They did assist people in a positive way to get a home.
You had to show credibility, promise your first born child and your right hand if you reneged on the loan.
Some where along the line that all changed. You could not state correct income and have no downpayment of any kind. No skin in the game, so to speak.
I don't know which business model Newt was praising.
I want to say it was in 2007 when he made those comments, but don't hold me to that.