A Question from a Webb Supporter

The Washington Post ^ | November 14, 2006 | John Whitesides

[DCBandita]

I'm curious. As a Democrat who trends VERY moderate (for example, I'm very pro-enforcement on the immigration issue; reasonably pro-gun, etc.), I'm curious as to how the potential of a Rudy Giuliani running for President is being seen over here.

My personal opinion is that IF (and that's a big if) Giuliani could get the Republican nomination, it would herald a return to a more traditional form of conservatism - pro-law enforcement, fiscally conservative, smaller government etc. without legislating social issues whatsoever.

Speaking only for myself, I can say that I would welcome that - it would be nice to have a CHOICE that didn't involve the hand of the religious right.

I'd appreciate any thoughtful insight from this community.

[DCBandita]

Oh and - I'm unfamiliar with the posting format over here. Apologies if I've inadvertently broken any rules.

[gov_bean_ counter]

Better duck. You are about to be shot at by a bunch of RINO hunters.

[MamaB]

Could be.

[DCBandita]

Heh. Won't be any worse than getting shot at by the DINO hunters!! Sometimes the middle is dangerous...

[ConservativeTerrapin]

IBTZ

[theDentist]

I think it's split, while many like Guiliani's views on defense of country and how he handled the attacks of 9/11, they're nto too enthused about his liberal social agenda.


And what's wrong with religion in molding and guiding someone's political viewpoints?

[DCBandita]

Pardon my ignorance... IBTZ?

[Theresawithanh]

I can only speak for myself, and while I think Rudy is overall a good man, he would not be my choice for president.

Good luck to you! ;-)

[Def Conservative]

The fact that you, an open Democrat, speak positively of Rudy is the same reason he will not make it through the primary.

Nothing personal, but the love Democrats and liberal types have for Rudy is his downfall, if they would stay in the background he'd have a much easier time

[ConservativeTerrapin]

Sorry, I read what you said again...my bad.

[albie]

I'm curious. What does "reasonably pro-gun" mean? Also, what the hell is Democrat "who trends VERY moderate"? Do you have a penis AND a vagina?

[gov_bean_ counter]

In Before The Zot. (Don't ask me what a Zot is.)

[sgtbono2002]

IMO I could vote for Guilianni easier than I could for McCain. Only his stance on abortion holds him back.

The religious right is not near as prevalent in republican politicsas it has been amde out to be. Abortion doesnt have to be a religious issue, Its mostly an issue of right and wrong. Its is wrong to kill. To kill the most vulnerable among us is even more wrong. If you dont want babies , do something about it before lying down and making them.

[DCBandita]

Personally I don't have a problem with any individual's personal bleiefs - but that's the problem. Your personal beliefs may not be mine etc. and so forth and when it comes to issue like Choice, I'd rather people live their principles and not try to legislate them at all. My perhaps unenlightened opinion of the religious right is that the Choice issue is priority #1 for them - they want it illegal and illegal NOW. I don't subscribe to that opinion and, if opinion polls are to be believed, neither do about 63% of Americans. So if their religion is a healthy part of their life, fine. But if it determines their agenda, I want no part of it.

[So Cal Rocket]

I think if (and only if) Giuliani came out and said that he believes that most of the social issues of our time (abortion, gay marriage, etc) are States Rights issues and NOT Federal issues... and he said that he would nominate Originalist Judges and Justices who would enforce State's rights in the Constitution, then he may have a chance at the nomination.

If he doesn't do this... he's got no shot whatsoever.

[concerned about politics]

Rudy Giuliani running for President is being seen over here.

He's waaaaay too socially liberal for my family. He wouldn't get our vote. Scratch the conservative Christian right as well. He won't get theirs either.
He's pro-abort, pro-homo, anti-gun, and too NYC.
I'm sure Rudy is a very qualified man, but not as a conservative representative. Maybe another position within the party would be a better idea.

[SJackson]

I'm curious. As a Democrat who trends VERY moderate (for example, I'm very pro-enforcement on the immigration issue; reasonably pro-gun, etc.), I'm curious as to how the potential of a Rudy Giuliani running for President is being seen over here...My personal opinion is that IF (and that's a big if) Giuliani could get the Republican nomination, it would herald a return to a more traditional form of conservatism - pro-law enforcement, fiscally conservative, smaller government etc. without legislating social issues whatsoever...Speaking only for myself, I can say that I would welcome that - it would be nice to have a CHOICE that didn't involve the hand of the religious right...I'd appreciate any thoughtful insight from this community.

I ask only because many members of what you call "the religious right", more accurately "true conservatives" here, proudly promoted staying home, increasing the chances of your vote coming true.

[Dane]

I'm curious. As a Democrat who trends VERY moderate (for example, I'm very pro-enforcement on the immigration issue; reasonably pro-gun, etc.),

LOL! If you haven't noticed the leadership and platform of your party is very pro-gun grabbing and pro-illegal immigration.

JMO, I think you should visit your nearest used car lot, seems that you enjoy the experience of being snookered.

[DCBandita]

I think it's mistake to cast a net over all Democrats as "liberal". For example, I am from Virginia - we are a different breed of Democrat (we have to be). I would be more inclined, generally, to agree with Giuliani than I would with Ted Kennedy. I'm a moderate. I'm almost an independent, frankly. And I wonder if it's a bad thing for BOTH parties to reach deeper into the middle and refuse the politics of ideology on EITHER side.