Newt Gingrich's announcement this week that he will seek the Republican nomination for president comes as no surprise to those who heard him speak at Salem State University in late March.
The former House speaker sounded every bit the candidate even then, noting of the incumbent, Barack Obama, "I think there's a good possibility he will be a one-term president."
Of course, that was before a Navy SEAL team plucked Osama bin Laden from his hiding place in Abbottabad and dumped his body in the ocean. But while the raid put Obama's numbers in terms of his handling of foreign policy at an all-time high, according to an NBC News poll released this week, more Americans than ever find his handling of the economy seriously lacking.
Much can change for better or worse, both here and abroad, in the 15 months remaining between now and the next election.
Republicans in particular, but also the nation, can only benefit from a robust nomination fight featuring credible candidates — that doesn't include you, Mr. Trump — capable of bringing the party's case for change to the voters.
Though he has not held elective office for years, Gingrich is one. The Bay State's former governor, Mitt Romney, is another. And there are a dozen of others who are seriously considering a run. Whether they are qualified or not, time and public opinion will tell.
As neighbors of New Hampshire, we in Massachusetts will soon be seeing the parade of candidates doing their usual retail politicking in the Granite State, stumping for votes. The New Hampshire process has an admirable quality to it that forces candidates to actually meet the people who may, or may not, vote for them. We look forward to seeing who will be making the rounds.
The race is still getting organized, but rest assured there will be plenty of time to evaluate the candidates before voters caucus in Iowa or cast their ballots in New Hampshire next winter.
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