I'm a Newt guy myself and I think you and I have actually discussed that.
I just wonder if he could effectively shake the "bad" reputation he has and capture enough of the independent vote to pull off states like Ohio, Iowa, Florida, New Mexico, and even PA or Michigan.
Newt can win if th party unites behind him. The 'Rats will nominate Edwards because they think he can pick up some southern states (NC will go "blue" in 2008 if Edwards is on the ticket). Newt would need someone on the ticket who could swing a couple of the "swing" states and I think that New York, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, Maryland and California could be won by the GOP with the right ticket.