Blogger - why I support Giuliani

Here's why I support Giuliani, and it has nothing to do with his response to September 11
letter to David Frum's Diary

Here's why I support Giuliani, and it has nothing to do with his response to September 11:

Rudy Giuliani eliminated street crime in New York City. The conventional wisdom said it couldn't be done, and the reasons are suspiciously similar to what the same bloviators say about the war against Islamofascism today:


Read>>> David Frum's Diary

Giuliani is Very Much in the Race

Giuliani's Pollster Says He's Still Very Much in the Race

By Michael D. Shear
Ed Goeas wants everyone to know that Rudy Giuliani is doing just fine.

With the former mayor suffering from flu symptoms so severe he spent Wednesday night in a St. Louis, Missouri, hospital, Goeas, Giuliani's pollster, reassured reporters Wednesday that the former New York mayor is still very much in the Republican presidential race.

Read>>> Washington Post blog

Rudy - "He is in high spirits and is grateful to the doctors and nurses who checked him out."

Giuliani OK After Checkup at Hospital

By HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Doctors gave Republican Rudy Giuliani the all clear to go home to New York City after the presidential candidate spent the night in a St. Louis hospital with flu-like symptoms, his campaign said Thursday.


Read>>> AP story

Rudy Giuliani leads Republicans in new national poll

New USA Today/Gallup Poll
USA Today/Time | BLAKE DVORAK

Republicans
Giuliani 27 (+2 vs. 12/02 poll)
Huckabee 16 (nc)
Romney 14 (+2)
McCain 14 (-1)
Thompson 14 (-1)
Paul 3 (-1)

Rudy Giuliani and the Speech

Giuliani Retools Stump Speech

By BRENDAN FARRINGTON

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Republican presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani's "bold" vision for the nation sounded a lot like the same ideas he's been talking about for months, but delivered in a new package Saturday.

Giuliani's address before about 200 people was billed by his campaign as a new speech that shows the former New York mayor's bold vision for the future of the country.

But the 30-plus minute speech hit on similar themes: a little Hillary Rodham Clinton bashing, some reflections on the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, a call to make energy independence as big a priority as landing on the moon was in the 1960s, and the need to fight terrorism so the United States can be safe and do more business in the Middle East.

MAYOR GIULIANI: Tested. Ready. Now. America needs a leader.

MAYOR GIULIANI: Thank you. Tested. Ready. Now. America needs a leader. I am running for President of the United States because I believe that I can lead America into a new era with bold leadership, optimism, determination, and distinctly American solutions. If you’re looking for perfection, you’re not going to find it. Not in me, not in any candidate. But if you’re looking for a leader who has been tested in times of crisis; a leader who’s ready to lead right now; a leader who’s achieved results – results that some people thought were impossible --a leader who believes that there is no problem too difficult for American solutions and a free, American spirit. I believe I am that leader.

I’ve met adversity before. I’ve led in situations that seemed hopeless and dire, in need of a miracle. I don’t just pray for miracles. I don’t just hope for miracles. I expect miracles.

Some people look at the challenges we face as a nation and they fear the future. I welcome it. I welcome the opportunity to keep America safe and secure. We will win the Terrorists’ War on Us.

I welcome the opportunity to restore fiscal discipline to Washington D.C.

While we empower millions of people to move out of poverty and achieve the American dream. And I welcome the opportunity to win this election.

Leading a revitalized, 50-state Republican Party into the White House.

But as I travel across our land, I’ve begun to hear a murmur that America somehow has lost the ability to achieve great goals. Some good people have come to believe that our country is on the wrong track. Middle Class families feel that the American Dream may be slipping away. They’re worried about the future. They’re worried that the future may not be as bright as the past. They’re worried that this may be the time where the next generation of Americans doesn’t do as well as the last generation. It doesn’t have to be that way. We — we, you and I — can decide America’s direction. We can determine America’s future. After all, that’s what an election is all about. So let’s decide for optimism, not pessimism; for hope, not despair; for strength, not weakness; for victory, not defeat.

We can’t afford a crisis of confidence at the time we need our confidence the most because our country does face real crisis right now. We’re at war. The American people want to see victory in Iraq and Afghanistan, not humiliation and defeat.

They want their children to live free from the fear of terrorism. They’re telling us, get it done. And we will.

Washington’s culture of wasteful spending is out of control. Everyone knows that. The American people want to see real fiscal discipline. They’re telling us, get it done. And we will.

Americans have heard presidents talk about energy independence for three decades. Now they’re paying more at the pump and they’re seeing their money go into the pockets of some of our enemies. They’re telling us, get it done. Get energy independence done. We will.

The American people are angry that the federal government has failed to protect and secure our borders. And they’re telling us, get it done. And we will.

What America needs in 2008 is a proven leader who will get things done. I’ve been tested. I’m ready. And the time is right now.

This is a time for leadership. A leader is someone who combines vision for the future with the ability to get things done. It’s a person who can dream about a better future and then help bring it into reality, actually make [is] it possible. So today, I’m going to share with you my vision for our future, for America’s future. This summer, we presented a bold agenda for the future. It was my 12 Commitments to the American people.

But today I want to explain it in a slightly different way. I want to explain it by describing my vision of the America that I want to hand over to my successor if you give me the honor of being your president. Because we all believe that everyone of us, no matter what our role or who we are in this country, all of us has an obligation, a responsibility to hand our nation to the next generation better than it was handed to us.

We’re about improving our country for the next generation. We’ve always been about that. This generation has to be about that.

So we’ll hand over an America where our schools are the best in the world – not 21st in Science, not 25th in Math like we are today. I’ve got a goal for America. How about being # 1?

We can reform education—primary and secondary education in this country and we can do it by creating and expanding school choice. We’ll empower parents – not government bureaucrats – let the parents choose where their child goes to school. Who knows better?

All children – rich and poor, middle class or otherwise – all children deserve a quality education: whether it’s public, private, parochial, charter or home-school. To me, this is the great civil rights issue of our time. Our children, all of our children, not just yours, not just mine, all of our children need a good education and if the parents are making the choice, if that’s the rule in this country and not the exception, I’m confident that the decisions will be made in their interest. They’re going to do it better than some bureaucrat who has never met their child, doesn’t know their child. So let’s give the power here, the main power to the parents.

We’ll hand over an America that embraces [is] the global economy. That needs fairness. Of course we need a level playing field, but we should be less concerned about how much we buy from overseas, except from the point of view of safety and security, that’s important. But on the economics of it, what we should really be focusing on is how much do we sell to overseas?

America is an entrepreneurial society. We should view the rise of China and India, the people moving out of poverty in China and India, we should view that as a great opportunity to find what America is always looking for: new customers. Right?

When they think of us as a country that’s militaristic, they’re wrong. The essential nature of Americans is not war. Americans only go to war when they have to and then of course we do it to win and to prevail and to be safe. So do it in a determined way. But here’s the essential nature of America and Americans. Here’s what we really want to do with you all around the world. We want to sell you something. Right?

Isn’t that what America’s all about. America is an entrepreneurial society. But we also need to keep our house in order here in the United States. We’ll hand over a country that’s more fiscally disciplined, with a government no larger than it has to be. It’ll be a country where taxes, regulations, abusive lawsuits don’t drive jobs and businesses out of the United States. And we’ll create—

And we’ll create hundreds of thousands of jobs, millions of jobs, in the process. We’ll lower the income tax and the corporate tax rates.

We’ll give the death tax the death penalty.

We’ll find many ways to bring tax relief to middle class families where that tax relief is needed the most. And you know what else we’re going to do? We’re going to develop a single page, one-page optional tax form. How about being able to do it all on one page? Wouldn’t that be great?

Ok. The print may be a little small.

