He knows how backbench firebrands think, because he was one himself. More important, he’s got an encyclopedic grasp of the institution’s power and limitations.

Since no one seems to have thought about what to do after getting rid of Boehner, Gingrich may be the ideal placeholder until Congress gets its act together. He poses no long-term threat to anyone’s ambitions, and in the short term he could be a unifying figure.

Gingrich always believed he had another rendezvous with destiny. Tanned, rested, and ready, he may just be the guy to get that sandwich off the cafeteria menu.