(Image Source: Wikimedia Commons)

BY CHARLIE MCKEAGUE

ANCHOR ANA COMPAIN-ROMERO

The headlines say: gay voters have been told not to vote for Newt Gingrich, by the Newt man himself. But did he really say that, or are his words being taken out of context? Depends on where you are getting your news. First, let’s have a listen – from CBS News.

“How do you plan to engage and get the vote of gay Americans and those who support them?”

Gingrich: “I think for those to whom the only issue that really matters is the definition of marriage, I won’t get their support. I accept that that’s a reality. On the other hand, for those to whom it’s not the central issue in their life … I think I’ll get their support.”

Questioner: “Except it’s most important for many millions of Americans.”

Gingrich: “Well, if that’s most important to you then you should be for [Barack] Obama.”

And some in the media were hot on the story – quickly posting articles and headlines like this:

Instinct Magazine went with…

 “Newt Gingrich Doesn’t Want the Gay Vote.”

And Jezebel’s – “Newt Gingrich Urges Gays Not to Vote for Him”

And the New York Daily News --

“Newt Gingrich: Gay? Vote for Barack Obama”

In the past, Gingrich has called same-sex marriage and a quote, “temporary aberration that will dissipate.” He’s also vowed support for a gay marriage ban. So a writer for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution thinks it's the media making too much out of something we already knew.

“First, ‘Gingrich doesn’t want the gay vote,’ and variations thereof, are misleading. What Gingrich clearly said is that he doesn’t think he deserves or will get the vote of those Americans for whom gay marriage is the No. 1 issue in this election. This is news?  What these reports do accomplish … is further branding one candidate — and … his party — as being ‘anti’ a whole group of Americans.”

A writer for Gothamist also wasn’t shocked, but says this is the latest misstep in a campaign that is getting progressively worse.

“Confused GOP candidate Newt Gingrich surprised absolutely no one when he told gay voters to back Obama. … This represents the latest devolution of Gingrich's campaign, one that he initially promised would maintain a ‘positive’ tone.”

Gingrich has yet to follow up on his comments.