Gingrich says Obama 'has never yet become president'

(CNN) - Likely GOP presidential candidate Newt Gingrich delivered a harsh assessment of President Obama Wednesday, describing him as a "left-wing activist who has never yet become president."

According to the Concord Monitor, the tough remarks came during a campaign stop in Manchester, New Hampshire, during which the former House Speaker suggested to a small gathering that the president has eschewed his governing responsibilities and is instead a "permanent candidate."

"He's the only permanent candidate we've ever had in the White House," said Gingrich, who also described Obama as "perfectly fine, extraordinarily brilliant, [and] sadly shallow."

Gingrich, who is an exploratory phase of his possible presidential campaign, said he is "calmly confident" he can win the GOP's presidential nomination but added the final decision could come down to the issue of money.

"We're trying to figure out, can we raise enough money to be competitive?" said Gingrich, known to be among the most prolific fundraisers in the party.