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Newt Gingrich commemorates the attack on Pearl Harbor in the worst way possible

Gingrich said the Japanese displayed 'professional brilliance' in their attack on Pearl Harbor.

Brian Koerber

on December 7, 2016

Newt Gingrich commemorates the attack on Pearl Harbor in the worst way possible

Credit: T.J. Kirkpatrick/Getty Images

Many, including politicians, took a few moments on Wednesday to commemorate the lives that were lost 75 years ago during the attack on Pearl Harbor that killed thousands of Americans and essentially thrust the U.S. into World War II.

But Newt Gingrich's attempt was so awful, Twitter users were left with their jaws on the floor.

It all started innocently enough.

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Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

But then things took a turn.

Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

While the attack certainly came as a surprise to the world, saying the "Japanese displayed professional brilliance" is a confusing and offensive statement. Dec. 7 is the "date which will live in infamy," as Franklin D. Roosevelt, famously declared.

Twitter was rich with puzzled and outraged responses to Gingrich's choice of words to honor those who were lost on that day.