But we’ll work real hard to get it on one page. The Democrats running for president seem to want a nanny state. They want to run your life from the cradle to the grave. We don’t want that kind of state. America’s like a country that puts reliance on individuals, on people, what they can do, what they can accomplish. America’s a country that works on initiative. And then we give people opportunity and help to have that initiative, but we don’t try to direct their lives from the day [their] they’re born until the day they die. We’ll hand off a country that doesn’t penalize success. We’ll reward success. We want a country where the “sky’s the limit”. People can reach for the stars and they can have a hope that they can get there. We don’t want to put a lid on their desires, on their ambitions. We want to encourage social mobility. What country has done it better than America in the history of the world? Move people out of poverty, create social mobility, have people in one generation go from the virtual bottom to the virtual top and all the places in between. We do that by being a country of initiative, a country that rewards success, not a country that penalizes success. So we want to encourage social mobility. That’s how we move people out of poverty. That’s how we strengthen the middle class and that’s how we bring the American dream within the reach of every willing person in this country.

Now if you keep doing that, I’m going to stop giving this speech. I’m going to go out and play football.

We’ll hand over a country where decisions about your healthcare are made between you and your doctor, not between you and a Hillary-care custodian.

We can make health care more affordable, portable. We can do that through tax cuts, not tax hikes and government mandates. We can open the market, we can increase choice, we can empower individuals and all of that, all of that will drive down the cost so that people can afford health insurance and good health insurance, quality health insurance. That has to be our goal. We do it through an America, we do it through private decision-making and private markets not through socialized medicine.

We’ll hand over a country with 200 new federal judges – or 400, if you give me a second term. Well let’s work on the first one first. Ok.

These judges will be responsible men and women, people who understand that their role is to interpret the Constitution, not social activists who legislate from the bench.

To do anything less is to deny us the defense of liberty that comes from the separation of powers. We’ll hand over a country where we’ve ended illegal immigration where it has to be done – at the border.

And also a country who’s arms are wide open to people who come here, people who come here legally and openly. We want them, we need them, we will accept them, and what we want them to do, if they want to become citizens, is meet all the requirements and then be able to read English, write English, and speak English.

Ending illegal immigration won’t be easy. It requires changing human behavior – but it needs to be done for everyone’s good. I have the will. I have the way to do it, the plan to do it, and I have the track record to bring safety and order and fairness to a situation that is now [our] out of control. I’ve done it before, I can do it again.

We’ll hand over an America that is stronger, safer and more secure. We’ll make every community better prepared, more prepared for terrorist attacks and natural disasters something you know about here in Florida. The hurricanes of a few years ago where you had to deal with four all in one short season. The way you did it was a really good emergency response. The rest of the country needs to be at at least that level of preparation and we all need to be at a higher level of preparation. And as we do that, we’ll build a more resilient society – ready to withstand anything that comes our way and ready to help those in need, whenever and wherever they need it. We’re one country. We’re in this together. Natural disaster, terrorist attack, you learned here in Florida. I learned that in New York. We embrace each other.

We’ll hand over an America that is achieving energy independence. We can do it by increasing the diversity of our energy sources. And we can do it by having both a healthy environment and a healthy economy. The two things are not inconsistent with each other. The two things compliment each other if you do energy independence the right way and you move toward the right sources and you support it. And most the most important thing is we’ll approach this goal with the same single-mindedness that America used to put a man on the moon. Remember? Well, some of you don’t remember. You’re too young.

You remember. I remember. You don’t remember. But you’re going to read about this in history, because it’s one of our great historical moments. The Apollo Mission, the mission to put a man on the moon, it was started by President Eisenhower, a Republican. It was advanced greatly by President Kennedy, a Democrat. It was brought almost to its final stages by President Johnson, another Democrat, and it was completed under President Nixon, another Republican. This wasn’t a Republican success. This wasn’t a Democratic success. This was an American achievement.

That’s when we’re at our best. That’s when we’re at our best, when we’re thinking like Americans. We were at our best to put a man on the moon, we were at our best to deal with the horror and the shock and the pain and the suffering of September 11th, weren’t we? No Republicans, no Democrats just Americans. That’s what we need to achieve energy independence and then maybe we can take that sprit and we can apply it to some of these other big problems that we face. What we really need is to reaffirm and we need a new era, not of Republican success or Democratic success, how about we look for things where we can have American success.

Finally, and this is the big challenge of our generation, we’ll hand over a country that is safer, that is more secure from the Terrorists who are at war with us and around the world. We’ll do it the same way that Ronald Reagan accelerated the end of Cold War. President Reagan used to be asked in the early days of his presidency, when the Cold War was in some ways you know very intense, they’d say to him “You know this Cold War’s been going on for a long time is it ever going to end, how is it going to end? People couldn’t see an ending to it, it’d been going on for so long. Will it ever end, can it end? Ronald Reagan listened to them, paused the way he used to, put a little smile on his face and when they were asking him how would it end, he just had that little smile on his face and he said: “They Lose. We Win.”

That’s the same approach that we need to defeat these enemies that we have. We need to stay on offense in this Terrorist War against Us, achieving peace through strength, that’s the only way you achieve peace, through great strength, by being on offense, by being strong, by being confident, by having a military that we expand, not contract. We have to rebuild our military.

I have a goal in Iraq it’s not the Democrats goal, they tried to legislate loss in Iraq, they’re still trying to legislate loss in Iraq. I have a different goal. It will be a very clear decision for the American people. Here’s my goal for Iraq, victory, success for America and for our troops. Let’s achieve the goal that we went there to achieve, a stable Iraq that will act as an ally for us in the ongoing Islamic Terrorist war against us. That is a victory for us and a defeat for them.

Our men and women there believe they can achieve that. They’ve shown us unexpected progress; many people even opponents of that war have been surprised at how exceptional the progress has been. So let’s help them and support them. And let’s do the same thing in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Let’s make sure we finish the job and we eliminate Al Qaeda and the Taliban.

We will hand over an America that has stopped Iran from becoming a nuclear power.

And when we stop them we won’t just be moderately confidant but we’ll be totally sure.

But we also need to win the war of ideas and the war of ideals. Strengthening our ties with the Middle East, embracing those people in the Middle East, in the Arab world, in the Islamic world. The overwhelming majority of people who want peace, who below the cultural differences share the same values that we have. We’ve got reach out to them; we’ve got to get to know them better. We’ve got to get them to know us better. We’ve got to do more business with them. That part of the world is filled with people with the same entrepreneurial spirit that we have. The same love for their children that we have, the same desire for a safe and secure life for themselves that we have. There are a few people and more than a few but by no means anything close to a substantial proportion of people, that have perverted the thinking and turned it into a political ideology now of hatred and anger and viciousness and aggression. But that shouldn’t stop us from reaching out to all of the rest of those people who have the same desires that we have. We should actually be having more contact with, doing more business with, having more cultural relationships with the Middle East now than we have ever had before. It is another way to win the Terrorist War against all of Us. And I will do that and I will make sure that we open up in the same way that we will be strong and on offense, we will also have a very big open arm for all those people who want to work with us. We’ll embrace them, they’ll embrace us, it’s not the first time America has done that, it won’t be the last and it will work. I guarantee you it will work.

So all of this is saying that America needs bold leadership to meet these very very big challenges that we have. But I know we have the strength to hand our nation to the next generation stronger than it’s been handed to us. We have the capacity to improve things the way our fathers, grandfathers, great-grandfathers and great-grandmothers, mothers, fathers, people all over have done for us. I have faith in the Genius of America: the power of free people to solve whatever problems they face. That’s why my solutions all begin with a simple thought, a simple philosophy: Give people more power.

America’s not unique because of its central government. America is great because of self-government. We unleash the genius of America when we increase freedom. The freedom to pursue success, prosperity, happiness, fulfillment, in the way that you choose, not the way that the government dictates to you. The genius of America is you. The individual American. When you decide how to spend your money, you’ll spend it more productively than any government ever will.

When you’re the one deciding what school your child should can go to, you’ll make a much better decision than some government bureaucrat can make for a child they never met or never known. And when you decide what kind of healthcare you should have, you will make a much better decision than some government custodian can make for you.

