Could Giuliani put NY in play in '08?

Great Debates
21

As Marley23 points out and represents, Rudy is more popular immediately outside “The City” then in it. It is NJ, Connecticut and maybe some other North East states where Rudy will pull votes from Democratic strongholds. He should also play well in Middle America with the whole America’s Mayor stuff.

When Katrina happened, I heard many people wishing Rudy had been there. There is a feeling that he can handle disasters well, is a great crime fighter and a strong honest leader. This should play well in other states if he could somehow win the nomination. I do not believe he can and I see him as a more likely VP candidate in 2008.

Jim

22

If there was a viable candidate to appeal to the RR, I might agree with you. But the whole point is that there is big hole in the field right now that was supposed to be filled by someone like Santorum, Allen or Frist. With them gone, the RR doesn’t really have anywhere to go. Romney? He’s got his own problems. I think the scenario playing out is more likely to have the RR stay out of the primary, but get back in during the general election. No way are they going to sit idly by and let the Dems take over all 3 branches of government. That is what isn’t going to happen.

23

A good point. A terrorist attack in the US would probably help Rudy more then any other candidate, as his strongest selling point is his response to 9/11.

Barring that though, I agree he won’t win the primaries for his party for the reasons others have mentioned.

24

I don’t know his politics well enough to know: What makes Rudy better than a Democrat for the RR?

25

Hint: ®

-Joe

26

Well, as a former prosecutor, he would likely be closer to Bush or Reagan on judicial nominees. That’s a big issue right out of the box.

It is also unquestionably true that this socially liberal man made New York City a more family friendly place by reducing crime and cleaning up Times Square. His welfare policies are also much closer to what Republicans generally like.

27

All Republicans are not created equal when it comes to the objectives of the Religious Right. What specifically makes Rudy better than a Democrat for the Religious Right?

28

:smiley: Yeah, that’s mostly it. But he’s pledging to nominate only “strict constructionists” to the SCOTUS, which is as close as any GOP candidate is going to get to say that he wants to repeal Roe v Wade.

29

Thanks. I hadn’t heard of that one (not that I’ve been paying all that much attention yet).

30

In New York City, perhaps; but the rest of the state?

31

In New York City less than anywhere else.

32

Cite please. I had not heard this. I find it a little hard to credit.

See Marley23’s and my posts above. You have it backwards if anything.

Jim

33

I just heard it on the news last night-- I think he said this in a speech within the last few days.

34

No, it’s true. He’s promising to appoint ‘judges, not legislators’ and voicing his approval of Scalia. I’ll look around for a cite.

35

He mentioned Roberts, not Scalia.

36

Two words: Brownback. Seriously, I’ve heard more than a couple of the more religious folk I’ve spoken to refer to him as The Great White Hope©. Now, does this mean that I think he’s got a shot? Absolutely not. Of course, just like xtisme, I’m neither religious nor Republican nor Right (in a strictly political sense, natch). Frankly, if he came from a less safe state than Kansas, I can almost see Brownback in the VP slot. As to Santorum, I think that the Republicans are too smart to have thought that he could ever be viable. Frist was a possibility before he decided to branch out into long-distance diagnosis. And correct me if I’m wrong, but I thought that the RR played their biggest role during the primary. Rest assured, they will have their Golden Boy and stump for him without cease. If they get the back of the party’s hand, then I can easily see them saying, “FYM”.

Of course, it’s early and there’s no telling what glorious fun will be had between now and the nominations. I’m betting on more good times than I have a right to.

37

I already answered. If you don’t like it, don’t blame me.

-Joe

38

Two more words: one percent. :slight_smile:

That’s how he’s polling right now among Republicans. 1% for him vs 34% for Giuliani. You just can’t fight name recognition in this business. Why do you think Bush won the nomination in '00? Name recognition.

39

Well, I’m inclined to think that Swift Boating McCain in SC had a little something to do with it. Now, granted, name recognition had a great deal to do with it, as well. But dirty tricks can accomplish an awful lot, too.

And as to Brown[del]shirt[/del]back polling at 1%, what were Robertson’s percentages when he first got in back in '88? Because his was the first name that sprang from the lips of those who counted themselves as religious back in the day. There was someone that the RR could get solidly behind. And as I said, I don’t think that Brownback has a snowball’s chance in Antigua of getting to be belle of the ball. BUt from the admittedly anecdotal evidence that I have noticed and heard, he can do no wrong. Plus, no matter his numbers, he’s personable as all hell. Once people start questioning Giuliani with any sort of vigor, he gets pissed. Brownback, though, is pretty unflappable.

Now, a lot of those people claiming that he’s the latest savior don’t necessarily know that he’s Catholic, and seem puzzled and befuddled when I mention as much. Interesting that so many people in his own state don’t know of his current brand of Christianity.

And if you wanna put polls head to head, Giuliani gets his ass handed to him by Clinton, Obama and (I think) Edwards. It’s still awfully early, and I’m beside myself with anticipation of the great rumpus to come.

40

Yeah, I embarrass myself with how much fun I think a presidential race is.