caww, I read his bio and his childhood was not an easy one. Newt is a self made man and his record as Speaker is historical..did wonders for the conservative movement in this country. Read a comment about a young Rick Santorum going to a game at Three Rivers Stadium with a friend. Santorum popped a cassette in and the friend said, "who is that?" Santorum replied.."that is Newt Gingrich! you have to listen to this man" Surely you have seen the more recent video of Santorum praising Newt? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fl5FrefT66A
As for Santorum...as I've said before he bares all the "earmarks" of the mindset in the town he grew up in. You're either very ridgid or anything goes. Ricks very staunch. I frankly just don't like the man's personality as it does reflect those of his hometown.... Arrogance when there's nothing to be arrogant about....and at the same time clumsey in how they present themselves....and then expecting others to "lift" them up so they can run life's race.... And that is Santorum.
Heck he wouldn't be this far without Newt towing his line thru this Primary. I just wish he'd let Santorum go and focus entirely on his own run...but then I suspect this too is part of Newt's plan.