I think your "far right" and "far left" description isn't really accurate or useful, because there is not a commonly accepted definition of what issues are left or right (e.g., the second amendment, which both libertarians and social conservatives support). Giuliani is the farthest thing from a middle-of-the-road, centrist compromise candidate, as is amply proved by the many GOPers who will not support him if he's the candidate.
It would be more accurate to describe three major and overlapping GOP constituencies: social conservatives, libertarian conservatives and national security conservatives. Significant chunks of two of these three groups have stated that they will vote third party or sit it out if Giuliani is the candidate. Whether or not you agree with that approach, it's a fact. In a very evenly divided electorate, how does Giuliani win without big segments of 2/3 of the traditional GOP constituency? Where does he make up those votes, plus a some more to put him over the top?
“I think your “far right” and “far left” description isn’t really accurate or useful, because there is not a commonly accepted definition of what issues are left or right (e.g., the second amendment, which both libertarians and social conservatives support). Giuliani is the farthest thing from a middle-of-the-road, centrist compromise candidate, as is amply proved by the many GOPers who will not support him if he’s the candidate.”
You say that my definition is not accurate or useful because there is not a commonly accepted definition yet you go on to use a left versus right definition to claim that Giuliani is no middle of the road centrist. I agree definitions are slippery but I don’t think my description that the libertarians and the social conservatives are the two ends of the republican spectrum is inaccurate or useless. It fits generally. And the middle would be small govt conservatives and fiscal conservatives. I think Guilianni could capture the middle and even attract quite a few libertarian conservatives based on his excellent fiscal reform record. Libertarians and small govt conservatives would settle for a candidate who would just get spending under control.
“It would be more accurate to describe three major and overlapping GOP constituencies: social conservatives, libertarian conservatives and national security conservatives. Significant chunks of two of these three groups have stated that they will vote third party or sit it out if Giuliani is the candidate. Whether or not you agree with that approach, it’s a fact. In a very evenly divided electorate, how does Giuliani win without big segments of 2/3 of the traditional GOP constituency? Where does he make up those votes, plus a some more to put him over the top?”
Whether or not I agree with that approach, it’s a fact? Gee, I guess because you say it’s a fact it must be true. Actually I don’t think your definition is any better than mine, in fact I’ve never seen any definition of conservatism break down the way yours does, while I see definitions close to mine all the time. Just go here for just one. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_conservatism#Types_of_conservatism
As it is Guiliani is seen as a centrist/moderate by Rassmussen more so than any other candidate. He has favorability ratings way higher than any of the Republican contenders. He is also seen as having a better chance of beating any of the rat top contenders. But yeah without the social cons lending him significant support in the general election he will probably lose. Thanks alot. http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/favorables/election_2008_republican_candidates_running_in_2008_presidential_election