Newts got baggage, but he runs from none of it and welcomes scrutiny. And like its been said, he knows the facts cold, has a solutions-oriented campaign (whether or not they will work who knows, but the man actually has a written plan, not just nebulous, trite slogans like "change") and is a master debater (lol). The right will line up solidly behind him and the independents will be forced to give him a day in court. Why? Becuase if you throw some real ideas at people with an "America FIRST" restorative narrative they will have a hard time NOT at least listening to him.
I think he is a serious threat.