What I don't understand is why anyone would think Freddie Mac would hire Newt to lobby for them . . . in 1996, the dems were poised to take Congress, Freddie Mac had the dems in their back pocket (probably some GOPers too), the dems hated Newt, the GOP-E hated Newt. Plus Newt does have rather an abrasive manner (personally I like his personality -- LOL).
As far as I can see, Freddie Mac was sitting pretty (and way prettier than Newt); it would be more credible that Newt would hire Freddie Mac to lobby for him.
Maybe I just don't understand the lobbying/influence-peddling business . . . wouldn't be the first thing I didn't understand . . . :(