About Mr. Gingrich

Now that Newt Gingrich seems to be surging in the polls, there is renewed interest in his background. This eclectic collection of items may be relevant:

• His 1985 Oxford debate and a 1994 Oxford-style debate in the House;
• His history as a Rockefeller Republican;
• His record on brain research;
• His support for Lincoln-Douglas style debates;
• His ability to prosper amid bad poll numbers;
• His relationship to Tiffany's;
• His (mostly unhappy) relationship with Tom Coburn;
• His general background (including my 1996 APSA paper about him);
• His pivotal 1984 confrontation with Tip O'Neill;
• His lessons from government shutdowns;
• His affection for zoos;
• His largely-unheralded role in Reagan's 1980 campaign