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 certainly will but my support makes others label me a liberal."
I'm not sure that's true. Do you think its your support of him BEFORE he wins the nomination that makes others label you a liberal?
MM
Clinton caused the 1994 GOP Revolution. It was worth it. Ending a 40 year LOCK on the Congress was absolutely worth it.
Give me a candidate that will win the White House and I'll consider it.
And the Republican party goes down the tubes.
But will it be worth two liberals to replace Stevens and Ginsberg? One Conservative of the two and Roe V Wade is over.
Isn't that what you want? You will not get that with four, possible eight years of a Democrat President. Think about 51 Democrats in the Senate and Hillary. One change to the rules and we are back to the 1990's. Because with Hillary and 51 Senators they will go nuclear.
I don't watch television much, but other people have been telling me that sponsors of the Giuliani "news" have chosen Giuliani for the Republican side.
Morning Jim. Early enough for you?
I don't agree. I see Giuliani picking up a strong Republican following along with Independents, anti-Hillary voters and Reagan Democrats.
No, but it is getting late.
Rudy's has a track record of appointing liberals. So much for the SCOTUS if he gets in.
"Rudy's has a track record of appointing liberals. So much for the SCOTUS if he gets in."
That's right. As mayor he was given a choice of nominees by the city council. Being a liberal city, that's what he was given to work with.
He already said if elected he would appoint strict constructionists in the mold of Scalia.
Suicide is always sad to watch. The GOP embraced how many Democrats over the last dozen years? Now we get to watch them take over the party. Maybe. Unless we fight. I am going to be trying for delegate status again so that at least one voice will be heard.
He lied to his first two wives, I have no interest in being lied to by him about the SCOTUS. He also praised Ginsburg and endorsed Cuomo. A twice divorced, remarried Catholic who advocates "gay rights" and "sanctuary city" status for illegal aliens as well as almost all abortion remaining legal won't fly. His gun-grabbing and his horrid record on appointments (google Kerik) all make him a very bad choice.
No Jim the party will grow. The country is too evenly divided and we can't let a Democrat control the Executive again for 4 to 8 years. Hillary will appoint the most liberal justices she can find.
Gun control, abortion and gay issues are always in the news and it isn't just conservatives that oppose LIBERAL measures. People do pay attention and as LIBERALS overplay their hand, it's not being well received and people are beginning to react negatively toward them. Local elections must not be underestimated and ignored. I don't think concerns about these issues will go down the tubes but I don't think they must define the GOP. There are other issues important to this country - - environmentalist creep, smaller government, education and a strong defense to name a few.
What a dilemma. If a moderate is nominated Conservatives stay home. If a Conservative is nominated, moderates will vote Democrat.
I think someone very famous said it best, "And the Republican party goes down the tubes."
If the party narrows, it will lose votes and lose power. Becoming "exclusive" rather than a "big tent", particularly when Democrats are trying to pull votes from the centre with their "Blue Dogs", is a recipe for electoral suicide.
Regards, Ivan
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.