On CNN, Democratic strategist James Carville praised Gingrich for being something of a comeback kid.
Politics and ideology aside, the CNN political analyst and 1992 Bill Clinton campaign manager declared Saturday’s South Carolina primary victory by former House Speaker Newt Gingrich a remarkable feat.
“You know, I may not have many nice things to say about Newt Gingrich later tonight, but let me say this,” Carville said. “He is kind of a friend of mine. He did my class at Tulane. This is an awesome political achievement. I mean, this guy comes in, does poorly in Iowa, does poorly in New Hampshire. He is way behind, has two debates, wins the thing — it looks like — by more than a little bit.”
Carville still had doubts about Gingrich’s long-term chances to secure the GOP presidential nomination, but said the South Carolina win was remarkable.
“He is just a political professional,” Carville continued. “You have to say there was some gumption here. There was some courage. There is an achievement here tonight. I don’t think there’s any chance he’ll end up being the nominee, unfortunately. But for one minute, just let me salute Newt Gingrich with a magnificent political achievement for pulling this off tonight.”