We learned two things this past weekend, Gaels. First, the Giants are heading to Indianapolis to crush the Patriots in yet another Super Bowl and second, Newt Gingrich knows how to prepare to answer a question that everyone knew was coming. By now countless news stories and opinions have been issued regarding last week’s CNN Debate in South Carolina in which Gingrich verbally attacked CNN’s John King beginning the debate with a question about Gingrich’s alleged request for an “open marriage” with his second wife Marianne. Gaels, you’re all Facebook users, you know that there is a clear difference between a relationship status that reads “Amanda is in a relationship with Ryan Gosling” and one that reads “Amanda is in an open relationship with Ryan Gosling.” So, when King asked Gingrich to comment on the open marriage issue, Gingrich was obviously appalled. How dare the “destructive, vicicous [and] negative” news media address a candidate’s messy personal life? The American people don’t care about the fact that a candidate has had a few extramarital affairs. They are more interested on the issues of the economy, jobs and beating new YouTube singing sensation Barack Obama. Wait, what’s that Google? The top four search terms related to Newt Gingrich in South Carolina in the week leading up to the primary were Callista, Marianne, Newt Scandal and Newt Wives? People are curious about a candidate’s personal life and possible scandal? Shocking! Actually, no it’s not shocking—everybody loves a scandal. Thus, to no one’s surprise, the open marriage was the news’ hottest story. Gingrich would have been foolish not to prepare to answer inquiries regarding his questionable past and he prepared an answer to perfectly illustrate his mastery of rhetoric and political theatrics. Gingrich knows how to play to his audience, so what does he say? He attacks the liberal media that so victimizes Republicans, calling the question “as close to despicable as anything I can imagine.” Cue exuberant applause and chants of “Newt” by the crowd. Gingrich’s performance in the debates was a huge aspect in his victory in South Carolina with 60% of Gingrich voters calling the debates the most important factor at the ballot box according to a Washington Post poll.  But what does this say about voter’s reactions to Gingrich’s messy private life? Does it reflect, as Dr. Keith Ablow, “psychiatrist and member of the Fox News Medical A-Team” suggests, that Gingrich’s three marriages may be a boon to the presidency?  Will Gingrich’s experience of giving two wives the painful truth that he was in love with another woman and seeking a divorce suggest that “Mr. Gingrich will be as direct and unsparing with the Congress [as he was with his former wives], the American people and our allies?” I don’t believe so—although, John Boehner may cry just as much. Instead, I’m sure the fascination with Gingrich’s personal lives was surpassed by the support he earned in attacking an establishment that Republicans so revile—the liberal media. Yes, Gingrich’s three wives proved to be an asset to his victory in South Carolina, but certainly not because the experiences in marrying three times will aid to his presidential credentials.  The ability to use rhetoric to put on a great debate performance?  Now that is his true asset.  Get ready, Florida—it’s sure to be wild ride.     To contact The Ionian’s Amanda Kelly, e-mail her at [email protected]