Reading time: 4 - 6 minutes
Video Time: 23 minutes 16 seconds
Newt Gingrich (@newtgingrich on Twitter) is probably best known for his role as the Republican Speaker of the House in constant opposition to the policies of the Clinton administration. Though it’s been ten years since he’s left the House, his political ambitions and opinions haven’t diminished. But perhaps they’ve changed a bit?
In this short but tidy interview with Stan Pottinger of PlumTV (@PlumTV on Twitter), Gingrich proclaims passionately that the people are tired of democrat versus republican politics, which. . .surely. . .is not a new proclamation. No doubt, we’ve heard this assertion over and over again by many political figures. . .especially during election years. And, given this “new” approach by a politician whom many would consider fervently partisan, Stan Pottinger is quick to point out the irony of Gingrich’s seemingly new stance on politics. Gingrich, who was arguably once at the helm of partisan politics, simply smiles and discusses the importance of finding a common ground without sacrificing your own beliefs. For the cynic, Gingrich’s cooperative attitude is clearly in contrast with his past. . .to the optimist, it’s proof in the pudding that even the most seemingly inflexible, and extremely passionate person, can change their mind. I’m reminded of a great quote attributed to another politician/economist leveled with the charge of inconsistency, John Maynard Keynes, who shot back at his foes with: “When the facts change, I change my mind. What do you do, sir?” Brilliant, and we’re ALL entitled to the same.
This, of course, is an extremely important lesson for anyone, particularly entrepreneurs and those of us having to make tough decisions in our business professions. If a man who was once so synonymous with polarization and partisan politics is now asserting that we must work together, why can’t we set ourselves in the direction of aiming to do the same? Working together despite differing opinions or ideologies is something that we as a country and, let’s face it, we as individuals continually struggle with constantly., and yet, if we are willing to take up this challenge and do our best, we’ll find it becomes an essential component to our success.
One issue for which Gingrich is working on across partisan lines is the problem of climate change. Although discussed somewhat briefly during the beginning of the interview, be sure not to miss it. One of his main ideas includes addressing this crisis and other environmental issues with an entrepreneurial approach, and he believes that incentive-based programs that promote new technology and innovation are the key to resolving these problems. For more background on Gingrich’s environmental policy position, check out his new book, “A Contract with the Earth.”
Gingrich also discusses his upbringing and family life. . .relaying the importance his family and relatives placed on reading, learning, and a strong work ethic. The notion that you can be whatever you put your mind to is one we hear often, but most likely don’t take too seriously. Perhaps we believed this when we were children, but it faded as we got older and became bogged down by real life. But maybe we should consider it once again, and know that people are reinventing themselves all the time, everyday.
Other interesting tidbits to look for in this interview include Gingrich’s opinion of the Clintons, his views on the current Republican Party, and his new nonpartisan project called American Solutions. Enjoy!
