[Miss Marple]

Unlike many people, I do not think Newt is a great thinker. He is capable of thinking up clever and catchy ideas, but not so good at strategic thinking.

I am reminded of his whining about having to get out of the back of Air Force One. A strategic thinker wouldn't have gone public with this complaint, as he would have realized it made him sound like a whining third-grader (which is how the media portrayed him). He also totally misread how the media would portray his showdown with Clinton over the budget, which is another example of his inability to look ahead and see possible results of his actions.

I just don't think he has the ability to lead as a president, and should he get the nomination his campaign would be full of this type of misstep.

Don't get me wrong. If he gets the nomination I will support him 100%; I just think there are far better people to carry the ball.

[rodguy911]

Brilliant post here, everyone should read this one!

[mathluv]

Tom Delay's book (I listened to an abridged form) supported Newt's thinking, but not his management style - which seemed to be non-existant.

From what I remember, the back of the plane thing was not so much Newt whining, as the media SAYING he was whining. It is mentioned by Tom.