Bill Press is co-host of CNN's Crossfire. He is providing exclusive analysis to CNN allpolitics.com during the election season.

Bill Press: Newt's back -- with both hands out

By Bill Press/CNN

May 22, 2000
Web posted at: 12:11 p.m. EDT (1611 GMT)

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Don't know what to do with all that spare cash you've got lying around? Here's the perfect solution. Go online and buy a wedding present for Newt Gingrich.

Yes, whatever you think of Gingrich, you've got to admire his nerve.

I mean, here's a man who was given the greatest opportunity for leadership enjoyed by Republicans in Congress for 40 years and blew it. Who brought Republicans to near-defeat in 1998, and resigned in disgrace. Who led the Republican charge to impeach President Bill Clinton for cheating on his wife with a White House intern, while he was doing the same thing with a Capitol Hill staffer. Who just survived a messy divorce from his popular second wife, Marianne.

Anybody else with all that baggage would slink away, never to be seen or heard from again. But not Newt. He's not only back, he's standing tall and proud: online, with both hands out, shamelessly begging for wedding gifts for him and his bride-to-be, Callista Bisek.

Check it out yourself. Click Williams-Sonoma.com. Enter last name: Bisek. Then, enter state: Virginia. And, voila! Everything Newt and Callista want for their new kitchen together: from rubber spatulas at $7 each, to a boning knife for $79, to a Cuisinart for $149. Plus seven cookbooks, including one whole book of pizza recipes -- which is, of course, just what Newt does not need.

Now, consider yourself forewarned. Their want list is so long that you, like I, may start feeling sorry for Newt. Poor guy. Obviously, Marianne had a better attorney. She must have walked away with every last fork, knife and spoon. She didn't even leave him a pot to boil in. Poor Newt has to start all over again from scratch.

But he's also starting out in style. Take a look at his second wedding site. Click Macy's.com. Then click: bridal registry. Enter: Callista Bisek. Enter wedding date: August 2000. Welcome to Newt's bathroom and bedroom!

You will be thrilled to know that, with your generous assistance, Newt and Callista will be snuggling on Ralph Lauren sand dune sheets, at $59.99 each; laying down their sleepy little heads on Ralph Lauren sand dune pillow cases, at $44.98 each; and stepping out of the shower onto a Ralph Lauren tub mat, a true bargain, for only $24.99. Nothing but the designer best for Mr.and Mrs. former Speaker.

Wait! There's more! Macy's web site has an added bonus. You can not only choose the perfect wedding gift for Newt and Callista, you can also send the happy couple your very own personal, online greetings. Here's mine:

"Dear Newt and Callista: Congratulations. Best wishes for a happy marriage. Now, please. Just get lost. Forever."

Frankly, I find something terribly cheeky about this whole public display. There must be a law against registering as new bride and groom, when it's the third time around the track. If not, there should be. At some point, serial grooms should give their friends a break.

Still, there is one good thing about Newt's so publicly flaunting his new flame. It proves, once and for all, that Democrats have no monopoly on adultery, hypocrisy -- or chutzpah. Republicans are just as bad, if not worse.

So, hurry up online, political fans, and show your appreciation. Send knickknacks to Newt. But cross out the wooden spoon from Williams-Sonoma for $2.50. I already sent that as my gift. It's the least I could do for someone who has provided so much fodder for so many Crossfires and so many columns.

And, don't forget: don't spend it all on Newt and Callista. Save some of your money. Because, soon, we'll be buying gifts for Rudy and Judy.

These cheating Republicans are getting expensive!