Rudymentum 2008

Is Rudy Giuliani the right guy for the Republicans? VikingSpirit has been covering this angle lately, with links to this clip of George Will singing his praises, and links to this article (via Nixguy) in the City Journal about Rudy's conservative take on the right role for government and obvious track record putting it in practice. The time may have come to evaluate Rudy with fresh eyes, given the way the field of presidential candidates is beginning to shake down.

On the downside, Rudy is pro-choice and not anti-gay marriage. For some social conservatives this disqualifies him without further discussion. For others, Rudy's personal past (including a messy divorce) are cause enough to cringe - although it's hard to imagine Hillary "going there" in a national campaign. And still others insinuate darkly about the deeds that may have been done to rise to the top of NY politics - of which the Bernard Kerik debacle might have been a mere taste (but one which left some party insiders bitter).

But on the upside, Rudy has a strong track record for governance. He's articulate, poised, and combative where appropriate in the face of the media and Democrat constituents, without coming across like he care more about their approval than the people in his party. He supports tax, education, and welfare reform. And he's a virtually bullet-proof advocate of a strong War on Terror, without any qualification or posturing.

The season is short, and the Democrats are already hard at work, and motivated. The Republicans will need to differentiate themselves in 2008 to reconnect with voters and provide an antidote to Bush fatigue. Rudy Giuliani might have the markings of a candidate that can turn the page, and begin a new chapter for the GOP.

Tags: Rudy Giuliani, 2008, Election