After I stopped reading this thread last night, I was reflecting on things, and had a few thoughts along these lines. While I don't care for Rudy's political views, he really is a stand up guy. He can speak well, and he can connect with people on a human level, but I think you used a good term. Character.
I may not agree with a lot of his views, and know he's no saint in his personal life. I still recognize him as a man whos character was chisled in adversity, and made better for it. Now, I know some FReepers will be up and arms over this. It's beyond their ken to understand how someone could hold views they disagree with, and still be a man of character. But he is. ;-)
I vehemently disagree, with three issues showing his lack of character.
He shipped off his official documents to a warehouse and does not make them accessible to the public, in direct violation of NY sunshine laws.
He tried to have 9-11 compensation funds transferred to one of his companies to hoover 2 mil in admin fees from that money, and
He pushed his crony Bernie Kerik for the most important anti-terror job in the country without properly vetting him first.
Throw in his marital messes, and I simply don't see the character that you do.
"I may not agree with a lot of his views, and know he's no saint in his personal life. I still recognize him as a man whos character was chisled in adversity, and made better for it."
Jumping in here, gotta jump in somewhere, kinda like drinking from a fire hose ; P
I agree that Rudy definitely comes across as an intelligent, straight forward, stand up kind of a guy, that any one of us could happily pass a little time chatting with in the check out line.
I agree that Guiliani's work in New York, and leadership post 9-11 are undeniable proof as well of his considerable abilities. I would love to see him turn things around in any number of large American cities... mmmm...maybe a new Cabinet post there ;}
But as the party standard bearer? There are just too many disconnects. By no means am I looking for the "perfect" candidate, but I am holding out for someone who does not believe so strongly in so many issues that give me pause. Precisely because he is such a well spoken, straight up guy, I definitely believe, that HE believes that the 2nd amendment is open to interpretation. I believe that he believes that abortion serves a purpose, and that he is AOK with homosexual rights.
That being said, IF Rudy becomes the nominee, will I vote for him? Yup. For the same reason I voted for W, or any other candidate; because he was the better man for the job. W was not my ideal candidate then, and is even less so now, but I shudder to think of any of the other candidates at the helm on 9-11. So, supporting Rudy now, when his strengths have so clearly highlighted his weaknesses, (and we are still accepting applications ;) is something I can't do.
Thankfully, we do have some time to get it right..and a place to hash it out, (thanks Jim), as long as we don't tear ourselves apart... Seemingly OT, but speaking to the ongoing battles within our ranks -
Always have believed that a conservative's deeply held beliefs are one of our greatest strengths, but that it is a double edged sword. During the Clinton impeachment, I used the comparison of Richard Nixon to help my kids understand the differences in the parties. Both men broke the law, both men where found out. Difference was, the Republican party, and it's base, called as loudly as the Dem's, for Nixon's resignation. And Nixon accepted it, because he knew that was he did was wrong, and that no one in this nation should be above the law, least of all, a President.
Republicans are no less flawed, as a whole, than anyone else, but when found out, we will not stand for it. Whereas Dem's certainly seem to have no problem hanging together, protecting their little criminals, no matter how heinous the crime.
Pretty troubling around here of late, reading posts from longtime freepers that sound like something off of DU :( I'm for stepping back a bit, remembering who we are, and who we need to be fighting.
tatt