Obama will refuse to debate Newt. That will hurt Obama, but not near as much as debating Newt would hurt him.
Newt has already said he will let the President's campaign handlers set his own travel schedule. Two hours after the Pres gives a stump speech, Newt will be on the scene ripping Obama a new(t) one.
"What do you think the news will carry? Just Obama, or my response?" Clever Newt. Obama can run but he can't hide.