Posted on 11/14/2006 8:08:43 PM PST by Rawlings
Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani (R) made it official on Monday, filing paperwork to launch a 2008 Presidential campaign.
The action comes as Giuliani is the top choice of Republican voters nationwide earning support from 24% of likely GOP voters. Senator John McCain (R), considered by many insiders to have the early advantage, and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice are close on Giuliani’s heels.
In General Election match-ups, Giuliani is tied at 46% support with New York Senator Hillary Clinton (D). However, Giuliani leads when matched against Senator Barack Obama (D) and former Vice President Al Gore (D). Clinton, Obama, and Gore are currently leading the Democratic nomination field.
Giuliani, often referred to as America’s Mayor for his leadership following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, is exceedingly popular nationwide. He is viewed favorably by 63% of voters and unfavorably by just 27%.
Still, he faces many challenges on the road to the White House. Despite his high favorables, Giuliani displays a consistently weaker performance than McCain when matched against Democratic contenders. Also, while many Americans are aware of the Mayor’s role following 9/11, not as many are aware of his standing on a variety of social issues. The Mayor’s views are closer to those of New York City than to the conservative Republican base. Some suggest that it is impossible for anyone with Giuliani’s views to win a Republican nomination. However, in light of the “thumping” received by Republicans during Election 2006, Republicans may apply a different set of criteria as they select a nominee for 2008.
Last summer, Rasmussen Reports surveys found that Giuliani and McCain were seen as closer to the political center than either President Bush or Democratic contenders. The challenge for both men is that their stands create tensions within the party—both Giuliani and McCain are seen as closer to the Democrats’ political center than to that of the GOP.
You might find reading "Leadership" by Giuliani enlightening. It is the story of his actions that turned a broken New York City into one of the most crime free and economically vital big cities in the world.
You may not like his position on "special" issues such as right-to-life and gun rights, but no President is going to be able to change the status quo on those single handedly without a huge seachange in Congress - which is unlikely.
If you can get past the narrow issues - Rudi looks good as a extremely talented entrepreneurial manager for the nation.
But then so does Mitt Romney.
Actually, I found his past statements and actions enough to enlighten me. He will not get my vote.
Condi is no conservative, when it comes to U.S. foreign policy and she would never get my vote. If she was the GOP nominee, I would have to vote for a Libertarian or Constitution Party candidate, while voting for the GOP congressional candidates.
I hope Mitt Romney saves the GOP
I'm starting to think he is our only hope.
Romney/Newt 2008?
Americans are indeed far, far away ahead of us.
We've only had Rudy 102, while they're going to have Rudy 2008 :-)))
Even Better. Mitt/Newt 08. I LIKE IT!
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