Posted on 02/23/2007 7:45:02 AM PST by Alberta's Child
Great post. Thanks.
Good article. It explains in detail why the reaction here to Rudy was to be expected.
Moronic? Insane? We are 22 months from the general election and already asking hypotheticals. There is a good chance neither will be the nominee. If Rudy is to win the general, he needs to convince people to vote for him, not to vote against Hillary.
As much as I don't like McCain, I think one of the funniest things I've ever seen is "McCain sings Streisand." (the video is out there on YouTube)
If one looks at the latest FR poll on a head to head with HRC, it can be concluded that some here will vote for Rudy. But, many more will vote 3rd party or are undecided at this point.
Trust me Rudy fans. Don't take the route California took. We screwed up big time with Arnold. Unfortunately all we've managed to do is stay on life support when we'd have been better off going into default under a democratic administration. No need in giving the GOP a bad name for the next century just to put a RINO in control.
Hillary for Pres is so comforting to me..........
Well reasoned. Well written. Well said.
Great post! It explains exactly why I could not vote for Rudy. And why the Rudy supporters aren't going to change my mind by calling us names and threatening Hillary.
I've remained neutral about Rudy on FR in the past since bashing candidates isn't my favorite way to spend my time. However, for the sake of fair disclosure, I will make it known here that I will not be voting for Rudy in the primaries.
David Brody asked for feedback from readers on the question of whether or not they would vote for Rudy. I didn't see my reasons exactly within the text of your vanity, so I'll reprint my email to Mr. Brody for FReepers to consider.
Great effort, Alberta's Child!
____________________________________
Dear Mr. Brody,
If a man cannot honor sacred marriage vows and remain faithful to his wife, it raises great doubt in my mind that he can be trusted to behave honorably in other areas of public life. A man who has been an unfaithful husband is not an example of the best among us despite his other fine qualities, and one should hope a person elected to represent the nation will be an example for our society to emulate in every regard.
When I began voting in 1972, and in every election since then, I have viewed infidelity in marriage as a disqualifying factor when selecting a candidate in the primary election who will best represent my beliefs and values. This simple litmus test of character has certainly served me well in the past to steer me away from presidential candidates who later proved to be immoral reprobates in office. I will apply that standard again in 2008 and will not vote for Rudy Giuliani in the primary election. Mitt Romney is the candidate who faithfully represents my conservative values in social and fiscal issues and he will have my full support.
If Rudy Giuliani were to become the Republican Party nominee for President in 2008, I would support him in the general election reluctantly. I will vote for Giuliani for President to deny ascension to power by a Democrat candidate who would lead the nation into danger and a more rapid decline into social liberalism with little hope of reversing the slide.
Sincerely,
[name redacted]
Houston, TX
Or are we Americans first? And are we pragmatists?
Unlike many on FR, I care more about the actual governing then about the game of politics and the gotcha of the other side- as entertaining as that may be.
One can fantasize about what candidate they would love to see in office or set their analysis on reality.
Having been a witness to NYC pre Giuliani, and the miracle he performed, I believe he is uniquely what America needs today. When he was shot, Reagan joked that he hoped the doctors were Republicans. It was only a joke. To save his life, a Communist doctor would have been just as well if that doctor was proven to be highly proficient for the treatment needed, and no Republican was an equal.
I anticipate that the next Presidency will be a very troubling one. Conservative principles will have to take a back seat to competence dealing with huge international and economic issues- the nuts and bolts of a Presidency.
Dream all you want, but the next Republican nominee is either Giuliani or Romney, with McCain a more distant possibility. I believe only Giuliani would win the General. No "Conservative" is viable. If Gingrich, who I would like to see as President, cracks up and gets into the race, and Republicans crack up and nominate him, the election- sad to say- will be a massacre of Republicans.
Promises could be extracted from Giuliani today. On abortion, gays and guns. Also on what sort of person he will choose for VP. That will keep Conservative principals alive and raise a varsity player for a future election.
So really, in my opinion, you asked the telling question- almost. Are we Republicans first, Conservatives first, or do we compromise and do what's best for America first- acknowledging the circumstances - and candidates- which we face today and in the near future.
I will not join the "perfection" or "rejection" caucus, and sit idly by, or actively support a center-right third party fringe candidate, and allow the hildabeast to insinuate herself into the Oval Office. I will adamantly support the GOP 2008 general election standard bearer with everything I can muster.
We don't need a gun-grabbing, pro-choice, pro-CFR, pro-illegal, pro-global warming NE liberal who saw the Head of Homeland Security as a plum place to park a corrupt crony - and especially one who coveted 9-11 victim compensation monies as a cash cow for one of his companies.
Please remove me from your navel gazing commentary.
That argument is not getting any traction. I suggest it be retired for the duration.
His promises won't be worth jack, quite frankly, given how extreme several of his past views and actions have been. I simply will never trust him to not succumb to the same gun-grabbing, pro-illegal and anti-First-Amendment inclinations he had as mayor. He will have FAR more power to enact such actions as president, and the temptations will therefore be that much greater.
Brilliant, sir. Thanks for the ping.
I'd probably vote for him in the general over a Dihimmicrat, but please people don't tell me he's a conservative.
Well written reply, and a breath of fresh air. If more Giuliani supporters would talk about why they like the guy instead of belittling those of us who will not support him, this would be a more civil discourse.
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