Presidential candidate New Gingrich’s daughters Jackie Gingrich Cushman and Kathy Gingrich Lubbers said Thursday they have seen a dramatic change in their father over the years and he is not the man he was years ago when married to his ex-wife Marianne. Cushman and Lubbers were speaking to Fox News’ Sean Hannity following CNN’s presidential debate.
“The truth of the matter is, the people of South Carolina and the people in that room in particular — and I’m sure across this country watching that debate — knew in their hearts the reality that the American people deserve to have a president such as our father,” Lubbers said. “He responded and he brought up the fact that you know what? The American people deserve to have real questions in the debate — not things that are not pertinent to the current situation at hand —which is what is important to the American people in regard to jobs, and the economy, and national security.”
Cushman concurred and noted although the question of Gingrich’s marital infidelity was inappropriate for a presidential debate, the former House speaker responded directly.
“The point is they started off on a presidential debate with a personal story from over a decade ago . . . and we all know that, you know, terrible things happen in terms of divorce — divorce is very painful always for everybody,” Cushman said. “He tried very hard in that marriage and it didn’t work out.
“And the reality is he is really running not from his personal record but on his professional record which is, you know, he is the only candidate — including President Barack Obama — who actually balanced the national budget four years, reformed welfare, cut taxes, and cut spending,” she said. “He has an incredible record of accomplishment.”
Cushman also noted the faith-based change in her father over the years and the fact that Gingrich has been open about his mistakes.
“He’s asked for God’s forgiveness — he’s reconciled himself with God — and I think that people understand that none of us are perfect,” Cushman said. “And Rick Perry today in his endorsement gave such an eloquent speech about how that [Gingrich] wasn’t the perfect person but he was the right person to lead this nation at this time, and I think that really resonates with people. It’s not about being perfect but it’s about who can lead at this particular time in our nation.”
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