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.
I like Condi a lot, it's just that I don't think she's running. But a few more polls like this one and she may change her mind. Otherwise, I'll take Mitt.
Who are they asking? The Dems? I don't want either one of those choices. Nor do I want McCain.
Take the RINOs and almost RINOs off the page.
I think a lot people are going to shocked to find out how liberal Condi is on social and domestic issues.
I have a problem with the way she has handled State.
This only proves that voters haven't heard about his position on actual issues yet.
Romney is DOA b/c of being Mormon. Fair or not...the media will crucify him on it.
Well, it would be good if the succession is settled reasonably early. Internecine warfare would hand the presidency to hillary on a platter, with fork, knife and a napkin.
Not without fixing congress first. I can live with a RINO in the white house if there's a check on his/her power in the house and senate.
She has NEVER held an elected office and has NO wish to do so. Yet, no matter how many times she says that she has NO interest whatsoever in being president ( and that now numbers in the 10s of 1,000s, at least ), she still makes all of the lists.
McQueeg has NO chance of winning, but his enormous ego keeps him from accepting the fact.
Dick Cheney
Condi, Rudi, McCain...
they are not leading a conservative movement
Rudy would be great as AG
RUDY! RUDY! RUDY! :D
Condi is not that liberal on social issues. She's an evangelical and supports abortion only for rape, incest, and the mother's life (which is just about where the mainstream is). She is huge on the second amendment and favors the partial birth abortion ban and parental notification> she is also said to come close to the president"s views on the culture of life
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.