Newt Gingrich
Sean was joined by former Speaker Newt Gingrich to get an update on his campaign. “Do you know what a break in format this is, do you know how committed we are to the best election coverage out there,” teased Hannity, “We always start with an opening monologue but this is the only time we could get you.” Hannity continued his joking by bringing up controversial statements made today by Senator Barbara Boxer. “Not only do Republicans want old people to fend for themselves but now, according to Barbara Boxer, she’s claiming that there’s a Republican plot to kill 8,000 Americans by rolling back environmental regulations,” laughed Hannity as he recounted Boxer’s opposition to the proposed gas pipeline across the US, “She actually gave a real number, 8,100.” “The hard left is crazed over this pipeline,” offered Gingrich, “The most they can do is guarantee that the Canadians will build the pipeline due west to Vancouver and ship due west to China,” countered Gingrich, “They can kill 20,000 American jobs in this economy which shows how ideologically bound they are.” On the campaign, Hannity pressed Gingrich for an update on his battles with Governor Mitt Romney. “Things have gotten pretty heated between you and Governor Romney,” began Hannity, “Yesterday a reporter asked you about Mitt Romney calling on you to return money you got from Freddy Mack, can you expand on those comments?” “I’m not going to get drawn into this kind of stuff,” answered Gingrich, “For a day or two his consultants successfully baited me into going in the wrong direction but I’m going to go back to focusing on one opponent, Barack Obama.” To hear the entire exchange including the questions asked of Mr. Gingrich, click here.

Governor Mitt Romney
Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney stopped by the show to give his thoughts on the future of his campaign and his battles with Speaker Gingrich. “Things seem to be getting a little personal,” noted Hannity, “Do you think there’s any reason for concern that the words of the opponents will come back to hurt the nominee.” “I feel like the Speaker was misguided in saying that we destroyed jobs – in fact he’s congratulated me in the past for the jobs we’ve created” offered Romney, “Look, Staples alone employs 90,000 people so attacking free enterprise hurts him more than it hurts me.” “Is this going to be a preview of tomorrow’s debate,” laughed Hannity, “If so, this is going to be the most watched debate.” To hear more from Governor Romney including this exchange, click here. To stay up to date on the Gingrich vs. Romney battle, be sure to visit Hannity.com or click here.

Jeffrey Lord: Ron Paul Should Be Under More Scrutiny
Author Jeffrey Lord, former Reagan White House Political Director, joined Sean to discuss Ron Paul and his missteps in the race to the White House. “Ron Paul apparently had a newsletter in the late 80s and early 90s and there are some really disturbing things,” offered Hannity, “Have you read any of the things written in them?” Hannity continued, “He claims that he had no idea that there were racist things written in them and I know the Paul people are going to get mad but all the other candidates have, frankly, had an anal exam as it relates to everything they’ve ever done and said and I’ve watched from a distance and I’m surprised the media hasn’t picked up on this.” “You’re right,” offered Lord, “I think Paul could do very well in Iowa and Iowa has a history of supporting candidates who have isolationist views but he does deserve some scrutiny.” Ron Paul spent some time a few years ago defending his newsletters on CNN. You can see this video by click here.