It’s really simple. I believe in the strength and wisdom of the American people. Look at our history and you’ll see why. Because no matter when or how your ancestors came to this country, we are all the proud descendants of pioneers and patriots. They created this for us, their optimistic American spirit, the defiant determination to do what some other people thought was impossible, that is our greatest inheritance. Each generation of Americans has been called to overcome great challenges. Previous generations fought for our independence, signed the constitution, ended slavery, healed the wounds of a Civil War, settled the West, overcame the Great Depression and secured civil rights. So when we see all of that, are our challenges any greater than theirs? They won the Second World War against Nazism and fascism and the Cold War against communism. That’s the same strength that’s in each of us. We inherited it, we have it. We’ve got to believe that we do. And now it is our generation’s turn to make history in this new century. I know that this generation can overcome any challenge. I’ve seen your strength, I’ve been sustained by it.

I saw it on the morning of September 11th, 2001. There were points that day, that morning in particular where I wondered, I wondered whether we had the strength to deal with this[,] worst attack in our history, unprecedented, horrific, memories and images that will live with me until the day that I die. But immediately as a I saw the courage and the strength of our citizens and our first responders, when I saw the picture of the firefighters who put the flag up at Ground Zero, just like the Marines at Iwo Jima, many years before, looked just the same didn’t it? You know what I said to myself and this gave me great strength to get through everything. I said to myself this generation, this current generation, our generation, we’ve got the same strength, the same determination, the same patriotism because it comes from our fathers and grandfathers who won the Second World War and did all of these things. Maybe sometimes, maybe sometimes it happens when we’re put under stress and we’re put in a moment of terror and horror and it just comes out. But you know throughout history, people who live in freedom have much more strength than people who live in oppression. That’s been the story of the Old Testament, its been the story of the ancient world and the modern world. It was the story of the 20th century, people who live in freedom overcome oppression. We are on the right side of this. We have the strength, we have the ability. The 20th century taught us, if nothing else, that you have to stand up to tyrants, to bullies, to terrorists. It’s in strength that you’ll be able to achieve peace and vindicate freedom.

With bold leadership, America will meet and exceed any challenge we face. With bold leadership, America will face the future with confidence and reclaim our right to live in freedom from fear. With bold leadership, America will rise to new heights in this still very new century. This is a time for leadership. This is a time for strength. This is a time to roll up our sleeves, not wring our hands. I’ve been Tested in crisis. I’m Ready to lead. And the time is right Now.

Thank you.

Rudy Giuliani wants to "Git-R-Done"

Giuliani Vows to "Get It Done"

ABC News's Jan Simmonds reports: With the theme music to the Notre Dame football movie "Rudy", the former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani came to Tampa, Florida, this morning with one main message for the American people, he can "get it done."

"They (the American people) want their children to live free from the fear of terrorism. They are telling us 'get it done' and we will!," Giuliani said during the beginning of his speech running of a list of problems the country wants solved.

"The American people are angry that the federal government has failed to protect and secure our borders. And they’re telling us 'get it done' And we will!," he went on to add with a Larry the Cable Guy "Git-R-Done" shouted out from a gentlemen in the crowd when he completed his list.


read>>> ABC News

SwiftKids come out in support of Rudy Giulanni's frequent mentioning of 9/11

Rudy Guiliani - New Television Ad "Will"

Rudy Giuliani plans a major address on Saturday

Giuliani to Outline Governing Vision

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani will deliver a speech Saturday aimed at laying out a broad governing vision for the country, an address his campaign is touting as a turning point in his bid for the Republican nomination.

"This will be a closing statement of why he wants to be president," said a senior Giuliani adviser familiar with the speech. The broad goal, according to the adviser, is to define "what will America be like after a Giuliani presidency."


Read>>> The Washington Post

The New Rudy Strategy

Giuliani shifts tactics, goes on offensive in early states

By David Jackson, USA TODAY

Republican Rudy Giuliani's plan to absorb punishment in the party's early primaries and then strike back in primaries in delegate-rich states on Jan. 29 and Feb. 5 has hit a wall, political analysts and strategists say.

Rudy Giuliani, fiscal conservative

Radio Rudy On Taxes
Rudy Giuliani's new 30-second radio spot in New Hampshire is about taxes and government spending -- favorite topics of concern for Granite State voters.

"There's no question. Taxes go down. Revenues go up," Giuliani says.

"He cut taxes 23 times by $9 billion. Reduced welfare 640,000. Eliminated 20,000 bureaucrats. And cut real per capita spending," the ad's announcer says. "All in a place where people said it was impossible. Now, Rudy Giuliani has a new plan. He'll cut taxes. Lower income taxes. Reduce business taxes. And do away with the marriage penalty and the death tax for good."

read>>> Washington Post

Polls: Rudy Giuliani and Mike Huckabee

Polls show Giuliani, Huckabee in dead heat

BY CRAIG GORDON | craig.gordon@newsday.com

WASHINGTON - Two new polls yesterday showed former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani has fallen into a statistical tie with a surging Mike Huckabee.


Read>>> Newsday

NRO: Will the GOP Convention result in a floor fight?

Convention Wisdom - A Minneapolis floor fight is not so far-fetched.
National Review Online | David Freddoso

The common wisdom offered two possible outcomes in the race for the Republican nomination. In one scenario, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney was to clean up early, and the momentum from early state victories was to carry him to a strong enough February 5 performance to stop former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani in his tracks.


Read>>> NRO

The Mike Huckabee - Rudy Giuliani Connection

Stalking Horse: When Does Huck Endorse Rudy?

Actually, based upon several transcripts, Mike Huckabee already has endorsed Rudy Giuliani time and again - those below. As I first suggested back in November, Huck may be a stalking horse for Rudy and the evidence continues to mount. If you want background on what a stalking horse is in politics.


Read more>>> Riehl World View blog

Rudy Giuliani Appears on "Meet the Inquisition"

Rudy Giuliani appeared and was the star on "Meet the Inquisition" (Meet the Press with Tim Russert) this past Sunday. Rudy was only guest on Russert's "Meet the Press," where Giuliani endured a focused and combative examination of his personal character.

The bottom line is this, Rudy did more than fine on MTP and it was Tim Russert that looked quite foolish with his accusatory and usual hunched-over frowning stance. When will we see Democrats interviewed like this?

Rudy Giuliani leads, but you wouldn't know it from the national media

Huckabee Catching Up to Giuliani as Top Republican

Dec. 5 (Bloomberg) -- Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee is surging nationally in the Republican presidential race as he runs better than 3-to-1 ahead of his nearest competitor among religious conservatives.

A Bloomberg/Los Angeles Times poll shows that Huckabee, with 17 percent support, trails only longtime front-runner Rudy Giuliani, with 23 percent. Huckabee has been running strong in the first voting state of Iowa, though well behind the leading candidates in national surveys. In this latest poll, he forges ahead of Fred Thompson, John McCain and Mitt Romney.

Young Voters: Rudy Giuliani is the preferred Republican

Harvard study: Obama, Giuliani attracting young voters

By Susan Milligan, Globe Staff

WASHINGTON -- Young voters -- a fast-growing and increasingly influential force in US elections -- favor Illinois Senator Barack Obama and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani as the Democratic and Republican presidential nominees, according to a survey by Harvard University's Institute of Politics.

Kansas Voters Like Republicans Rather than Hillary

Kansas Voters Prefer GOP Contenders to Clinton
Rasmussen Reports | Scott Rasmussen

In 2004, President Bush won the Electoral College votes from Kansas with 62% of the popular vote. The latest telephone survey from Rasmussen Reports suggests that Kansas is likely to stay in the Republican column during Election 2008 as well. Senator Hillary Clinton's presidential bid attracts no more than 38% support in Kansas when matched against any of four leading Republican Presidential candidates.

Arizona Senator John McCain leads Clinton by 23 percentage points, 55% to 32%. Rudy Giuliani leads Clinton by thirteen points (49% to 36%), Mitt Romney leads the former First Lady by twelve (47% to 35%) and Mike Huckabee leads Clinton by nine (47% to 38%).

