I’m somewhat of a Newt fan, but his explanation is weak. If you grant the opposition the ability to control the terms of the debate, you are already at a disadvantage. If Newt really believes that global warming is unproven, and that, even if it is happening, human activity is not to blame, then he must make that argument at the outset.
Of course it's weak. It's a BS snowjob meant to bamboozle the conservatives who remember the Newt circa 1994. THAT Newt no longer exists in this reality.
MSNBC has a great career lined up for this political turncoat.