DES MOINES, Iowa--In a rare personal moment on the campaign trail for Newt Gingrich, the former House Speaker and Republican presidential candidate broke down when asked to speak about his mother, Kathleen Gingrich.

At a town hall meeting at a coffee shop here, Gingrich reflected on the role his mother played in his life, and spoke about her struggles with bipolar disorder and depression. She died in 2003.

"I'm better at talking policy than personal," he said, wiping tears from his eyes.

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