Rudy Giuliani TV Ad "One Hour"

Rudy Giuliani visits Kentucky

New Yorkers in Florida still like Rudy

Native New Yorkers give Giuliani an edge in Florida
The Buffalo News | Jerry Zremski


Suzanne Citere’s father danced with Hillary Rodham Clinton at the 1992 Democratic National Convention, but now, Citere, a 40-year-old dance instructor, is the former first lady’s worst nightmare.

Citere sat beaming proudly in the front row last week as Republican candidate Rudy Giuliani, widely considered the frontrunner for his party’s presidential nomination, as Clinton is for hers, delivered a rousing stump speech in a crowded hotel ballroom here in the part of Florida nicknamed “New York’s sixth borough.”

“I saw what he did in New York City,” said Citere, a native of Brooklyn who recently changed her party registration from Democrat to Republican just so she could vote for the former New York City mayor in Florida’s primary Jan. 29. “I lived it. I think it’s a small glimpse into what he can do for the country.”

It's the economy, stupid, Part II

Giuliani 2008 commentary:

Do you remember, "It's the economy, stupid?" (Clinton) Do you remember "This is the worst economy since Hoover?" (Kerry)

Well, the Hillary Democrats are back with: "It's the economy, stupid, Part II."

Witness the front page headline of today's (Dec. 4) Wall Street Journal: "Economy Moves To Fore as Issue For 2008 Voters." We quickly find the money quote from the usual Clinton apologist.

"The middle class already is suffering from falling real incomes, even before this new economic slowdown. This slowdown suggests the economy, once again, will be the No. 1 issue in 2008." - investment banker Roger Altman.

Here we have highly paid Roger Altman lying and confusing the American public. First of all, there is no slowdown. The economy grew at a 4.9% GDP clip in the third quarter of this year. Secondly, the average American voter couldn't define an economic slowdown or an economic recession if their lives depended on it. Lastly, we will soon see this "economic slowdown" talk morph itself into "economic recession" language very quickly whether we are officially in an economic recession or not. It won't matter. If highly paid investment banker Roger Altman - a former United States Deputy Treasury Secretary under Bill Clinton - says there are economic problems, he's got to know what he is talking about. Correct?

It's the economy, stupid, Part II.

Get used to it. In this case - you're the stupid one if you believe it.

Rudy Giuliani criticizes the "fair tax" plan

Giuliani Assails 'Fair Tax' Plan

By MIKE BAKER – 16 hours ago

GREENSBORO, N.C. (AP) — Republican presidential hopeful Rudy Giuliani criticized the "fair tax" plan that has been touted by rival candidate Mike Huckabee on Monday, saying it could hurt home buyers.

The former New York City mayor cited the struggling U.S. housing market as a reason to avoid the plan, which would eliminate all taxes on income and investments in favor of a hefty federal sales tax.

A questioner asked about the plan but did not mention Huckabee. Nor did Giuliani mention his rival in his response.

"I think there are several tax deductions that are vital to our economy," Giuliani said. "This would not be a good time — I don't know if there would ever be a good time to do this — to advocate ending the home mortgage deduction. The home mortgage deduction is considered by many critical to the ability of people to buy a home and keep their home."


Read>>> AP story


related-

Neal Boortz defends the Fair Tax

Rudy Giuliani remains the most popular presidential hopeful for Republican Party

Republicans 2008: Giuliani 26%, Thompson 18%

Angus Reid Global Monitor

Rudy Giuliani is the most popular presidential hopeful for Republican Party supporters in the United States, according to a poll by YouGov/Polimetrix released by The Economist. 26 per cent of respondents would vote for the former New York City mayor in a 2008 primary.

Rudolph Giuliani: "People can make decisions about their money"

Giuliani Touts His Low-Tax Stance in NH

By GLEN JOHNSON – 3 hours ago

STRATHAM, N.H. (AP) — Republican Rudy Giuliani is trying to make up for lost time in New Hampshire by cutting to the chase with low-tax talk likely to resonate in a state whose lack of income tax speaks to the political leanings of its GOP primary voters.

The former New York mayor, wrapping up his second consecutive weekend in an early presidential primary state where he only recently decided to compete, said Sunday the leading Democratic contenders want to raise taxes by up to 30 percent, and their much-discussed hike in capital gains levies could send business investment overseas.

"If you tax too much in the United States, they go to Bermuda or Ireland or eastern Europe or India or China or someplace else," Giuliani told about 100 people attending at house party on the state's vote-rich Seacoast. "The businesses can go there with the jobs and the money can go there as part of the investment."

read>> AP story

Rudy Giuliani clarifies immigration stance

Giuliani: Kids of Illegal Immigrants OK

By JIM DAVENPORT – 2 days ago

BLUFFTON, S.C. (AP) — Republican White House hopeful Rudy Giuliani said Friday he wouldn't try to change laws that make citizens of children born in the U.S. to illegal immigrants, noting that it's a matter determined by the Constitution.

"That's a very delicate balance that's been arrived at, and I wouldn't change that," Giuliani said in response to a question while campaigning at Sun City Hilton Head, a sprawling retirement community down the South Carolina coast from Charleston.

Read>>> AP story

Telegraph: Giuliani and Huckabee agree to pull punches

Rudolph Giuliani, the Republican frontrunner, and Mike Huckabee, the former Arkansas governor now surging up the party’s rankings, are pursuing an unofficial non-aggression pact as they try to knock rivals out of the race for the presidential nomination.


Read>>> Telegraph UK

Rasmussen (National Poll): Rudy Giuliani continues to lead GOP with 22% nationwide

The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Sunday shows the race for the Republican Presidential Nomination is getting more and more competitive. Rudy Giuliani continues to lead nationwide with 22%.

Kit Bond: "Rudy Can Win in Missouri" (Feb. 5)

Rudy Giuliani remains #1 in Florida

Question: “If the Florida Republican presidential primary election were held today, would you vote for…”

Rudy Giuliani (26%)
Mike Huckabee (17%)
John McCain (13%)
Mitt Romney (12%)
Fred Thompson (9%)
Ron Paul (3%)
Duncan Hunter (1%)
Tom Tancredo (1%)
Undecided (18%)

The poll was conducted Nov. 25 and 26 among 675 likely voters in the January Republican primary. It has a margin of error of about three-and-a-half percent.


read>>> InsiderAdvantage/Majority Opinion Research poll

Rudy visits Pennsylvania

Giuliani visits, but not to campaign
Tribune-Review | David Brown


Republican presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani said Tuesday it would be a mistake to place high expectations on this week's Middle East peace talks in Annapolis.

On a brief visit to Pittsburgh, the former New York mayor took an indirect swat at Democratic presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton by criticizing her husband's approach to the Middle East.

"I don't think we should have unrealistic expectations" for the Annapolis summit, Giuliani said in an interview with the Tribune-Review. "I don't think we should raise hopes too high, because it is a very, very difficult situation.

"In the past, when you go back to the Clinton days, we've made a mistake in raising expectations and then having great failure. If anything, it sort of extended the problem."

Rudy Giuliani: "He (Mitt) throws stones at people"

Rudy takes aim at Mitt
Townhall.com | Maggie Gallagher

It's Christmas, and war is breaking out all over.

Thank Iowa. The state's unusually early Jan. 3 start date -- three days before the Feast of the Epiphany -- has sparked a sudden outbreak of pugilism among presidential candidates right and left.

[snip]

Meanwhile, Rudy chose the Politico Web site as the venue for taking off the gloves on Mitt Romney. It's time to "take the mask off and take a look at what kind of governor was he," announced Giuliani, later adding: "He throws stones at people. And then on that issue he usually has a worse record than whoever he's throwing stones at."

