Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich today reiterated his opposition to Notre Dame's decision to have President Obama deliver the commencement address next week.
(NEWSCOM/FILE)Photos (1 of 1)
Gingrich still doesn’t want Obama to speak at Notre Dame
By Jimmy Orr | 05.10.09
Nope, he hasn’t changed his mind.
Newt Gingrich still doesn’t like the idea of President Obama delivering the commencement address and receiving an honorary degree from Notre Dame next weekend.
Gingrich, a recent convert to Catholicism, was asked about the controversy this morning on FOX News Sunday.
“I think that to the degree that Notre Dame still thinks of itself as a Catholic institution, it raises real questions,” Gingrich said.
“One, it invites somebody who, as a state senator, voted to protect the right of abortionists to kill babies … who were still alive after the abortion,” he continued. “And I think the president’s position has been the most radical pro-abortion of any American president. So I think there is a legitimate question there.”
Tweet
The former House Speaker originally voiced his opposition on Twitter back in March.
“It is sad to see Notre Dame invite President Obama to give the commencement address since his policies are so anti catholic values,” he tweeted.
Poll
Despite many high-profile Catholics opposing the appearance, most American Catholics are supportive. A recent Pew Research Center poll found that 54 percent of those polled are OK with it.
“These findings are consistent with Catholics’ overall views of Obama: A majority voted for him in the 2008 presidential election and express approval of his performance in office thus far,” Pew reports. “The new findings are also consistent with Catholics’ views on abortion and embryonic stem cell research, with pluralities in the poll expressing support for each.”
Biden
Meanwhile, Vice President Biden delivered a commencement address to Syracuse University today. The Daily Orange reports that Biden told student body president Colin Fanning that he would have “loved” him.
“Hey Colin, I’ll tell you what, you would have loved me,” Biden said. “I never had to be told that play was important. It just came naturally. It came naturally all the way through law school. Oh, God.”
Back to School
Although we don’t know if Obama’s remarks have been written yet, his speechwriters may want to look at one of the most inspirational speeches ever delivered.
Although it was from a movie, who wasn’t inspired by Thornton Mellon’s brief but touching words in “Old School” “Back to School”?
“Thank you, Dean Martin, President Sinclair…and members of the graduating class.
“I have only one thing to say to you today. It’s a jungle out there. You gotta look out for number one. But don’t step in number two.
“And so, to all you graduates…as you go out into the world my advice to you is…
“Don’t go! It’s rough out there. Move back with your parents. Let them worry about it.”
——-
We always send out inspirational speeches too. So follow us on Twitter!
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2. Owlywowly1 | 05.10.09
I’m converting to Catholicism right now. Now that I’m a Catholic, all I have to say is, Gingrich is an idiot. I’m switching back now to the “religion of opportunity” of my choice now (hiding said religion in closet, please don’t ask).
3. Bill on Maui | 05.10.09
What a fine Catholic. I suppose he’s bought himself an indulgence for cheating on his wife while persecuting President Clinton.
5. breezy | 05.10.09
If the issue is being pro-choice - does the logic of Gringich extend itself to anyone who wants a degree from ND also be oppose to pro-choice?
6. democracynow | 05.10.09
I detest the expression “radical pro-abortion” — as if the president were on some grand mission to increase the number of abortions in the country. Nobody is for abortion. It is simply a reality. Why not then facilitate this choice that only a woman might make? Why not make it safer?
This man Gingrich doesn’t care. He’s just courting the over-zealous among us, trying to win some political points. He’s a Catholic now? Oh, give me a break! The Republicans have been playing a dangerous game for some time now… progressively bringing their Christian churches into the public sphere, such that today it doesn’t seem appalling to the majority of us. Proselytizing should be prohibited in politics.
7. CoyoteWaits | 05.10.09
So now that Newt has grown old enough to be less interested, cheating on his (first, second or third) wife, his shady business deals, apparent bribes, bounced-check scandals and all his other moral failings, and converted to Catholicism–which teaches that all his previous sins are forgiven by his baptism–he presumes to give advice on moral matters? Is there anyone stupid enough to believe that Newt has moral standing to criticize anyone else?
8. Sniper | 05.10.09
An admitted adulterer does not want the President to speak? Who is he to judge?
