Gingrich Is a 'Human Hand Grenade'

Whatever you've heard about Newt Gingrich, from the most damning criticism to the highest praise, "it's all true," writes Peggy Noonan in the Wall Street Journal. That's the unique thing about him: He's been brilliant and he's been awful, and supporters and detractors have plenty of information to back up their respective positions. "Those who know him fear—or hope—that he will be true to form in one respect: He will continue to lose to his No. 1 longtime foe, Newt Gingrich," writes Noonan. "He is a human hand grenade who walks around with his hand on the pin, saying, 'Watch this!'"

The biggest fear for Republicans is that he will remain in control just long enough to lock down the nomination and then "begin baying at the moon" during the general election. It wouldn't be out of character. For while "there are many good things" to say about the candidate, "this is a walk on the wild side" for Republicans. Click to read about how Mitt Romney is getting aggressive in his Gingrich attacks. (More Newt Gingrich 2012 stories.)