Rudy Giuliani’s second television commercial - “CHALLENGES” is now on air in New Hampshire and the Boston television markets

Voice Over: “The world’s 17th largest economy. Swimming in red ink. Record crime. Runaway taxes. A million on welfare. That was New York. Until Rudy. He cut taxes 9 billion. Welfare 60 percent. Crime in half. The most successful conservative turnaround in 50 years. In America’s most liberal city, Rudy delivered. And he can do it again, in a place called Washington, D.C.”

Rudy Giuliani leads Hillary Clinton by 4 in national poll

Election 2008: Clinton vs. Giuliani & Thompson

Rasmussen Reports

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani (R) enjoying a modest four-point lead of 46% to 42% over Senator Hillary Clinton (D) (see crosstabs). That’s the second time in the last three Rasmussen Reports election polls that Giuliani has held the advantage over Clinton.

Survey USA: Giuliani beats Clinton in Missouri

Survey USA: Missouri

Best to worst versus Hillary:

45% Giuliani (+2) 44% Clinton (-6) 10% Undecided

46% McCain (+1) 47% Clinton (-1) 7% Undecided

44% Romney (+3) 47% Clinton (-3) 9% Undecided

43% Huckabee (+3) 49% Clinton (-2) 8% Undecided

AP: Giuliani Addresses Energy at NASCAR Race

By DAVID FISCHER

HOMESTEAD, Fla. (AP) — As pit crews made last-minute inspections to their cars Sunday at NASCAR's Ford 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway, Republican presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani stressed the need for America to break its dependence on foreign oil.

Giuliani likened the pursuit of energy independence and the development of alternative energy sources to the race to put a man on the moon several decades ago.

"Now it's a matter truly of national security," Giuliani said. "We have to pursue all of those alternatives that exist."


read>>> AP Article

Gallup Poll: Giuliani Leads, Four More at or Above 10% in GOP Contest

The Nov. 11-14 Gallup Poll finds 28% of Republicans and Republican-leaning independents nationwide naming Giuliani as their first choice for the party’s 2008 presidential nomination. Former Tennessee Sen. Fred Thompson is second, at 19%. Thompson appears, for the moment, to have halted some negative momentum, as his numbers had fallen slightly in each of the three prior polls. Thompson received a key endorsement from the National Right to Life Committee this week, although it is unclear whether that would have boosted his support.

Giuliani leads in Nevada

Poll: Electability drives Giuliani lead in Nevada

LAS VEGAS, Nevada (CNN) -- Now that the Democrats are done debating in Las Vegas, it's time for the next act. Bring on the elephants.

A new CNN/Opinion Research Corporation poll of likely Nevada Republican caucus goers shows Rudy Giuliani in first place as a presidential nominee.

The former New York City mayor was the first choice of 29 percent in the survey out Friday.

Rudy Giuliani and the NASCAR vote

Giuliani embraces NASCAR, hoping for a Southern hug

Atlanta Journal-Constitution | KEN HERMAN

WASHINGTON — omehow, some folks in the land of y'all have cottoned to a GOP presidential candidate from the land of youse guys.

And ex-New York mayor Rudy Giuliani will make another foray into the symbolic heart of southern culture Sunday as he soaks in the ambiance of the Ford 400 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Finale in Homestead, Fla.

For Giuliani, like an anthropologist currying favor in another culture, it's another day of mingling at a tribal ritual.

Rudy Giuliani Would Select Conservative Judges

CBSNews | (AP)

(AP) Rudy Giuliani assured a conservative legal group Friday that if elected president he would appoint federal judges who adhere to their principles. He also praised a judge who declared the capital city's gun ban unconstitutional and ridiculed efforts to eliminate the words "under God" from the Pledge of Allegiance.


related -

RedState blog:: Rudy Giuliani's remarks to the Federalist Society

About Judith Regan

"It sounds to me like a kind of gossip column story more than a real story," he said on a campaign stop in Iowa.

"The last thing in the world you want to do when you're running for President is respond to gossip column-type stories."

read>> New York Daily News

Poll: Rudy, Hillary tied in Ohio

By Howard Wilkinson, The Cincinnati Enquirer

If Democrat Hillary Clinton and Republican Rudy Giuliani were facing off in the presidential election today, Ohio voters would be split nearly dead even, according to a new Quinnipiac Poll.

And having Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland on the ticket as a vice presidential candidate — a job Strickland says he is not interested in — would not help the Democratic presidential candidate, according to the poll from Quinnipiac University in Connecticut.

Giuliani best for business

The presidential election is more than a year away, but Business Journal readers think Republican candidate Rudy Giuliani would be the best for business.

A recent poll asking readers which of eight candidates would be best for business found the former New York City mayor with 32 percent of the 220 votes. Former Massachusetts governor and GOP candidate Mitt Romney came in second at 15 percent, followed by Democratic candidate and New York Sen. Hillary Clinton at 14 percent.

read>> Business Journal

ABC News: Get to Know Rudy Giuliani

Rudolph W. Giuliani grew up a typical Brooklyn boy, whose character was forged by the old-school values his parents' instilled in him. Over the course of his career, he has prosecuted criminals and led New York City through its worst crisis. Now the man whom some have called "America's Mayor" is hoping to become America's president.


read>> ABC News story

Rudy Giuliani TV ad - 'Tested'

"So I believe I've been tested in a way in which the American people can look to me. They are not going to find perfection. But they're going to find someone who has dealt with crisis almost on a regular basis, and has had results."

Pat Robertson: Yes on Rudy!

Pat Robertson to Endorse Rudy Giuliani

Robertson to Back Giuliani
Las Vegas Sun | Liz Sidoti


MANCHESTER, N.H. (AP) - Pat Robertson, a prominent Christian leader and social conservative, will endorse Republican presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani, GOP officials confirmed Wednesday.

The former New York mayor backs abortion rights and gay rights, positions that put him in conflict with GOP orthodoxy, and has been trying to convince cultural conservatives to overlook their differences with him on those issues. That makes the support of a high-profile religious conservative like Robertson a particular boon.

Rudy Giuliani doesn't think we are ready for Clinton, part 2

Giuliani Impersonates Hillary, Says Bill Clinton Had Head in the Sand
ABC News

ABC News' Jan Simmonds reports: With an Elvis impersonator crooning just two floors below him, Rudy Giuliani, R-N.Y., took aim on Friday at both Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., and her husband, former President Bill Clinton.

Speaking at a town hall in Berlin, New Hampshire, Giuliani first set his sights on Hillary Clinton and used humor to answer a question about Clinton's much analyzed debate response on whether she supported a plan to grant driver's licenses to illegal aliens in New York state.

"Oh gee I can't figure out what to think," said Giuliani satirizing Clinton.

"Don't pick on me by asking that question. That's a gotcha question. Do not pick on me for asking that question. Now let me see what I think…. Let me see… First put up your hands and tell me what you think. Then I'll tell you what I think. Are you for it or against it? Ok, you're not gonna tell me. So I'm for it, for it. I am against it. I'm for it and against it. And I wanna be your president."

Gallup: Guiliani has best chance of defeating Clinton

Public: Guiliani has best chance of defeating Clinton
Gallup News Service | Joseph Carroll


PRINCETON, NJ -- The vast majority of Americans say former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani has an excellent or good chance both of being elected president and of defeating Hillary Clinton in the November 2008 general election if Clinton is the Democratic presidential candidate. None of the other leading Republican candidates comes close to Giuliani on either measure. Americans give Giuliani, Arizona Sen. John McCain, and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney slightly better chances of “being elected president” than of “defeating Hillary Clinton.”

Missouri Sen. Kit Bond Backs Giuliani

Missouri's Bond Backs Giuliani
WashPost | Michael D. Shear

Missouri Sen. Kit Bond was announced as a new national co-chair and liaison to former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani's presidential campaign today.

"America is hungry for a President who will say what he means, and do what he says. The American people want and deserve a genuine leader,and that is Rudy Giuliani," Bond said in a statement. "Rudy has the leadership qualities and the experience to handle whatever challenges America faces in the next 10 years."

