'Amateur Paleontologist' Newt Gingrich Denies Global Warming

12/31/11: Speaking in Iowa, GOP presidential candidate Newt Gingrich says he doesn't think global warming is "proven" and explains his denial of science by saying he is an "amateur paleontologist."

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• Global Warming
• Newt Gingrich
• climate science
• news
• politics
• Iowa

[TheSngcoach]

Why do people always focus on the negative aspects of these idiots? Newt Gingrich believes in the moon, and the moon landings, that is quite an accomplishment for a republican candidate. Good job newt.

[Viracocha711]

@JabalEarly Newt said, "I, also, am an amateur paleontologist, so I’ve spent a lot of time looking at the earth’s temperature over a long time, and I’m a lot harder to convince than just looking at a computer model.” Say what you want but it is obvious he meant "Climatologist"...Add the context with the fact no reporter from any news agency has ever heard anything about Newt's hobby as an "Amateur Paleontologist" Later.

[Viracocha711]

@JabalEarly I already made it crystal clear to you that the two fields can overlap! So, just admit you are trying to defend Gingrich for his MISTAKE & be done with it. You find JUST ONE example of Gingrich EVER claiming he is an "Amateur Paleontologist" & I will admit I'm WRONG. All media including Politico were SHOCKED as no one that has followed him EVER heard such a thing. Newt meant to say Climatologist! His entire comment in context CONTINUED...

[JabalEarly]

@Viracocha711 Sure I am. You need to know one to know the other and YOU seem not to get that point. Agree to disagree, I guess.

[Viracocha711]

@JabalEarly You still are not getting my point about Gingrich...You said, "Why are you so convinced that in order to have knowledge in a field that you need a college degree in it?" I NEVER EVER said that...I was pointing out the fact Gingrich has NEVER said he was an "Amateur Paleontologist" before & when he said that in the context of monitoring temps today made NO SENSE! Newt meant to say "Amateur Climatologist". I can't explain it in any more detail than that.

[JabalEarly]

@Viracocha711 I'm not going to select a candidate based solely on his or her stance in regards to global warming when the economy is in shambles, we're fighting innumerable battles around the globe and social security will be extinct by the time I'm ready to collect ( paleontology joke :-) )

[JabalEarly]

@Viracocha711 So that's that. Why are you so convinced that in order to have knowledge in a field that you need a college degree in it? Did you, like me, major in Atmospheric Science? By your logic, if you didn't, then you know nothing about it. I said it once and I'll say it again: I believe wholeheartedly in global warming. Believe the guy who wants to eventually make a career out of solving the issue. But I believe he's the best candidate, based on his other views.

[JabalEarly]

@Viracocha711 I began my college career as a Marine Geoscience major and took several courses regarding paleoclimates, paleobiology and paleontology... hell, I know the geologic time scale better than my familys' birthdays. Anyway, I've since made the switch to Atmospheric Sciences and have studied global climate change, as well as historical climate change and I'm actually currently enrolled in a course focused on the effects global warming is having specifically in Antarctica.

[Viracocha711]

@JabalEarly One more time...Newt has no past record of or has ever mentioned any interest in "Paleontology". Newt does however have a PhD in History but is better known for his PhD in PURE BULLSHIT! This is why most in the GOP establishment do not like him because his mouth is a TIME BOMB! Newt was my Congressional Rep (6th Dist) I will be honest I am deeply skeptical that you study BOTH Paleontology & Climatology at the University level. Just sayin it is highly unlikely.

[JabalEarly]

@Viracocha711 Global warming is not an issue that can be fixed overnight, or even in 8 years. I'm a believer that it is, indeed occurring at unprecedented rates. With that said, though, with no other candidates who know what they're talking about in regards to the field, I'll take the guy who has the most logical foreign policy, economic plan and possesses relatively agreeable social views... all while pushing for alternative energy.