What's Newt Up To?

Earlier this week, former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich went absolutely ballistic on the Republican presidential field, comparing them to pygmies, as well as blasting the "debates" that have become a de rigeur component of the political process without providing anything substantive. Despite all of that, he continued to play coy on the possibility of his seeking the nomination, though the likelihood of him entering the race has been seen to diminish in recent months.

And now in what's truly an intriguing development, it emerges that at least one member of his inner circle has departed to work for Fred Thompson, and that Gingrich and his (third wife) Callista recently had a policy-fueled double date with the Senator and his wife Jeri. The ladies aren't as imposed upon as one might expect (and indeed have a lot in common), given that Callista was a Hill staffer when she met Gingrich and that Jeri is a reputable media consultant in her own right. So what's going on here? Politico's Jonathan Martin suggests that Gingrich may endorse Thompson, though not until October (remember that the possibility of a Thompson endorsement from McCain is also possible, if the Arizona Senator withdraws from the race).

This to me is a very appealing pairing (though never in a formal setting - Gingrich as VP would sink the ticket), given that Newt really is the "ideas man" of the GOP, a title he's never relinquished since the Contract with America, and Fred seems to be the favorite among conservatives. Mr. Popular and Mr. Brains - is this the start of (some sort of) beautiful friendship?