Trump's SOS? Gingrich Amasses $150 Mill After Leaving Congress $60,000 Speaking Fee

Mr. Gingrich has done very well after he left public office. He has a $60,000 per speech fee, first class airfare, suite with 2 baths and the list goes on.

Will the new boss, be different than the old boss.

The contract called for payment of “first class expenses,” including the hotel of Gingrich’s choice, and “first class airfare.” A Gingrich aide gets a smaller hotel room ”located nearby the suite, but not attached.” A contract addendum also notes that “Mrs. Gingrich” may sometimes travel with her husband and “will be needed to be seated beside Mr. Gingrich at all functions.”

Perhaps most curious was language requiring a “non-smoking one-bedroom suite (preferably with two bathrooms).” The Smoking Gun compared Gingrich’s “loo requirement” with “Mary J. Blige’s toilet seat proviso,” in which the singer required “a private toilet (with new toilet seat)” as part of her standard performance contract.

The Gingrich contract suggests that the former House speaker received $50,000 for the convocation event in Missouri, which is $10,000 shy of the amount that he has said he usually commands for speeches.

“I was charging $60,000 a speech, and the number of speeches was going up, not down,” Gingrich said recently.

Gingrich’s money-making and spending habits have become a central issue in the presidential race since he has risen to the top of the Republican field ahead of Mitt Romney. Gingrich amassed a $150 million financial empire after leaving Congress and is still trying to dig out from under a mountain of debt from private charter planes and other pricey expenses in the early weeks of his campaign.

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For me it is a matter of hypocrisy. Executives and others who have been in leadership positions get paid to give speeches. Heck, have you seen some of the contract riders of celebrities - requesting green only M&Ms and specific bottles of water?

I don't begrudge even the Clintons for earning speaking fees. I'm sure Obama will be raking in the millions too.

However, Republicans aren't running around attacking those who have been successful and earned a lot of money. Liberals do. It is the height of hypocrisy to slam those who work for a living as not paying their fair share, telling them they didn't build their businesses, or any of the other claptrap from the left while the Clintons run around making tens of millions of dollars giving speeches.

It is like how Michael Moore slams capitalism, but then used capitalism to enrich himself. I'm supposed to feel guilty earning millions in finance or building a business, yet it is ok for liberal political hacks to make millions giving speeches or acting in movies?

a reply to: Edumakated
The $ makes me wonder what other things they have in common with the Clintons.

I find it hard to believe they will have a proper perspective on what a person whos income is less than a their 45 minute speech.

Republicans, not all, tend to do the opposite of the dems, they complain about the welfare system and the people who are using the assistance instead of the wealthy.

However, Republicans aren't running around attacking those who have been successful and earned a lot of money. Liberals do. It is the height of hypocrisy to slam those who work for a living as not paying their fair share, telling them they didn't build their businesses, or any of the other claptrap from the left while the Clintons run around making tens of millions of dollars giving speeches.

It is like how Michael Moore slams capitalism, but then used capitalism to enrich himself. I'm supposed to feel guilty earning millions in finance or building a business, yet it is ok for liberal political hacks to make millions giving speeches or acting in movies?

newt has very specific insider knowledge on how Washington works. Now that we all know how corrupt it really is, having a guide to show you where the pungi sticks are would be a wise choice.

a reply to: network dude

newt has very specific insider knowledge on how Washington works. Now that we all know how corrupt it really is, having a guide to show you where the pungi sticks are would be a wise choice.

Devil's advocate, he also knows how "Washington works".

Trump has to have some insiders who know how the game is played, just even from a procedural standpoint. Keep your friends close. Your enemies closer.

It would be nice to have someone come in with a cabinet of nothing but outsiders but I don't think it would fly and probably won't be as productive.

a reply to: Edumakated

It would be nice to have someone come in with a cabinet of nothing but outsiders but I don't think it would fly and probably won't be as productive.

Good point, hope that is the case.

Just banking cash isn't something to fret about. The ethics involved in the 'loot' is the issue.

Just banking cash isn't something to fret about. The ethics involved in the 'loot' is the issue.

a reply to: IgnoranceIsntBlisss

I don't follow can you explain please?

a reply to: seasonal

no question there. He's part of the system. But like I said, you would navigate it much better with a guide who knows the path.