Gingrich Gingerly Tests Political Waters

The next Republican presidential nominee should offer a vision “that people can feel in their lives,” said House Speaker Newt Gingrich during an appearance in Des Moines, capital of the state where the 2000 presidential campaign begins. The Georgia Republican generated a lot of speculation during a barnstorming swing through the state, where precinct caucuses open the nominating season for a parade of potential candidates. He raised money for a local congressman, adopted a lion at the zoo and signed autographs. He was cheered by thousands at a statewide wrestling contest. If that sounds like a politician testing political waters, that is how it was being read.