This entire Obama phenomenon is a Rahm Emanuel (Clinton) operation, pure and simple. The idea is to keep the exposure off Hillary while she cruises under the radar to the Nomination but in the end she knocks the straw man (Obama) down, grabs the ring, and looks like a sure winner.
The only way Hillary can win in November is as she did in New York - the public doesn't get a good look at what they are buying before they vote her in. Instead, they get to look at the "exciting contest" between her and Obama as Obama sucks up star-struck media ink. Obama is the "decoy" operation to keep close scrutiny off Hillary.
I do think he is selling Newt short, though. But I agree McCain, Giuliani, and Romney are all losers. They are media candidates the media is trying to foist on the GOP.
Could it be that the public has gotten a good look at Hillary, and it likes what it see? Many think Hillary can bring them personal "help" from the U.S. governmenmt. I think most though just want their Bill back!