Posted on 02/08/2007 9:16:33 PM PST by Reagan Man
WASHINGTON -- Eager to head off Rudolph Giuliani's recent gains in the polls, conservative activists this week strengthened their attacks, with some promising to step up their efforts on the Internet, talk radio and "below-the-radar" to discredit him going forward.
They are taking direct aim at one of Giuliani's strongest selling points, at least to some backers -- that he is the Republicans' best hope of stopping Hillary Rodham Clinton.
These critics argue that his nomination would prompt a conservative third-party candidate to join the race and split the GOP vote, clearing the way for Clinton's election.
"There's no way conservatives could stand for Giuliani becoming the Republican nominee," said Richard Viguerie, one of the founders of the modern conservative movement. "I guarantee whoever the Democrats nominate would be the next president."
~ship~
He backed off his earlier opposition to a ban on the medical procedure referred to as partial-birth abortion, and expressed support for gun owners' Second Amendment rights, even though as New York mayor he sued gun manufacturers and argued that more guns lead to more crime.
~snip~
So social conservatives -- for whom Giuliani's support for abortion rights, gun control and gay unions are anathema -- are speaking out. Some say they would use the tools at their disposal to tell voters about Giuliani's social stances.
Viguerie, a direct-mail pioneer, argued it no longer takes millions of mailings to make the case, thanks to talk radio, the Internet and other "below-the-radar" media.
Tony Perkins, head of the conservative Family Research Council, told a conservative radio host that Giuliani's positions are "far outside the mainstream of conservative thought ... Once people focus on this election and the candidates, Giuliani's lead will diminish."
(Excerpt) Read more at newsday.com ...
I was sent similar posts
Too bad Mike Rounds hasn't been around longer (south Dakota)
The first part you get right. The second part is all wrong. I think frustration is a better word then desperate. And as loyal patriotic conservatives, we have serious concerns for America's future should Rudy somehow get the nomination. I wouldn't call that being fearful.
We anti-Rudy folks, don't believe its constructive to run around this forum obfuscating Rudy`s record, ignoring the truth and posting lies about Rudy`s liberalism. Rudy`s entire public career has been played out as a liberal politician and public servant. Those are the facts and they must be posted to counter the pro-Rudy forces. Rudy as the GOP standard bearer --- which in my book is still a long shot --- would fracture the GOP and assure the Democrats a victory in 2008. Can't let that happen.
The outspoken and at times highly vocal contingent of RudyBots on FR, will continue to be speak, and they must continue to be challenged at every opportunity using straight talking conservative rhetoric.
Btw, the poster you are replying too isn't interested in what you have to say or in what you believe. Shes not open minded and lives in a fantasyland of her own creation.
You are soooooooo right!
I agree, unless you are running for PRESIDENT :)... Then a non-issue in New York CITY... may be an issued for others :)
Finally
Any Republican but Giuliani, McCain, Hagel or Romney. To beat Hillary you need a true Conservative.
Tancredo, Gingrich, Brownback or Hunter.
Mark Belling, Rush's guest host today, also seemed to be pushing Rudy. Hmmmm.....
Before I offer my commentary on Giuliani lets look at the following statement by another Presidential candidate Subject the North American accord. Read it and ask yourself WOULD YOU VOTE FOR THIS GUY ?
Quote: We live on a continent whose three countries possess the assets to make it the strongest, most prosperous and self-sufficient area on Earth. Within the borders of this North American continent are the food, resources, technology and undeveloped territory which, properly managed, could dramatically improve the quality of life of all its inhabitants.
It is no accident that this unmatched potential for progress and prosperity exists in three countries with such long-standing heritages of free government. A developing closeness among Canada, Mexico and the United States--a North American accord--would permit achievement of that potential in each country beyond that which I believe any of them--strong as they are--could accomplish in the absence of such cooperation. In fact, the key to our own future security may lie in both Mexico and Canada becoming much stronger countries than they are today.
No one can say at this point precisely what form future cooperation among our three countries will take. But if I am elected President, I would be willing to invite each of our neighbors to send a special representative to our government to sit in on high level planning sessions with us, as partners, mutually concerned about the future of our continent. First, I would immediately seek the views and ideas of Canadian and Mexican leaders on this issue, and work tirelessly with them to develop closer ties among our peoples. It is time we stopped thinking of our nearest neighbors as foreigners.
un-quote
Now you that put borders, language , culture first and foremost will read it and say there is no way you would vote for that guy, not in this election not in any election.
Who said it? Who's the guy you would not vote for? Ronald Reagan, quote from November 13, 1979.
Now I havent yet jumped on the Giuliani band wagon, like many of you there are others I am more interested in, but I am not ready to rule him out because of few issues I disagree with him with. How many of us forget or never really knew the Giuliani that New Yorkers fell in love with?
Do you recall when the UN was marking its 50th anniversary with a series of events around New York City, including an invitation-only Lincoln Center concert performed by the New York Philharmonic for a glittering list of dignitaries and diplomats. When Rudy Giuliani spotted Yasser Arafat and his entourage making their way to a private box seat near the stage that evening, the mayor immediately ordered the Palestinian leader off the premises.
The man in the street cheered the mayors gutsy move, but the citys liberal elite was appalled. "The proper role of New York, as the UNs home city," sniffed The New York Times, "is to play gracious host to all of the 140 or so world leaders present for the organizations gala 50th birthday celebrations."
A spokesman for the Clinton administration, which had done so much to build up Arafats reputation as a statesman, termed Giulianis action "an embarrassment to everyone associated with diplomacy."
Former mayors David Dinkins and Ed Koch held a joint press conference to denounce Giuliani. "Mayor Giuliani has behavioral problems dealing with other people," Koch told reporters.
Two days after the concert an unrepentant Giuliani said, "I would not invite Yasser Arafat to anything, anywhere, anytime, anyplace. I dont forget." That was 21 years ago but its the same gutsy Rudy that wants to be President. God Bless him in this effort.
In the FR Poll Question that just ended, only 14.1% of FReepers favor Rudy Giuliani. That places him third behind conservatives Newt Gingrich and Duncan Hunter. Just ahead of conservative, Tom Tancredo. So right now, not many FReepers are willing to jump on the Rudy bandwagon either, and for good reason. Rudy is not a conservative. Rudy`s a liberal. On social issues he's a far leftwing extremist.
Most Freepers are pretty informed folks. Rudy's record as Mayor of NYCity is no secret. While he did a good job reducing crime, and by NYCity standards he acted fiscally responsible during his early years in office. He didn't leave NYCity in the best financial shape. He is no fiscal conservative. And I have the hard evidence to prove it.
You and others may disagree with Rudy on a few issues. The vast majority of conservatives have problems with Rudy on most issues. Rudy is pro-abortion, pro-gun control, pro-gay rights and pro-amnesty. The more Rudy speaks out on all these social issues, the more conservative support he loses.
Ronald Reagan's speech was early rhetoric that lead to the creation of NAFTA. They weren't the words of an extremist. Maybe you thought that Reagan guy was a rightwing kook. I never did. I campaigned for Reagan in 1976 and never saw him project anything but mainstream conservatism and traditional American.
Rudy`s treatment of Yassar Arafat was right on the mark. However, that is no reason to vote for Rudy to be the GOP nominee. I want a staunch conservative to be my candidate. A limited govt, pro-gun, pro-life, anti-gay, anti-amnesty candidate to stand up for my side. I'll take a rightwinger like Reagan over Rudy anyday. In fact, Rudy is so liberal, he will neverv get my vote. Can't see him winning the GOP nomination either.
Very well said Jeff.
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