Achieving Socially Conservative Ideals Through Liberal Means: Making The Case for Rudy (2008)

Red State ^ | February 4, 2007 | D.M. Eaton

[Clintonfatigued]

For this reason, contrary to conventional wisdom, a victory by Rudy Giuliani would strengthen even the socially conservative agenda in the long run. As the new Fox Dynamics Poll shows, 65 percent of Americans would be “comfortable” with a Rudy Giuliani administration. Being comfortable is a major step in the right direction. Americans might actually listen to him when gives the State of the Union (without a teleprompter no less, as he usually speaks with note cards or does so extemporaneously). A Giuliani administration that would focus on fighting the Islamic Extremists, reducing the size and scope of government, handling crisis, and putting strict constructionists on the bench who will interpret the law properly will draw more support from more people in the short term. This will translate to more understanding of conservative policies on other matters because individuals will have more patience to read the conservative ramblings of columnists and pundits. In the long run, as a result this will turn into more votes. As Winston Churchill is often quoted, "If you're not a liberal when you're 25, you have no heart. If you're not a conservative by the time you're 35, you have no brain"...

Due to the challenges facing this country, this election cycle we Republicans need to nominate someone with an actual record of accomplishment of tackling seemingly intractable problems. As George Will said on “This Week,” “His eight years as mayor of New York were the most successful episode of conservative governance in this country in the last 50 years, on welfare and crime particularly." Giuliani, more than any other candidate (Romney comes the closest) has the record of taking on major institutions and reforming them.

[Extremely Extreme Extremist]

Bring on the Rudy in drag pics! (Waves fistful of singles)

[Rawlings]

"Though wrong, voters in general see the fight to protect marriage and value the sanctity of life as an “unnecessary government intrusion” into their lives (remember the response to Terri Schiavo). Voters in 2008 will be much more interested in being gay (i.e. happy) than with the problem of gays wanting to enjoy all the rights and privileges that heterosexuals do."

I don't think this is true. The worst and most fallacious assumption the GOP could make is that the American people have moved away from a values-based agenda. The truth, as shown through many, many ballot initiatives in 2006, is that if anything voters have moved RIGHT socially. Faith and family seem to be more germaine than ever for the party. As an evangelical and social conservative I'd vote and support Rudy. But he's certainly not my first choice. I'm a Romney guy.

Traditional values absolutely matter in America. Any assumption to the contrary is beltway delusion.

[Clintonfatigued]

This is an interesting argument, and there is some logic to it. While I'm not advocating voting for Guiliani (I'm undecided), I do think that conservatives who rule out voting for him without much reflection and study of his accomplishments are short-sighted.

[Luke21]

Using the logic of this thing, I should vote Democrat and get lots of conservatism. Good grief. War is peace. Bad is good.

[Clintonfatigued]

LMAO!! Good one.

Guiliani has a goofy sense of humor, and some traditional types dislike zaniness.

[Hydroshock]

Voting for Rino Rudy, a liberal, to advance conservative values is like having sexual intercourse for virginity.

[Clintonfatigued]

LMAO!! Good one.

Guiliani has a goofy sense of humor, and some traditional types dislike over-the-top slapstick. It was a meant to be funny and, in retrospect, a mistake.

[Sun]

Sometimes George Will has it right, and sometimes he has it wrong. THIS TIME he has it wrong.

We can find a CONSERVATIVE candidate who can do anything that Rudy can do, and better.

Rudy is weak on borders; so therefore, would be weak on fighting terrorism.

[BunnySlippers]

((((( PING PING PING )))))


Rudy Ping List
Let me know if you want on or off

[Jedi Master Pikachu]

Sort of risky.....






(though the logic is there).

[Afronaut]

Who made the Trains run on time in Italy?

[Vaquero]

Using the logic of this thing, I should vote Democrat and get lots of conservatism. Good grief. War is peace. Bad is good.

Me vote for liberal...get conservative...me think this through good

[Clintonfatigued]

That was very unfair. Not a valid comparison at all.

[Peach]

As George Will said on “This Week,” “His eight years as mayor of New York were the most successful episode of conservative governance in this country in the last 50 years, on welfare and crime particularly." Giuliani, more than any other candidate (Romney comes the closest) has the record of taking on major institutions and reforming them.

How could George Will say that? The purists are telling us Rudy isn't conservative at all. LOL

Thanks for the ping. Loved the article.

[sageb1]

Eaton argues his case very well.

[ken5050]

Rudy/Newt2008!!!!!

[Blackirish]

Great article.

Unfortunatly it's logic will be wasted on the single issue voters.

[Clintonfatigued]

"Eaton argues his case very well."

I think so. If you look at what Guiliani has accomplished, not only as Mayor, but also as U.S. Attorney for New York and in the U.S. Justice Department, it's hard not to wonder if he could accomplish what seems impossible in D.C.

[Jack Black]

George Will has a typical east coast perspective. To say that fixing New York was the most successful conservative moment in America in the last 50 years is probably true, if you live on 2nd Avenue.

The rest of us might put winning the Cold War, appointing two solid conserative justices, returning America to prosperity and away from 'malise', or even small things like the widespread adoption of right to carry laws (still not happening in NYC) well above helping liberal New Yorkers not suffer too much from the consequences of their own actions.