9. Kathy | 05.10.09
The 54% that Pew found to be OK with the situation are those that I like to call Cafeteria Catholics.
10. WF Posey | 05.10.09
This behavior by the rejected and disowned ex-senator from Georgia seems like mere opportunism. say something like this so you can get press. Obviously this journal does not favor this strange little man, what an unattractive photograph. The recent behavior of this man is sad. Watching a man who has been so thoroughly rejected and proven to have no viable chance to ever hold even modest national office so obviously pander to a media hungry for dissent against Obama is not very interesting, it is rather sad. Best regards.
11. HypocriticLivesWelead | 05.10.09
Coming from a guy who married his Highschool math teacher, divorced her, re-married, had and affair while conducting a christian crusade on Clinton’s misconduct, divorcing again, and getting hitched with a girl young enough to be his daugther, I’d say Newt represents ALL catholic beliefs and the party of morality quite well…..
12. tony | 05.10.09
Mr. Gingrich, inspite of his recent convertion, is not a very good example of a devout catholic. He focuses on one issue in a man’s character and then condemns him. How is that different from condemning a person because of his/her religion? How is that different from the religious leaders of Jesus’ time when they severely criticized him for keeping company with sinners? In my opinion, Mr. Gingrich is self-righteous and envious. He may have converted, but it didn’t make him a better Christian after all.
15. Charles McAdams | 05.10.09
Who really cares what Newt Gingrich says. He is yesterday’s news and, as far as I am concerned, totally irrelevant.
16. catpurrson | 05.10.09
What a joke! Newt’s comment is like the pot calling the kettle black. After all, he is a divorced man (twice maybe?) who told his previous wife that he was divorcing her while she was in the hospital with cancer. Last time I heard, divorce was against Catholic teaching.
17. STEVE FRIEDERANG | 05.10.09
Limbaugh can truly be foolish, but in this case he’s made an intelligent point. I voted for Obama because he’s a gifted leader who loves people. But how the democrats can justify supporting abortion is beyond me.
That said, each abortion is the choice of the mother. It’s still not legal to force a woman to have her child killed. That’s not the law that Obama favors and that’s not the law. The law allows doctors to perform a procedure that is the mother’s responsibility to ask for. I agree with anyone with a conscience that it’s still wrong, but Obama just sees it as a matter of free choice. He’s in error, but let’s face it, it’s politically expedient.
And, that said, it’s still amazing that catholics would have someone who is not in favor of making those procedures illegal speak at a ceremony at a catholic school. Democrats need to come to terms with this single issue that defines them above all the good they wish on average Americans. There is no doubt , after the previous administration, that selfishness reigns the republican party. What was best for Cheney and big oil and Bush and big ego, was seen by Rush to be best for the country. That is foolish. And he should have also been against them speaking. There are some republicans who had the lifelong character traits and education to lead our country — but they weren’t accepted by Rush and the party as candidates.
I enjoyed hearing President Obama speak to the press yesterday. There is a certain light-heartedness in both Bush and Obama that belies what we see as their enormous responsibility. Perhaps it’s because Obama and Bush might not really be for a war or for allowing babies to be killed and don’t really see themselves as being responsible for their opinions. Perhaps their job, as they see it, is simply to reflect the opinions of their constituents. They and LImbaugh don’t see themselves as promoting war or abortion. They sleep well at night and perhaps that’s the only way it can be done.
I do believe that they need to see themselves as accountable, as should the Pope, for the opinions that sway people in their beliefs and actions. Telling a woman that it’s legal to abort her child or a Priest that he must not marry, or a nation that Iraq was responsible for 911 is like putting a lead chain around people’s necks as they wade into the water. Jesus had a lot to say about these sorts of leaders. At the time, the press had little such impact — but Rush also needs to realize all he says is certainly his responsibility. That he begin to tell the truth in all things would indicate a real change of heart and not just the acceptance of doctrine or religion.
This is a reasonable first step. There are many people who could speak intelligently to the graduating class who believe as God does that every conception is important; every life is to be cherished. In this sense I say, “go Rush!”.
18. Mark Gowman | 05.10.09
Too bad ND couldn’t line up someone like Newt to speak, who really represents Catholic values… of adultery, divorce, abandonment of a sick spouse, support of war, support of torture.
