Really? I met Newt in person in 2007 and that's precisely what he did. The guy was such a blowhard egotist and impersonal jerk (moreso than any of the dozen big name politicians I met that day) that I swore I would never vote for him after our brief handshake and photo-op together. And he wasn't even running for office back then, just touting his books!
From what I hear, other freepers that have met him in person have had similar experiences.
It’s obvious he has a huuuuuuge ego.
It’s a shame cause he has many positives to go with his negatives.