Are you by chance implying that Rick is smart? Surely you jest, Eva. :-)
That's what liberals say about all conservatives. He is a intelligent man with common sense, which is something liberals lack, among other things. Newt is smart, but lacked common sense in his decisions.
A one-year MBA from a third-tier school and a Penn State law degree are more signs of doggedness with modest intelligence than anything.
Considering all, including that he’s clearly an insider, go-along-to-get-along kind of pol, you could say he’s done well with his gifts—if you don’t mind the cronyism.