I can see him winning California. He's been there and they seem to really love him.
I can't see either McCain or Romney winning in California. Actually, with one exception, I can't see ANY Republican presidential candidate winning in California again in our lifetimes.
And that exception is Rudy.
I'm not a good wordsmith, but I see in Rudy the charisma, the confidence that Reagan offered to Americans. I don't mean only self-confidence, but a confidence in others and in the future of the country. Perhaps some of this was borne withing by literally having to run for his life as the towers fell nearby, and finding the motivation within to rebuild in the wake of the ruins.
You'll take note that above, I mentioned _nothing_ about his "social attitudes" that bring out the anti-Rudy robots whenever a "Rudy thread" gets posted here.
Reagan was NOT elected because of his social leanings. Quite the contrary, he won because of his optimism, his faith in Americans, and his ability to "reach" ordinary folk with his charisma. Americans saw in Reagan the "leadership" that Carter dismally failed to offer. And they are seeing the same in Rudy.
If Rudy can take California, he wins. It's that simple.
- John