I think there are couple of reasons why self-described social conservatives like him in addition to those you mentioned, James: 1) Many of these people are legal conservatives or believe his choice of judges will result in a “win” for their side ( a more modest and defensible version of the argument you take issue with). If the Rudy Supreme Court will have Ted Olson or Miguel Estrada that’s going to lead to results social conservatives like. 2) They identify with his good vs. evil view of the world and battle with liberal icons. A fine publication ran something on this a while back.