19. EWAdams | 05.10.09
Newt Gingrich is a man of unmitigated arrogance. The idea that a man who divorced his wife on her deathbed, of all people, is in a position to make moral pronouncements, is ludicrous. But like so many of his stripe, he’s not self-aware enough to see the hypocrisy.
20. Dennis McBride | 05.10.09
Yea, right. Where does an adulterer get off lecturing the Catholic Church ?
21. Howard | 05.10.09
Why would anyone take Gingrich seriously about our President’s appearance at Notre Dame? As I recall Newt left Congress with a financial cloud over his head, and did not treat the wives he divorced with ‘Christian’ charity. He’s the proverbial stone thrower……..taking the offensive lest we recall his misdeeds.
22. ds | 05.10.09
Since when is anyone interested in what Newt Gingrich thinks? If he has an issue about President Obama speaking at Notre Dame, then he doesn’t need to attend the speech. I guess I just do not understand why this subject has produced such a reaction in the media. The Presidents beliefs should not preclude him in speaking anywhere. He is the President of the FREE world, not just the President of the people who agree with him.
25. chantentor | 05.10.09
Why are we not allowing him to speak and then comment. I think he is aware of the concerns.Recent history has shown the articulate speaker that he is will deliver the correct message at the correct time. If he fails to do so then we shall have a lot to talk about.
26. concerned | 05.10.09
didn’t Colin Powell turncoat and choose race over politics when he endorsed fellow african american Obama during his election?!!
27. ob08 | 05.10.09
From a true catholic Gingrich should not be allowed in the Catholic Church. He has committed adultery so who is he to tell PO not to speak at the commencement. What a loser.
28. Jim Bester | 05.10.09
So now Newt Gingrich, of all people, Chief Fornicator himself, is helping stir the pot even more among Catholics? The Catholic Church is being ruined before our eyes by extremists. What’s next, Sarah Palin converts to Catholicism> God help us.
29. Carmen | 05.10.09
Thornton Mellon (Played by Rodney Dangerfield) was a character in “Back to School” not “Old School”..
30. David A. Long | 05.10.09
As implied by the paragraph heading, Rodney Dangerfield’s character Thornton Mellon made the quoted speech in the movie “Back To School”. “Old School” was a completely different movie.
31. theJunster | 05.10.09
the movie quote if from Back to School w Rodney Dangerfield not Old School. Good day to you.
32. AJ | 05.10.09
How long did Newt have to stay in the hospital after the holy water gave him 3rd degree burns?
34. Kate | 05.10.09
I am an American Catholic who voted for Obama.
I graduated from an American Jesuit College. But I do not think Obama should give a commencement speech at Notre Dame. His views do NOT represent the majority of American Catholics in regards to stem cell research and abortion. I don’t know what poll this article refers to…but it wouldn’t jive with a random poll among my friends…who are pretty progressive Catholics.
35. Rodney Dangerfield | 05.10.09
Dude, that’s Back to School not Old School! You should retake your college course in Movies.
36. Farming Jimsey | 05.10.09
Newt should take a long term vow of silence. Every time he opens his mouth out comes hypocrisy. He speaks for no one except himself.
37. Heidi | 05.10.09
I want to know if Newt Gingrich would deny treatment for a child of his if he/she had cancer because the treatment had stem cell research involved. I would guess he wouldn’t. Happy Mother’s Day everyone.
38. Charles P. Rocha | 05.10.09
Dear Sirs,
Your poll, implying American Catholics are supportive of President Obama’s intention to speak at Notre Dame is not only false but misleading. Then again, the liberal media is best at disseminating miss-information. Catholics around the world, and more specifically the US, directly oppose President Obama’s appearance at Notre Dame.
“Since the White House announced in March that Obama had accepted Notre Dame’s invitation to speak May 17, more than 358,000 people have signed an online petition demanding that the university take back the offer. The Cardinal Newman Society, an advocacy group for Catholic colleges that circulated the position, said the invitation violated a 2004 bishops’ mandate that stated, “The Catholic community and Catholic institutions should not honor those who act in defiance of our fundamental moral principles.”
I can offer direct testimony; Catholics are opposed to this President and his direct assault on the Catholic religion. We are concerned and have every reason to be alarmed by the liberalist agenda of this administration.
I stand firmly against the president’s visit to Notre Dame, and will not even think of send my children to an institution which has taken my belief system and trampled on my faith.
