I think it was more a rejection of a particular kind of Republicanism. It seems as if he did some of the work of the scolding moralists but didn't believe it. He was sort of traumatized by that event. And after that, his main concern was to somehow hold the party together. Gingrich, despite his reputation in terms of policy, was very much an ally of the moderates.
People forget that.
I remember having lunch with Gingrich before he was speaker. I raised with him the question of gays in the military. And I think that was his authentic view, but he subsequently caved. Clearly, given what's happened this year, one must surely be bemused by the sort of fickle fortunes of politicians. I think that's absolutely stunning.