Yes Virginia, You Can Strike the Newt Clause

This photo is a wonderful example why politicians have a level of credibility on par with used car salesmen. The photo was taken on the 22nd in Richmond, Virginia, the deadline to turn in the 10,000 signatures to qualify for the GOP primary. The day before, Gingrich, aware he was in trouble, was guaranteeing he was going to make it, his failure formally recognized on Saturday.

It’s hard to look at a photo like this — of a candidate being given the time and the utmost attention of the voters of Virginia — without feeling that somebody owes them an apology.

(photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images caption: Republican presidential hopeful and former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich (R-GA) (C) speaks to members of the media at the end of a campaign rally December 22, 2011 in Richmond, Virginia. Gingrich continued to campaign prior to the upcoming primary season. Polls show Gingrich is in a dead heat with former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney..)