Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich has personally apologized to Republican Congressman Paul Ryan for criticizing his plan to privatize Medicare. On Sunday Gingrich described Ryan’s plan as a “radical change.”

Newt Gingrich: “I don’t think right-wing social engineering is any more desirable than left-wing social engineering. I don’t think imposing radical change from the right or the left is a very good way for a free society to operate. I think we need a national conversation to get to a better Medicare system with more choices for seniors.”

Over the past three days, Newt Gingrich has backtracked from his criticism and says he now supports Ryan’s budget plan. Gingrich is also facing questions this week over a report that he and his wife owed the high-end jeweler Tiffany and Company between $250,00 and $500,000 five years ago. It is unclear if the debt was ever repaid. Meanwhile, Gingrich was the target of an unusual protest last night. A gay rights activist attempted to dump a box of rainbow confetti on Gingrich’s head during an event in Minnesota.

Gay rights activist: “Stop the hate! Stop anti-gay politics! It’s dividing our country, and it’s not fixing our economy. Do it like a man!”