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Hi there -- thanks for the comment. I completely agree -- there's a really fun photo gallery on Newt's campaign web page (maybe the producer Haley can find the link for us?) of him with all manner of exotic animals. He also has a list of favorite zoos. You can almost imagine him as a kid being taken to the zoo by his parents. He is truly passionate about the subject, and it offers a very human and sympathetic side to him. 

This is an interesting observation but honestly I think it's too soon to say what Gingrich's future in the party will looklike. He has a lot of longstanding relationships, a long history building the party and frankly, his message resonates with an awful lot of people. I've been on the trail with him for weeks and weeks. It's remarkable how many voters connect with him and love his perspective, his references to history, etc. 

Well, I think I'll decline to comment on Gingrich's mental health, but I will say that after spending an awful lot of time with Gingrich on the trail, including several hours on his campaign bus with him and his wife, Callista, I was struck by how the "nasty" Newt that sometimes comes out on the public stage was nowhere to be found in more private settings. He seems relaxed and seems genuinely to be having a good time on the trail.

Well, if you look at my previous answer, obviously I'm struck by how relaxed and happy he seems in his more private moments. But an awful lot of associates who've known him way longer than I have talk uniformly of the "seething" Newt that's always been just under the surface.

Yup -- see above. He likes to talk about his grandkids, his wife Callista, his mother-in-law. He's a very regular person when he's taking a moment to rest in a hotel lobby or restaurant. In fact, for all of Newt's substantial fame and reputation, he is the most accessible candidate I've ever covered. He sits down with reporters and chats. Even in the days leading up to today, reporters can get to him and ask question, something that's very difficult to do on the Romney campaign, for instance.

I think his path forward would be very difficult if he doesn't perform well in South Carolina. And frankly, he's said as much. He has lowered expectations in NH in part by pointing his sites directly at South Carolina. He has made very clear that he has to do well there if he is to move on to Florida.

Yes, it's very interesting. Newt has basically conceded that throwing everything he's got against Romney is his only chance. So much for staying nice!

Certainly there is a segment of the electorate that feels this way. The question is whether it's enough. After $3.5 million in negative ads hurled against him by a super PAC supporting Romney, there's also a very different portrait of Newt out there. Not to mention his own tendency to veer between positive and not-so-much.

It's interesting that his marital history has not become more of an issue this year. Certainly the media has written about it, including me (Haley -- how about the Callista story from She the People? Thanks!). But the other candidates have steered clear of it -- perhaps out of fear that it would backfire? Newt also organized a little effort to reach out to the faith community in Iowa in order to talk about his trangressions. J.C. Watts, the former congressman from Oklahoma, did a great deal of work on Newt's behalf, meeting with pastors, etc.

It's interesting that you mention his remarks about Palestinians being an "invented" people ( link here http://wapo.st/rZFdHM ). I think there's a strong case to be made that Newt knew exactly what he was saying and that he was hoping that the very hardline pro-Israel voices (and donors) in this country, who have long supported him politically, were listening. Don't forget that we just learned the other day that Sheldon Adelson, the billionaire casino owner, just gave the Gingrich super PAC $5 million. Adelson was quoted in the news agreeing with what Gingrich said about the Palestinians.

Maybe so -- we're about to find out! I do think that he's a complex man. His words get him into trouble sometimes. But his words also elevated him to the height of political success. It's quite remarkable to watch him in a town hall setting, talking endlessly -- and I mean endlessly! -- about all manner of policy and history. And the audiences love it. Love it. I swear the other day he went on a riff about the efficacy of long-distance power lines in Sweden. He got an ovation for that talk.