This week, we’ve seen Newt Gingrich continue to climb in the Republican polls as Herman Cain has continued to falter. Also out of Washington, Rep. Barney Frank announced his intention to not seek re-election after his fiery 32-year career. And, a new study  rejuvenates the perennial debate about legalizing  marijuana. Joining The Takeaway panel is Jeff Yang, writer of the Tao Jones column for The Wall Street Journal and blogger for WNYC’s It’s a Free Country; Farai Chideya, journalist and blogger at Farai.com; and Ron Christie, Republican political strategist, CEO of Christie Strategies, and former special assistant to President George W. Bush.