Republican '08 options disappoint evangelicals (Land: would vote for Hillary over Rudy)

Washington Times ^ | April 16, 2007 | Ralph Z. Hallow

[Cincinatus' Wife]

***... Mr. Giuliani maintains a big lead over his Republican rivals in the polls yet has all the wrong policy positions on social issues such as abortion and homosexual rights considered key to cultivating Christian conservatives. However, some evangelicals and pro-life Catholics seem willing to overlook his faults -- including his two divorces -- in the belief that he is the only Republican actually running who can defeat the Democratic nominee in 2008.

Still, Mr. Giuliani and conservative Christians "probably have irreconcilable differences on life and family and that kind of thing," said Mr. Falwell, adding, "I couldn't support him for president."

Nor is Mr. Dobson in Mr. Giuliani's cheering section.

"I do not believe that the current excitement over Giuliani will continue," Mr. Dobson told U.S. News & World Report.

Richard Land, president of the Religious and Ethics Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, takes a hard line against virtually all the major Republican candidates. He says he'd vote for Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, New York Democrat, over Mr. Giuliani if the 2008 presidential race came down to such a choice. And if Mr. Giuliani wins, "he'll do so without social conservatives," Mr. Land said. .....

[areafiftyone]

((((RUDY PING))))

[BibChr]

Because he disagreed with them but didn’t have an intelligent response, hence the need to resort to cheap insults.

First two responses call this conservative Christian leader an "apostate" (which means that he has abandoned his faith in Christ, aand is going to Hell)and a "Democrat" — and I am engaging in "cheap insults"?

Interesting.

And if we're talking about "intelligent," did anyone notice that there was no direct quotation of Land saying he'd vote for Hillary? I wonder what the context is, there.

Or are we at FR not allowed to wonder, or think, anymore?

[BibChr]

Because he disagreed with them but didn’t have an intelligent response, hence the need to resort to cheap insults.

First two responses call this conservative Christian leader an "apostate" (which means that he has abandoned his faith in Christ, and is going to Hell) and a "Democrat" — and I am engaging in "cheap insults"?

Interesting.

And if we're talking about "intelligent," did anyone notice that there was no direct quotation of Land saying he'd vote for Hillary? I wonder what the context is, there.

Or are we at FR not allowed to wonder, or think, anymore?

[dirtboy]

How hysterically funny you are! You tell me I am automatic. Good grief - such humor.

You're the one saying a vote for a third party is a vote for Hillary. That is the attitude of a pubbie who thinks the GOP is entitled to votes.

I want to win the election so the United States will have a strong defense and solid conservative principles - educational choice, health care choice, private retirement accounts, low taxes, people told they need to be self-reliant, and yet you tell me I should listen to you and be a one issue voter.

I'm not a one-issue voter. If only Rudy had a single issue. But he doesn't. And you're being deceptive by pretending such.

You've decided that it's OK to throw social issues under the bus. Don't expect those who care about such issues to accept that.

[Wormwood]

What makes the socio-cons so special? Small gov't/fiscal conservatives have been eating it for years under this administration, but they have managed to work with the party and unite in the face of a greater enemy.

Why are socio-cons unable to grow up and realize that politics *demands* compromise sometimes.

[twonie]

Land, I am sure is a good man espousing a very good view - that of opposing abortion. However, he and others have to figure out that there are, unfortunately, NOT ENOUGH OF US to get someone like Pat BUchanan in the White House. That was proved by the sulker and whiners in November. I oppose abortion - any time for any reason, especially paid for by me and sanctioned by my government. But I will be damned if I will turn the world over to the likes of Mrs. Clinton, the wife of the former and impeached president, Bill Clinton. This is called compromise - not COMPROMISE. There is a big difference.

[Gondring]

What if the one issue is The Constitution....for or against? Mr. Giuliani seems against, right there with Sen. Clinton.

[areafiftyone]

Richard Land, president of the Religious and Ethics Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, takes a hard line against virtually all the major Republican candidates. He says he'd vote for Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, New York Democrat, over Mr. Giuliani if the 2008 presidential race came down to such a choice. And if Mr. Giuliani wins, "he'll do so without social conservatives," Mr. Land said. .....

So Mr. Land is a socialist. I wouldn't be surprised if he contributed to Hillary's campaign already since Rudy is #1 in the polls.

[Cincinatus' Wife]

Rudy Will Speak At Pat Robertson University***.... He will be introduced at Regent University by Robertson - who in 2005 said Giuliani would make “a good president.”

Giuliani made his sharpest case for moving beyond social issues this weekend in Iowa, telling The Des Moines Register, “Our party is going to grow, and we are going to win in 2008 if we are a party characterized by what we’re for, not if we’re a party that’s known for what we’re against.” . ...***

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1818049/posts

[dirtboy]

Why are socio-cons unable to grow up and realize that politics *demands* compromise sometimes.

Compromise? Or capitulation?

[Cincinatus' Wife]

Bump!

Well said.

[dirtboy]

However, he and others have to figure out that there are, unfortunately, NOT ENOUGH OF US to get someone like Pat BUchanan in the White House.

Socons can't win the White House on their own. But neither can pro-choice pubbies. That is why the GOP nominee has to offer something to the entire party.

[Gondring]

But don’t come back in 2009 and blame us for Hillary getting elected. If you think Rudy is electable then get him elected without us, and take the blame if he doesn’t.

Well put.

[68 grunt]

First two responses = kneejerk

How about Land = friggin' whackjob

[dirtboy]

Perhaps in the primaries, but how far will a 100% ACU rating get someone in the general election in this present political climate?

I didn't say 100 percent. Just someone who offers something to all types of conservartives.

But Rudy is saying the GOP should put aside the abortion issue. And the 2nd Amendment. And accept the gay agenda.

That is a path to dividing the GOP - not uniting it.

[Paperpusher]

I think Land was saying he would vote for the devil before he would vote for Rudy.

[twonie]

And the Conservative Base has won in these situations? Oh, brother. I would suggest that you look beyond your own nose, but by now I guess you do not have one.

[Cincinatus' Wife]

Evangelicals Will Not Take Stand on Global Warming

By Alan Cooperman
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, February 2, 2006; Page A08

The National Association of Evangelicals said yesterday that it has been unable to reach a consensus on global climate change and will not take a stand on the issue, disappointing environmentalists who had hoped that evangelical Christians would prod the Bush administration to soften its position on global warming.

Over the past four years a growing number of evangelical groups have embraced environmental causes, urging Christians to engage in “Creation care” and campaigning against gas-guzzling SUVs with advertisements asking, “What would Jesus drive?”

[areafiftyone]

verrrry interesting!

[alicewonders]

I am making a prediction that Rudy will NOT be the frontrunner come this fall - a lot will change between now & then. It will be Rudy’s supporters that will have to get behind another candidate.