The American Spectator

Reader Mail

Ready or Not

2.9.07 @ 12:01AM

(Page 2 of 6)

Under ordinary circumstances, Rudy Giuliani would be a non-starter as a presidential candidate for a social and economic conservative such as myself. But these are not ordinary times. We are at war and a frightening number of Americans -- including a galling number of Republicans -- have gone wobbly and seem to have lost their sense of direction concerning national-security issues. Securing our way of life at home and defeating Islamofascism wherever it threatens our interests are the overarching issues of the day. Rudy really seems to get this. McCain seems to get it, but he's such a hard guy to trust on matters that aren't embraced by his pals in the MSM. Who else among the candidates is really credentialed? Duncan Hunter, sure, but he's the darkest of horses and lacks a compelling story. Ya gotta love Newt on virtually every level save one -- he'd cancel out Hillary's negatives. Rudy, on the other hand, is not only credentialed, but he is the only candidate who has "earned the right" to air the 9/11 video footage of which America so desperately needs to be reminded. Perfect he's not, but name the Democrat presidential hopeful that you think will do a better job of defending our security at home and abroad.

If lawyer Rudy can commit to appointing strict constructionist judges -- law and order judges, if you will -- then I'm on board. This is an election where we need someone who is right on the big issues more than we need someone who is right on all the issues.
-- John Shirvinsky
Camp Hill, Pennsylvania

Regarding R. Emmett Tyrrell's remarks concerning Rudy Giuliani's chance at being President, let me suggest that the last sentence of his story, "What they need to hear next is where the mayor who would be president stands on conservative social issues" is the crux of the matter in its entirety. In particular, the former Mayor's position on firearms issues is not just unacceptable, it is the reason why I, and many other conservatives like me, would God forgive me, rather see Hillary in office than vote for someone who will sell our rights down the river. Four years, or even eight would be a long, hard time, but it is not an eternity.

The hard truth is that the foundation of our government, of and by the people, depends on the Second Amendment. No matter his virtues regarding economic issues, Giuliani has consistently shown the Northeastern Republican elitist contempt for the rights of the law-abiding gun owners that makes him unelectable at the head of the Republican ticket. I, for more than one, will not hold my nose and vote for someone who would promote polices that will make be a criminal. Better to stand in principled opposition than sacrifice principle for piecemeal political expediency.
-- Joe Phillips
Red River, New Mexico

I wish I could be as eloquent as Mr. Tyrrell about Mr. Giuliani. While the praise might be true I still have three MAJOR concerns, abortion, gay marriage, and gun control. For example, when Mr. Giuliani states that there will be NO new gun laws or bans even proposed, and the second amendment is absolute, then I will give him a second look. I love my AR's and 45ACP's too much to have someone say, well, the Second only covers hunting.

Second, I look forward to C. Kenna Amos letters. Some day I will ride my "hog" through the "other Princeton" and wave to him as I ride by. He has been missing of late.
-- Maxwell Bricks
Princeton, New Jersey

Editor's note: Mr. Amos appeared in yesterday's Reader Mail, and he is also in today's.

Although it's been noted ad nauseam by many men in the street responding in this column Rudy is FAR from ready for primetime no matter how his cheerleaders shout him up or remain in denial about his character flaws. He has real and continuing problems with the base which chose to walk during the last election for the same reasons that present problems for Rudy, not limited to mistresses, divorce, pro-abortion, pro-gay marriage and gun confiscation, etc.

Economics are a large and important part of the equation and a plus mostly for Rudy, but R. Emmett's love letter talked ONLY about his perceived strengths and never whispers about his huge dark side that apparently everybody except Emmett sees anytime they look at Rudy. Rudy is like the argument over collateral damage in war. The trains run on time but the damage from how he got them there is ignored.

Rudy is "ready" for NY and its like environs but not nearly as ready for fly over...behind enemy lines.
-- Craig Sarver
Seattle, Washington

Mr. Tyrrell's endorsement of Rudy G. will not change my mind. Granted he is far better than McCain, but his pro-abortion position, and anti second amendment stance will not bode well for him here in the heartland.

Anybody that takes a position that this Army vet, and all other law abiding citizens have to take a test to own a rifle, and/or a hand gun is not going to get any votes in my neck of the woods; I don't give a damn what he did after 9/11.
-- Jim Karr
Blue Springs, Missouri

Are you serious about rescuing a conservative crackup? Giuliani's stand on abortion, homosexual unions and Gun Control will lose the next election as well, for the Republican Party. Guaranteed! Family values voters are conservative first, Republican second. Check out polling data and you will find that conservatives will either sit out the vote or vote for a third party protest candidate.
-- F.J. Derose

While there is the Rudy Giuliani of 9-11, there remains the Rudy Giuliani of 9-10 -- the ugly divorce, the serious health problems, dropping out of the race for Senate.

When Norman Podhoretz thundered on CSPAN Booknotes that having Hillary Clinton elected to the Senate posed an existential threat, I dug as deeply into my pockets as my family finances permitted to support Mr. Giuliani. A lot happened next, and well, Ms Clinton is in the Senate, and while the world hasn't come to an end, things aren't that great in my opinion either.

Letter to the Editor

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