Posted on 02/16/2007 4:34:15 PM PST by Jet Jaguar
Long dismissed by Washington insiders as incapable of receiving the Republican Party's presidential nomination because of his pro-abortion rights, pro-gay rights and pro-gun control views, former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani was lavished with praise Friday by an icon of American conservatism.
"He is much stronger than anyone could have predicted six months ago," said former Republican House Speaker Newt Gingrich from Georgia. "New York is four times safer than it used to be. It's one of the greatest achievements of government capability in the 20th century. And Rudy just has to go out and say, 'This is who I am. If you think the world's dangerous, and you need a tough guy … that's me.' "
Gingrich, who co-wrote a Wall Street Journal op-ed with Giuliani last month, said he is not endorsing the man who led New York City through the terrorist attacks of 9/11, and he noted that he may still jump into the presidential race against him.
But the words of praise from the architect of the GOP's 1994 takeover of Congress capped a big week for Giuliani, which included more encouraging poll numbers, a raucous reception from California Republicans, and the latest round of softball interviews in which he has been able to downplay his liberal social views by espousing his commitment to appointing "strict constructionist" judges.
Nearly a year before the first presidential primaries are held, a Gallup Poll released Wednesday found that Giuliani has a 16-point lead among Republicans over Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz.
In general election matchups, Gallup found that Giuliani leads Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., by nine points and Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., by two points, within the survey's three-point margin of error. McCain, by contrast, ties Obama and trails Clinton by three percentage points.
Saying that former Gov. Mitt Romney, R-Mass., is going through a "little bit of a rough patch," Gingrich was noticeably cooler toward Romney today than he has been in the past.
Back in November, while appearing on "Fox News Sunday," Gingrich singled out Romney as someone who is working "very hard" to fill a vacuum in the GOP for a "clearer voice of conservatism," adding that Romney "may well succeed."
Gingrich adopted a different tone toward Romney today after cost estimates for his health care plan, which have soared above the former governor's expectations, which revealed.
"I think that he's very smart, he's very articulate, and he's had a little bit of a rough patch with the cost of the health plan is Massachusetts," said Gingrich, "But he's a very smart guy, and I think he'll be a very significant candidate."
In assessing Giuliani's potential appeal to conservatives, Gingrich pointed to Giuliani saying in recent interviews that he would appoint "strict constructionist" judges.
Gingrich predicted that one of Giuliani's GOP rivals would air television ads attacking him for having made positive statements in the past about Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the Supreme Court justice appointed by former President Clinton, who has upheld abortion rights.
Gingrich, however, seemed unconvinced that the line of attack would work
"And as he said the other day," said Gingrich, "he would have appointed the same two Supreme Court justices as Bush did. So conservatives have got to decide, you know, is that acceptable or not acceptable?"
Rudy the RINO is pulling the rino hide over many in the party. I am totally with you.
1. 2nd ammendment - AGAINST - Without this all others are a mute point.........PERIOD.
2. Abortion - Pro - I shake my head when the question is asked; well, does he/she believe in partial=birth? What the hell is the difference? That's like asking well did he kill a 16 year old or a 6 month old.
3. Gay Marriage - Pro - o.k., civil unions, wink, wink.
Ahhh Yes I forgot!
Newt wants the Vice Presidency... it would be a good ticket!
Newt is weak, it was ever thus.
It's truly amazing that those who do have a candidate spend all their time on threads of other candidates, especially Rudy's.
I post on all the candidate threads and until today I have not bashed any candidate, but Ron Paul earned my ire.
Yes he does. And I don't blame him! It would be a formidable ticket!
he doesn't have the money to play this early in the game. he can't staff, operate the machinations of the campaign.
GO DUNCAN HUNTER!
How about Romney/Santorum?
I pinged areafifty in my post #8, along with PKM who is busy tonight at a GOP function.
I can't believe anyone anyone that calls themselves a conservative could vote for this person, just on THIS ONE ISSUE. All others become gone if this is gone.
What is happening here?
No one really believes that Rudy is anyone's savior. Nor does anyone expect you to roll over and do anything. However, a little intellectual honesty from your quarter would be nice. That would entail admitting that things are looking better for Rudy than you personally like.
I promise you that if Hunter starts looking really strong, I'll be the first to admit it, my personal feelings be damned. But, I was raised to be honorable like that. I had good parents.
Santorum? he couldn't even win a statewide election in his home state.
LOL!
I thought Newt was "the only other conservative running"!
You guys slay me. lol.
Noted.
add him to the list - Olson, Sessions, who else?
Rudy vs. Hillary and we have to choose between two New Yorkers. Yuck! It's too revolting even to think about it.
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