, gas prices, and housing.

He also waved off a question on his staff departures, saying both Ronald Reagan and John McCain had similar setbacks.

Gingrich offered advice to House Republicans in ongoing debt negotiations, telling them to “move forward with confidence.” They should pass spending cuts and a balanced budget amendment, he said, arguing that if they “do their job,” the burden will fall to the president to reach a budget deal.

Gingrich criticized “the elites” who think the Declaration of Independence and Constitution are “old-fashioned.” They think Americans need to become “subjects rather than citizens,” he said. “I don’t agree with that.”

“The real future of America has to rely on going back to the very basics... to look at why America was created and why we’re an exceptional country,” Gingrich said.

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