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Episode 3: Spoiler And Victor

Newt Gingrich expands his power. He takes down a Democratic Speaker of the House and refuses to stand with the Republican president, George H.W. Bush.
Reporters clustering around House Spkr. James C. Wright Jr. with Reps. William H. Gray III (L) and Thomas S. Foley in tow.
Reporters clustering around House Spkr. James C. Wright Jr. with Reps. William H. Gray III (L) and Thomas S. Foley in tow.Cynthia Johnson / Getty Images file

About this episode:

Newt Gingrich begins to climb the political ladder. He takes charge of GOPAC, a group that makes cassette tapes to train Republican candidates. He wants to nationalize elections, to teach Republicans nationwide to campaign with the same conservative message. And the GOP has a new ally to amplify their message, radio host Rush Limbaugh. When, in 1987, Gingrich starts to go after the Democrats’ leader in the House, Jim Wright, it’s with the blessing of the old guard of his party. They even reward him with the Number Two spot in GOP leadership. Gingrich doesn’t stop there. In 1990, his next target is the Republican president, George H.W. Bush.

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