Charles P. Rocha
Roman Catholic
Chicago, Illinois
39. Anthony | 05.10.09
Hey, Kathy, you call the 54% who support ND’s invitation to Obama “Cafeteria Catholics” (how original…!). I call the other 46% “Republicans”… And, hey, Mr. Rocha: I’m Catholic and graduated from Notre Dame and I am honored that ND has invited the President to speak. Where was your moral outrage when Bush had thousands of Americans killed in an immoral war, gleefully supported the death penalty, assaulted the environment, gutted safety protections for American workers, and ignored the poor? I assume you thought it fine that ND invited Bush to speak… That’s what I call “selective morality”. We all will miss your kids not going to ND…
40. BIGTEX | 05.10.09
Republicans have used the church’s stand on abortion to split the largest individual Christian bloc right down the middle. The Roman Catholic Church knows that , so they are complicit in helping people like Bush & Gingrich kill millions in the Middle East. By being a single issue (abortion) player on national politics it is pretty clear that the Vatican has take “black money” for taking out Catholics as a driving force. There is more than ONE Cardinal Sin. Politicians like Gingrich are easy to spot when lying. They move their lips.
41. kyle | 05.10.09
Perhaps those who wouldn’t allow Obama to speak at Notre Dame would prefer Mel Gibson?
43. BIGTEX | 05.11.09
Charles P. Rocha - What a clear concoction of some Rush Limbaugh moron disciple. Who ever you are, you are no Catholic. Jesus Christ spoke of change like Mr. Obama 2000 years ago. Our Lord taught us to give to our fellow brothers and no longer to live our life’s thru hate. If you where a Catholic you would know this. There is no Notre Dame. That is only a building. Everything Catholic is the church. For 2000 years. Since Peter was told by OUR LORD to build his church. No man is perfect and Mr. Obama is no different. His actions up to now have clearly shown that his heart is more Catholic than Republicans like George W Bush (who proclaimed that the Holy Bible was not literally true). Mr. Obama has shown empathy for the less fortunate and destitute. If that is what you call liberal then OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST would be proud of Mr. Obama’s actions so far.
44. Bob Bainbridge | 05.11.09
Have we all forgotten about separation of church and state? Our country was founded on the principles of religious freedom. Who cares what Gingrich thinks! I believe Notre Dame is sharp enough to have invited President Obama as a statesman. If they were looking for a divisive religious zealot, they would have called Newt.
45. Chagrined | 05.11.09
Many people came to the colonies in the 1600s to get away from organized religion
especially Catholic. There was not a Catholic church in America during the founding. When Alexis de Tocqueville wrote “Democracy in America,” he wrote about a democracy for and by Deists and Protestants! Many brave people, excluding Catholics, fought, sacrificed and died for our Democracy. If Catholics are too fragile for our Democracy, they should find a Catholic country, Mexico, Italy, Ireland, etc. Bon Voyage!
46. Jill | 05.11.09
I think Touchdown Jesus would be happy to have the president of the United States speak. Newt is just a, well, newt.
47. MaryG | 05.11.09
” Perhaps their job, as they see it, is simply to reflect the opinions of their constituents.”
Isn’t that the definition of an elected official? To reflect the wishes of the people (constituents) who elected them? Are we not a nation with seperation of Church and State? Should we then not let a Catholic speak at a Public University even if asked to? I highly doublt that this would be the topic of the speech anyway. Remember whe Kennedy was running for president everyone was so worried about his religion interfering with his political life. The president never said he was pro-abortion he said that women should make up their own minds based on their own values. That is hardly pro or con anything.
49. EVVJSK | 05.11.09
I am MUCH more worried about Next Gingrich being allowed to convert to Catholicism, than I am President Obama speaking at Norte Dame. As a Catholic and Resident of Indiana, I am proud when I see the work that President Obama has done previously as a community organizer and now as an example of a person of limited means, getting himself a good education, working toward being a legislator, and now being elected President of the United States. I think that life is a wonderful example for the upcoming graduates of the University of Notre Dame. The example of partisanship that Gingrich set in the Congress in the middle and late 1990s was not a Christian one AT ALL.
50. Hesus | 05.11.09
Congratulations Kathy on being both “holier than thou” and offensive to your fellow Christians at the same time. You surely walk in the path of Jesus although I don’t remember hypocrisy being one of his traits.