"Kit Bond is a leader when it comes to making sure those on the front lines of the Terrorists' War on Us have the resources they need," Giuliani said. "He is a well respected life long public servant dedicated to the people of Missouri and I am honored to have his support."

Giuliani Overtakes Rodham Clinton in Virginia: 46% - 43%

Angus Reid Global Monitor : Polls & Research

Rudy Giuliani (R) 46% - 43% Hillary Rodham Clinton (D)

Republican Rudy Giuliani holds a slight edge over Democrat Hillary Rodham Clinton in the Old Dominion State, according to a poll by Rasmussen Reports. 46 per cent of respondents in Virginia would support the former New York City mayor in a head-to-head 2008 United States presidential contest, while 43 per cent would vote for the New York senator.

Rudy Giuliani vs. Hillary Clinton

IT'S RUDY V. HILL

NY Post | John Podhoretz


WEDNESDAY brought two key developments in the 2008 race for the White House. Together, they make it increasingly likely we're finally going to see that Hillary-vs.-Rudy match-up we were denied in New York's 2000 Senate race.

Rudy Giuliani Statement on Ahmadinijad’s Visit to the U.N.

Rudy's Statement on Ahmadinijad’s Visit
Daily Mail | Don Surber

“We will not allow a nuclear Iran. Period. We will work with our allies and use every tool at our disposal to stop Iran from becoming a nuclear power. That is not a threat. It’s a promise. Iran is the leading state-sponsor of terrorism, the host of Bin Laden’s son and other top al-Qaeda leaders, and the supplier of weapons being used to kill American soldiers in Iraq. His promises to destroy America and Israel should not, can not, and will not be ignored.

Rudy Giuliani's 12 Commitments

Blogger Andy, at AndyThoughts, analyzes Rudy Giuliani's 12 Commitments.

Rudy Giuliani visits Gordon Brown at 10 Downing Street

Giuliani pays homage to Thatcher on UK visit

Times Online

Rudy Giuliani tried to burnish his conservative credentials on a trip to Britain today, visting Gordon Brown at 10 Downing Street before meeting with Margaret Thatcher at a planned event in her honour this evening.



related-

Thatcher advisors join Team Rudy

Poll: Clinton, Giuliani still lead

Rudy Giuliani: the liberal's worst nightmare

Rudy says he's liberals' 'worst nightmare'


Rudy Giuliani’s presidential campaign is up with a radio ad in Iowa claming he is liberals’ “worst nightmare” — an effort to get early voters to think ahead to November when they caucus in January.

The spot, called “Nightmare,” shows that last week’s MoveOn.org ad bashing Army Gen. David Petraeus is the gift that keeps on giving for Republicans.

read>>> Politico

FOX News Poll: Rudy Giuliani Preferred Over Hillary Clinton

FOX News Poll: Rudy Giuliani Preferred President Over Hillary Clinton If Terrorists Attack America


NEW YORK — A majority of Americans say they would feel more comfortable with Rudy Giuliani in the White House than Hillary Clinton if another terrorist attack were to happen in the United States, according to a new FOX News poll.

When compared to other top Republican candidates, more voters see Giuliani as hardworking and as a strong leader, while Clinton leads the Democratic field for not only having the right experience, but also being able to bring about change — as well as doing whatever it takes to win. Views are divided on whether it’s appropriate for Oprah Winfrey to use her celebrity status to encourage support of Barack Obama.

Chicago Sun-Times: Conservatives like Rudy Giuliani

Why conservatives like Giuliani

September 14, 2007
BY STEVE HUNTLEY
The latest issue of the New York Times Magazine begins a political profile of Rudy Giuliani by listing half a dozen reasons "a lot of political prognosticators" believe he "will never be the Republican nominee for president, no matter what the polls say." Prominent among those reasons was his moderate position on social issues, thought to be anathema to conservatives.

The same day that article appeared, one of Washington's prominent prognosticators, Cokie Roberts of ABC News' "This Week with George Stephanopoulos," reacted to a Gallup Poll showing 69 percent of religious Republican evangelicals see Giuliani as an acceptable nominee with this outburst: "I just -- I mean, I just can't believe that those voters are going to go for Rudy Giuliani."


read::: Chicago Sun-Times

FOXNEWS: Giuliani blasts moveon.org and Hillary Clinton

Rudy Giuliani Places NYT Ad Taking Hillary Clinton to Task Over MoveOn.org Ad

WASHINGTON —
Republican presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani criticized Democratic front-runner Hillary Rodham Clinton in a full-page ad in Friday's New York Times, accusing her of attacking Iraq war commander Gen. David Petraeus' character.

The ad paid for by the Giuliani's campaign attempts to link Clinton to another ad, paid for by MoveOn.org, a liberal anti-war group, that ran in the Times on Monday. The MoveOn ad accused Petraeus of "cooking the books" on the Iraq war and played off his name, asking, "General Petraeus or General Betray Us?"


read::: FoxNews article


related -

the Wakeup America blog

Rudy Giuliani: Americans should listen to General Petraeus

The Rudy Giuliani ad appearing in the New York Times.

Former GOP Gov. Jim Thompson endorses Rudy Giuliani

Former (Illinois) Gov Thompson Endorses Giuliani

CBS 2 CHICAGO | AP


(AP) DES PLAINES, Ill. -- Republican presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani picked up a key endorsement Thursday in Illinois, getting the backing of former GOP Gov. Jim Thompson, a former federal prosecutor who ruled the state for 14 years.

Giuliani will appeal to Illinois voters because of his "commonsense solutions for problems and issues facing Americans in this dangerous decade," Thompson said.

Illinois has a track record of electing moderate Republicans like Thompson to statewide offices, and Giuliani is known for his moderate-to-liberal views on some issues.

September 14: Rudy Giuliani in Oklahoma

Join us to support Rudy for President.


T. Boone Pickens
Southwest Finance Chairman

John and Cheryl Clerico
Tulsa Finance Chairmen

Terry Neese
National Chair/ Women for Rudy

C. Renzi Stone
Southwest Finance Chair/ Rudy's All-American Team

Along with:
John and Gloria Blessing
Paul and Brenda Brothers
Charles and Evelyn Harmon
H.G. Buddy Kleemeier
Dee Ray
Mrs. Ray Siegfried

CORDIALLY INVITE YOU TO ATTEND
A PRIVATE RECEPTION HONORING

RUDOLPH W. GIULIANI

TO BENEFIT THE RUDY GIULIANI
PRESIDENTIAL COMMITTEE
SUMMIT CLUB
15 WEST 6TH STREET
TULSA, OKLAHOMA 74119
SEPTEMBER 14, 2007
4:00PM - HOST RECEPTION (PHOTO OPPORTUNITY)/$2,300 PER PERSON ($4,600 PER COUPLE)
4:30PM- GENERAL RECEPTION/$500 PER PERSON ($1,000 PER COUPLE)
PLEASE RSVP TO: SOMERLYN COTHRAN � PHONE: 918-494-7766 � SOMERLYNC@AOL.COM

Rudy Giuliani is strong in Ohio and Pennsylvania

The FullosseousFlap blog reports on strong polling data for Rudy Giuliani in both Ohio and Pennsylvania.

Rudy Giuliani: I can make this a 50 state campaign

Rudy Giuliani, aggressively campaigning in Minnesota today, said that he can bring all 50 states into play for the Republican party in 2008:

"I'm the nominee who can make this a 50-state campaign," he told a crowd packed into a corner cafe on Thursday. "If one of my opponents gets nominated, we will be back to a 20- or 25-state campaign."



KARE11TV

Ron Silver is supporting Mayor Rudy Giuliani for President

The Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee today announced that Ron Silver is supporting Mayor Rudy Giuliani for President. As an advisor to the Mayor’s campaign, Silver will help promote the Mayor’s 12 Commitments to the American People and aid the effort to continue growing strong support across the country for Mayor Giuliani.

Silver, a veteran actor, is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and on the Board of Directors for the United States Institute of Peace.

