Posted on 02/14/2007 6:49:58 AM PST by CrawDaddyCA
As a presidential candidate, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani is for real. Despite his unorthodox Republicanism — his support for legal abortion, his embrace of gun-control, and his unwillingness to act against court-imposed same-sex marriages — Giuliani now leads in several polls for the GOP nomination.
The common wisdom is that most Republican voters know nothing of Rudy’s social liberalism, and so his support will dwindle as they learn more. But this may prove wrong. Knowledgeable folks on the Right, disheartened by a presidential field that lacks viable, trustworthy conservatives, are talking themselves into supporting the man who earned the title of “America’s Mayor” after his performance on 9/11.
The argument is easier to make than it might seem at first. Rudy’s transgressions, conservatives can tell themselves, are smaller than they appear, particularly considering the shortcomings of the other candidates. Even if he is pro-choice on abortion, Giuliani has said that he would appoint the same kind of justices as President Bush has — the John Roberts variety, likely to overturn Roe v. Wade. And yes, Rudy supported gun control in the Five Boroughs, but as he told Sean Hannity on February 5, it was just a practical matter for a man inheriting a lawless city — some gun-control was “necessary with the 2,000 murders or so that we were looking at [annually in New York City]…”
(Excerpt) Read more at article.nationalreview.com ...
No doubt.
At this point he is not my first choice but if it comes down to it, he is better than Hillary if we have to have one or the other.
I respect him for his leadership on 9/11. But I can't support him if he's not going to work to restore the Constitution. And I think it's a safe bet that he won't.
Might as well get used to hearing "Good morning, Madam President."
Exactly what was it that Rudy did on 9/11 and the aftermath that any decent, caring human being would not have done.
He happened to be the Mayor when it happened.
From the article:
"If Giuliani’s stances on babies, guns, and gay marriage do not sink him in the Republican primaries, he will probably suffer in a general election campaign from the fact that there is so much evidence in the public record that he is a total jerk.
Yes, that’s right. Most Americans love Rudy, but it’s not just because they don’t know where he stands on issues. It’s also because they know nothing of his pre-9/11 self, and the more they learn, the less attractive they will probably find him.
By September 10, 2001, New Yorkers were weary of their mayor and longed for an end to his administration, even as they enjoyed the dog-poop-less sidewalks, the safe subway platforms, the squeegee-free street corners and the low murder rate they all knew he had brought about. It understates the case to say that a massive terror attack saved Giuliani’s political career — it would be more accurate to say that nothing short of 9/11 could have saved it. "
This could be difficult for social conservatives in "swing" states, because their votes can change who will be president. Social conservatives in super-solid "blue" states can vote for people who have socially conservative morals but won't probably win.
I am certainly not a Rudy supporter. But, if rudeness were a disqualifier for the presidency, Hillary Clinton would have the worst prospects in the field.
Ahhh. The obfuscatory "Compassionate Conservativism" of 2008.
Not to be supporting Rudy, but at least he's honest where he stands on things. Is there any conservative principle you could trust McCain not to jettison in a heartbeat if he thought it might be worth another 5 points in the polls?
When you can't justify supporting your own candidate attack the front runner ping.
a.k.a.democratic socialism in faux conservative drag
These early polls are all about name recognition and Rudy's been pushed down our throats a presidential contender since 9-12-01. Everybody knows who they think he is. Once they find out who he really is those numbers will drop like rocks.
I've had the same feelings for years.
I wasn't impressed then, and I'm still not impressed.
"He leads in the polls because the majority of the GOP thinks moral principles are fodder for compromise."
No, he leads because most Republicans want the best candidate available WHO CAN WIN. I have no interest at all in making some statement in the primaries by nominating a Newt Gingrich-type who will get absolutely trounced by Hillary. Honestly, I wish Giuliani had different positions on abortion, gay rights, etc. But I see that he's a strong leader, a tax cutter and a fiscal conservative and that he promises to appoint strict constructionist judges. That is a package that I can support.
