Newt Gingrich Still Hitting Right Notes in Conservative Resurgence

Newt Gingrich is back in style and is considering a bid for the White House in 2012, so says the New York Times.

Gingrich, who led the so-called Republican Revolution as Speaker of the House in the mid-1990s, is in demand as a television commentator, author, and speaker at countless political events where he's often asked how Republicans can repeat their success of 1994 when they took control of the House and Senate. Gingrich, the newspaper said, is a one-man industry these days with a prolific output of books, films, speeches and policiy positions.

"People frequently begin a conversation with, 'Newt called me and said X , and thought we should do Y,' " said Republican pollster Bill McInturff.

Democrats have another take on Gingrich, who relished engaging in a culture war with liberals. "He's smart and engaging," said Democratic consultant Mark Mellman, "but he is seen as incredibly divisive and not very successful." Gingrich stepped down as Speaker in 1998 and left Congress in the face of bitter infighting among House Republicans. He had made his share of enemies with his chippy leadership style and abrasive manner.

But with conservatives energized in their opposition to President Barack Obama's policies, Gingrich is enjoying his hour in the limellight and says he will decide early next year whether to run for president, the Times said. He will turn 68 in 2012 so it could be his last opportunity.