Since his fall from grace (more on that in a bit), Newt has steadily contributed to the conservative movement where we’ve needed it most – intellectually. ~Dean Barnett

Yes, where would we be without Gingrich’s deeply intellectual screaming about WWIII (or is it XII by now?) and his promises to provide every Pashtun a laptop*?  If I had to pick just one person who has debased and reduced conservatism more than Gingrich, it would be difficult.  There probably are a few who have done more damage to the specifically intellectual climate of the conservative movement, but he certainly gave it the old college try.

* He didn’t actually promise that, but it is the sort of foolish idea that he would come up with on a regular basis.