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Fri Dec 30, 2011 at 02:11 PM PST

Newt Gingrich tears up

by Jed LewisonFollow

Will these tears be the secret sauce that revives Newt Gingrich's campaign?

Newt Gingrich broke down in tears here Friday morning when asked to recall a special memory of his mother, Kit Gingrich, who died from cancer in 2003.

Sure to invoke memories of Hillary Clinton’s tearing up in New Hampshire four years ago, the moment was a drastic departure from Gingrich’s usual image as a stoic, policy-driven candidate. The former House speaker cried more than once — and had to be handed tissues by one of his daughters seated in the front row — as he revealed his human side.

But while Hillary Clinton's tears came in response to a question from a voter, Newt Gingrich choked up after a long preamble from Frank Luntz in which Luntz all but got on his knees, pleading with Newt to show some emotion. And boy did Newt deliver, unleashing a display of waterworks that would have put the mourners of Kim Jong Il to shame. I have to admit, I think it made for some good video. And although Luntz clearly primed the pump, it even seemed genuine-ish—at least to me. But that's just my opinion...and whether it was real or not, the thing I really care about is this: will it be enough to boost Gingrich's chances on Tuesday?

Originally posted to The Jed Report on Fri Dec 30, 2011 at 02:11 PM PST.

Also republished by Daily Kos and Kos Georgia.

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