1) He's not a Mormon. In fact, Gingrich turned Catholic just a while back just for this occasion. It hasn't really been vetted in the media, but sadly, evangelical types don't like Mormons.
2) Conservatives think Newt's chances are better against Obama because they think he can debate better. That idea just shows how little conservatives know about Obama. What conservatives know about Obama has been shaded by propaganda fed to them over several years and an unconscious racism. Obama will wipe out Gingrich.
3) Gingrich is not fake.