The American Spectator

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Rudy Awakenings

6.28.06 @ 12:01AM

SURVIVING THE SOCIAL CONS
Re: Philip Klein's Giuliani and History:

Rudy Giuliani may be caught in the vortex of history and rise to the occasion given the circumstances, however, the protracted conflict being waged against Islamic terrorism will need more than Rudy for a backbone. Giuliani's stance (liberal) on abortion and gay rights are contributing factors to the demise of Western Civilization (Judeo-Christian) and only weaken our position in the mortal (and moral) battle facing the free world today. Let's pray he, and that poor excuse for a conservative party, find a running mate that will provide the moral and ethical "steel" that's needed to win this war that I'm afraid will, in one form or another, last for decades.
-- David P. Bennett
Chicago, Illinois

I strongly second Philip Klein's arguments in favor of Rudy Giuliani being elected President in 2008.

It is true that Giuliani is quite liberal on certain hot-button social issues, in particular, abortion and gay rights. However, while these issue are important (and I disagree with Giuliani's positions on them), they are peripheral issues compared to crime and welfare -- on all of which Giuliani offered strong, conservative, outspoken leadership during his eight years as Mayor of New York City (a city bigger than all but 11 states).

Giuliani literally saved New York City by releasing it from the death grip of terrible crime and rampant welfare. This was a greater accomplishment than almost anything any modern American politician, at any level of government, has accomplished -- and, frankly, much greater than anything Senator McCain, Senator Frist, Senator Allen, Governor Romney, and the lesser Republican hopefuls have ever accomplished in their political careers.

And let's not forget Giuliani's outspoken opposition to the vulgar, sacrilegious "art" displayed at the Brooklyn art museum. While Giuliani may hold libertarian views on many issues, at his core he is a traditional, "middle-class" American. And as Mayor he worked extremely hard to make the middle-class vision of the American Dream a reality in New York City. His middle-class vision, coupled with his steely determination (even arrogance) in the face of elitist liberal opposition (which he suffered as much as President Bush), is exactly what we need in our next President.

Mr. Klein already has explained why Giuliani is the best choice to lead the nation in the ongoing War on Terror. This is the issue of our time, and Giuliani has demonstrated time and time again the character, toughness, and eloquence to lead us for the next eight years.

Significantly, Giuliani also will be able to beat any candidate the Democrats nominate. He won't be starting behind versus Hillary Clinton, for example, as many potential Republican candidates would be. And he would positively squash Gore or Kerry through the weight of his stature alone.

Of course, it is still very early, and in the course of his campaign Giuliani may propose policies on various issues (taxes, federal spending, defense, environment, judicial appointments, etc.) that are too objectionable to warrant voting for him in 2008. But at this point in time, based on his extensive record to date, Giuliani is the best man for the job.
-- Steven M. Warshawsky
New York, New York

Giuliani smells like yesterday's fish to the "married women" voters. Do you think we will forget the spectacle outside Gracie Mansion? You RINOs can keep pushing all you want, but you would do well to remember Harriet Miers.
-- Annette Cwik

Rudy Giuliani has the ability to lead a major city through some very tough conditions and events, but those of us who value the lives of the unborn and our Second Amendment rights have sufficient reason in those two issues to refrain from voting from an otherwise good man. There is one reason that I would vote for Rudy: if his opponent were HRC.
-- SPC Snuffy Smith
Ramadi, Iraq

I like nearly everything I know about former Mayor Giuliani except his opposition to the Second Amendment. I know, his New York City background has trashed his thinking on this, but it would be a small price to pay for him to admit he's been wrong in that one instance.

He will never be able to prevail in Red State primaries until he realizes that today, Red State Americans are more afraid of their government than they are of criminals when it comes to the Bill of Rights. See Kelo for the most recent example.

If Rudy can exercise a little critical thinking, and change his mind, then let everyone know how he came to his new belief, he can't be stopped in Southern primaries. His views on gays and abortion notwithstanding, he will beat McCain or Allen in those primaries because he is not a wimp.
-- R. Goodson
Vero Beach, Florida

Klein is right I'd be tempted to vote for Giuliani, because of the GWOT. I also like him more than McCain, Hagel and Graham even though I agree with them on social issues. But does the author really believe conservatives would support Giuliani when they want back President Bush who in actual policy is generally more conservative than Reagan?

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