Not Since T.R.

New York Sun ^ | 8 Feb 07 | R. Emmett Tyyrell, Jr.

[rellimpank]

Rudy Giuliani's announcement that he will seek the Republican presidential nomination brings to my mind a book I wrote in the early 1990s, "The Conservative Crack-Up." When I wrote the book, Ronald Reagan's successor, President George H. W. Bush, was ignoring many of the constituent ingredients of the Reagan Revolution, for instance, tax cuts. The various factions of the conservative coalition were disgruntled and threatening to take a walk. Once again liberal pundits were diagnosing the conservative movement as moribund.

[madprof98]

The most vocal FReepers these days are trashing the concerns of social conservatives in order to promote liberal/libertarian Giuliani. If he actually gets the GOP nomination, will you please start another forum so conservatives will have a place to talk about politics? Thanks.

[TommyDale]

Unless Rudy suddenly 'gets religion' and changes his mind about abortion, there is no hope for me ever voting for him.

[dirtboy]

You're citing a MADISON.COM hyper-liberal blogger for your attacks on Duncan Hunter? Is there no limit to the depths you will go to with your completely unprincipled attacks on a principled man?

And where are your links backing up your assertion that Hunter is a subject in the Duke Cunningham investigation? Or are you content to pull a Mary Mapes, throw out an accusation and then never back it up?

[wolfcreek]

"..then will you sit out, or what?"


I'll have to think about that. If Rudy wins the nom. and does select Hunter, then We'll talk. I just don't see that much difference between Rudy and Hill.

[SoCal Pubbie]

I'm going out a limb here, but I've thought it for a while now. Rudy is going to be the next president of the United States.

[Cincinna]

I have always respected Emmett Tyrell's opinions.

The points he brings out about Rudy are formidable.

1. Taking on the Nanny State. As government grows and spends without restraint, this is an important quality to have in a leader.

2. Terrorism:

"He had already demonstrated his awareness of the danger and nihilism of terrorists. In 1995 he expelled Palestine Liberation Organization leader Yasser Arafat from commemorations of the United Nations' 50th anniversary sponsored by the city, saying, "When we're having a party and a celebration, I would rather not have someone who has been implicated in the murders of Americans there."

Mr. Giuliani's knowledge of international terrorism has steadily grown to the point that he is now acknowledged as one of the world's foremost authorities on terror. That alone in these times should commend him to the majority of the American electorate."

A great article well worth reading through.

[Cincinna]

The past, especially on terrorism and the growth of the Nanny State tells us a lot. It is the combination of knowledge, experience, and especially, results.

In these times it is foremost that a President have the awareness of the Islamo-fascist terror threat. Being on of the foremost experts in the world on terrible is a great plus.

[beezdotcom]

I think as a lawyer who went after the mob, Rudy respects the law. He's said that he will appoint strict constructionists and that Alito and Roberts are his dream judges.

I SO want to trust Rudy on that, I really do. And maybe, at some point, that assurance will have to be good enough for me. You'll forgive me, however, if I'm still a little skeptical.

It's a crapshoot; with Reagan we got 2 crummy Supreme Court judges.

True enough - but there is a clear difference between who Reagan WANTED, and who he settled for. Even if we can take Rudy at face value as to who he WANTS - well, given his social positions, his "compromise" picks would likely be far left of Reagan's.

The paradox is that with a Republican Congress, I would be more willing to risk Rudy as POTUS, given his positive qualities. However, Rudy is probably more attractive to a country that would elect a Democrat Congress - which is a scenario that doesn't appeal to me. But don't worry, I'm trying to keep an open mind...Rudy still has a chance to convince me.

[ken5050]

That's all one can ask..BTW..to follow up, if Rudy selects a true conservative as his VP choice ( say Newt, Huntee, or Brownback)and announces it well before the convention..would that help change your mind?

[beezdotcom]

That's all one can ask..BTW..to follow up, if Rudy selects a true conservative as his VP choice ( say Newt, Huntee, or Brownback)and announces it well before the convention..would that help change your mind?

I dunno...I mean, really, unless you're going to have a seriously hands-on VP (like Cheney), I'm not sure the VP is going to matter much. I don't think Rudy would be nearly as willing to delegate as W.

[ken5050]

Actually, I think that could well happen..the Bush/Cheney model could well be the future. Assume that Rudy picks Newt as his VP, and Newt immediately announces that he will NOT run for President in the future. Newt would be given a major voice/role in policy decisions..

[beezdotcom]

Actually, I think that could well happen..the Bush/Cheney model could well be the future. Assume that Rudy picks Newt as his VP, and Newt immediately announces that he will NOT run for President in the future. Newt would be given a major voice/role in policy decisions..

I don't think it's enough for the VP to SAY they won't run in the future. With Cheney, everyone pretty much believed it, due to his health concerns. In fact, with Cheney, all the speculation was always about when he might step down. That presented a unique set of circumstances that empowered his office as something other than a "president-in-waiting". I'm not sure you'll see that again in the near future.