Posted on 02/03/2007 1:17:10 PM PST by BunnySlippers
By JIM DAVENPORT, Associated Press Writer
He keeps an itinerary that has all the makings of a full-fledged presidential candidate: South Carolina this weekend, New Hampshire the one before.
Which is what Rudy Giuliani, the former New York City mayor, says he's leaning toward becoming.
"There's a real good chance," Giuliani told The Associated Press on Saturday, after a 30-minute speech and question-and-answer session with party leaders in South Carolina. In year, they will put on the first-in-the-South GOP presidential primary.
On Giuliani's first visit to New Hampshire last weekend since setting up the committee, he told reporters he'd received a tremendous amount of enthusiasm and support from people.
But he said he had not yet decided whether he could make a "unique contribution" toward strengthening the nation that would justify a run for president.
He has emphasized his steady hand dealing with the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. However, his moderate stances on gun control, abortion, gay rights and other social issues could be liabilities for him in a GOP presidential primary that includes hard-core conservatives as a central voting group.
For instance, in November, South Carolina voters overwhelmingly approved a constitutional ban on same-sex unions.
"The fact is I appeal to conservative Christians the way I appeal to everyone else," Giuliani said at a news conference. "I don't think you have separate appeals to people."
Giuliani formed a presidential exploratory committee in November to prepare for a possible bid for the GOP nomination in 2008. It lets him raise money and travel the country, gauging how much support there could be for him.
In his few first weeks, Giuliani took in $1.4 million. He collected donations online, and held a major fundraising event in New York in December.
Financial documents show that by the start of this year Giuliani had about $1 million available, having spent money to set up campaign headquarters, buy equipment and hire workers.
The Republicans' top tier of candidates for 2008 includes Arizona Sen. John McCain (news, bio, voting record), former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee and Kansas Sen. Sam Brownback (news, bio, voting record).
Giuliani's visit to Columbia wrapped up a busy week in the state for White House hopefuls. Romney was in the capital on Tuesday and Brownback on Friday.
No. I just chuckled quietly.
You're like an old maid, aren't you?
I found out last night (from you) that as long as somebody posts on an open thread, they are fair game.
And judging from your posts up the thread where you said you can "see" people hitting abuse and getting banned (the warning post of yours), I suspect you're trying to get me banned.
Frankly, I won't take forum etiquette advice from somebody who posts Freepmail on an open thread.
Not really. Just someone who is easily entertained by the contortions that FR's harpie brigade has to go through to defend Rudy on a conservative website.
What do you think of Rudy praising Margaret Sanger's "distinguished work"?
That's not the picture I've seen; however, the one I saw did have a hat.
Self-portrait?
No, my photo is on my page.
About four years ago, I actually would have considered Julieanna as a candidate. After seeing who supports him and what nasty, vile behavior they exhibit, never.
They are no different than Mrs. Clinton...
That ridiculous reasoning only works if your the only one with family.
I think "many" are wrong. Romney is far more articulate, sharp, and charismatic, and also is strongly supportive of the war.
I am the only one with family, didn't you know? Ahh, I see your tag line. Nevermind, carry on.
That's ok. You mean like getting caught in the crossfire.
Indeed. Basic civility seems to be a tough call for some.
My point is that this guy has crossed the party line enough times in his career that he shouldn't be trusted as a GOP candidate. These threads are littered with plenty of evidence to support that contention.
I'm afraid it'll just get worse. *sigh*
I laughed heartily when I read it awhile back. Perfect for conspiracy theorists. But it was a fun story!
I agree.
How blind are those who refuse to see?
Repent for what?
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