Gingrich says he's not a "Washington figure" and apparently thinks you're stupid enough to believe him

By Michael J.W. Stickings

The Newt, off to an embarrassingly horrible start with his 2012 presidential bid, is trying a new tack:

I'm not a Washington figure, despite the years I've been here. I'm essentially an American whose ties are across the country and is interested in how you change Washington, not how you make Washington happy.

Sorry, not gonna work:

Gingrich was first elected to Congress in 1978, where he remained until 1999, when he resigned both the Speakership and his seat in Congress. In the time since, he's set up a network of organizations (colloquially known as "Newt Inc.") based in Washington. He's made his home in the D.C. suburbs. 

Besides, how is he less "Washington" than, say, Romney or Pawlenty, neither of whom has ever held federal office? (He isn't. Instead, he is, and is perceived to be, extremely Washington, as "Washington" a Republican as there is.)

Right now, Gingrich is just throwing shit at the wall to see what, if anything, sticks. Truly and utterly pathetic.