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If Gingrich or Thompson can beat Rudy, I might even pick McCain to know what I'm getting, they can win the general election. As can Hunter or Romney. On the issues, the Republican Platforms of the last couple cycles can win. They did, after all, without the liberalization a Giuliani candidacy would require.

But FR is not representative of the 2004 Bush voters as a whole, and while I'd prefer not to see it, Giuliani wouldn't tear the party any more than Bush-Bush-Dole-Bush-Bush did. Reagan platforms, but from immigration to size of government we're not exactly talking the issues that motivate posters here. And whether you like it or not, Rudy will be able to attract conservative voters on economic issues, as in read my lips no new taxes unless we need them, crime, and the war.

I’m not basing my analysis on the posters tendencies on this forum. I’m looking at this from the aspect of the Republican party abandoning their base from a fundamental (again, no pun intended) stance. He may be able to attract voters from the center and even the left, but what of those on the right who become apathetic given their only choice in the general election being a liberal that does not share their fundamental beliefs? I’m talking about the get out the vote types who will not be doing so for a liberal. The bulk of the voters for the Republicans originate from those that are going to become apathetic, IMO.

The fact that Mr. Giuliani needs a ‘conservative coach’ speaks volumes to me, and leads me to believe that once liberal legislation is forwarded to him from a dim led congress (if he actually does win, not a given in my book), he will sign away my rights without a second thought, and I get that impression from his track record as I do not believe a word he says concerning just about any issue. His previous actions speak louder than words, and the way he insisted on flaunting the law was a galling spectacle.

I still don’t believe the current numbers will be relevant in 6 months and further along as more voters actually start paying attention to what he is all about, but I seem to be in the distinct minority with my opinion.