In The New Republic, Thomas Edsall argues that “The GOP’s future belongs to Rudy.” I have some disagreements with his cynical portrayal of conservativism in parts of the article, but his central thesis is something that I’ve long been arguing: that because this is the first Republican primary season since 9/11, social issues will play a less dominant role in the nominating process than they have in the past, providing a unique opening for Giuliani.



