Newt Gingrich: The Rise and Fall of a Party Entrepreneur

Newt Gingrich is a polarizing and consequential figure in US politics, best understood as a "party entrepreneur" who worked primarily to achieve his congressional party's collective goals. He initially struggled due to a mismatch between his lofty goals and the resources available to him, but after years of cultivating allies, tempering his immediate objectives, and waiting for favorable circumstances, he claimed victory in 1994. However, he proved ineffective at balancing his goals with the demands of the Speakership and resigned from Congress just four years later.

Format: Hardback
Length: 296 pages
Publication date: 15 July 2022
Publisher: University Press of Kansas

Newt Gingrich, a prominent figure in US politics, has left an indelible mark on the political landscape. His journey from a minority party backbencher to the first Republican Speaker of the House in forty years is a testament to his resilience and political acumen. Despite the extensive coverage of his life and career, accounts of his time in Congress often lack completeness and are often skewed. In their book, Newt Gingrich: The Rise and Fall of a Party Entrepreneur, political scientists Matthew N. Green and Jeffrey Crouch delve into newly uncovered archival material, conduct original interviews, and analyze various data to present a comprehensive and insightful portrayal of Gingrich's congressional career.

Green and Crouch argue that Gingrich can be best understood as a "party entrepreneur," someone who primarily works to achieve the collective goals of his congressional party. From the moment he entered Congress, Gingrich was driven by two overarching party-related objectives: securing a Republican majority in the House and fostering a more conservative society. Additionally, he sought to enhance his own influence within the political sphere.

To achieve these goals, Gingrich employed a strategic approach reminiscent of military strategy. He meticulously cultivated allies, tempered his immediate objectives, and patiently waited for favorable circumstances to emerge. After years of relentless effort, Gingrich finally tasted victory in 1994 when Republicans gained control of the House and elected him as Speaker. However, his success in gaining power for himself and his party came at a cost.

Gingrich's tenure as Speaker was marked by his creative and ambitious leadership, but he struggled to balance his goals with the demands of the Speakership. He faced criticism for his handling of congressional affairs and his personal conduct, which ultimately led to his resignation from Congress just four years later.

Newt Gingrich's journey in Congress is a captivating tale of ambition, resilience, and the complex dynamics of political power. Green and Crouch's book provides a fresh perspective on his career, shedding light on his strategies, successes, and challenges. It serves as a valuable resource for scholars, political enthusiasts, and anyone interested in understanding the intricacies of US politics.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780700633265