Now, as to whether I *personally* believe Newt has changed his ways? No, I do not. Having met Newt in person during his 2007 "look what a good family man and Christian I am now that I'm with Callista" tour, he was extremely rude and pompous. I looked him in the eye and I did not see the face of a humble, contrited man, nor did I meet a person who was truly concerned about reaching out to the citizens and getting to know our concerns about America, but rather was there simply to make a buck and sell his books. For a guy who out giving speeches about his "Christian virtues" that year, he sure didn't show any in person. And now you're judging my judgment. Why, have you met Newt in person and would like to argue he acted differently?
Nancy Pelosi says she's a good Catholic too. Do you personally "judge" her to be otherwise or do you take her at her word? I was not aware that Catholics are obligated to believe that other Catholics are ALWAYS sincere about their values. In fact, that sounds like some kind of myth protestants would use to attack Catholics. ("You guys believe whatever the Pope tells you")
As for your indigent reaction to my belief that it is a "cynical political maneuver", don't you find it a bit odd that this proud new Catholic adherent spends all his time on the campaign trail talking to evangelical protestants about his "come to Jesus" moment. That seems a bit like political maneuvering to me. I know many people at my Catholic parish who had a spiritual reawakening and changed their lives (one is a former Methodist minister turned Catholic), but none of them hang at Evangelical events all day to discuss their confessions.
Personally, I don't find it odd that Newt is spending a lot of time talking to evangelical Protestants. That segment of the electorate seems much more interested in a GOP politician's social and faith-based qualities than a Catholic audience does. And I'm quite sure your fellow parishoner converts aren't running for POTUS.
Lastly, I also had the opportunity to meet Newt and Callista personally in February, 2011 at a screening of Nine Days That Changed The World. They could not have been more gracious, humble or approachable and Newt's address could not have been a better articulation of the combination of faith and politics in America. And that was (and is) a thoroughly Catholic audience.