Well, he gave the perfect example to defend his statement, Ronald Reagan: The Soviet Union is an evil empire.
And I actually agree with Newt, historically. But the Newt example wasn't completely honest, because Newt's position wasn't at all Ronald Reagan's position on the Palestinians -- and Newt had to know that because this article is from the CFR and Newt is also a CFR member.
However, the circumstances surrouding our relationship with the Soviet Union is far different than our role as the intermediary between the Israelis and the Palestinians. Ostensibly, we have tried to be an objective mediator helping both parties to arrive at a solution. Once you describe one party to the negotiations as illegitimate, you have lost all credibility with the Palestinians. I don't think the Israelis would find that helpful.