Funny, I'm almost the opposite. I don't really like Rudy. I think he'd probably win the election, because he's enough of a democrat to draw them over, and I DO think that conservatives are so scared of losing the white house that enough would show up if we absolutely had to to put him over the top. I don't think it would be a blowout.
I think he'd have problems as President, he doesn't seem to have the qualities necessary. He seems to lack "leadership" but have "stubborness". We here he will compromise with democrats and how important that is, then we here how he kicks people out of places because he doesn't like them, and he'll stand up to the right people and get along with the right people.
On the other hand, if I have to vote on November 7 between a guy who SAYS he'll appoint a good judge even though I don't believe him, and a woman who I know won't appoint a good judge, I think I'll vote for Hope rather than Despair.
I'm not sure though -- it's hard to vote for a man who stands for so little, and I'd rather have a conservative in 4 years than have to put up with Rudy's hand-picked successor in 8 years.
Further, I think Rudy brings out social liberals who are pro-war. That gets him votes, but once they are at the polls, I think they vote democrat down-ticket. Without Rudy they stay home. I think Rudy gets conservative republicans voted out of office, helps hold some liberal republican seats I'd just as soon lose to clear the path for more conservative candidates, and in general promises to give us a more liberal congress than even a guy like Romney.
I don't see Rudy standing up to the Democrats, I see him marching in their parades, and working with them to pass legislation that supports his philosophy of abortion, gay rights, and gun control.
This is the essence of common sense. And the honorable approach to doing one's duty for the country.
If---IF---we are presented with that choice, it will not be a choice of our own making. NO ONE of us can completely control the primary process. At that point, we have a responsible to do what's best for the country, considering the available alternatives.