Newt bashes media for using phrase ‘Newtmentum’

Alex Pappas Political Reporter
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CHARLESTON, S.C. — Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich continues to rally his supporters before Saturday’s primary here by bashing the liberal media.

But his latest media critique is peculiar because his campaign manager is guilty of committing the very thing Gingrich slams the media for doing: using the phrase “Newtmentum” to describe his surge in the polls over rival Mitt Romney.

In an email to supporters Friday night, Gingrich wrote, “The media continues to be baffled by our campaign’s resurgence, and they highlight their ignorance by calling it ‘Newtmentum.’”

That’s pretty funny, because on Jan. 12, Gingrich campaign manager Michael Krull sent out a fundraising email titled, “We’re Regaining ‘Newtmentum.’”

The former House Speaker has repeatedly dressed down reporters and debate moderators to the joy of his supporters, who enjoy seeing Gingrich call the media out for being in the tank for President Obama.

He most recently used this tactic to his advantage Thursday night during the CNN debate, when he chided moderator John King for starting the debate by asking him about his messy past with his ex-wife.

On Friday, Newt used his email to supporters to continue his critique of reporters.

“What the liberal media can’t wrap their heads around is that this campaign is a coalition of Americans who want to restore the conservative ideas and principles that make us great,” he said. “This campaign is about a conservative movement that refuses to settle for another Massachusetts Moderate chosen by the establishment.”

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