Giuliani In '08?

I was watching Anderson Cooper 360 on CNN today and they had a report on the uphill struggle Rudy Giuliani faces in securing the GOP nomination in '08. Though it's true that Giuliani's positions on Gay Marriage, Abortion, and gun control starkly differ with most Republicans, he still leads in every poll I've seen in who Republicans want to see as their next nominee. '08 is still a long ways off however, and it remains to be seen whether Republicans will feel as enthusiastic about him after they scrutinize his positions a bit more.

The question really is is what Rudy Giuliani will Republicans be thinking of when they step into the ballot box or their local caucus. Will they think of the social liberal who stayed with two gay friends of his during he and his wife's separation, or will they think of the strong leader who led New York City out of the ashes following 9/11 and who entranced them at the '04 convention? I have some reasons to suspect it might be the latter. During the report today, a New York columnist relayed a conversation he had had with a Texas Republican who supported Giuliani. When the columnist told the man of Giuliani's social positions, he simply shrugged and replied, "So?"

I myself like and am intrigued by Giuliani. Though I certainly disagree with his social positions, he has shown great leadership and determination in defeating terror. His defense and efforts on the part of the president throughout the most recent campaign were very impressive, and in my mind he dispelled any notions that he is not a true Republican. The Republican Party is the party of the big tent, and though Republicans may disagree with each other here and there, the one pole that holds up the tent and unites us all is our strength and resolve in fighting terrorism.

Though I am by no means endorsing Mr. Giuliani, I am simply stating that just because he does not hold the same positions as most Republicans should not disqualify him from deserving consideration for our party's nomination. If we as Republicans become infatuated with ideological purity than we commit ourselves down the same road of defeat the Democrats have taken. When push comes to shove we Republicans must look for a presidential nominee who demonstrates both leadership and resolve, for it is those traits that make a great president.