Hey, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich is one of the finest thinkers in American politics today. So why isn’t his head screwed on straight when it comes to becoming a presidential candidate in 2008?

Memo to Newt: This isn’t a campaign for prime minister of Great Britain.

Gingrich’s refrain that he is going to wait until after Labor Day to decide whether to mount a Republican bid for the nomination doesn’t square with reality.

By then, the window will be firmly shut on all viable contenders on both sides of the aisle.

What it looks like more is Gingrich has been serious about advancing his conservative agenda and that’s more important to him than a White House candidacy.

Gingrich appeared to signal that over the week, acknowledging that a proven conservative may be way out in front of him that any candidacy would be moot.

Now, you’re thinking, Mr. Speakuh!

Currently, it looks like departing Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney has the early, inside track of winning Gingrich’s support but he’ll face a serious challenge from others on the right [-] Sam Brownback, Duncan Hunter and Co. [-] before nailing that down.