Posted on 03/04/2007 2:13:52 AM PST by Cincinatus' Wife
The 2008 presidential campaign is just weeks old, but already an article of faith within the Republican Party -- the belief that no politician who favors abortion rights and gay rights can win the GOP nomination -- is being challenged by the candidacy of former New York mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani.
...."This is the first Republican presidential primary since Sept. 11," said Ed Gillespie, ... "Rudy Giuliani is a candidate who can clearly test the proposition that a Republican who is more moderate on social issues can capture the nomination. He's testing it now."
....Whit Ayres, a Georgia-based Republican pollster, said he has been struck by the number of conservatives he has encountered who disagree with Giuliani on abortion or gay rights but are still attracted to him as a possible Republican nominee. ....
"It truly is the question in Republican presidential politics at the moment," Ayres said. "There are a lot of people with a more traditional view who think that his leading in the polls is just a mirage and that he has no real chance. I don't believe that. I think there's more to this than simply name ID. "
...A veteran Republican strategist, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to candidly assess the situation, said he is among those who long believed that a Republican with Giuliani's profile would have no chance. He still believes the former mayor faces significant obstacles but said the odds of Giuliani winning the nomination are not as remote as they once seemed.
He gave three reasons: the absence of a strong, traditional conservative in the GOP field; continuing antipathy among many social and religious conservatives toward McCain; and the prospect of Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) becoming the next president.
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtonpost.com ...
I won't vote third party. I will go to the polls and just leave the box for president blank.
This is a lie. Being pro-abortion, even pro-partial birth abortion, pro-gay marriage, pro-gay military, pro-gay adoption, etc. is NOT being a "moderate on social issues". If that was so, then all of the Democrats are moderates and not liberals. And we all know that the Democrats are liberals on social issues. Giuliani's views are square with the Democrats on social issues and, therefore, he is a liberal along with them. There are extremes on both sides of these issues. The Republican Party opposes abortion and the radical gay agenda. The Republican Party is not extreme on these issues despite their opposition. I would say that the Republican Party's position on social issues is the moderate one. Giuliani's views are way past the moderation line set by the Republican Party and well into the Democrat liberal territory. He is not a moderate on these issues. If Gillespie thinks Giuliani's views are moderate, then that explains why I never got along with Gillespie while he was the party chairman and further explains why the party continued its slide to the left, abandonment of traditional principles among its candidates, and eventually took a beating in 2006.
Than the GOP better get off it's butt and start getting a conservative so we don't have to go through that. I don't blame people who have convictions but GOP who does not understand who the voters are.
Keep posting! There is NO long term hope for the Republican Party if Rudy gets it.
AMEN!
Oh, it gets answered a lot. My answer is:
I always vote. I will never vote for a candidate with the positions that Rudy has taken.
Not a Rudy fan one reason being his morals. But, he can't hold a candle to the Clinton's.
Talking to a brick wall!!!! They just don't get it.
I think that you are right. This will probably be the lowest turnout in history for both parties.
In view of all that information out there (some true, some not), less than enthusiastic FR support and not 100 percent support from talk radio I think that it's fair to say that Mr. Giuliani likely supports a "Fairness Doctrine."
McCain has already been chosen by the big cheeses. Dole number two.
Maria,
I am praying big time at mass today. lol. We might be in trouble 20 January 2009 no matter what.
It was an overview of all the candidates at CPAC... Giuliani wasn't the focus of the piece.
Wipe the stardust from your peepers... blind infatuation is known to affect perception.
arr...arr, aye maties, I am here from the country club school of liberal/moderate RINO republicans to take the party back...arr... arr.
Yes. But, 1600 Penn Ave is the location of the bully pulpit that still commands a lot of respect. I cannot foresee a President Giuliani addressing the Annual March for Life or doing any other of the symbolic acts which help to keep the issue before the public.
btw, I appreciate your posts, even though I disagree with your conclusions. You are very well versed with how this Republic is supposed to work.
I will
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