Gingrich says Wright was hurting Obama

WASHINGTON, April 29 (UPI) -- Former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich said Tuesday that Democrat Barack Obama's former pastor might be trying to hurt his bid for the presidency.

The Rev. Jeremiah Wright "went out of his way to weaken Obama" Monday during an address at the National Press Club, Gingrich, a Republican, said in an appearance on ABC's "Good Morning America" program.

"I think Reverend Wright has a greater interest in his self-importance," said Gingrich.

Gingrich said "at the rate things are going" the winner in November's general election might "not necessarily" be Obama, the junior senator from Illinois, or rival Sen. Hillary Clinton of New York.

He said Arizona Sen. John McCain, the presumptive GOP nominee, might be headed for victory in November.

"McCain could be the one Republican who could win the election this year," Gingrich said.