I liked Newt, with all his faults, he would have wiped the floor with Obama at the debates. Would have been a site to behold!
I did not like Newt at first because of various issues, mainly his comment about right wing social engineering. But then I saw how he can retort very effectively to the gotcha liberal moderators/questioners. Yes, you are right, how I wish it was Newt versus the community organizer in the final 3 debates. Unfortunately Newt is now a has been.
Rand Paul has almost the opposite style, he is methodical, poised, never seems flustered, has knowledge of issues, is not corrupted yet by Washington DC politics, and best of all has a spine. I am looking forward to him gaining stature in the next few years.