ThinkProgress documented Newt's ongoing flip-flops about climate change and cap-and-trade. For example:
February 15, 2007: “I think if you have mandatory carbon caps combined with a trading system, much like we did with sulfur, and if you have a tax-incentive program for investing in the solutions, that there’s a package there that’s very, very good. And frankly, it’s something I would strongly support.” [Frontline, 2/15/07]
April 4, 2009: “And now, in 2009, instead of making energy cheaper—which would help create jobs and save Americans money—President Obama wants to impose a cap-and-trade regime. Such a plan would have the effect of an across-the-board energy tax on every American. That will make our artificial energy crisis even worse—and raising taxes during a deep economic recession will only accelerate American job losses.” [Newsweek, 4/4/09]
Let's be clear about something. Newt Gingrich isn't the only one -- just a highly visible example. The entire Republican political strategy is about saying the opposite of what the president says regardless of the facts, be it cap-and-trade or healthcare or use of the military in Libya.
And I can't help but to think about how the term "flip flop" was popularized in recent politics. John Kerry saying he voted for a spending bill in committee and voting against it on the floor because it had been gunked up with amendments. EVIL!
Adding... Remember this?
And now it's an "artificial energy crisis." Yeah. Circus clown.