Gingrich called last week's GOP presidential debate "ludicrous."

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The 2008 presidential campaign is like a reality show, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich says.

"There are a lot of smart people who are running very hard," said Gingrich, who is considering getting into the race.

"But they have allowed themselves to be talked into a consultant-driven model, which is the equivalent -- it's a mixture of 'American Idol,' 'The Bachelor' and 'Survivor."'

Gingrich said recent candidate debates "were ludicrous."

"...we don't have a national discussion."

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