Former New York City mayor opens presidential exploratory committee

**ELITEofWARMANGINGERYBREADMEN88** · 11-14-2006, 15:58

Hey,

this is intersting, but nothing new to me..

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15704147/

**Aenlic** · 11-14-2006, 16:14

Originally Posted by {BHC}KingWarman888

Hey,

this is intersting, but nothing new to me..

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15704147/

Giuliani is a media darling; but outside of the positives he has from 9/11, he's going to run into some serious trouble facing off against the religious conservative Christian Evangelical base of the Republican party. Giuliani has spoken openly in support of pro-Choice and pro-Gay Marriage issues. It'll be interesting to see if he manages to make it far enough to the right in order to please the Republican base which rules the primary process.

McCain is much closer to the right; but I think his biggest problems come in trying to move to the center for a general election. His wishy-washy stance against the Bush administration's pro-torture positions is going to come back to haunt him, especially considering his history as a former tortured POW. His stance on the war is also an albatross around his neck in a general election, considering this last election cycle. We'll see if he manages to attach himself to the Iraq Study Group, which would move him closer to the center; but also alienate the party base.

Romney has problems similar to Giuliani's. You don't get elected governor of Massachussetts as a Republican by being far to the right. His record on issues will come back to haunt him in the eyes of the Republican religious conservative base just as much as Giuliani.

**yesdachi** · 11-14-2006, 16:22

Giuliani is a very likable character and his pro-choice stance makes him popular with the left. He may not be the best candidate for President (not churchy enough) but he would make a great candidate for VP to accompany/balance someone like McCain (who I am not a big fan of but may be popular enough to make a run for the top spot).

**AntiochusIII** · 11-14-2006, 23:56

So Giuliani is on the move, eh?

Not very surprising -- rumors had been flying around him for a long time. He won't ever appeal to the social conservatives with their God-Hates-You attitudes unless the guy sheds his tough-crimefighter/9-11-hero image and start praying daily in public; but I couldn't care less for that crowd anyway!

Besides, apart from the increasingly less appealing McCain, he presents the only visible candidate from the Republicans that the Left can stomach.

**Del Arroyo** · 11-15-2006, 00:43

I'm not sure these strict rules of left-right spectrum positions and manuevering will be so dominant in the upcoming election. I know that this is the bread and butter of current political scientists, and that I am not one... but it seems that a level might be reached at some point where public impatience and disgust might overflow and favor a candidate with character and personality, that is percieved to have some substance. Perhaps a demagogue.

Anyway, that's just a feeling, and as I said I'm not an expert.

**Ice** · 11-15-2006, 03:15

I like Guilani and will be thrilled if he runs for president. He would definately have my vote.

**Alexander the Pretty Good** · 11-15-2006, 05:35

I've heard mostly good things about Romney - I'm kind of hoping he slips in under the radar. You have a point about him having to compromise, but my Conservative propaganda sources haven't scoured him, so he can't be to wishy-washy.

EDIT: Having looked at it yet, but this interview of Mitt Romney by the 700 Club was linked on my conservative propaganda source.

EDIT2: It seems pretty positive, or at least fair, and it calls him "conservative." Mild approval from the evangelical wing?