Politics: Mewt Gromney

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Politics Mewt Gromney Romney and Gingrich trade places in the Tampa debate.   By John Dickerson Posted Tuesday, Jan 24, 2012, at 06:28 AM ET Florida is a haven for retirees, and Newt Gingrich seemed like one during the GOP debate in Tampa Monday night. Instead of the firebrand he's been in the previous seventeen outings, he was in a constant state of repose, ducking attacks, tolerating moderators, and generally just paddling around in the shallow waves hoping for a nice soak. Mitt Romney was shark-like: He wore a permanent smile and attacked with emotionless precision. In New Hampshire, Newt Gingrich was on the attack and Mitt Romney remained cool and calm. In Florida the relationship has reversed. The Romney campaign prides itself on its long view. It has a game plan for a protracted primary fight. But the tense and relentless Romney looked like a man unsure that everything was going according to plan. In the end, it was probably his night. But it was a brittle, shaky victory that probably won't change the dynamic much. Romney attacked Gingrich immediately and went for every artery. Twice he said Gingrich "resigned in disgrace." He accused the former speaker of influence-peddling, called him a creature of K Street and reminded viewers that he had palled around with Democratic Speaker Nancy Pelosi while criticizing Republican House Budget Chairman Paul Ryan.  Romney has clearly cracked the seal on the Destroy Newt briefing book. Gingrich is running as a Washington outsider. Romney called B.S. (Or as he says it: Golly No!) He kept pointing out that Gingrich's initial claim that he had provided advice "as ... To continue reading, click here. Join the Fray: our reader discussion forum What did you think of this article? POST A MESSAGE | READ MESSAGES Also In Slate Gingrich Threatens To Skip Debates if Crowd Can't Cheer Apple's e-Textbook Plan Is Lame. Here's How It Could Really Help Students. Lithwick: Supreme Court's GPS Decision Reveals Startling Rift Between Alito and Scalia	Advertisement
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