COMMENTARY | The Republican Southern Presidential Debate in South Carolina got off to a rather confrontational start when CNN's John King asked Newt Gingrich if he would like to address the lead story of the day: His ex-wife's allegations that he had asked for an open marriage to continue an ongoing affair just after the wife was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.
Gingrich said, "No, but I will."
He later explained the allegations were false but immediately went after King and the media.
He continued: "I think the destructive, vicious, negative nature of much of the news media makes it harder to govern this country, harder to attract decent people to run for public office, and I am appalled that you would begin a presidential debate on a topic like that."
Gingrich was right about it being harder to attract decent people to run for public office -- which adequately explains his running for president. Besides, he was only "appalled" that the question was asked of him. But, then, considering that none of his fellow contenders have been accused by an ex-wife of any cheating shenanigans, it would be difficult to ask them to address such allegations.
Gingrich then added: "To take an ex-wife and make it two days before the primary a significant question in a presidential campaign is as close to despicable as anything I can imagine."
King's question was as "despicable as anything" Gingrich could imagine. However, most people might think that leaving your first wife for another woman (with whom you were having an affair), especially when said wife was sick with cancer, might be quite a bit more despicable. And then to announce an affair with a staffer and the hope of an "open marriage" to a second wife (also suffering from a debilitating illness) might also be more despicable.
No imagination necessary...
But it was former Pennsylvania senator Rick Santorum who put the issue in its proper perspective when King asked if the ex-wife's allegations should be an issue: "I am a Christian, too," he said. "And I thank God for forgiveness. But, you know, these are issues of our lives and what we did in our lives. They are issues of character for people to consider."
It is unfortunate for Gingrich that people do not consider admitted adultery and self-righteousness as character virtues. Just imagine if they did.
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