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Primary Colors: Rudy’s Big Problems - No Vision, Not Republican, Can’t Win
By sage of monticello | December 27, 2007
Rudy is not the guy for the job nor will he be the guy chosen.
First, Rudy, much like the other candidates, lacks vision. He doesn’t talk about about what America “can be” or what she “should be.” Rudy talks mostly of the past and very rarely of the future. Past records are important because they lend credibility to a candidate’s vision, but without a vision, past records are like a car without wheels: not much good.
Second, Rudy lacks the ability to effectively communicate his message. His message lacks punch because it is not the manifestation of a grand vision for our country. Rudy, like most of the other candidates, skips the vision thing and instead chooses to compete on who can the best sound bite. Sound bites will not beat the Democrats in 2008, but a vision can. Even with a message, Rudy is not a great speaker. Our nominee must be a good communicator, especially in light of the current President, who has consistently been a poor communicator. Rudy does not win votes when he speaks, partly because of what he believes, but partly because of his style. Rawhide is right, Rudy wouldn’t win the general because he cannot rally the base based on how and what he communicates.
Third, Rudy cannot be our guy because of his policy positions. He is pro-life, pro-gun control, and ran a sanctuary city. Immigration is a hot-button issue we must be on the winning side on in 2008 in order to keep the White House. Guns will be an issue because of the up-coming Supreme Court decision on that issue. And next to nothing puts drive in people like protecting the lives of the unborn. In order to win in 2008, our candidate has to be on the “right” side of these issues. Rudy is not, and because he is not, he would not rally the base (h/t Rawhide) and lose in the general.
Fourth, let’s assume Rudy does rally the base and that his policy issues present no problems to any section of the Republican party or conservative movement. Assuming this, Rudy still does not win Ohio or Pennsylvania and both are needed for a Republican victory. Both states are trending Democrat and running Rudy would not turn the tide. To turn the tide in those states we have to run a candidate that contrasts significantly and positively to the voters of that state. Not only does Rudy not sharply contrast against Democrats, he would not do so positively. In Ohio, Republican corruption dominates the GOP’s woes. And in PA, the “sanctuary city” label seems to have stuck.
No vision. No message. Wrong policies. Dispirited base. Can’t win.
The problems of Rudy Giuliani’s campaign should not be made the problems of the Republican Presidential nominee
Topics: Presidential Primary, Campaign 2008, Republican Presidential contenders, Rudy Giuliani, Primary Colors |
