Newt is the perfect hybrid between an insider and an outsider (nobody rails against “Washington elites” better, or more ironically). He has also frequently “married” conservative philosophy with a sort of ambitious big government populism that is consistent with Trump-ism.

What is more, nobody is a better apologist. Whereas Christie is a toady to the point that you dismiss him, Gingrich marshals his intellect, audacity, and historical knowledge to eloquently defend what some might see as the indefensible.

He’s also adept at parrying questions and then going on offense—something that Trump will admire (and something that will be vital in this campaign). Watch this video from last week’s Fox News Sunday, and tell me he didn’t hit it out of the ball park.