"Might as well get used to hearing "Good morning, Madam President."
The fact is that polls show Giuliani beating Hillary.
Get ready for the "Rudy is God" vs. "Rudy is the Devil" onslaught.
You didn't address me, but may I take a shot at it? That happens for two reasons:
(1) Since 1984, most conservatives have not had a candidate to vote for, only a candidate on the other side to vote against. The options have been horrible, although some, like in 2000, aren't apparent until later. But even then, it was more anti-Gore for many (and I had supported and voted for Mr. Bush as Texas governor). That phenomenon carries over into the primaries, especially when the leaders are so despicable; and
(2) it's not apparent who supports Rudy or John. Some suspect that it's corporate money, along with name recognition, that produces such nominees, or annointees, as Bob Dole or, frankly, the current administration.
Those dogs quit hunting about the time of Harriet Meirs.
"Once they find out who he really is those numbers will drop like rocks."
If that's the case, why have his poll numbers gone up 9 points in the last month? The media stories I've seen have focused specifically on the question of whether someone with his moderate views can get the nomination. So clearly more people know about his views than was the case a month ago and his numbers have seen a HUGE gain.
I myself wish Rudy was more conservative. But the unfortunate fact is that this board is not representative of the voting public as a whole- just look at the 2006 elections.
NEWT
If, as this author seems to believe, it will be nearly impossible for a known a@@hole to become president, we have nothing to worry about: Hillary will not be elected. NEXT?!
Well, my fingers are crossed.
The point of this piece is that Rudy CANNOT win.
This is disengenuos crap. Before Rudy got anywhere NEAR the mayor's office in NYC, they had incrdibly strict gun laws (during a previous dem administration--ED Koch--I remember Koch's radio ads saying that there is a 6 month mandatory jail sentence for even first offenders for carrying unregistered firearms in NYC). Rudy started a campaign to get legal carry permits off the street. I know--I had a legal carry for 19 years in NYC but could not renew under Rudy's watch.
Not everyone. Check out tagline.
Rudy's not moderate he's liberal, with a capital L. People haven't gotten any real news about where he stands on any issues, if you've listened to the MSM, you'd be totally misled. The truth about who and what Rudy is won't be discussed until the candidates start going head to head and that's probably not going to happen for 6-8 months.
"Not to be supporting Rudy, but at least he's honest where he stands on things. Is there any conservative principle you could trust McCain not to jettison in a heartbeat if he thought it might be worth another 5 points in the polls?"
He has already jettisoned all principles that I value in a Conservative. He is Hillary, just a pseudo-Republican version and he looks better in drag than she does normally.
Archives of the Mayor's Press Office
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: January 22, 1998
Release #034-98
Contact: Colleen Roche/Brenda Pérez (212) 788-2958
MAYOR GIULIANI COMMEMORATES THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ROE V. WADE SUPREME COURT DECISION
Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today commemorated the 25th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision guaranteeing a woman’s constitutional right to privacy. At a press conference at City Hall, the Mayor was joined by Kelli Conlin, Executive Director of the New York State Affiliate of the National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League (NARAL/NY); Irwin Schneiderman, NARAL Foundation Board Chair; Barbara Schack, NARAL/NY Board Chair; State Senator Roy M. Goodman, Council Member Andrew Eristoff; and Assemblyman John Ravitz.
"Twenty five years after the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision, its impact is as significant as ever," Mayor Giuliani said. "This decision has precluded government from interfering with a woman’s Constitutional rights. "I take this opportunity to restate the commitment of the Administration to protect women’s right to seek reproductive health advice and services if that is their choice," the Mayor concluded.