JoinRudy2008

Poll: Giuliani 47% Clinton 44%

Rasmussen Reports

Survey of 800 Likely Voters August 27-28, 2007

Rudy Giuliani (R) vs. Hillary Clinton (D)

Rudy Giuliani (R) 47%

Hillary Clinton (D) 44%


read>>> Rasmussen Reports

Rudy Giuliani now leads Clinton 47% to 40%

In Surge, Giuliani Now Tops Clinton by Seven Points

After being virtually tied with Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton for several months, Republican contender Rudy Giuliani now leads Clinton up 47% to 40% in the latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey.

In the match-up of the frontrunners, this result marks a significant shift. For the last three months the two frontrunners have never been further apart than three percentage points. Last month, Giuliani and Clinton were separated by just a single point.

Read more at>>> rasmussenreports.com

Will it be Clinton vs. Rudy???

The Shape of a Hillary-Rudy Race

The American Thinker | Richard Baehr


Current national polls show both Hillary Clinton and Rudy Giuliani with solid leads for their respective party's nominations. Clinton holds about a 20% lead over Barack Obama in national polls , and is rated by London odds-makers a near 60% probability to be nominated. Obama has faded a bit as a serious contender despite his early fund-raising success, following a series of what appeared to many to be naïve and contradictory statements on foreign policy issues.

Giuliani campaign: we are in a very, very strong place

Giuliani looks beyond early states

YAHOO NEWS | AP

WASHINGTON - Rudy Giuliani is using his fundraising advantage among Republican presidential candidates to expand his campaign organizations beyond early nominating contests and into bigger, more expensive states like Florida and California.

Giuliani campaign manager Michael DuHaime, in a teleconference with reporters, said the former New York mayor's fundraising — he hauled in $15 million for the primaries during the last three months — has given him the flexibility to establish a presence in a dozen states.

"We're very confident right now that we are in a very, very strong place," DuHaime said.

Giuliani: Beef up border security

Giuliani Vows to Stop Illegal Immigrants
The Associated Press | Jim Davenport

AIKEN, S.C. (AP) - Republican presidential hopeful Rudy Giuliani vowed Tuesday to stop the flow of illegal immigrants into the United States by closely tracking visitors to the country and beefing up border security.

Read more at>>> newsandpolicy.com

Rudy Giuliani, the conservative

Giuliani continues his conservative shift
Boston Globe | Brian C. Mooney

Former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani continues to discard the moderate and liberal positions of his past. The latest is civil unions for same-sex couples, which the Republican presidential candidate has been backing away from in recent months.


Read more at>>> boston.com

Giuliani Maintains Lead at 38% of GOP voters

CBS Poll: Giuliani Maintains Strength

(CBS) According to a new CBS News poll out Monday, Rudy Giuliani retains a significant lead nationally among Republican primary voters in the race to become the party’s presidential nominee.

In all, 38 percent of Republican primary voters favor the former New York City mayor, a slight increase from last month. Senator-turned-actor Fred Thompson is next; he's favored by 18 percent of Republican primary voters, a seven-point drop from last month. Thompson has yet to officially announce his candidacy.

read>>> CBS News

Rudy Giuliani in Iowa: "I Can Beat Hillary Clinton"

UK Telegraph | Toby Harnden


Lambasting Democrats for having "embraced defeat" in Iraq, Rudy Giuliani is declaring himself the only Republican who will keep America on the offensive against Islamism and stop Hillary Clinton capturing the White House in 2008.

The former New York mayor, still lauded in the American heartlands for his performance after the September 11 attacks, told The Daily Telegraph that he believed Mrs Clinton would choose Barack Obama as her running mate.

Rudy Giuliani on a campaign stop in Iowa

"I think it's going to be a Hillary Clinton-Barack Obama ticket," he said during a campaign stop at Sparky's One Stop, a petrol station in the village of Stanhope (population 488), on a sweltering day in rural Iowa.

Rudy today

A "Rudy Roundup" is provided by the Race42008 blog. Check it out.

The Fox Derangement Syndrome & the New York Times

In the latest outbreak of Fox Derangement Syndrome, the New York Times, the self-styled paper of record, has spent hundreds of hours researching and trying to dig up dirt on the friendship between Rudy Giuliani and Fox News Channel head Roger Ailes. This article was all they could come up with, a semi-conspiratorial bit that is more sizzle than steak and more hype than substance.

Rudy Giuliani continues to lead GOP presidential field

Aug. 1 (Bloomberg) -- Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani's bid for the White House is gaining support, according to a new NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll.

Matched with other Republicans, Giuliani won the backing of 33 percent of respondents in the survey...


read>>> Bloomberg

RudyCare: Market reforms for U.S. Health Care

Rudy Giuliani's Health Plan: 'Take Care of Yourself'

Newsmax

Republican presidential hopeful Rudy Giuliani on Tuesday offered a consumer-oriented solution to the nation's health care woes that relies on giving individuals tax credits to purchase private insurance.

Critical to Giuliani's plan is a $15,000 tax deduction for families to buy private health insurance, instead of getting insurance through employers. Any leftover funds could be rolled over year-to-year for medical expenses.

Campaigning in this first primary state, Giuliani said his goal is to give individuals more control over their health care. The former New York mayor said as more people buy plans, insurers will drop their prices, making insurance affordable to those who lack it now.

"Government cannot take care of you. You've got to take care of yourself," he said. "As more of us do that, the cheaper it will become and the higher in quality it becomes."

Giuliani offered the broad outline of his plan but his campaign did not provide many specifics, including the estimated cost.

Rudy Giuliani: less government, lower taxes

Giuliani leads GOP race according to Rasmussen

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - The national race for the Republican Party’s presidential nomination in the United States remains closely contested, according to a poll by Rasmussen Reports. 26 per cent of respondents would vote for former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani in a 2008 primary, while 25 per cent would back actor and former Tennessee senator Fred Thompson.

Rudy Giuliani: Democrats want a controlling "nanny government"

In New Hampshire today, Rudy says:

"Democrats are kind of falling over each other seeing who can raise taxes faster. It looks like they're going to raise taxes anywhere between 20 to 30 percent. John Edwards just said he's going to raise the capital gains tax double that. Last time we did that, we lost 40 percent in revenue. The last time we did what John Edwards is discussing, the United States lost revenue by basically discouraging people from making investments."

TEAM RUDY: Wraps up the week

What a great week for our campaign. This week Rudy released the first three of many radio ads in Iowa and New Hampshire that highlight his proven record as a fiscal conservative by cutting taxes, welfare rolls and reining in government spending. More good news this week came in the form of a Washington Post/ABC News national poll which has Rudy leading his closest rival by 21 points. We're running a strong campaign and thanks to your generous support, we are able to continue taking Rudy's optimistic vision for America all across the country.

Sincerely,
Team Rudy
Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee

Rudy Supports the King Amendment
Rudy Giuliani supports Rep. Peter King's Amendment to provide legal protection for responsible and alert citizens who report suspected terrorist activity.

Rudy Will Lead America Toward Energy Independence
As President, Rudy will move America toward energy independence. It will require setting goals, sticking to them and energizing the American people to achieve them. It will require expanding our reliance on a much more diverse range of energy sources that America can control.

Rudy Launches New Radio Ads in Iowa & New Hampshire
The Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee announced this week it launched radio ads in New Hampshire and Iowa on Tuesday entitled: "Out of Control," "Will Do" and "Garbage Can."

Rudy Shows Commitment to Delaware
The Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee announced that Misty Haungs has joined the growing campaign team in Delaware as the state political director based in Wilmington.

Rudy Announces More Endorsements in Iowa
The Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee announced endorsements in Southeast Iowa. Following Mayor Giuliani's swing through Iowa last week, which concluded at a town hall meeting with hundreds of local voters in Davenport, Mayor Giuliani earned endorsements from several county chairs and co-chairs throughout the region.

Florida poll: Rudy Giuliani leads

Aaron Deslatte
News Journal capital bureau

TALLAHASSEE -- A new Florida poll shows Republican Fred Thompson, the actor and former senator who refuses to make his presidential bid official, in a virtual tie with former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani among likely GOP voters.

