Newt Gingrich Launches Presidential Exploratory Effort

Former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich announced on Thursday that he had formed an exploratory committee, taking one of the most colorful and controversial political leaders in America closer to launching a bid for the Republican presidential nomination in 2012.

Speaking at the Georgia Capitol in Atlanta on Thursday, Gingrich said that he was launching a website for his exploratory committee but he did not formally announce that he was running for the Republican nomination.

"We will look at this very seriously and very methodically and lay out a framework for what we will do next," Gingrich said.

The former House speaker played up American exceptionalism in his remarks and at the website.

America's greatness lies in 'We the People.' We are a nation like no other, noted Gingrich. To remain so will require the dedicated participation of every citizen, of every neighborhood, of every background. This is the responsibility of a free people.

We are excited about exploring whether there is sufficient support for my potential candidacy for president of this exceptional country, added Gingrich.