Newt Gingrich Closes Conference With Stirring Address

By: Susan Beach


Young Republicans crowd around former U.S. House speaker Newt Gingrich, snapping photos and posing for pictures with him long after finishing his address to the attendees at CPAC.

A fast moving snowstorm and a late 5 p.m. start for Gingrich didn't appear to deter his well-dressed fans. They cheered and gave him standing ovations many times when he discussed saving for retirement rather than depending on social security and parents being able to chose the schools their children attend.

On terrorism, Gingrich said every decision made by President George Bush has been "profoundly correct." The two security problems facing the country are the dictatorship in Iran and the militant group Hamas, he said.

Gingrich said too much power is concentrated in Washington and not enough is given to citizens. Congress should replace the failed government with an efficient, intelligent system, which he explains in his new book "Winning the Future: A 21st Century Contract with America."

Earlier in the afternoon Gingrich autographed copies of his book for hundreds of twenty-somethings who waited in a line that stretched down a long hallway in the hotel.




Photos: Glenn Luther

Photo 1 Caption: Newt Gingrich speaks to a huge crowd of mostly young conservatives at the CPAC conference. Gingrich said every decision made by President George Bush has been "profoundly correct."

Photo 2 Caption: A photo composite of the young well-dressed crowd as they listen attentively to Gingrich discuss the conservative agenda at CPAC.


Photo 3 Caption: Matthew FarrFloridalordia State University, smiles as Newt Gingrich signs his book, titled "Winning the Future: A 21st Century Contract with America."