What’s in a name? That which we call a Newt by any other name would smell as amphibian. After coming ashore to cobble together a surprising victory in South Carolina, Newt Gingrich lost both the Florida and Nevada primary elections. Gingrich knows how to slink away when he wants to—just ask his first wife, Jackie Battley. Political commentators are saying it might be time for him to start considering it again. We dedicate this week’s playlist to Newt.
“Born to Die” – Lana Del Rey
Lana Del Rey and Newt Gingrich both suffered major gaffes last month. Gingrich was tied to several lobbying firms, while Del Rey performed as a perfect parody of a good singer on “Saturday Night Live.” Now it’s starting to look like Gingrich’s bid for president was born to die.
“The Thrill is Gone” – B.B. King
Rick Darnell and Roy Hawkins wrote “The Thrill is Gone” in 1951, and B.B. King made it popular in 1980, but it might as well have been written by a former Gingrich supporter. The former speaker of the house was polling in the mid-30s in December, but has since dropped by as much as 10 percent.
“Comeback Kid” – Sleigh Bells
Is Gingrich slated to become the next comeback kid? Stranger things have happened. Michael Jordan returned for his best ever season of basketball in 1995 after retiring to play baseball in 1993. Hugh Grant came back to become one of the world’s most beloved actors after being caught soliciting prostitutes in 1995. What do they have that Gingrich doesn’t, besides heaps of charm and likability?
“Devil in a Midnight Mass” – Billy Talent
Gingrich was a Lutheran. Then he was a Southern Baptist. In 2009, he became a Catholic. Come on, Newt! Make up your mind already!
“Safe & Sound” – Taylor Swift feat. The Civil Wars
Fans have determined that Swift’s new song from “The Hunger Games” soundtrack will likely be played when someone close to the main character dies. But lyrics like “Just close your eyes/The sun is going down” could just as easily apply to Gingrich’s campaign.
“Money” – The Flying Lizards
Gingrich’s chief spokesman recently revealed that the campaign uses its donations as soon as it receives them. Up against Mitt Romney—who has more than double the money than the last eight presidents combined—Gingrich has a high hill to climb. Good thing he’s got casino owner Sheldon Adelson (net worth: $21.5 billion) to prop him up.
