Gingrich announces candidacy

In a Youtube video released earlier today, former House speaker Newt Gingrich announced that he will run for President – a move that he has been considering for the past few months.  He joins a Republican field that is still developing, with Tim Pawlenty and Ron Paul being the biggest names thus far.  Mitt Romney and Mike Huckabee have yet to announce.

As a strong conservative voice, Gingrich is both lashing out against Obama and promoting his own plan for America’s future.  In his short video, he promised “hope and opportunity,” and said that Americans should ”talk together, work together, find solutions together and insist on imposing those solutions on the forces that don’t want to change.”

Like many politicians, Gingrich is also carrying some unwanted baggage into the fight.  He has previously admitted to having an affair with a congressional aide, and questions rose about his use of a tax-exempt college course for political purposes.

Nevertheless, Gingrich feels confident entering the race.  After an interview with Fox News, he will speak at the Georgia Republican Party Convention on Friday.  An appearance on “Meet the Press” is also scheduled for Sunday.