Giuliani vs. McCain

Real Clear politics ^ | 5/19/06 | Ryan Sager

[Blackirish]

Michael Kinsley's column today gets into the great irony of the (potential) Giuliani vs. McCain battle in the GOP primaries in 2008: McCain agrees with the Religious Right on most things, but they hate him. Giuliani disagrees with the Religious Right on most things, but they (at least for now) love him.

This is borne out by polling. To take just one example, a November 2004 Gallup poll found that, in a field of Rudy Giuliani, John McCain and Jeb Bush, Giuliani came out on top with 47 percent of the vote from all Republicans. He got 47 percent from the subset of conservative Republicans. Meanwhile, McCain got only 23 percent of the subset of conservative Republicans (26 percent from all Republicans).

Now, those numbers, as mentioned, are from 2004. But things don't seem to have changed very much in the interim. A Gallup analysis (subscription only) from February 16, 2006, has this to say about support for Giuliani vs. McCain:

Who is supporting Giuliani vs. McCain?

[Blackirish]

As time moves on Rudy looking tougher to beat.

[Lunatic Fringe]

Wayyy too early to think these are going to be the two guys to beat.

McCain is obviously not in favor with the majority of the GOP, and Giuliani is another Rockefeller Republican. Every time the GOP has fielded a "moderate" candidate for President, we get our asses handed to us.

[Maynerd]

Rudy is suboptimal on social issues. However, he is a proven leader, deadly serious on the WOT, and doesn't have McCain's toxic prima donna personality. I'd vote for Rudy anyday over McCaniac.

[Smokin' Joe]

Hillary vs Ted Kennedy to me. How about a Conservative candidate?

[Blackirish]

Well you have Newt, hopefully Pence, Allen, and Romney but they seem to be tied for a distant third.

[kenth]

in a field of Rudy Giuliani, John McCain and Jeb Bush

There's no irony to be had. When the only choice is amongst these three, it's not surprising that Giuliani comes out ahead. One of them has to.

[Mogollon]

Guiliani=McCain=Toast

[JoeSixPack1]

We need another tailor in the WH.
To run things, not sew.

[davidwendell]

Giuliani on the Republican ticket means I will vote third party (as well as all of my family and most of my friends). We simply don't do pro-abortion candidates.

[SE Mom]

I long ago gave up on McCain- now I will work against him in primary season. Rudy will have a tough time with a lot of conservatives- but he's miles ahead of McCain in my book. Although I've not heard his take on illegal immigrants yet- he has proven leadership abilities- and he's strong on the WOT.

I'm not one to throw the baby out with the bathwater- I'll support Rudy if it comes to him.

[sheana]

Well my issue is not abortion but....the choice between Giuliani and McCain = no choice for me. I will write in a candidate or leave it blank.

[alpha-8-25-02]

A GIULINAI AND PENCE TICKET!

[hermgem]

McCain abused his chance with his campaign reform law.
He blew it astronomically and now simply keeps quiet about it.
His reform act turned into a huge bust which Dem's exploited to the hilt.
One too many, a second one: none ever again.
McCain is through, problem is he has yet to accept it but sooner or later will have to realize facts.

[kjo]

I understand your point about abortion, but how anti-abortion do you think McCain is? My guess is that if he get into the White House he'll become pro-choice or neutral on abortion as soon as it suits his politics.

As Least Rudy G. is a sincere Catholic. He believes that abortion should be rare but the government should butt out. I don't think McCain believes in anything except himself.

[MCH]

It'll be a cold day in H E double toothpicks before I vote for that RINO, egomaniac, Kennedy loving, old media basking, sack of crap McLame. No way.

There was an AP article on the Drudge site today talking about McLame giving a commmencement speech at some liberal university & getting booed. They described him as a "conservative Republican". Yeah right. The only traditional conservative view he has is on abortion. Beyond that he's a tax and spend, pandering liberal RINO who sticks his finger in the wind to "make decisions" just like Clinton did. No core beliefs, no backbone. Definitely not a conservative.

[Liberty Valance]

[BW2221]

"As Least Rudy G. is a sincere Catholic. He believes that abortion should be rare but the government should butt out."

Lay off the booze during the day.

Rudy G. is hardly a sincere Catholic - divorced and remarried, an abortion supporter; he's cleanly a member of the Kennedy - Kerry branch of the Catholic Church (I may not agree with the Church's teachings, but I'm sure Catholic 'cause it helps get votes on election day).

[RobFromGa]

It depends on a few things in my book:
1. How many more SCOTUS justices does Bush get to appoint? If Stevens and Ginsburg both retire in the next two years, then the next Prez is less important on the social issues.

2. How is the War against the Radical Islamic moonbats coming along in Summer 2008-- do we need someone with Rudy's leadership capabilities and world respect in this field? Or are we in a safer position?

3. Who are the Dems running and which one of these is the bigger lock to beat her (or him).

4. What are the other GOP candidates still standing, and what chance do they have to beat the Dem.

[Bommer]

Hey how about this: Neither! Had it with RINO's, especially in the White House!