Gingrich last night flew to Joes defense at a GOP fund-raiser, saying movies rather than advertising promoted teenage smoking. He also lambasted the President for smoking cigars to celebrate victories. If the Republicans want to claim that advertising has no influence on youth smoking, thats a battle the White House would love to fight, says Branegan. Indeed, the news might have even tempted the President to light up a stogie.
Newt's Flip-Flop Cheers White House
-
Share
-
Read Later
-
Big Government wont break the back of Joe Camel -- not while Newt Gingrich warms the Speakers seat, anyway. And thats good news for the White House, says TIME correspondent Jay Branegan. A few weeks ago, Gingrich was vowing to fight hard against Big Tobacco; now hes back on their side, says Branegan. The White House see this flip-flop as evidence that the Republicans are in the pocket of Big Tobacco, and theyre really pleased.