Terrorists: Shut Up! Politicians: Speak Up!

David Weigel | November 28, 2006

Need proof that Newt Gingrich is serious about his will-of-the-people presidential bid? He's already mastered the First Amendment flip-flop. Exhibit A: Free speech is good!

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich says First Amendment rights need to be expanded, and eliminating the McCain-Feingold law's restrictions on campaign contributions would be a start.

Gingrich, a Republican, suggested allowing people to give any amount to any candidate as long as the donation was reported online within 24 hours.

Exhibit B: Free speech is bad!

Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich yesterday said the country will be forced to reexamine freedom of speech to meet the threat of terrorism.

Gingrich, speaking at a Manchester awards banquet, said a "different set of rules" may be needed to reduce terrorists' ability to use the Internet and free speech to recruit and get out their message.

Now the punchline: Gingrich said all of this in the same speech.