I think he's also aware of the cost of his "baggage." While he is confident he can persuade many people, he also knows that not only are quite a few firmly aligned against him, many others won't hear his message, or won't believe it, so will either sit it out or vote for an opponent. IOW, I think he has a realistic outlook. He knows negative ads worked (he described bouncing back from 5 million dollars of them in Iowa, and 20 million in FL).
One thing I like is his determination to have his message heard at the convention. The GOPe is messing with fire, by cutting against him and appearing to reject his proposals while doing so.
Newt said he is NOT going to leave this race...and I'm for him staying all the way......and you know what...I think even Santorum will stay the whole way there.
You're right about the GOP they realize this race is about them and the grassroots.....so does the media and pretty much everyone who is watching this. But they didn't listen and opted to run with Romney......STUPID! So now this is going to play out exactly as Newt and Santorum want it to.....and if they loose in the end there's not a soul that can say they and the grassroots people didn't fight this thing.
But of course we expect a Newt Victory! and I truly think it's going to happen because they constantly try to out wit the Newt......and he's always steps ahead of them....