Two guests

There is a fascinating episode of "Uncommon Knowledge" posted here with Christopher Hitchens and Newt Gingrich. Someone posted a question to the interviewer, Peter Robinson, as to whether he had any memories of how the pair interacted. The following is Mr. Robinson's response.

"Although at first each, was, as I recall, slightly wary of the other, by the time we all left the studio Newt and Hitch were entirely comfortable in one another's presence.

One other memory--one that may prove of particular relevance now that Newt is everywhere being attacked for proving high-handed, vain, and so forth. In all the history of Uncommon Knowledge--and we've shot more than 400 episodes now--only two guests have ever taken the time to walk around the studio, introducing themselves to every member of the crew. One was Ron Reagan. Whatever you think of his politics (and I think they're mostly mistaken), you can't deny that Ron is as irresistibly charming as was his father.

The other? Newt Gingrich."

After hearing Mr. Gingrich speak so intelligently, would it be so bad to have a President who talks without a teleprompter and who took the time out to introduce himself to every member of the crew?

Frank Bruni writes a NYT op-ed in which he describes the self-adoration of Newt Gingrich.
Mr. Bruni's description of the President.

Barack Obama’s arrogance resides in his eloquence — as a writer, thinker, symbol and story.

Mr. Bruni's description of Mr. Gingrich.

Asked about his stated resolve to rein in federal courts, he said that “just like Jefferson, Jackson, Lincoln and F.D.R., I would be prepared to take on the judiciary.” The company he keeps!

Mr. Bruni didn't address how the President answered a question on CBS the other day because, according to an article by P.J. Gladnick, CBS edited out the statement from its program.
"I would put our legislative and foreign policy accomplishments in our first two years against any president -- with the possible exceptions of Johnson, F.D.R., and Lincoln -- just in terms of what we've gotten done in modern history."

Read more: http://newsbusters.org/blogs/pj-gladnick/2011/12/16/60-minutes-broadcast-edits-out-laughable-obama-claim-4th-greatest-presi#ixzz1guKIeZ4i