Posted on 03/21/2007 5:04:50 AM PDT by Cincinatus' Wife
A majority of respondents to a Crain's online poll agree with columnist Alair Townsend, who wrote in this week's issue that former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani doesn't have the temperament to be an effective president.
Ms. Townsend wrote that, while she had voted for the former mayor three times, she would not be casting a fourth vote for him, criticizing his "stick-in-your-eye" style. Ms. Townsend said that his strong personality would not translate well when it comes to dealing with international leaders and Congress.
About 70% of the 784 respondents to the Crain's poll agree that Mr. Giuliani's argumentative temperament makes him a poor candidate for the White House.
"Rudy does not have the ability to work with others. It is his way or no way," wrote poll respondent Elaine Walsh. "The decisions he made as mayor were not in the best interests of New York City and on Sept. 10, 2001, his days were numbered and he was leaving with a poor record."
Another respondent worries that Mr. Giuliani's aggressive demeanor would do little to bring about much-needed change in Washington.
"If there's one thing we should have learned from the current administration, it's the tragic risks we face when our leaders fail to listen to divergent views," wrote Bill Melville, in survey comments. "For the sake of the nation, we need to get as far from the 'my way or the highway' thinking we're now mired in as possible. Unfortunately, Rudy won't get us there."
About 30% of respondents say that Mr. Giuliani's style would be well-suited for the White House.
"Apparently the ultra liberals are running this poll and feel that Mayor Giuliani is not the man," wrote poll respondent Joseph DiMauro. "I feel differently because he knows how to make decisions in a very hard world filled with tough people."
The results come after a poll earlier this month showed a majority of respondents were concerned about comments made by Mr. Giuliani's son. Fifty-three percent of respondents to that poll said the statements, which revealed an estranged father-son relationship, would renew concerns about Mr. Giuliani's personal life and could damage his presidential ambitions.
He withheld routine information about governmental operations from other elected officials, civic groups and the news media until he was repeatedly sued and ordered by courts to release it.
He was intransigent in dealing with state-controlled entities such as the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center and the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey. His style was not to negotiate on behalf of the city but rather to confront or demand, or maintain a stony silence. That approach meant missed opportunities for the city.
Mr. Giuliani set himself up as an arts arbiter by threatening to cut funding for a local museum because of a painting he labeled antireligious. The leaders of a number of arts organizations courageously signed a protest letter. Others did not. Those who signed and those who did not shared the fear that the mayor would cut their funding in reprisal.....***
Go Rudy!!!!
Sounds like a butt kicker to me: bring it on. PS: I also like John Bolton. Got the picture?
"I feel differently because he knows how to make decisions in a very hard world filled with tough people." .................Can't fault him for that. The ideal candidate for a Liberal is usually a big Wuss.
Go Giuliani!!! And take McCain with you!!!
Personally, I wish we had a president who would take a "sharp stick in the eye" approach to Dem whiners. By the way, a lot of us cheered when Giuliani threatened to cut funding of the Brooklyn Museum for its pornographic and disgusting exhibition. He made the beneficiaries of city money aware of their duty to the taxpayers -- a good thing if you ask me.
Rudy is a ripper of new ones, something TOTALLY lacking in the GOP.
On hearing that, I like Rudy even more! LOL!
Now there's a scientific poll for you! Who the hell is Crain?
Good question.
It's the Crain New York Business site - LINKED above.
I've looked at Guliani several times and just can't get excited about him....
His Social views leave me cold....
His personal life is a disaster.....
His decision making skills are questionable.....
Every time I look at him the same question comes to mind, "Is this the best the republican party can proffer?"
I could see Guiliani in a cabinet position, maybe even VP, but not as president.
I agree; we need spine in the GOP.
Unfortunately, Giuliani's liberal tendencies detract from the fact that he does have a spine.
But hey, it's the primaries. Hunter has spine and conservatism in him...but oh well.
If Rudy wins...well, we'll see.
Not sure, but when an online poll in portland or (kerry 70+ %) was favorable to Rudy, one of his boosters posted it here as real news.
I'm not even a New Yorker and I know that Javits and the Port Authority have had questionable problems with unions and corruption and all that goes with those things.
It looks that way, doesn't it? Besides, the GOP could use some backbone. I'm sick of the compassionate conservative fig leaf way of governing.
The interesting part of this poll (prompted by the LINKED editorial in Post #1) is why LIBERALS don't like Giuliani.
Giuliani looks more and more like conservatives' 80% friend.
Because he has an (R) after his name. Oh, and he brought down crime (because he empowered the police), which is always a no-no (though they should be cheering his gun control policies...but hey, liberalism is a mental disorder).
Imagine Rudy meeting with members of either party of Congress. I bet the Oval Office will need another carpet for the number of people called on it.
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