BALTIMORE — Newt Gingrich said reporters are focused on the negatives of his fledgling presidential campaign because they are in the tank for President Obama.

In a brief gaggle with reporters before a GOP dinner here, The Daily Caller asked Gingrich his biggest regret of the campaign so far.

“It is so hard to get the news media to cover substance,” he replied.

He then drew applause during his speech before the Maryland Republican Party by saying reporters are focused on “trying to protect Barack Obama.”

Asked by a reporter if he’ll still be in the campaign when the Iowa caucuses take place, he said, “Sure, of course.”

While most of his senior staff has quit the campaign recently, Gingrich downplayed the significance. (Gingrich releases lengthy economics lesson)

“This was always a misnomer,” he said. “Of all the people who were with me before the campaign started, only one left. The people who decided they didn’t like what we were doing were professional consultants who were outsiders who didn’t understand my style.”

Gingrich, speaking about the staff who have left, said “at a time when 14 million are unemployed, it is really helpful to have people who are willing to talk about solutions as big as the problems.”

During his remarks, he said President Obama has failed the black community, calling Obama the “best food stamp president in American history.” He said too many people have signed up for them since Obama has been president.

In contrast, Gingrich said he would be the “paycheck president,” by focusing on the economy and helping people get back to work.

“Would you rather your children have food stamps or a paycheck?” he said.