2008 Republican Presidential Primary (Rasmussen) Giuliani 33% McCain 19% Gingrich 13%

Rasmussen ^ | 2/20/07

[shempy]

Don't count out Newt. He is a masterful strategist. Everything he is doing and saying right now is a part of his plan. Sun Tzu's "Art of War" is his playbook.

You just watch as Newt conducts a late term abortion on Rudy's campaign. Rudy's candidacy will move along fine for eight to eight and a half months. It will be viable, lively, and full of health. Then just as he is about to be "delivered" as the Republican Presidential Candidate, Newt will metaphorically suck out his brain and crush his skull. Ironically, in this case the partial birth abortion actually WILL be to save the life of the mother (the Republican Party).

[daviddennis]

Paul Gramm, who I believe was a big deficit hawk in his day, endorses McCain here:

http://www.opinionjournal.com/extra/?id=110009690

I wish Phil Gramm has said why he favors McCain over Giuliani. My main reason for opposing McCain is that I think campaign finance reform was a bad idea and a major blow against freedom of speech. I also think his support for the War on Terrorism is tepid. Alas, Gramm doesn't address those issues, which makes his essay pretty much useless.

Patrick, I agree that it will be interesting to see how this plays out for Rudy in the next two years. Of all the candidates, I would say he has the best record of accomplishment, and I think he has sound opinions on the issues that will be in play. (I think many conservatives care about issues, like abortion and gun control, which a President is unlikely to influence or want to influence).

I'm certainly open to be persuaded but none of the other candidates have particularly impressed me. Of course it's early days yet but Giuliani's reform of New York, during a period when it looked impossible, is excellent preparation for battle with Congress. And his handling of 9/11 was of course superb. Those two things combined make a track record that's very hard to beat.

D