Gingrich? Why not?

President Andrew Jackson, who blamed the sudden death of his wife on personal and political attack, married his wife, so they say, not knowing she was still married. Allegedly neither did she.

Ulysses S. Grant’s entire time in office was rife with scandal during the Gold Rush. Grover Cleveland’s campaign was haunted by a redundant chant of ‘ma, ma where’s my pa’ to bring light to his alleged out-of-wedlock child and a mistress.

My last point is the only death in office that I feel is not talked about enough was Warren G. Harding’s. This man, considered beyond reproach, died from stress (so they say) because he came back to town (D.C.) to find practically his entire Cabinet entwined in scandal.

As we look at our neighbors, our extended family and our elected officials we will forever be beset with scandal, immoral actions and out-and-out criminals.

Human beings are tempted, tested and tested again. I am not perfect, I do go to confession and I do look to be a better dad, husband and leader. I too am human and with fault.

Newt Gingrich, surrounded by scandal, as the media lovingly describes him, is no worse than the rest of them in my opinion. I heard the Democratic mouth-piece today defend her view of him as accurate while also saying Clinton was prosecuted by the Republicans for sex. This is not true. That sitting President was pursued for having lied under oath. They said time and time again ‘it’s only sex.’ Well, what is it with Gingrich? Only marriage? Three times?

I will not, cannot as a Catholic, and never consciously will defend Mr. Gingrich’s past actions. Marriage is forever, in my opinion, unless there is a genuine reason like abuse or evil. But when he goes after the media for his allegation of bias, I and many Americans stand and cheer him.

Mr. Clinton’s blue dress and cigar stories are about a man’s actions while serving as our nation’s representative. Mr. Gingrich is not perfect either, but he has not been President… yet. Mr. Clinton’s actions are as low and disgusting as you can get for someone who is supposed to rise above all of this.

We will never have a perfect man, or woman for President. And as long as my wife keeps reminding me that there was only one Ronald Reagan I will have to make do with what we’ve got.

Go Newt!