Philip, I’ll tell you what I think reality is among social conservatives (OK, evangelicals, of which I am one) pertaining to their perception of Giuliani — and it’s not one of a “northeastern liberal who dresses in drag.” Those visions are for the likes of Lincoln Chafee and Chris Shays.
Frankly, I think I am representative of these social conservatives when I say that we tremendously admire the former mayor. He did great things in New York, cleaned up the place, made it livable again, led it through its worst disaster ever, and is clearly a leader people will rally around. There is no question he will defend our country and provide strong, hopeful leadership. My heart could support him very easily.
But because of his views on abortion and same-sex marriage, we are tremendously disappointed. When I think of Rudy I think, “dang, why does he have to be so liberal on these vital issues?” And that’s when our minds take over, we look at the other options, and will probably support someone else — in the primaries. If he happens to become the nominee, though, there is no doubt in my mind he would be supported against Hillary (or anybody else the Democrats put up).