I think exactly the opposite. The presidential candidates on GOP side should generate excitement among the base or there is no chance for them to win in general elections, because media is not going to generate it for them.
Ronald Reagan generated that kind of enthusiasm when he won in 1980, 1984, 1988 (most voted for GHW Bush as proxy for Reagan, he lost in 1992 on his own with no enthusiasm of his own), and helped win in 1994 (his letter to America announcing the "long goodbye" due to Alzheimer, when after elections Newt calling Nancy Reagan said "we all stand on his shoulders") and 2004 (wave of patriotism and memory just few months before the election).
Not a shade of enthusiasm in 1992 and 1996 from two fine men, war heroes, no real blemishes in private life but not real spokesmen for conservative ideas or values beyond stale platitudes - and two ignominious defeats. You can add 2006 midterm elections to that - no sparks, no unity or unifying ideas or leaders with the result of apathetic electorate and low GOP turnout in an average turnout year.
Newt's personal "baggage" is also wildly exaggerated - he's not a heel like Clinton, you can be sure he's not going to chase young interns around White House. His political baggage is mostly created by al-Media, and should be worn as badge of honor rather than shunned - al-media doesn't target just anyone, only those who present danger to them and their ideology.
Hillary has overwhelmingly more negative baggage, both personal and political. Newt won't even have to point it out in the campaign, it will be on YouTube and everywhere else on Internet, "free media" and "paid media" will have far less role in outcome of 2008 election - the 'great unwashed' will stay the 'great unwashed' if they care, but most will have a chance to see what they need - "Swifties" won't be denied if cable channel is intimidated from showing the truth.
Well as I recall Newt notified his wife he was divorcing her while she was in the hospital because of cancer. That sounds pretty bad. Women would rather vote for the "poor victim" Hillary than someone who can be accused of doing that. And I like the guy, I think he is brilliant...but think he would never make it through the gauntlet..