Posted on 02/09/2007 4:46:09 PM PST by Clintonfatigued
Given the more liberal tendencies of Rudy Giuliani on abortion and guns, conservatives have expressed serious misgivings about his run for the nomination. However, the main effect that a President can have on these issues involves his or her outlook on the judiciary. The federal court system has been the main battleground for both issues, with Roe specifically precluding any kind of legislative action. Court nominations have become one of the essential considerations for presidential contenders -- and it may be more important for Giuliani than any other Republican candidate.
Giuliani has hinted that he would nominate jurists in the mold of Antonin Scalia and John Roberts. Today, at a visit with the South Carolina GOP Executive Committee, an audience member pressed him for his position. His campaign office has supplied us with the transcript of his answer:
On the Federal judiciary I would want judges who are strict constructionists because I am. I'm a lawyer. I've argued cases in the Supreme Court. I've argued cases in the Court of Appeals in different parts of the country. I have a very, very strong view that for this country to work, for our freedoms to be protected, judges have to interpret not invent the Constitution. Otherwise you end up, when judges invent the constitution, with your liberties being hurt. Because legislatures get to make those decisions and the legislature in South Carolina might make that decision one way and the legislature in California a different one. And that's part of our freedom and when that's taken away from you that's terrible.
It sounds as if Rudy has what could be an unbeatable combination. His personal views trend to the center and perhaps even liberal on these issues -- but he wants to nominate jurists that will return these questions to the...
(Excerpt) Read more at captainsquartersblog.com ...
This does sound promising. His instincts are RINO but his approach is conservative. Conservatives should not rule him out.
"Hello," lied the politician.
It's better to just elect a career Congresscritter with zero executive experience and name recognition who did nothing about these social issues when they were heating a seat in Congress.
Very well-put.
Sure, he "sounds" good, I just don't believe him. Why would we trust a president to appoint judges with judicial philosophies totally opposite of his own?
Because the conservative grass roots keeps his feet held to the fire and he doesn't want to tick them off.
You and I seldom disagree, but this is one of those times. Once a president is elected, his base does not matter as long as he can keep his public opinion numbers up high enough to win reelection. Rudy knows that if he is elected that nobody will fight him for the nomination in 2012, and if he pleases the left he will sail to reelection.
agreed. talk is cheap and keep in mind the Senate will be held by the Rats i.e. a convient excuse for President Guliani to reneg.
The Rodents could lose the Senate, although the GOP will need some very lucky breaks.
Duncan Hunter has a better chance of becoming President than the GOP regaining the Senate in 08. Do the math. Its pretty bleak.
FYI!
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Thanks,
PKM
Never mind.
That is why I am supporting him. My #1 issues are the WOT and national security which I think Rudy would do the best job by far of the people running. He also doesn't put his finger in the wind to see how to come down on an issue or pander by saying he will end abortion when the President has no authority to change what the courts have ruled.
Appointing strict constructionists judges works for me because I believe social issues belong in my home, my community, my church, and my state not at the Federal level.
ROFLOL! That's about right the way it has been going!
Very nice. Thanks for posting BUMP.
Good article and Rudy quote...thanks for the ping.
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