Keep an eye on Newt

It was a news story dripping with irony. Newt Gingrich, who confessed to an extramarital affair and was drummed from House leadership because — in his words — he "threw a couple of interceptions," is now scolding Republicans for their bad behavior.

You know you're in trouble when a 30-handicapper offers you golfing tips.

And you're in trouble when Don Juan questions your principles.

For Gingrich, this latest foray into the political fray — like his joint appearances with Hillary Clinton — seems to be an attempt to re-invent himself. He's still young, bright and bold. He wants back in politics. And shaking up the status quo is one way to catch the media eye.

What's more, putting all his self-serving reasons aside, Gingrich does have a vision. Power can make leaders lazy. And the powerful GOP, he is saying, needs to realign its compass. Distracting scandals and failures in crises have forced the party to take its eye off the ball. And that ball, Gingrich would say, is the future.

Speaking locally at the 10th anniversary of the Sutherland Institute, Gingrich chided Republicans for becoming a "party of pork" instead of change. He also said everyone — including himself — is unhappy with the war and unhappy with the way the administration talks about the war. Without mentioning names, he spoke of "decay" in America and warned of the incoming tidal waves of technology, nuclear weapons and culture change.

It has been said one of the most difficult things to do is listen to someone you don't appreciate scold you, realize what that person is saying is the truth, then change your behavior. That kind of adjustment takes character. And throughout its storied history, the Republican Party has demonstrated character. We suggest that the leaders of the Grand Old Party not dismiss this message because of the messenger. Mr. Gingrich has his flaws, but timidity in speaking his mind is not one of them. His remarks at Sutherland likely stung a few people and may have encouraged others. They also set the stage for a debate on several major issues.

Newt Gingrich may have thrown a few interceptions in the past, but he seems determined to climb off the bench and get back in the game.