Posted by
Larry O'C on Thursday, February 15, 2007 9:16:54 PM
After much consideration, we're throwing our support behind America's Mayor: Rudolph Giuliani for the Republican Primary.
Before going on and on about Rudy, let's take a quick look at the two other options (sorry, but there really are only three options).
John McCain. I have to say it: I voted for McCain in the 2000 Primary. Yet, in retrospect, we are really pleased that we we're wrong! I think Gore would have soundly beaten McCain, but even if he had won, I doubt his economic strategies would have carried us out of the 9/11 attacks as robustly as President Bush's have. Also, I believe that McCain's record as the Senior Senator from Bush-oppositionville has been atrocious. The campaign finance law he shepherded through has bee the single greatest infringements on the first amendment in my life time and I expect the Supreme Court to over turn it this year.
That being said, Senator McCain has been right on the single most important issue facing our country: The Global War on Terror. And if he somehow wins the nomination, I plan to willingly vote for him against any of the Democratic contenders.
Mitt Romney. First of all, he's a Michigan Man! Gotta love those Wolverines! Secondly, as a Governor, a businessman, and the leader of the Salt Lake Olympic effort, he has been brilliant. As a Catholic, I am sensitive to the assaults on Romney's religion, it was just a few generations ago that Catholicism was referred to as a cult and there were fears of "Papists in the White House"! The only concern I have over Mitt's religion is that I think it will keep some key voters from voting for him, and that is too bad. My issue with Romney is that I still feel there is something about his presentation that seems a little staged and packaged to me. He lacks a certain level of sincerity. Also, I think if he ran it would be hard for him to win some key states and it will be another close and divided election. I prefer to avoid that if possible.
That being said, I will have little hesitation in voting for Mitt in the general if he gets the nomination... I'd probably even help out in the campaign if he's the nominee.
This Brings us to Rudy!
The man is a true leader. As far as leadership qualities go, he stands head and shoulders above any other candidate. And the strength of his character really shows when analyzing his leadership of New York City. Of course, everyone knows about his brilliance in the wake of the 9/11 attacks, and that would normally stand on its own. But I remember how New York was through the late 80s (when we lived and worked there) and how it changed through the 90s. Even more so, we must all remember the horrible attacks this poor man had to endure while he single-handedly transformed New York City back into the amazing, cosmopolitan paradise it is now. We have to remember the taunts of "FASCIST" and the attacks on his character and judgement. He never bowed, he never wavered. He knew he was right and he did not care what names he was called. The fact was, graffiti and public urination and pornography and drug dealers and prostitutes and violence were all accepted and understood as a part of living in New York. This man became mayor and said: "It doesn't need to be this way!" Against protests from liberals, civil libertarians, the New York Times, and most of my former colleagues in the theatre business, he set forth on an agenda that transformed Manhattan into a mecca of commerce and tourism. We need a man of this character and courage in the White House at this time.
The man is a great communicator. Listen to his speeches and watch his interviews. He can speak off the cuff and put together cogent and compelling arguments for his positions. I love President Bush, but honestly, it would be a real breath of fresh air to have an articulate and powerful communicator like Rudy as our President right now.
The man is brilliant! He understands and has knowledge of the law, our culture, social issues and has an impressive resume. As a Republican, I am sick of our leaders being branded as "Stupid" (Bush, Bush, Reagan, Ford, ...even Eisenhower!) they could never lampoon Rudy on SNL as a dunce.
The man is absolutely, 100%, without a doubt, ELECTABLE! Rudy will win New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Florida, Texas.. and... (hold your breath)... CALIFORNIA! Look at the electoral votes in those states... 2008 would be a LANDSLIDE! And, frankly, after the divisiveness of the past 6 years, I think it would be a great thing for our nation to enjoy a consensus candidate.
That sums up our first post in many on why we will be pushing for Rudy Giuliani here in the OC!
I welcome your comments.