On Sunday, Newt Gingrich questioned whether Mitt Romney had the character to be president. When ABC’s Jake Tapper asked if Romney had the character to be president Sunday morning, Newt Gingrich replied “it is a very serious problem.” He went on to discuss Romney’s negative campaign against him as “factually false” and said that “You cannot be president of the United States if you cannot be honest and candid with the American people.”
Now, Romney’s surrogates are rallying to his defense. Throughout the afternoon, through the campaign, several have issued statements on his behalf.
Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell said:
Mitt Romney’s moral fitness for office is beyond reproach and is a major reason that I am so pleased to support his campaign. Mitt Romney has the character and the values we need in our next President.”
Tim Pawlenty said:
I thought I had heard it all from Newt Gingrich, but for him to question the character of Mitt Romney is over the line. I have spent a lot of time with Mitt Romney, and I can tell you with zero hesitation that he is a man of flawless character.
Utah Rep. Jason Chaffetz said:
Mitt Romney embodies the definition of public servant. He didn’t take a dime in salary as governor – and donated his salary from the Olympics to charity. Newt’s new attack on Mitt’s character is a desperate attempt to save his campaign, and it’s not going to work.
