Loose Ends: Studies in Mendacity

Yes, I know. The election is behind us. But what a remarkably dishonest election it was. Some lies are just too big to forget about. Here's one I mentioned in a previous post, but I wanted to revisit it in an easier-to-view presentation here.

In his victory speech after winning the Georgia primary on March 6, 2012, Newt Gingrich accused President Obama of being "shallow" and "self-serving" because, said Newt, the president candidly admitted he didn't want gas prices to go up, since higher prices would hurt his chances for reelection. Newt raised his hand to indicate sincerity, and said, "I did not make this up."  Watch:

Newt concluded that "the president has once again managed to take the pain of the American people and turn it into his own personal problem."

Newt was referring to Obama's response to a question from Fox's Ed Henry in a White House news conference that was held that very day.  Here's the question, and Obama's answer:

The president went on to say that the solution to high gas prices was "an all-of-the-above strategy" involving increased production, conservation, and the development of clean energy technologies.

Yes, Newt did made it up. As I said in my previous post, it is remarkable that he lied about his lie even as he was telling it.

No, there's no deceptive editing in the clips I present here. Nothing is taken out of context. You can, if you want, watch Newt's speech in its entirety.  It's about 23 minutes long.  The clip reproduced here begins at approximately the 13:30 point. Obama's press conference can also be seen in its entirety.  It's about 51 minutes long, and the clip reproduced here is at approximately the 21:40 point. You can also read the official White House transcript of the press conference.

Newt's dishonesty speaks for itself; no additional comments from me are necessary.

 Copyright (C) 2012 James Michael Brennan, All Rights Reserved