Newt Gingrich’s Newest and Best Idea: Instead of a Safety Net for the Poor, How About a Trampoline?

TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 30: Republican presidential candidate, former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich (R-GA) addresses a campaign rally at the Tampa Jet Center January 30, 2012 in Tampa, Florida. Gingrich and fellow candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney are criss-crossing Florida on the last full day of campaigning before the January 31 primary. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 30: Republican presidential candidate, former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich (R-GA) addresses a campaign rally at the Tampa Jet Center January 30, 2012 in Tampa, Florida. Gingrich and fellow candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney are criss-crossing Florida on the last full day of campaigning before the January 31 primary. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) Photo: Chip Somodevilla/2012 Getty Images

I think we want to replace the safety net with a trampoline. Policies that help the poor become middle class, help people get out of poverty.” —Newt Gingrich on CNN yesterday, reacting to Mitt Romney’s “very poor” gaffe. We think Gingrich should merge his student-janitorial solution to poverty with the trampoline idea. Just think, America’s poor youth could get a work ethic and fight obesity at the same time! [YouTube]

Newt Gingrich: Trampolines, Not Safety Nets, for Poor