The Mason-Dixon Polling and Research poll released Friday shows Giuliani clinging to a 21 percent to 18 percent lead over Thompson, which was within the poll's 5-point margin for error.

Rudy: Democrats are "the party of losers"

Republican U.S. presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani called Democrats "the party of losers" for demanding a scheduled pullout of U.S. troops from Iraq.

"Democrats have already declared we've lost," the former New York mayor said during a campaign stop in Texas. "It's really strange. The Democrats want to give our enemies a timetable. Never in history of war has a retreating army been asked to give a timetable.

read>>> International Herald Tribune

Rudy: GOP surprise-to-date

Giuliani is the surprise of the presidential race
The Star-Ledger | John Farmer

The money and momentum in the presidential race all may be on the Democratic side, but the closest thing to a big surprise is found in the Republican contest.

Yes, ultimately it is about electability

Poll: Republicans Like Giuliani's Electability
Washington Post | Dan Balz and Jon Cohen


A new Washington Post-ABC News poll of the GOP field shows Giuliani with a sizable lead over his three principal rivals.

The former mayor was the choice of 37 percent of Republicans and Republican-leaning independents, well ahead of Sen. John McCain (Ariz.) and former senator Fred D. Thompson (Tenn.).

CAIR Goes Politically Correct on Rudy Giuliani

CAIR Goes After Rudy Giuliani

You had to know this was coming.

The Council on American Islamic Relations, the Saudi-funded radical Islamic front group named as an unindicted co-conspirator in the Holy Land Foundation Hamas funding trial, has put out one of their infamous “Action Alerts” on Rudy Giuliani—because he used the words “Islamic terrorism:”

read>>> Little Green Footballs

Wow, Rudy and Obama girls! Hot!

The visits to this YouTube video production of "Debate '08: Obama Girl vs Giuliani Girl" continue!

Giuliani: No 'litmus test' on abortion

by Mark Silva

Candidates who oppose abortion often have been held to the question of whether or not they might make the issue a "litmus test'' for their appointments of federal judges.

Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who favors abortion rights for women, faces the same question in his campaign for the Republican Party's presidential nomination in 2008.

Campaigning in Council Bluffs, Iowa, on Wednesday, Giuliani said he would not make a judicial nominee's stance on the landmark Supreme Court ruling of Roe v Wade a litmus test.

read>>> Chicago Tribune

Rudy Giuliani addresses U.S. Energy Policy

Earlier this week in New Hampshire, Rudy Giuliani addresses U.S. Energy Policy and suggests specific ideas how we can become more energy independent.

Rudy's Baseball Challenge

The JoinRudy2008 website invites all Rudy supporters to check out "Rudy's Baseball Challenge" and to join the team.

John McCain begins to fade; Rudy gains

Giuliani to benefit as McCain crumbles
The London Telegraph | Toby Harnden

Republican strategists dissecting the carcass of John McCain's presidential campaign concluded yesterday that Rudy Giuliani is likely to be the biggest beneficiary of his friend and rival's demise.


Although Mr McCain insists that he will fight on despite the resignations this week of his two top aides, a cash crisis and falling polls numbers, senior Republicans believe his White House bid is doomed and all that remains is for the spoils to be divided.

No longer Rudy Giuliani's Times Square?

When Rudy Giuliani was mayor of New York City one of the things he certainly accomplished was cleaning up Times Square in the heart of Manhattan.

Will current mayor Michael Bloomberg be known as the mayor that reverses that trend?

What is this all about?

Naked Derrières!

A Manhattan judge is now faced with a question and decision about a pending ad with bare buttocks hanging over Times Square and a nearby church.

Would something like this happen during a Mayor Giuliani administration? Of course not!

Read the NY Times article (warning naked buttocks!) and ask yourself: "At what point do buttocks become too tasteless for public display?"

Rudy???

ABC News: Giuliani Rejects Medical Marijuana Use

By PHILIP ELLIOTT Associated Press Writer

Presidential hopeful Rudy Giuliani said Tuesday that people who want to legalize marijuana for medical purposes really just want to make the drug available to everyone.

"I believe the effort to try and make marijuana available for medical uses is really a way to legalize it. There's no reason for it," the former New York mayor said during a town hall-style meeting at New Hampshire Technical Institute.


ABC News

Poll Watch: ARG GOP Illinois Primary

ARG GOP Illinois Primary

• Rudy Giuliani 30%
• Fred Thompson 21%
• John McCain 12%
• Mitt Romney 11%
• Newt Gingrich 5%

Survey of 600 likely Republican primary voters (522 Republicans and 78 independent voters) was conducted July 6-9. Margin of Error: ± 4 percentage points. Illinois is an open primary state.



read>>> race42008 blog

Giuliani bolsters foreign policy team

While John McCain’s campaign team is getting smaller, Rudy Giuliani’s is getting bigger.

The former New York City mayor announced his foreign policy team today. It will be headed by Charles Hill, a former executive aide to Ronald Reagan’s Secretary of State George P. Shultz. He’s also a lecturer in the International Security Studies program at Yale University and a research fellow at the Hoover Institution.

read>>> Politics on the Hudson

Rudy on Vitter, McCain

From NBC's Carrie Dann
In a press avail after his morning speech in Concord, NH, Giuliani took questions about John McCain's seemingly imploding campaign -- and also about Sen. David Vitter, who has endorsed Giuliani, but who has now admitted to being on a DC Madam's phone list.

On Vitter, Giuliani mostly dodged and said that he hasn't talked to the senator yet. He emphasized "this is a personal issue" and highlighted that he couldn't have achieved so much in the campaign and during his years as mayor without the good character of his staffers and supporters. "But," Giuliani added, "Some people disappoint you."

On McCain, he painted the changes in McCain's campaign as part of the ups and downs of the trail. "This is way too early for anybody to be written off," Giuliani said. "John McCain is a fighter."

USA Today/Gallup:Giuliani 30 Thompson 20 McCain 16 Romney 10

real clear politics

Giuliani 30% Thompson 20% McCain 16% Romney 9% Gingrich 6% Huckabee 2% Hunter 2% Tancredo 2% Brownback 1% Hagel 1% Tommy Thompson 1%. Gilmore 0% Paul 0%

Is Rudy the Democrats’ worst nightmare?

Buffalo News | Patrick Reddy

Mark Shields, in the Washington Post, once called presidential elections the “most personal vote.” Party identification or other factors may be decisive in elections for Congress or state offices, but the presidency is unique. Issues are the most important reason someone wins, of course, but personal factors can often tip the balance in close national elections.

Based on his heroic image, his obvious executive ability, his making New York City a livable, governable place and his proven track record as a winner on overwhelmingly Democratic turf, Giuliani would be an extremely dangerous opponent for Democrats. In his 1997 re-election, Rudy ran 38 points ahead of Republican registration. He won nearly half of all Democrats and more than two-thirds of white Democrats. Not even Ronald Reagan was able to do that.

Rudy Giuliani was the Grand Marshal at the Pepsi 400

Fox/Cavuto: 'Giuliani is Mr. 9/11'

Rudy Giuliani Brings in Campaign Cash - A Strong Quarter of Fundraising

Giuliani trumpets fund-raising gain
Tops GOP field in quarterly cash race, lags top Democrats
By William L. Watts, MarketWatch


WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) - Top officials from Republican presidential contender Rudy Giuliani's campaign on Thursday trumpeted a strong second-quarter fundraising effort and brushed off concerns that Republican candidates are trailing top Democrats in the race for campaign cash.
The former New York mayor's campaign earlier this week announced it had raised $17 million in the second quarter, up slightly from $16.6 million in the first quarter. Other top Republicans, meanwhile, saw their fundraising pace slow.
"We have successfully maintained our first-quarter pace ... our team feels very good about what we accomplished," said Anne Dunsmore, Giuliani's deputy campaign manager for finance.