"I am now convinced that Rudy Giuliani will be the next president of the US."
Not sure I'll go that far, but I'd be hard pressed not to vote for him. But I'm agin him on the social issues and unless he's had some epiphany he'll be as bad about immigration/the border as Bush has been.
But, as I say, I'd be hard pressed not to vote for him, but I don't think pubbies in the heartland will feel as I do.
So far no potential Prez candidate can approach Rudy's calm ease when talking to Americans through the media. It just exudes leadership and competence, which becomes a huge advantage. It's a great natural and relaxed kitchen table style, rather than political infomercial or strained. I'm a social conservative, but believe that Stevens will step down before 2008, with a replacement that will pretty much solidifying that social issues are decided by the public vote rather than a few robes. Take the judicial issues off the table and opposition to him declines significantly. Yeah he's a secular(so is more than half the population) but the nation is confronted by far more than social issues. With him as Prez social conservatives would still have more control and effectiveness than with a Dem, without a doubt.
And frankly FR isn't very representative of middle America or the south in regards to the vitriole thrown at Giuliani, it approaches ridiculous at times. He might not win SC and it make take until after Super Tuesday, but I am certain that if he runs he wins the nomination. Would be great if a Pawlenty or Pence would win and Rudy be the VP, but I just don't see it happening. And while much could change, right now Rudy appears to be the only one who would be a slam dunk to win the general election.