Posted on 05/02/2007 6:04:11 AM PDT by areafiftyone
WASHINGTON -- Everybody said Rudy Giuliani would be about as appealing in the South as a three-day-old bagel.
The former mayor of New York is a Yankee who has been married three times and supports gay rights and abortion rights.
But he drew an "overflow" crowd when he spoke to the Alabama Legislature last month, according to The Associated Press. He's campaigning in Georgia and South Carolina and dropped by a conference in North Carolina last week. He's going back to Alabama May 9.
On Giuliani's Web site, joinrudy2008.com, there's a link to a blog by David Brody, a political reporter for CBN, the Christian news network. He warns it would be a mistake to rule Giuliani out.
Apparently on a first-name basis with Giuliani, Brody writes, "Rudy's message on social issues may hurt him in the Bible Belt, but he has other factors that play well." And he linked to a video clip of a couple of guys singing Lynryd Skynyrd's "Sweet Home Alabama" on a TV talent show.
Whoa.
Many political observers who once assumed Giuliani didn't have a prayer in the conservative South are reconsidering.
It's an uphill battle to be sure, but Giuliani's message of fiscal conservatism and being tough on terrorism sells in the region -- even if his support for state gun control regulations doesn't.
During last year's campaign, he was the star attraction at a fundraiser for Ralph Reed, the former Christian Coalition head who was running for lieutenant governor of Georgia. Reed lost, but Giuliani is back in the South, campaigning for himself this time.
In his speech April 10 to the Alabama Legislature, Giuliani wrapped himself in the Reagan legacy -- he was No. 3 in the Reagan Justice Department. He insisted he will not shift positions with the wind but, like Reagan, will set a course and stick with it. And, he promised to cut taxes.
Giuliani, who leads the pack of GOP presidential hopefuls in polls and fundraising, would be the strongest Republican in a general election, political scientists say. The question is whether he can persuade the party's conservative base to give him the chance.
Touting his post-9/11 leadership in New York, Giuliani ripped a page from President Bush's 2004 playbook last week and charged that his Democratic competitors would be weak in the fight against terrorism.
A Democratic president will let up on that fight, prolonging it at a cost of more American lives, he said in New Hampshire. The country would be better off electing a Republican -- namely himself.
Democratic contenders Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama and John Edwards all responded vigorously, a sign that they take Giuliani seriously.
So do some Southern politicians. Among them is Sen. David Vitter, R-La., who wrote in a letter to the editor of the Shreveport Times that, after prayer and consideration, he is backing Giuliani.
"Even with all the international threats we face," Vitter wrote, "we'll sleep soundly at night with Rudy in the White House."
"And," he said, "while I may disagree with Rudy on some issues that are very important to me, I am confident he's the right man for the job."
What makes Giuliani palatable is his assurance to Vitter and others that he'll appoint judges who are strict constitutionalists and won't "legislate from the bench."
One major factor in Giuliani's favor is the new, front-loaded primary election calendar. New York, New Jersey and California now are among the many states holding primaries Feb. 5.
Political scientist Merle Black of Emory University says that Giuliani likely will win New York and New Jersey, and if he wins California, too, that day, he could be unstoppable. If Giuliani wins the top slot, he'll pick someone like the actor and former Sen. Fred Thompson of Tennessee as his running mate to balance the ticket, Black said.
Giuliani knows many Republicans won't agree with him on everything.
"I will tell you what I believe. If you agree with it, fine. If you don't agree with it, you have a right not to agree with it," he told the Alabama Legislature. "If you don't agree, you have a right not to vote for me."
No.
That’s a sad position to hear from you.
My toys - I’m taking them home - type attitude.
You are making the same mistake I made when I supported Perot.
I will never make that mistake again - NEVER
George Will, renouned elitist boob.
I did not know that.
A little cheddar cheese in them - oh man... those Indians had it down.
LOL! Its an Italian thang! ;-)
Remember Krammer on Sienfeld:
Krammer: “George Will - clean, shampooed”
Jerry: “Smart too”
Krammer: “No - I don’t find him all that bright”
Ah Haa - insight into areafiftyone.
Italian.
That explains your support for Rudy - you’re mafia.
You’re taking.
Ah Haa
Yuk Yuk
Rooty will never win in the South. He has absolutely nothing in common with Southerners.
He may get some northern transplant votes in Florida, but that is about it.
When Fred announces. He will win the South!
McCain was the Citadel’s commencement speaker in 2002. So, they don’t invite liberals, but they do invite people that are freakin nuts?
You might be right.
Right now Rudy is very very strong down here.
But - Fred vs. Rudy will be a great battle.
Let’s not write off Mitt just yet - he is a mudder.
Ok - you son-of-a-gun - you got me cold - right upside the head.
Bravo to you - nice retort.
I’m going to wash my face off - it’s covered in my own BS.
Love it.
Gee, Jake, this must be the first post ever where I didn't ruffle your tailfeathers!
Am I losing my touch?
The hardest work for Rudy fans once Fred enters, will be pulling up the few Rooty yard signs placed in front of public restrooms!
There, that's better. LOL
You’re back.
Ok - I hate you again.
Just kidding.
Listen - I can’t learn anything from people who think like I do - or agree with everything I said.
If two people think the same way - there’s little to talk about.
Hell - I used to be married.
Rudy has about as much chance in the South as a snowball has to survive today’s 90 degree weather. As far a a “having a prayer in the South”, shouldn’t Rudy be trying to find a church where they will at least let him receive communion?
Yup we are all mafia don’t cha know that? Its’ the Black Hand. (/sarcasm) LOL!
I love how people stereotype The South - and those who live here.
The South today - is not the south of 25 years ago.
The folks down here are very hip - and have incredible STREET SMARTS.
Shh - don’t tell anyone - Rudy is damn popular down here.
Why? - He’s not a wuss.
Since this is the case, I am very glad your ex wife left WITH the Beretta!
I am glad you hate the things I say. LOL
Ahh - you’re funny.
You’re a solid citizen - I love ya indylindy.
I admire strength.
What in the world are you talking about?
My comment was that Rudy has no chance in the South. I live here. I know what the scuttlebutt is. Mark it down, Rudy has no chance in the South. The RNC knows that, which is why no big guns are supporting him.
At the present time, I don't have a candidate BTW. And stating the obvious isn't a "personal attack."
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