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February 16, 2007
Giuliani - 'A Candidate Worth Considering'
Topics: Political News and commentariesI was just about to write a few paragraphs about why I thought Rudy Giuliani is worth considering for president in 08 in spite of his being pro-choice, pro-gun control, and pro-gay union, when I came across this piece by Lorie Bird at Townhall. Like Lorie, I and other conservatives I've spoken with recently say that if the most important task the next American President is going to have to face is dealing with abortion policy or protecting second amendment rights, Rudy Giuliani is not the guy we'd choose. However, since we all have to be alive in order to worry about addressing such issues, and being alive instead of being blown up by terrorists trumps dealing with abortion policy and protecting second amendment rights, Rudy just may be a guy worth considering. As Lorie puts it:
It is clear to me that even in a best case scenario, there will still be enough to do in Iraq when President Bush leaves office, that his successor will devote the majority of his or her time and attention to matters of foreign policy and national security. Even if Iraq were miraculously transformed into a perfect model of democracy and tranquility over the next two years, there would be enough challenges from countries like Iran and North Korea, and from international terrorist groups, to keep national security priority number one.Continue reading, "Giuliani: A candidate to consider."... I have received mail from fellow conservatives who think I must not be aware of Giuliani's positions on such issues as abortion or gun control or other social issues,
... I do believe those issues are important and I don't agree with many of Giuliani's positions on them.
[...] When I look at candidates, though, I am considering the biggest challenges the next President will face. Americans are moving closer to the conservative position on abortion and gun control. Gone are the days that Democrats could count those as surefire winning issues for them. In fact, in the past two presidential campaigns alone I have seen more pictures of camouflage-wearing Democrats toting shotguns than I probably have in my entire lifetime. As technology continues to improve and makes it clearer (literally, as 3-D ultrasounds become clearer) that an unborn child is just that, a child, not a mass of tissue, then public opinion will continue to move in favor of life. There is still much work to do, but I see issues like abortion and gun control being impacted much more significantly by the Supreme Court, than by the President directly. Giuliani has said that if he were elected president, he would seek individuals like Alito, Scalia and Thomas to appoint to the judiciary.
One of the biggest problems we face in America today is the willingness of too many to accept defeat and to blame America for the world's ills. On the subject of Iraq and the war on terror, this country is embroiled in a battle of wills and of philosophies unlike anything we have seen since The Cold War, and before that, the Vietnam War. Whether we decide to continue the fight or we decide to accept defeat will depend in large measure on whom we choose to lead for the next decade. The next presidential election will be incredibly pivotal.
As we move forward toward 08 I plan to leave others to arguing political ideologies and whether or not one candidate or another is sufficiently socially conservative. What matters most to me is that the man who runs our country have as his utmost agenda the survival of our nation and the defeat of those who wish to destroy it. Discounting John McCain who will say anything to get elected but can never be trusted, so far only one candidate has, in my mind, appeared on the political scene with solid credentials for having demonstrated an understanding of the radical Islamic threat we face and a commitment to defeat them.
So, I'll be taking a very close look at Rudy Giuliani between now and November 08, and I expect others to be doing the same as that day gets closer. Hillary? Obama? McCain? No dice! The war on terror is very real and we are facing the West's last chance.
Posted by Richard at February 16, 2007 7:55 AM
Giuliani's twisted view of human dignity cast serious doubts in my mind as to whether or not his foreign policy will be just. For me, social issues reflect a man's core principles and beliefs, which in turn are drawn upon to make decisions. He's quite calloused regarding infanticide (partial birth abortion) and spouts the Clintonian line regarding abortion ("I hate abortion"), he supports destructive embryonic stem cell research and led gay pride parades in NY. Each of these may seem like disjointed issues that can be compartmentalized away from his core beliefs. However, I think they speak clearly regarding his view of human life and justice.
I keep hearing that it's all about the judges - a pro-abortion strict constructionist if fine. Since Giuliani has spoken accolades for Ruth Bader Ginsburg, I'm wondering why conservatives expect him to pick a justice who will rule in favor of life? What will Giuliani do to pro-life legislation (will he veto it?). What about legislation that is pro-abortion or pro-ESC (will he pass it?)....
Posted by: tim at February 16, 2007 2:11 PM
Tim's points focus on social issues Giuliani is going to have to deal with if he is to get 'strong' support from conservatives, the kind it is going to take to win the election in 08. On the other hand, Giuliani's also got problems with the same issues from the leanings of independents and Dems in the center. As far as where his true heart is social issues, in the end, if the choice is between a politician whose social beliefs I have concern over or am not wholly in favor of but can be counted on to be very strong on national defense and the defeat of the Islamic radicals - our greatest near-term threat, and a politician of the true left that is nothing less than a multicultural, secular and social progressive, borderline Marxist, uncompromisingly pro-abortion and pro-euthanasia, and weak on national defense and the war on terror - as are virtually all current and expected Democratic candidates, than I see us with only one choice if we wish to be around long enough to continue fighting for the social issues dear to conservatives.
Would I prefer someone else? Absolutely. Are we likely to get someone else. No. So we're left with adopting Tim's position in the near term to drive the discussion and Giuliani's position toward pro-life as much as possible.
The net result is going to be Giuliani or Hillary/Obama and others like them.
Posted by: Richard at February 17, 2007 9:24 AM
I agree that Giuliani is the lesser evil in a situation where we do not have significant conservative choices. At least he's far tougher on terrorists and Jihadist than any other candidates out there.
Besides, with all the hooplah about Hillary and electing our first woman President, even in drag, Giuliani will give Hillary a run for her money (woman to woman?), not to metion he will get all the transvestite votes.
Althor :)
Posted by: Althor at February 19, 2007 9:54 AM
Articles Related to Political News and commentaries:
- Giuliani - 'A Candidate Worth Considering' - Feb 16, 2007
