Newt Gingrich’s campaign is falling apart for the second time , and this time it looks like it’s dying for keeps. Print media has pulled its last reporters from Gingrich campaign coverage, though the candidate adamantly vows he’ll soldier on all the way to the convention.
While print reporters will continue to cover Gingrich should the occasion merit it, consistent and assigned coverage of his campaign has ended. Politico reports that it has pulled its last embedded reporter from Gingrich’s campaign. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reporter was pulled as well, and combined with Politico’s, was the last of two reporters covering the candidate’s campaign. Even the AP pulled their reporter last Tuesday after the Illinois primary. Television reporters will stick around, at least for now.
However, Gingrich’s campaign soldiers on according to the candidate, who told CNN’s Wolf Blitzer : “I think this is not over until it’s over and obviously, if he does become the nominee, I will support him,” the former House speaker said of Romney, calling him “the weakest front runner in modern times.”
“If he can get to 1,144, he’s the nominee,” Gingrich said. “But if he can’t get to 1,144, on 26th of June, it will be a wide open primary at that point. If Romney can’t clinch it, I think it becomes pretty wide open.” Gingrich is referring to the so-called “magic number” of GOP delegates needed to cinch the nomination.
When asked about his controversial remarks regarding President Obama’s comments on the death of Florida teen Trayvon Martin, Gingrich softened his criticism of the President, saying: “I think he should show empathy for that family. I think he should show empathy for every family that loses a child,” Gingrich said. “We should be concerned about any young American of any background who ends up getting killed. I think all of us should reach out with our hearts to any American.”
Exit stage left: print media coverage of Gingrich’s campaign. But however moribund, Gingrich’s campaign will continue. According to the candidate, he won’t quit because the race isn’t decided yet.
