Forbes: Social Issues Won't Derail Rudy

Human Events Online | March 30, 2007 | John Gizzi

[poisonivy27]

The most high-profile national conservative leader to endorse Rudy Giuliani for President so far insists that the former New York mayor's non-conservative stands on social issues such as abortion won't derail his candidacy in the Republican nomination process next year.

"I've met with several social conservatives and they are leaning strongly to Rudy," said Steve Forbes, publisher and two-time GOP presidential hopeful, who has just come out for Giuliani for President. Although he said he couldn't give the names of most of those he has talked to who are poised to join the Giuliani bandwagon, Forbes did cite Joel Rosenberg -- evangelical Christian, best-selling novelist, and a veteran of past Forbes campaigns -- who was prepared to join Giuliani's campaign team. In Forbes' words, "He thinks Rudy's the real deal, as do at least two others I'm talking to. Giuliani will have a [conservative] team in formation."

[KATIE-O]

Based on your comment it appears you don't count yourself among conservative Republicans. How would you describe your politics?

I am as conservative as Ted Olson, who is also supporting Rudy Giuliani.

[NittanyLion]

I am as conservative as Ted Olson, who is also supporting Rudy Giuliani.

Hmmm...that's not what I asked. Let's try this again. You originally commented that:

It looks like conservative Republicans are willing to give Rudy a pass on his less than strict conservative social politics, rather than face a Billary White House for another 8 miserable years. So am I.

Now, you might have said "conservative Republicans, including me..." or "conservative Republicans like myself...". Yet you made a point of distinguishing yourself from conservatives. In effect, conservative Republicans will give him a pass. In addition, I will also give him a pass.

So if you're not a conservative Republican, what are you?

[AFreeBird]

Great, so vote for Rudy to wage/win the WOT but lose the republic to den-o-rat ideals in the process.

Just great.

Personally, I'd really like another option, cause Rudy don't do it for me, and he won't be getting my vote.

[KATIE-O]

"Now, you might have said "conservative Republicans, including me..." or "conservative Republicans like myself...". Yet you made a point of distinguishing yourself from conservatives. In effect, conservative Republicans will give him a pass. In addition, I will also give him a pass.
So if you're not a conservative Republican, what are you?"

Balony! I won't allow YOU to define me. Take a hike.

[NittanyLion]

Balony! I won't allow YOU to define me.

You did that all by yourself. Your comment was very telling, although not surprising coming from a Rudyite.

Next time you'll have to work a little harder to hide your true political views; perhaps if you do you can avoid slips like the one above.

[dforest]

You got the usual response when you posed a serious question.

The Rudy guys either call you a liar, or when that doesn't work, they tell you to take a hike.

I think they were hired by the Clintoons. If you ever even thought you could hold you nose for Rudy, you certainly won't now. LOL

[narses]

"I am as conservative as Ted Olson, who is also supporting Rudy Giuliani."

Ted is a RINO. So is Rudy.

[narses]

I’m pro-choice. I’m pro-gay rights, Giuliani said. He was then asked whether he supports a ban on what critics call partial-birth abortions. “No, I have not supported that, and I don’t see my position on that changing,” he responded. Source: CNN.com, “Inside Politics” Dec 2, 1999 http://www.ontheissues.org/2008/Rudy_Giuliani_Abortion.htm

ANDERSON COOPER 360 DEGREES (November 14, 2006)

RUDY GIULIANI (R), FORMER MAYOR OF NEW YORK CITY: I'm pro- choice. I'm pro-gay rights.

KING: Giuliani supports a woman's right to an abortion, and back in 1999, he opposed a federal ban on late-term abortions.

GIULIANI: No, I have not supported that, and I don't see my position on that changing.

KING: Immigration could be another presidential landmine. Back in 1996, Mayor Giuliani went to federal court to challenge new federal laws requiring the city to inform the federal government about illegal immigrants.

JEFFREY: He took the side of illegal immigrants in New York City against the Republican Congress.

KING: Giuliani opposes same-sex marriage but as mayor, he supported civil unions and extending health and other benefits to gay couples. He also supported the assault weapons ban and other gun control measures opposed by the National Rifle Association.

GIULIANI: I'm in favor of gun control. I'm pro-choice.

Republican Big-Wigs Support Pro-Abortion Event in NY

Pro-abortion Governor George Pataki and New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who also supports unrestricted abortion, are co-chairs of the 2000 Choice Award Presentation to be held on May 30 at the St. Regis Hotel in New York City. The event is sponsored by the Republican Pro-Choice Coalition, a group that is campaigning for the removal of the pro-life plank from the Republican National Platform.


http://www.nationalreview.com/murdock/murdock200503010743.asp

[KATIE-O]

Now, you might have said "conservative Republicans, including me..." or "conservative Republicans like myself...". Yet you made a point of distinguishing yourself from conservatives. In effect, conservative Republicans will give him a pass. In addition, I will also give him a pass.
So if you're not a conservative Republican, what are you?

Nonsense. You can't begin to compete with the long history of conservative politics I have with the Republican Party. You are just here to show your "glass half empty" mentality. See ya.

[NittanyLion]

Nonsense. You can't begin to compete with the long history of conservative politics I have with the Republican Party.

Funny that someone with such a track record would make a point to distance themselves from conservative Republicans as you did in your comment above.

But then again, if you think Rudy's a conservative you have a fundamental misunderstanding of the word.

[NittanyLion]

You got the usual response when you posed a serious question. The Rudy guys either call you a liar, or when that doesn't work, they tell you to take a hike.

Yep. When you don't have the facts on your side I suppose insults are the best you can do. Thankfully it's obvious to anyone with a modicum of intelligence, so the Rudyites aren't doing their man any favors.

[airborne]

On your profile page, you state that you're from "one of the most liberal cities in the Northwest."

Perhaps that is why you consider yourself a conservative Republican.

[dforest]

Katie-o says "Nonsense. You can't begin to compete with the long history of conservative politics I have with the Republican Party".

Perhaps that is why pubbies lost in 2006, and are on the way to another smackdown in 2008, if they go the way of RINO Rudy.

[neverhillorat]

This is getting nuts. Ted Olson is a great man and as conservative as it gets. However, Mr Olson isn`t nuts which my disqualify him as a Conservative with many posting here.

[KATIE-O]

Ted is a RINO. So is Rudy.

lmao! Oh, please forgive me, I forgot for a minute that Duncan Whathisname is the ONLY TRUE CONSERVATIVE in America. Too bad he's a loser that 95% of the population in this country has never heard of.

[neverhillorat]

As an expert in what REALLY makes a true, highly principled , Conservative, could you share your wisdom and tells us exactly what that means?

[NittanyLion]

Conservative, could you share your wisdom and tells us exactly what that means?

I certainly could, but in this case it would be more appropriate to tell you what it doesn't mean. It doesn't mean being pro-abortion. Or anti-gun. Nor does it mean you can have a personal life that's a train wreck if you aspire to leadership.

Three things that, in my opinion, disqualify Rudy from seeking the White House.

[hinckley buzzard]

I think Forbes has something to add to the debate, but like all self-appointed authorities, he would gain credibility by actually running for something he could win-- like buying himself a House seat in a swing district. Running for president as a political debut is very unimpressive. It's the Allan Keyes trap.

[hinckley buzzard]

Hillary and Rudy are equally dangerous to America

The inability to discern significant differences is not something one would ordinarily be proud of. It represents a deficit in cognitive processing.

[ExpatGator]

Off my leg little dog.