Smart guy, but his foot is in his mouth

I've always thought that Newt Gingrich was a smart guy. He taught college-level history, and his revisionist history of the crucial battle of the Civil War, "Gettysburg," is surprisingly well-done. His 1994 "Contract with America" was a brilliant piece of political showmanship that helped the Republicans win the House for the first time in decades. He has also made a point of thinking creatively about America's political problems. He has been useful as a devil's advocate, often looking at problems from a different viewpoint and offering creative new approaches.

None of this suggests that he should be president of the United States. In addition to his sharp, creative mind, Gingrich has had a wide streak of self-righteousness, and, unfortunately, his self-righteous streak might be more character-shaping than his intellect. He has also made a habit of saying what he's thinking before fully thinking it through and, thereby, saying some outlandish things. Take, for example, his rejoinder after catching some flak after criticizing Rep. Paul Ryan's budget plan: “Any ad which quotes what I said Sunday is a falsehood.”

And now, sanctimonious and short-tempered as ever, Gingrich is claiming the $250,000 to $500,000 he and his third wife (count 'em) owed Tiffany's is just a normal, everyday payment for a "frugal" couple who live within their means and always pay on time. The Washington Post digs into the debt a bit and finds more than gold dust.

Gingrich is a smart guy, but he shouldn't be president. And with his foot in his mouth like that, it will be hard for him to keep in the running.