How many people are disapointed that Rudy Gulliani is pandering to the far religious right?

Question

And, is changing his positions on abortion and gay rights?

I liked him because he stodd firm on his own personal beleifs. I was possibly going to vote fro him if he was the Republican nominee, but, it doesn't look like it now.

I also was dispointed in John McCain for going to Liberty University and speak at that religious wacks -Jery Falwell's university.

Are there any politicans out there who are true to themselves? If so, let me know, and I will suport them. No Ron Paul. Mark Gravel - I like.

Thomas - I love that video thanks!

Answer 1

He is trying to get the Republican nomination. If he does not get and keep the right (if he is simply someone they can't vote for) he will not get the nomination.

Rudy is trying to demonstrate to the right that he would not do what they are completely opposed to doing, so that they may vote for him (I am not sure if it will work in his case but that is what he is attempting). His past positions on abortion and gay rights have been to the left of Biden and even Hillary for that matter.

In the end on gay rights I think the result will be the same whether Hillary of Rudy, which will probably be that civil unions will be near universal, with a few more liberal states permitting gay marriage and many more not. I don't think there will be many bills brought to the floor on abortion, so I don't think the President will impact that a great deal (they didn't bring many under Bush, so I would not imagine they would do so under Rudy). The Supreme court nominees will where this issue would be important. Rudy promises a conservative justice (which would be expected of him being a Republican), but doesn't come out and say he would pick a pro-life justice (so one can assume he wouldn't or wouldn't use this as a criteria).

In the end Hillary and Rudy have near the same position on gay rights (Rudy is for don't ask don't tell for the moment but I would imagine wont be once we are not at war), and we get near the same result with each on abortion. This is more political positioning.

I never liked McCain so can't speak well of him politically (although he is a American hero...just a bad politician).

I do not support Rudy for the nomination, but will vote for him if it is between him and Hillary in the end.

Answer 2

Giuliani lost any respect I had for him when he started saying that voting for a Democrat is welcoming another 9/11 attack. Talk about fear-mongering. This from the guy who installed NYC's emergency response center in the trade center despite warnings from his subordinates (and this was after the 1993 WTC attack, mind you). Know where it is now? Underground somewhere like it should have been in the first place. The only thing that stood out about Giuliani following 9/11 was his image, but I guess to many that's all that matters. He's been riding the wave ever since.

Changing opinions to pander to the base is nothing new. You go far left/right to win the party, then try to slide back to the middle to win the country. Just about anyone who makes it that far in politics is... well, a political animal. It's sad but true. The country is responsible for demanding change, but so far we all seem content to watch the parade of political hacks, and the numerous events in Washington, without lifting a finger to stop them.

The last guy who seemed genuine to me was 2000 McCain, but he was swift-boated and subsequently brainwashed by Bush, killing his hopes in 2000 and 2008 respectively. If it comes down to Guliani and Hildog, I'm writing in my own vote. This state always goes red anyway.

Answer 3

For the record, both Gulliani and Hillary have the same position on gay marriage--they oppose it. I haven't heard Guilliani saying anything at all about "gay rights." Could you be more specific? I did see a replay of Gov. Richardson's remarks made on the gay cable TV program where he said he believed being homosexual was a choice. Other than that, I think you are making things up. As for "pandering to the far religious right," I'll remind you that the overwhelming majority of Americans are against gay marriage and any politician who says otherwise is very, very stupid. A slight majority of Americans are now mostly against abortion, although it differs depending on how the question is asked. The politicians aren't pandering to the "far right," they are pandering to the middle. It's not possible for politicians to be "true to themselves," at least not for long.


Kent in SD

Answer 4

I'm neither disappointed nor surprised. Giuliani is an opportunist in the way that his kind only think Hillary Clinton is. Face it, if his term as Mayor had ended on September 10, 2001, his candidacy for President would be as big a joke as Paul's, Gravel's, Kucinich's, Hunter's and Tancredo's.

Answer 5

He's following the Nixon formula for election (which does work): In the primaries, you run as far to your base's side as possible, then in the general elections, you scoot over to the middle, then if elected you govern as you please.

It's pure sophistry, and makes me think less of any politician who campaigns that way.

Answer 6

I'm disappointed Rudy Gulliani continues to use 9/11 as a campaign tactic. He's belittling those who have worked hard in the recovery effort, it's appalling.

Answer 7

I still like this guy's style...

http://youtube.com/watch?v=v1op8vwF5UA

Don't understand why you don't like Ron Paul however (video is not about Ron Paul). If it comes down to Hillary, and Giuliani, I will pick my nose, and make the booger president.

Answer 8

Dennis Kucinich

Answer 9

Religious right?

From a man who cross-dresses every night, and married and divorced his cousin, to marry and divirced his next wife to start an affair his press secretary, and then to finally marry his speechwriter?

Is that Right? Religious or however?

Answer 10

I have yet to hear Rudy pandering to the muslim community. However, you can be certain that Barack Hussein Obama pandering to muslims!