Clinton Called ‘Counterfeit Conservative’

House Speaker Newt Gingrich on Saturday painted President Clinton as a “counterfeit conservative” who talks a moderate game, then sabotages those he tries to emulate.

“We’re over here standing with the American people (who say) balance the budget, reform welfare with an emphasis on the work ethic, reduce taxation, reduce Washington bureaucracy,” Gingrich said.

“And Clinton comes trotting across every day like a counterfeit conservative, gets as close to as he can, as long as it’s only words, and as soon as he gets a bill, he vetoes it.”

Gingrich, speaking at a fund-raiser for Rep. Steve Stockman, R-Texas, said a gap has been forged between select friends of Clinton - trial attorneys, the media, unions and bureaucrats - and the rest of America, who count on the Republican Party for proper action in Washington.

“Steve and I believe when you go to work and you earn money, it’s yours,” Gingrich said. “We believe that the government has to be run so frugally and spend its money so wisely that it earns the right to take a little of your money. That’s the attitude on our side.

“Our liberal friends believe that your earned money is theirs. That if they leave you a few crumbs you ought to be grateful.”