You are correct. Newt use far better tactics to accomplish welfare reform, tax cuts and budget cuts. He had the benefit of a GOP Senate, but he faced a far more talented foe in the White House in Clinton. He took major heat but got the bills he wanted passed. Our side needs to play to win, not play to be liked.
After all the heat Newt took, and the govt shutdowns, we maintained our majority by the same margins in 1998 and before. Taking political heat does not mean electoral losses.
Amen to every word you said. Your comments are the post of the lifetime for me..