As Gingrich gains support in polls, his policies draw attention, too

News outlets analyze GOP presidential hopeful Newt Gingrich's policy positions, including those regarding Medicare and other health issues.  

The Washington Post: Newt Gingrich On Medicare: Flip-Flopping On The Flip-Flop?
Newt Gingrich may have stepped into trouble again – appearing to flip-flop on an earlier flip-flop over his statement last spring that Rep. Paul Ryan's Medicare plans amounted to "right-wing social engineering" (Wallsten, 12/1).

The Wall Street Journal: Gingrich Evolves On Federal Role
At various times in his career, Mr. Gingrich has come out in favor of requiring that individuals carry health insurance and increasing federal spending for scientific research. He has backed programs run by the Education Department, which many of his peers would like to abolish, as well as national curriculum standards and a government response to climate change. Mr. Gingrich has said he favors government solutions when they are smart. On the campaign trail, he has denied some of his positions and toned down others. And he has won the loyalty, for now, of many Republican primary voters, despite holding views that might appear anathema to them (Radnofsky, 12/1).

The Associated Press: Gingrich's Unpredictability Raises Concerns
Unpredictability is as much a part of Gingrich as his signature snowy mane, a quality that has vexed anyone who has supported him for anything -; be it speaker of the House or president of the United States. ... He irked conservatives by harshly criticizing Rep. Paul Ryan's plan to overhaul Medicare as "right-wing social engineering," then apologized but has since sent mixed signals on where he stands on the matter (Kellman, 12/2).

Meanwhile, the AP examines Wisconsin's Senate Race:

The Associated Press/Washington Post: Ex-Wis. Gov. Thompson Defends Record, Faces Conservative Challengers In GOP Bid For US Senate
Thompson has been criticized by both sides about his shifting position on President Barack Obama's health care reform law. And conservatives in his party say his record as governor and as President George W. Bush's first health and human services secretary was far too moderate (12/1).