Posted by
EFuller on Tuesday, October 23, 2007 7:30:39 AM
Rudy Giuliani courted social conservatives over the weekend. But I remain unconvinced -- which led to an interesting conversation with a friend.
My friend likes Rudy. He thinks Rudy is the only chance to beat Hillary. He's not bothered by Rudy's liberal positions on social issues -- he feels Bush has "imposed his moral views as law." He is more comfortable with Rudy than a social conservative.
I however, have very mixed feelings about Rudy. Yes, he has the moxie to lead. Yes, he has a good record as mayor of NYC.
But I fear his pledge to appoint constructionist judges is not bedrock to his character. I suspect Rudy will find good political reasons to shift priorities away from social conservative issues. I further suspect he is like Bush -- a mixed bag. Bush was a social conservative, but a big government Republican. Rudy may be something of a fiscal conservative, but a social liberal. Bush has not fully satisfied, but I will probably be happier with the net result than four years of Giuliani.
I told my friend I feared too many religious right voters would vote for a third party if Rudy won the nomination. He's not concerned. He thinks enough Democrats would vote for Rudy to make up the difference. I suspect he is like Dick Armey -- tired of values voters and hopes they'll go away.
He also thinks Romney would lose as many religious conservative voters because of his Mormonism -- without picking up any Democrat votes.
In reflecting on the conversation, I believe the real problem is too many are voting against Hillary and not for conservative principles. We conservatives are too focused on preventing defeat instead of advancing our cause.
I still think Rudy isn't red enough.