Yes, Rudy Giuliani Is a Conservative

City Journal ^ | Winter 2007 | Steven Malanga

[msnimje]

I really wish Wayne LaPierre would have slammed him...

He did in a backhanded sort of way. But I am sure Rudy's day is coming with Wayne. He will be the target of a multimillion dollar ad campaign if need be.

[babygene]

Rudy is probably somewhere between Hillary and Al Gore. To the right of Hillary and to the left of Al Gore....

[2ThumbsUp]

As a long-time voter for social conservatives, I do not convey this lightly. I fear GOD, not man. However, it is not an exaggeration to say there may not be any unborn -- or anyone else -- to save if we do not have a leader who can and will stand up to the terrorists. We already know former mayor, Rudy Guilliani is an excellent leader. In fact, I still remember his speech at the last Republican National Convention supporting President Bush, a man I was proud to vote for twice. I suppose in some way, I'm not returning the favor. I am also determined to vote a straight Republican ticket as to give Republican social conservatives a voice, a majority in Congress.

We are in the middle of a war. I consider the lives of our troops extremely valuable. I cannot in good conscience for for someone who may leave them high and dry. I'll vote for someone I already know will not.

[2ThumbsUp]

At least you have a good sense of humor!

[Graybeard58]

Than what the heck is Rush Limbaugh?

Limbaugh is a moonbat liberal, Rudy is the true conservative here.

Damn, that Vicodin and Ativan combined is some potent stuff. Excuse me now, I have to go shampoo my ceilings, they have little pink and blue and green spots all over them.

[Noumenon]

Yes, Rudy Giuliani Is a Conservative

And I'm Sheik Yerbouti from Qatar.

[babygene]

I think rudy sucks...

[FreeReign]

“[I]f you wanted a social program that would really save these kids, . . . I guess the social program would be called fatherhood.”

Its always good to hear conservative principles.

[FreeReign]

I think I may have read this mess someplace before.

Why do you consider good conservative accomplishments a mees?

[massadvj]

While I have decided to support Giuliani for pragmatic reasons, I have a problem with labeling him a "conservative." The definition of modern day conservatism goes back to the 1950's and Russell Kirk, who emphasized the need to preserve our moral values and institutions as well as to promote free enterprise and small government. I think by Kirk's definition, Giuliani fails the test.

The real question is "is he conservative ENOUGH?" I think on law and order issues, fiscal responsibility, and the war on terror, he is likely to be even more conservative than Bush. I think he will appoint tough law and order judges, in spite of the sliming he has been getting in that regard. Certainly, a lot of true conservatives will have to swallow hard to support him. In the end, I sincerely hope the 2006 wake-up call will persuade enough social conservatives to accept him as a compromise before we all become dinosaurs.

Thanks very much for posting this. It was very informative.

[sockmonkey]

Yes, Rudy Giuliani Is a Conservative

When did the definition of Conservative change to include one who supports abortion, gay unions, and gun grabbing? If people want to say they feel he would be tough on terror, I can live with that, but to say he's a conservative is just BS.

[aligncare]

You make a great point. People are looking for a candidate with executive experience - someone familiar with running an organization. I don't think the voters are impressed with legislators, like senators or congressmen.

Voters lately seem to elect governors, and now perhaps, even mayors.

[dmw]

"...but to say he's a conservative is just BS."

You sir are correct!

[presently no screen name]

that changing society’s attitude toward marriage was more important than anything government could do: “[I]f you wanted a social program that would really save these kids, . . . I guess the social program would be called fatherhood.”

Rudy, we were led to believe "It Takes a Village" ala clinton was your stance - over and over and over.

Liberals want the president/government to take care of social ills not conservatives. If people can't control their own anti-social behavior, it should be a state issue. not a national issue.

[mad_as_he$$]

Looks like the Rudy spin machine is in full warp drive. Rudy may be conservative - for a New York Mayor. I have no use for anyone who was elected the the position of Mayor in that pit.

[mad_as_he$$]

Will you take Hillary over Rudy?

[mad_as_he$$]

Really? Has the NRA finally found both it's balls?

[pgkdan]

If he is the most Conservative candidate then it should serve as the impetus for Conservatives to leave the Republican party and form their Conservative own party.

If he becomes the GOP nominee I'll be gone in a NY minute. I'm not a liberal and I will not support a party that choses a liberal as it's nominee.

[pjd]

Whether or not Rudy symbolizes every feature of Conservatism is irrelevant. Here's why:

The balance of power between the Democrats and Republicans is very close. Whichever party wins the Presidency is very likely to pick up at least a few new seats in Congress, riding on the President's coat tails.

If a Democrat wins the presidency, you can be sure the Dems increase their margin in both houses. If a Republican wins, it is very likely that the Republicans will regain control of one or both houses.

If Rudy wins, it doesn't matter how liberal he is on some issues because presidents don't make the laws. Furthermore, he will be likely to have a Republican Congress. That said, he can only sign into laws that which Congress sends him.

However, if a Democrat wins the presidency, we are likely to have an even stronger Democratic Congress who will submit liberal laws to a Democratic president who will sign them.

More than anything, we need a Republican Congress. The only way we are going to get that, this election, is if a Republican candidate wins the presidency and wins soundly. Rudy is our best chance for that and is he is more likely to carry more congressional seats on his coat tails than any other Republican.

Go Rudy!