"On the other side, the Rudy boot-lickers who think he's the Second Coming of Jesus Christ." Where are these? Most folks just refuse to join the Hate Rudy Brigade. Almost all indicate that he is not in agreement with all their beliefs but understand that politics requires compromise at times.
Almost EVERY supporter of Guiliani has said they would support whoever wins the nomination. This is in sharp contrast to those Rudy Haters who adamently refuse to support the Party's nominee if it isn't someone no one has ever heard of or who has NO chance of winning the election.
And that is EXACTLY why Rudy is such an unpragmatic choice for our nominee. Any conservative Republican will unite the party, as all of the liberals/moderates claim to be willing to vote for anyone. The conservative wing of the party will NOT vote for Rudy. Therefore, doesn't it make sense to nominate someone that evryone in the party will vote for?