Trump Steals a Page From Newt Gingrich
As a young congressman, Gingrich figured out how to weaponize cable TV.
by Julian E. Zelizer
Dec 12, 2018
3 minutes
Live from the Oval Office, President Donald Trump sparred with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi on Tuesday as Vice President Mike Pence stared into the middle distance. Although the subject at hand was the border wall, the headlines were all about aggressive body language and raised voices. It was an extraordinary event—a public tussle in a setting associated with decorum. But the conversion of the Oval Office into a soundstage was long in the making.
Decades ago, Newt Gingrich divined that chaos was more telegenic than governing. He set the pattern
You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.
Start your free 30 days