Former Republican House Speaker and possible 2012 presidential hopeful Newt Gingrich was extremely outspoken during my CNBC interview with him last night on a host of key issues.

Some highlights:

– Gingrich was very critical of Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke, saying flatly that he would not reappoint him if he were to become president and that the Fed head has “done a terrible job.”

– He says to expect a decision as to whether he will run for president in the first week of May (May 2 or 3). He also said he’ll skip the exploratory-committee stage.

– On jobs, he said there will not be more employment opportunities until Washington adopts lower tax rates, regulatory reform, a focus on exports, and an “American energy” policy.