I know the following about him. I visit New York every year, once a year - the city did a 180 degree turn under his stewardship. Crime, taxes, virtually every indicator of the city's standard of living improved beyond recognition as to what came before.
Second, I know that he was possibly the only politician in America to treat both Arafat and the United Nations with the contempt they deserved - throwing Arafat out of a building, and demanding the UN obey the law (albeit parking violations) marks him out as different.
Third, I know that he was aggressive in pursuing organised crime.
Fourth, I know that he has an international gravitas, which no other candidate - either Republican or Democrat - has at the moment. He can step into the White House with a certain amout of respect already.
I don't like his positions on social issues - however, this is the time for social conservatives to say, "If you win the nomination, we will support you with certain caveats - namely, appoint the correct judges, leave the 2nd amendment alone, use the VP slot to promote one of our own, so that in 8 years, we'll have a good candidate for President".
The Republicans have a weak bench, a VP that is not running again, and have problems in the West, which is vital to winning the Presidency. Giuliani is the best tactical choice out of the lot. People can scream, yell, get upset all they like, this is how it is.
Ivan
I think that will be critical. If Rudy does win the nomination and picks a dynamic, young conservative for his VP, I suspect much will be forgiven.
"I know the following about him. I visit New York every year, once a year - the city did a 180 degree turn under his stewardship. Crime, taxes, virtually every indicator of the city's standard of living improved beyond recognition as to what came before.
Second, I know that he was possibly the only politician in America to treat both Arafat and the United Nations with the contempt they deserved - throwing Arafat out of a building, and demanding the UN obey the law (albeit parking violations) marks him out as different.
Third, I know that he was aggressive in pursuing organised crime.
Fourth, I know that he has an international gravitas, which no other candidate - either Republican or Democrat - has at the moment. He can step into the White House with a certain amout of respect already.
I don't like his positions on social issues - however, this is the time for social conservatives to say, "If you win the nomination, we will support you with certain caveats - namely, appoint the correct judges, leave the 2nd amendment alone, use the VP slot to promote one of our own, so that in 8 years, we'll have a good candidate for President".
The Republicans have a weak bench, a VP that is not running again, and have problems in the West, which is vital to winning the Presidency. Giuliani is the best tactical choice out of the lot. People can scream, yell, get upset all they like, this is how it is.
Ivan"
I currently live in New York. I was too young and didn't live here back when it was bad (I'm only 21). But the New York I see, despite the cultural backwardness and hedonism, is cleaner and possibly safer than Switzerland.
So I think you're correct.