Sir - I agree with your facts A through E, and yet, I think Newt’s mediocre/lackluster/uninspiring performance in the Florida debate is the reason for his current plight.
He had the stage at the time, after SC huge win, and did not come to that debate ready to fight. Consequently, when Romney slapped him, Newt didn’t respond - not with a slap or a kick...nothing. That was most unfortunate, because, I think many voters would have wanted to see what I wanted to see - NUCLEAR RETALIATION.
The Monday night debate in Florida was the beginning of the end. He won SC by attacking liberals. He had two great days in Florida by attacking liberals (Sunday and Monday during the day). He came into that Monday debate with a big lead in Florida and nationwide. Just two days after big SC win.
Then - and maybe you and I disagree on this - then he let Mitt drag him off the subject of liberals and onto the subject of each other - and that was it.
He was outspent on negative ads 65 to 1 in Florida, and he was off message. His only chance was to stay focused on liberals because folks love Newt when he attacks liberals, not so much when he attacks other Republicans or when he defends himself.
But that fits in nicely with my timeline.
This is not a “new poll.” It is an old poll. March 1st is not new.