Gingrich warns Freedom Caucus to study his era as conservatives issue demand letter following Johnson vote

Former Speaker Newt Gingrich, who played a pivotal role in leading Republicans to their first House majority in four decades back in 1994, took to Twitter on Saturday to offer some advice to the House Freedom Caucus. Gingrich suggested that the caucus should take a page out of his own playbook and recall how his Conservative Opportunity Society paved the way for conservatives to gain power within the party.

Gingrich highlighted the development of “positive action principles” in 1983 by him and other conservatives, which eventually led to the Contract with America and the historic GOP House Majority in 1994. He urged the Freedom Caucus to study these principles, emphasizing that they could be significantly more effective by doing so.

Political reporter Mark Halperin echoed this sentiment in his “Wide World of News” newsletter, describing the Freedom Caucus as a group of rebels with various causes but lacking a coherent path to achieving them. Gingrich’s advice stems from his own experience in the 1980s, when he often addressed conservative issues on the House floor during late-night sessions, leveraging the new C-SPAN television format to reach a broader audience.

Gingrich’s biographer, Craig Shirley, emphasized the importance of Gingrich’s strategic approach to conservative governance in the 1980s and 1990s. He noted that while the political landscape may have evolved since then, the core principles of the GOP remain steadfast – less government, more freedom, lower taxes, strong national defense, and a pro-life stance.

Reflecting on his time with Gingrich’s Conservative Opportunity Society, former Rep. Vin Weber highlighted the challenges and opportunities faced by conservative groups within the party. He noted that Gingrich’s ability to identify and rally like-minded individuals was instrumental in their success.

Shirley underscored the current opportunity for the Freedom Caucus to advance their goals given the Republican control in Washington. He emphasized the importance of following a core set of issues and ideologies, drawing parallels to Reaganite principles and Speaker Mike Johnson’s commitment to these ideals.

In a recent development, the Freedom Caucus met with Speaker Johnson to address concerns about his willingness to champion conservative priorities. Members like Rep. Ralph Norman expressed reservations but ultimately supported Johnson after receiving assurances of his commitment to their agenda.

The Freedom Caucus outlined several policy points in a letter to Speaker Johnson, urging him to prioritize conservative goals and reverse the policies of the Biden-Harris administration. They emphasized the need for fiscal responsibility, adherence to procedural rules, and a commitment to advancing conservative legislation.

Overall, Gingrich’s advice to the Freedom Caucus serves as a reminder of the strategic approach that led to conservative victories in the past. By studying the lessons of history and staying true to core principles, the caucus can maximize its effectiveness and achieve meaningful change within the party.