He’s right to a point. The establishment in 1980 was against Reagan just as much as they are anybody but their boy Romney today (and their boy McCain four years ago, etc.).
Reagan undercut them with his “I am paying for this microphone” outburst in New Hampshire. Reagan rallied the people, just as Newt did with unvarnished, patriotic conservatism.
The establishment knew this history and worked to destroy Gingrich first in Iowa, then again in Florida.
They will do anything to prevent a real conservative from gaining the presidency.
The difference between Reagan and Gingrich is that people liked Reagan.
I’ve read a million ideas on why Gingrich isn’t winning, and it seems so simple. I’m not even sure that he is “liked but not well liked.” I just think he is “not liked.”