Newt Gingrich Looks Forward to New Crossfire Launch

Calling the show an American institution, former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich wrote supporters over the weekend on CNNs plans to relaunch Crossfire -- with the former Republican presidential candidate as one of the hosts.

As a junior member of Congress I had been a guest on Crossfire many times. It was launched in 1982 and became the premier place for debating the issues and talking about ideas, Gingrich wrote supporters in an email sent out over the weekend. Every night for 30 minutes two hosts and one or two guests would take a serious topic and examine it from multiple perspectives. There was plenty of time for everyone to express clear views and to ask each other substantive questions. From supply-side economics and tax cuts, to the Contra versus Communist fight in Nicaragua, to the Iran-Contra scandal, there always seemed to be enough interesting, provocative ideas to hold your attention for 30 intense minutes.

Crossfire was very different from the usual analyst on a set for four to eight minutes, Gingrich insisted. Crossfire focused on big questions and featured well-prepared advocates from both sides of the issue. People got in the habit of watching Crossfire because they knew they would hear a good debate. Whether you were a liberal, a conservative, or an undecided independent, you found yourself listening to the other side and having to confront arguments and facts that weren't part of your normal conversation.

As Stephanie Cutter, S.E. Cupp, Van Jones and I relaunch Crossfire, it will be serious, tough-minded, and confrontational, but not a hostile program, Gingrich added. If we can bring to CNN the kind of focused dialogue, fact-based disagreement, great informed guests, and serious conversation I experienced in the early days of Crossfire, then we will truly contribute to a better American dialogue and a more positive environment for politics and government.