“9. Kathy | 05.10.09
The 54% that Pew found to be OK with the situation are those that I like to call Cafeteria Catholics.”
51. Diane | 05.11.09
The point is not that Newt said what he said. Don’t shoot the messenger. Newt is right–the Catholic church and Notre Dame, a Catholic institution, should not be accepting Obama as a speaker. He speaks openly about his support of abortion, and that stance should NOT be the stance of any Christian organization–God creates life. I cannot believe the number of people who say they are Christians and voted for this man who does not represent the Christian way of thinking or of life. I do know, though, that God is in control. I just don’t know how much longer He will smile upon our land.
52. AdamG | 05.11.09
Isn’t it a politician’s job to reach out and communicate with groups, people and governments with beliefs different than our own? He’s the President, not the Pope! The past eight years have gotten all of you “Christians” too comfortable and dependent upon the President’s religion. Being religious or non-religious has nothing to do with how well a person does his or her job.
53. Erick | 05.11.09
“The example of partisanship that Gingrich set in the Congress in the middle and late 1990s was not a Christian one AT ALL.”
And the example of partisanship that Obama, Pelosi, and Reid have brought to all 3 branches of government is a “Christian” one?
Obama has no desire to include any Republicans in the shaping his “new” America….. Input from Republicans on economics, abortion, causes of global warming, energy production, excessive taxation of producers, or virtually any other concern… will be ignored or even chastised by attack dog Gibbs from the press podium.
Additionally, Obama is soon to announce his pick for the open SCOTUS spot, and will choose, almost assuredly, the most partisan left wing hack ever.
That is non-partisan leadership? That is a Christian example of leadership?
Obama is only non-partisan with a select few Republicans when they cave in on their values and align themselves with him (Snowe, Collins, and the now turned Specter).
Of course — the only outlet dominated by Conservatives, talk radio, is soon to be under sinister attack, with the goal being to silence viable right wing opposition….. all the while ignoring and not putting the same regulations on main stream print and tv media which is dominated by the left.
1 party rule and the rise of the American Pharasies - Obama, Pelosi, and Reid. In their mind, the Virgin Mary probably would have had an abortion if she were pregnant with the savior today…..
54. Teresa | 05.11.09
Kathy mentioned cafeteria Catholics, I think of myself as a thinking Catholic.
55. gaptherockstar | 05.11.09
Men that have a issue with a woman’s right to chose should always be asked the follow up question. Do you always wear a condom? Do you insist on wearing a condom? If not keep you opinions to yourself because you have no right to express them unless of course you change your behavior as well as your answer to the preceding question.
56. AllYourGodsAreDead | 05.13.09
“Thinking catholic” is an oxymoron. One either thinks, or one is a catholic.
57. AllYourGodsAreDead | 05.13.09
Erick, Obama is not supposed to bring religion into government. That was one of King George’s huge mistakes, he let his Christian views influence his policies.
!!!!!! NO RELIGION IN GOVERNMENT !!!!!!
58. Michael | 05.15.09
Amazing that a dispicable slimbag like Gingrich is still shooting off his mouth about morality, how many affairs did he have while married? And now he is frothing with mock-outrage over Pelosi, while seeing nothing worng with the Bush Administration’s ok of torture. The GOP is really dead in my eyes, you have nothing to offer this country.
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Jimmy Orr has worked in politics for the majority of his professional career working for two U.S. Senators, two Governors and one President. Most recently, Orr served as White House Spokesman and Internet Director for President George W. Bush and Special Advisor to Governor Schwarzenegger for Internet Communications.
David Cook is Washington bureau chief of The Christian Science Monitor and host of the Monitor's newsmaker breakfasts. He was the Monitor's editor from 1994 to 2001. Cook is a graduate of Principia College, served in the U.S. Army, was a Bagehot Fellow at Columbia University, and is a member of the Gridiron Club, Washington's oldest journalistic organization.
1. jimmy jenius | 05.10.09
Gingrich just loves the spotlight. Pretty much we all know that his concern for the living isn’t very high, unless they’re rich. And this concern for the unborn is just political, wanting to divide the right wing extremest and christian findamentalists from the left. And if he thinks becoming Catholic will save his soul, that’s funny!