Former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich campaigned with presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump on Wednesday for the first time in what was widely seen as a tryout for the vice presidential slot in the billionaire’s campaign.
Gingrich, who built his political career in Georgia, took the stage for about seven minutes in Cincinnati to introduce Trump to the crowd assembled at the city’s convention center. He spent much of his stump speech lambasting Hillary Clinton. He also criticized Ohio’s governor and former Trump opponent John Kasich for not endorsing the billionaire.
“Everybody else talks about how they would like to change Washington a little bit,” Gingrich told the crowd. “(Trump) is going to kick over the table.”
Gingrich is viewed as one of the top contenders to be Trump's running mate, and he has long defended the New Yorker in the press and on social media.
He is the latest in a string of vice presidential prospects to meet and campaign with Trump in recent days.
The billionaire stumped with Tennessee U.S. Sen. Bob Corker at a rally Tuesday in North Carolina. He also met with Iowa U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst and Indiana Gov. Mike Pence over the July Fourth holiday weekend. Both Ernst and Corker, however, seemed to take themselves out of the running Wednesday.
Trump did not tip his hand about whether he’ll select Gingrich as his VP during his remarks in Ohio.
“I’m not saying it’s Newt (for VP),” Trump said. “But if it’s Newt, no one’s beating him in the debates!”
Trump did say that Gingrich would have some role in his administration.
The two posted a brief video together on Facebook Live before hitting the stage.
Earlier Wednesday, Trump said on Fox News that there are about 10 names on his VP short list, including two generals. He repeated, though, that he would like to pair up with someone who has experience moving legislation.
U.S. Rep. Tom Price said Gingrich brings to the table “remarkable experience, just an indefatigable wealth of information and ideas.”
“It’s always good to have a Georgian prominently discussed, so we’ll see,” the Roswell Republican said Wednesday.
Not everyone in Georgia was impressed.
“Folks in Cincinnati are in for a real sideshow with this duo — a carnival barker and a man who speaks out of both sides of his mouth,” said DuBose Porter, the chairman of the Georgia Democratic Party.
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