[unspun]

I can easily believe Giuilani gains 27% support from Republicans.

[Mariner]

I agree with the "easy 27%" and suspect his numbers will increase as McCain and Romney lose support.

This is a two-man race, no doubt about it. Rudy and Fred vie for the heart and soul of the GOP.

It's good that we commence this debate in the open, it's been festering in the belly of the GOP for over a decade: Will the GOP be the only residence of the social conservatives? Is it enough that a candidate is economically conservative and strong on defense? Can such a candidate bring the West Coast and the Northeast into the GOP fold electorally? If a social liberal can bring the NE and West Coast into the fold, would the GOP then risk the South?

Remember, the dems were able to SPLIT the social conservatives in the last election, many did vote for dems who opposed gay marriage and abortion.

[America needs to wakeup]

"I can easily believe Giuilani gains 27% support from Republicans."

So can I, but will he get that much support during the actual primaries?

Conservatives will come out in droves to back a candidate they believe in. Is Rudi one? no. Only time will tell if Thompson can convince them he's the real deal.