Couldn't win the votes of Titanic survivors if he gave them the lifeboats. In the eyes of Conservatives, perhaps he is a good representative. But anyone with a brain knows he will drag the ticket down due to his being people's exhibit A of the kind of politician that many do not feel quite comfortable with. . .

I know that the GOP seems to be floundering strategically and organizationally, but I can't imagine they'd commit this act of political hari-kiri. 

The Dem's equivalent would be putting Gary Hart on the ballot. 

Gingrich is very intelligent, and for a brief time in the mid-1990's was considered Presidential material, but this guy is political dynamite. If I were McCain, I'd keep away.

Newt is well informed and well liked by many in the party. He does have some old baggage that could become an issue, but overall he would bring votes to the ticket. He is also a good speaker and knows how government works.

Newt hasn't been relative for 10 years...Lets keep it that way.

Gingrich would ride on the McCain ship of state like a battleship anchor on a pleasure yacht.  The Republicans picked McCain because he was just barely conservative enough to be tolerable to the party in general but distant enough from the current administration to make it look like you are voting for change.  Based on that thinking Gingrich would be just ahead of Martin Borman on the list of acceptable running mates.

The biggest problem with Gingrich isn't necessarily anything tangible, it's not his stance on any particular issue. I just don't think he's likeable enough (although he's much more likeable than Cheney, so maybe it's not such a big deal). The name Newt Gingrich just doesn't seem to bring positive thoughts to mind from the general public.