TAMPA, Florida (AP) - Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich says it's time to put "real leadership" back in the White House this November.

Gingrich stood by his wife, Callista, when he told delegates Thursday night that it is "striking" how President Barack Obama took the nation down a path that, he says, weakened America's confidence in itself and Americans' hope for a better future.

He compared Obama to former President Jimmy Carter and said both "produced little effective legislation."

Gingrich often sparred with Romney during the Republican primary, particularly when a "super" political committee supporting Romney hammered Gingrich with millions of dollars in television ads.

Gingrich said earlier this year that he's supporting Romney because he's the best choice to defeat Obama.

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