The conventional wisdom said the same thing about Reagan...
Exact same stuff.
Have faith in the American people to vote for a conservative over a leftist radical.
But the Gipper won precisely because he was upbeat, forward looking, and promoting a positive vision of restoring America's greatness. The media wouldn't admit it, but he was sunny and genial.
Newt is touchy, hot-headed, harsh, and negative. Not all the time, but often. I'm not getting this from the media, but from my own observation. I don't think that sells with most people. Obama, though a phony, comes off as upbeat, at least he did the last time. I think that's why he won.
If Newt is the nominee I'll vote for him, but I don't think he can carry folks outside of the right.