I do believe Rudy is the only Republican that can beat Hillary. Rudy is a conservative on fiscal, domestic, and foreign policy and supports strict constructionist judges and is a very strong and competent leader. Plus, the President has very little influence on social issues. I truly believe Rudy will win the nomination. There is really nobody else out there viable IMO.
We could go on and on.
You feel that Rudy is an acceptable social conservative - on what basis, I can't imagine.
He's for gay rights, he supports illegal aliens, he's anti-gun, he supports late term abortions, he has backed "hate crimes" laws, and I haven't the foggiest idea where the man stands on other hot button issues like the death sentence and affirmative action.
When he says he is going to appoint strict constructionists to the Court, I can only judge his interpretation of thar term by his social views - and based on his social views, his definition of "strict constructionist" is open to question.
You say he is a conservative on foreign policy.
What does that translate into? Will he go after the Iranians who are working on a nuclear bomb? Will he support Israel against Hezbollah and Hamas? Will he get tough with the Palestinians? Will he do something to stop Islamic infiltration in America? Does he believe we are locked in a battle for cultural survival with international Islam?
What exactly ARE Giuliani's positions on foreign policy?
How about the U.N.?
Can you provide links?
"Plus, the President has very little influence on social issues."
The President has a very great influence on social issues. He appoints federal court judges, he can push legislation, he can veto bills he opposes, he can set an example by his opinion on social matters. He can influence cases before SCOTUS through his Attorney General.
" I truly believe Rudy will win the nomination. "
At this point, things look pretty rosy for Rudy in the nomination process. McCain has imploded, and Romney's flip-flopping has marginalizewd him. But the race is just beginning and there are other viable candidtes out there - Hunter and a very coy Gingrich for example.
And I sincerely believe, if through some manipulation of numbers in the nomination process, Giuliani DOES get nomianted, his social record will lose him the bulk of the Red States.
Can he change this? Yes, by restating his past postion in light of the office he held - the mayor of a very liberal, liberal city.
But in my opinion, he won't because he has demonstrated a streak of obstinacy and his past views truly reflect his personal opinions, and were not pragmatic stands taken due to circumstances.
I agree. The GOP needs Rudy in 2008 to combat Hillary. We need a leader and someone who is a street fighter. And it helps that he is a hero too.
If Rudy is the GOP nominee in 2008, we keep the White House and maybe get back the Senate too.
If someone else is the GOP nominee, we lose the White House, Senate, House, and I will start looking at buying a house in the Bahamas.