In an effort to build relationships with conservative leaders, presidential hopeful Newt Gingrich met with a group of influential social conservatives last week, including members of the organization Concerned Women for America (CWA).

How much of a concern is Gingrich's personal background to the socially conservative electorate and how did the GOP candidates fare at this weekend's debate?

Penny Young Nance, president and CEO of CWA, and David Frum, CNN contributor and editor the Frum Forum.com, join American Morning today to explain how much of a concern Gingrich's personal background is to the socially conservative electorate and to weigh in on the Republican presidential field.

Just hours after the conclusion of this Saturday's GOP presidential debate, the Democratic National Committee launched an attack ad aimed at the current Republican front-runner Newt Gingrich. In a 90-second web video, the DNC blasts the Former House Speaker, labeling him the "original Tea Partier."

According to a recent CNN/Time/ORC poll, Gingrich is taking home a sizable chunk of the Tea Party vote in Florida, Iowa, New Hampshire an South Carolina. However, fellow presidential hopeful Ron Paul says that Gingrich is no friend of the Tea Party.

Mark Meckler and Jenny Beth Martin, co-founders of one of the most influential Tea Party groups in the country, the Tea Party Patriots join American Morning today to discuss the GOP candidates and to weigh in on this weekend's Republican debate.

Newt Gingrich continues to cement his status as the frontrunner for the GOP presidential nomination. New polls give the former House speaker a commanding lead in three of the first four voting states – Iowa, South Carolina, and Florida. 

The polls, however, show Mitt Romney as slightly more competitive Republican candidate in a potential match-up with President Barack Obama.

Carol Costello talks with CNN contributor's David Frum and Maria Cardona to discuss what Romney needs to do to regain the momentum.