I agree that the Clinton and media attack on Newt in 95 changed him. He was never the same after that. That’s not to excuse what he is doing now, but I think you’re absolutely accurate in your theory.
I even built that into an analysis of NY 23 and Newt and Reagan and Palin in one of my best ever show preps. It made for a whopper show segment.
Thanks for reminding me about that highly embarrassing episode. I'd almost forgotten it.
Since he left office, I've never considered Newt much more than an establishment Republican insider. In the last couple of years, I've demoted him from even that low station.
While I admire and respect his long-ago accomplishments, he's frankly lost his way, and is in no way fit to be our president.