Yes, he does seem to have lost that sense of belligerence that he had in past years. If only it’s not an act. He IS good at making himself what he wants others to see.
As for how he relates to the average man...all I can say is some of my first jobs required a certain degree of intellect and projecting that more than not. Within the work hours and outside as well. When I changed the community I was in and the type of work it was a whole new ball of wax to adapt to the people and their style of communication and understanding. I did struggle with that. Newt can come off as arrogant to some....but he's appealing to all levels of intellect...and he can do that for the most part.
What I am hearing and seeing in my workplace is people want someone who really does know what is going on in Washington....how to handle themselves in the halls of Washington... and they are done with those who do not have the experience to do that..... They realize it's not enough to "like" a candidate...they want them to at least know what they know....and many Americans have come along nicely in learning about elections, candidates etc. as never before.