Newt Gingrich in Iowa. What was Missing?

Fruitland, Iowa- Newt Gingrich was speaking in Iowa on Saturday and one stop was at a fund raiser for Tom Sands in Fruitland, Iowa. The $25 per person gathering was near capacity and the crowd seemed eager to hear from Gingrich.

Topics ranged from how the current administration has mishandled the events in Egypt to ethanol and Newt's continued support for its use as an alternative fuel. The speech that Gingrich gave was without surprises and typically conservative. But for this crowd participant, there were definitely things missing. What?

I wanted to hear a non politically correct statement or two from Newt. I wanted to hear some passion in his voice and words. There was no mention of the Tea Party or its members or recent candidates. There was no urgency in his voice of matters that concern Americans today. Yes, he wants more jobs created and less taxes and no death taxes, but he didn't entice anyone to vote for him if he ran for President.

As Pat, a listener, put it, " Newt Gingrich is a very educated man and there should be some place in government for him, I just don't think its as President." She wasn't alone. Almost everyone there liked Newt Gingrich, but wondered what would set him apart from other candidates for President if he should decide to run.

I may be jaded as I believe in most of what the Tea Party stands for. And, to be fair, I wasn't very happy with Newt's treatment of Sarah Palin and the Tea Party. On TV his comments often seemed mocking and critical of them all. I wanted to hear what made his (Gingrich) plan for America stand far and away better than any I had heard. As a conservative, I applauded all of the hot button issues he addressed, like bringing down taxes. But I walked away feeling that I'd just heard the party line and not a personal plea on how Newt could change the country for the better if we would implement his plans.

To be fully forthright, I was a huge fan of Newt Gingrich 20 + years ago. But he brought out his passion and mine at that time. I wish he could do it again, as of now, I am still looking for that candidate that can. But thanks Newt, for all that you've done for our country.