Can the zebra change his spots?

Gingrich is (very successfully) defending himself (among his religious base) by saying that he shouldn't be marked down for cheating on his wives serially because he has now been forgiven by god.

That may be, but as a matter of dogmatic theology (as opposed to a political calculation) I can't see that being enough. Jesus can forgive you your sins, but he can't change your personality, and what the stories about Newt are saying is that the man is an utter arsehole.

The which, mind you, I have to in all conscience admit that I am debarred from objecting to : see Sydney Smith.