As for Rudy vs Social Conservatives, I come out with the following opinion. I could vote for Rudy (I have to hear a clarification of his partial - birth abortion stance first), but in my opinion I am much more OK with a moderate President than I am with a moderate Congressman, or Senator. After all, they write the laws. In 2008 my two main concerns will be the War on Terror, and Fiscal responsibility. From what I know Rudy fits these two things. I am in no way set in my decision, I am just not appalled at the thought of him being POTUS. He also exudes leadership. We, in America, need that. My next point may get me flamed, but here it goes anyway.... I am pretty sick of self - righteous politicians speaking moral absolutism when we know they are being hypocritical. I have more tolerance of a sinner Rudy, than of a sinner Newt. One never claimed to be the social savior, while the other did.
One of the things that attracted me to President Bush (although in my opinion he failed) was his initial stance of helping the Countries moral faults. He didn't try and say that illegitimate children, or their parents, were evil. He just pointed out that statistically those children have a greater chance of not succeeding. He wanted to promote marriage, not as a religious means, as much as a way to improve America. He didn't say that the Gay couple that live next door are immoral, but he did say that Marriage is between a man and a woman. He never put down the sinners, he tried to help, and respect them. And although he failed, he still tried.
We must all remember that although a President may lead our individual political parties, at the end of the day he is the leader of ALL of America, Republicans, and Democrats. Maybe a moderate is the best.
Well said!!