Behold The Professional Cable News Guest

Newt Gingrich decided to show his expertise in California politics in the Washington Post today, arguing that the special election defeat was a triumph for anti-tax reformers. With only 1 of the 5 propositions defeated on the ballot having anything to do with taxes, and that one tied to a right-wing spending cap, and 2 of the others defeated to ensure the safety of VOTER-APPROVED TAXES FOR SPECIFIC PROGRAMS, it's a curious notion.

But Newt Gingrich knowing nothing about California just matches his lack of knowledge about really anything. And despite this, he continues to get a large megaphone to spread his disinformation.

It’s a really strange situation. If were an editor looking for an op-ed from a conservative point of view about the California budget crisis, I would turn to one of the members of the California State Senate, or to one of the members of the California State House of Representatives. If I wanted an op-ed from a conservative point of view about the implications of the California budget crisis for national politics, I think I would turn to one of the 19 different Republican members of the United States House of Representatives. But the Post went with a former House Speaker from Georgia, who last held elected office about ten years ago.

If I wanted a conservative politician to go up against Dick Durbin (D-IL), the number two Democrat in the United States Senate, my first choice would be Jon Kyl (R-AZ), who’s Durbin’s opposite number. But of course Mitch McConnell (R-KY), the top GOP dog, would be a great get too. Failing that, there are 37 other Republican Senators you can ask. And there are lots of conservatives in the House leadership who might have an enlightening point of view on whatever it is they’re up to. But Meet The Press went with a former House Speaker from Georgia, who last held elected office about ten years ago.

Matt Y. goes on to note that other former House leaders don't get nearly the kind of platform that Gingrich does. On Rachel Maddow's show the other day, The Nation's Chris Hayes mentioned that he sees Gingrich in green rooms all over town, and that he wonders what the hell he does all day.

I guess all it takes is running a newsletter and lying about your efforts to potentially run for President some day, and you too can be on the teevee 24 hours a day. As long as you're Republican.