Newt Gingrich is attempting to push back against conservatives’ vehement disagreement with his endorsement of Republican* Dede Scozzafava, posting audio and transcripts of his thoughts on his website. The short summary: “Although some of her values do not match my own, Scozzafava will help us in our efforts to win back Congress.”

He might be well advised to say something about her calling the cops on Weekly Standard reporter John McCormack, and her subsequent effort to smear McCormack as an unhinged, screaming loon. The objections to Scozzafava go well beyond policy differences; now they are a matter of character.

* Or, if you prefer Steyn’s term, DIABLO, Democratic In All But Label Only.