Ms. Conlin said, "The 25th Anniversary of Roe v. Wade is an important time to remember the values that define the right to choose, and to applaud New York’s important role in leading the nation in regard to reproductive health. The Roe decision transformed abortion from a criminal act to a legal medical procedure, allowing doctors to provide this important medical service to women, without fear of criminal prosecution. Women were finally spared the humiliation of back alleys, and the fear of death due to unsafe, unsanitary procedures.
Ms. Conlin continued, "New York City has renewed its commitment to reproductive health care for women consistently, most profoundly in 1994 with the enactment of the Clinic Protection Act, which has dramatically reduced the incidence of violence and harassment of women entering health facilities."
With more than 50,000 members, NARAL/NY works in the political arena to protect women’s access to safe reproductive health services, and to expand the reproductive rights available to women.
www.ci.nyc.ny.us
Agreed.
If Newt could actually be nominated and have a chance to win, I would vote for him. As it is, Rudy G is going to get my vote and pray that he picks an accomplised conserv VP for the ticket. No Dem is worth electing either my omission or commission. Not one.
The liberal Rudi will be on the liberal Larry King show tonight on the liberal CNN channel.
My God! That's even worse than I thought! Rudy will never, ever get my vote. Ever.
The first sentence pretty much says it all doesn't it? Picture him coming to Georgia and telling the folks down here about his stance on gun control, yeah right. Abortion, no way! Same sex marriage, maybe in Virginia Highlands, any place else, you've got to be kiddin'. I don't understand it.
Maybe in the DC Suburbs but nowhere else in The Old Dominion.
Did you think I was talking about the state of Virginia? There is an area in midtown Atlanta called Virginia Highlands, it's trendy urban area where alot of the gays live.
Those pictures of Rudy in drag, well they'd love him in Virginia Highlands/Little Five Points. Don't think he'd get a warm welcome in say, Walton County.
OK...you're talking about the Atlanta area. Right?
I'm a little slow on the uptake sometimes!
I understand that sentiment and I agree. However, both Reagan and Bush stuck with their conservative message during the campaign and were unexpectedly elected against left wingers. Republican losers normally follow the advice of political consultants and move to the mushy middle rather than sticking to their conservative guns. Bush is in trouble with his base because of the way he has governed on certain issues, not the way he campaigned, but he is still generally conservative and has accomplished some good things. However, if it were possible to run I doubt he would be reelected.
The point being that few conservatives stay with their conservative values throughout a campaign so rarely does the public get a chance to choose between liberal and conservative. It is usually middle/left against middle/right with no clearcut difference.
Therefore, if Newt would stay on message, as I expect he would , he may be more electable than we think. Rudy is already in the middle so he won't have to adjust.
What I find the most shocking is how many here on FR jumped on the Giuliani for President bandwagon from the beginning knowing full well that he has liberal social values. Do they shop for cars the same way?
Imagine this scenario. "I really need to buy a new car. I have a list of very important features that I want this new car to have and I do have time to shop around, however, if I can find a car today that has just ONE of those important features, I'll buy it and look no further." Not the brightest consumer, right? LOL
Didn't mean to make you blood pressure rise!!! Yes, I am talking about Atlanta. Like I said, outside of the the City of Atlanta, I cannot think of any place in this state that his views would have a chance.
"Exactly what was it that Rudy did on 9/11 and the aftermath that any decent, caring human being would not have done.
He happened to be the Mayor when it happened".
Well for one, he rushed to the scene of the massacre within minutes and took command of the situation.
He didn't:
Continue to read "My Pet Goat"
or
Fly around the country looking for safe harbor.
Not that those are "bad" choices, mind you.
RUDY PING
Amazing how many are confused by the disquise..
Same with the fiscal liberals BUT are social conservatives..
They are all socialists..
I would vote for him twice if I could.
The Dims are terrified of Rudy. They're desperate and don't know how to deal with a candidate like Rudy, so they try and smear him and trick voters into hating him.
Stop the insanity now!
If Rudy is the best candidate who can keep Queen Hillary from claiming her throne, so be it.
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