Gee, I guess I'll be swimming up-stream on this thread...
Someone had a recent survey that asked something like this: what qualities and abilities are Americans looking for in terms of a president. And the reaction was: a leader... someone like Reagan or FDR. A visionary. Someone who could stand up to criticism and do the right thing. And a good communicator.
As I look at the current crop of potential nominees from either party, the only one who measures up to that benchmark is Rudy. He was a visionary and a true leader in bringing NYC out of the depths it was in during the early 1990s. He did the things a leader aspires to do: lays out a plan and focuses resources to making it happen. In NYC, it was reducing crime, lowering taxes, improving the living conditions in the city's various neighborhoods, reducing the welfare rolls, improving the school system, and boosting the overall economy to the extent possible. After 9/11 he was America's Mayor -- the most visible leader and most eloquent spokesman [besides W] in the country.
On Rudy's social issues, yes, I know that will be tough for conservatives to stomach (and to accept during the primaries). But he can claim that this is what a guy who grew up in NY believes. He can also defer to: most of these social issues should be left to the States and localities -- as envisioned by the Framers. I know he embraces conservative, originalist jurists... personally, I don't expect to see abortions made illegal but I would hope to see the matter pushed back to the states where it should have been decided prior to Roe v. Wade. That's what conservative jurists should press for. Same thing for same sex marriage. Let the States decide. We are a Republic -- a Free Republic.
On the leadership side: Rudy is articulate, focused, has always surrounded himself with good people (even despite the Bernie Kerrik problem). He's a great communicator -- probably has the potential to stand right up there with the Gipper. Unlike W who made us anxious at every press conference and speech he even held in the first 4 years of his presidency, Rudy could give a press conference a day and I would never expect him to flub it (he probably gave 100 press conferences in the 2 months following 9/11 alone and he always did them brilliantly). The Chattering Class will be on the defensive during a Rudy presidency.
OK... I'll end here and expect a malestrom of barbs from fellow FReepers. But show me a better leader... Some me a better spokesperson... Show me a better "fiscal conservative"... Show me a better visionary... Show me a better propsective leader for prosecuting the War on Terror. I don't think you can. JMHO.
The rabid anti-Rudy attack dogs here are a small but loud and obnoxious crew. They aren't representative of the GOP in any way, shape, or form.
For liberals and Democrats, FDR was/is the model POTUS. For conservatives and Republicans, Reagan was/is the model POTUS. One big problem. Rudy maybe a Republican, but more importantly he's a liberal and that will exclude him from getting the GOP nomination.
"Rudy could give a press conference a day and I would never expect him to flub it."
I don't know if you are aware of the fact that when Rudy was Mayor, he DID hold a Press conference every single day.
He is the master of the form, always articulate, always on message, always much sharper that the reporters who were questioning him.