No, Rudy is not a flaming liberal, except perhaps among those who have 5 more important issues than America's war for survival against Islamofascism.
That’s true, but it’s hard to address on so many threads.
On that most important issue, I thought Rudy’s speech at CPAC was outstanding. He made the point that, through the use of wiretaps and surveillance, he was able to make great strides against the mafia effectively. Ironically he made that point immediately after criticizing the Clinton administration for treating terrorism as crime. I’ll leave the wiretap/surveillance/gun permit revocations to a discussion of Rudy’s position on rights and judges.
The WOT, and I think Rudy would be effective, involves more than policing and mayoral skills, though leadership is important. It requires a cohesive world view, and understanding of terror, a couple centuries would be nice, but at least a couple decades.
An understanding of the working of the State Dept, often an impediment, and Defence
The legislative process, having established his plan can he get it through Congress. In you face combativeness helps from the bully pulpit, so does a knowledge of the process.
I don’t think military service is a requirement, familiarity with the operations military, not police or fire, both strategically because we’re not dealing with criminals, and institutionally is a definite plus.
Can you convince me that Rudy is clearly superior to Duncan Hunter or Newt Gingrich?
If he’s not head and shoulders above both, I’ve no reason to consider Rudy in view of my concerns about his social positions.
"Can you convince me that Rudy is clearly superior to Duncan Hunter or Newt Gingrich?"
No. But in my opinion today, Rudy is far more electable than either of them.