• President 2008,  Rudy Giuliani

    Rudy Giuliani Watch: The May 3rd GOP Presidential Debate – Abortion and Iraq?

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    (L-R) Senator John McCain (R-AZ), Representative Ron Paul (R-TX) and former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani participate in the GOP presidential candidates debate at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California, May 3, 2007.

    AP: GOP debate focuses on Iraq war, abortion

    Alone among 10 Republican presidential contenders, Rudy Giuliani said in campaign debate Thursday night “it would be OK” if the Supreme Court upholds a 1973 landmark abortion rights ruling.

    “It would be OK to repeal it. It would be OK also if a strict constructionist viewed it as precedent,” said the former New York city mayor, who has a record of supporting abortion rights.

    In a party that draws strength from anti-abortion voters, Giuliani’s nine GOP rivals agreed that it would be a great day if the court overturns the landmark ruling.

    “Glorious day of human liberty and freedom,” responded Sen. Sam Brownback (news, bio, voting record) of Kansas.

    Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney acknowledged he had changed his mind on the subject when he began to delve into the issue of cloning. He said his position had once effectively been “pro-choice.”

    But Giuliani, who said he personally hates abortion, hedged when asked about his position.

    “I think the Court has to make that decision and then the country can deal with it,” he said. “… The states could then make their own decisions.”

    An interesting lede by the Associated Press but one that is disingenuous. The debate to Flap was a disorganized and disjointed mess of a Cattle Call mimicking a debate on issues.

    It wasn’t and disappointed.

    To say that the debate was about abortion and the Iraq War is simply wrong. The many rules, three different moderators touched many issues, none in depth and you have a program made for sound bites.

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    Republican presidential contenders Rudy Giuliani, former New York City mayor, listens as candidate Rep. Tom Tancredo, R-Co., answers a question during the first republican presidential primary debate

    Rudy looked the most calm and presidential in appearance. He answered questions calmly and with conviction.

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    McCain was funny and avuncular. He showed plenty of energy and humour – perhaps too much funny business.

    Mitt Romney was well rehearsed and plastic. He gave precise answers and was well groomed – but something seemed too perfect.

    Mike Huckabee looked good as did Sam Brownback.

    The others were back bench but impressive. Ron Paul was Ron Paul.

    All were gentleman. There were no attacks or sophomoric behavior.

    The winner this evening was the GOP. All of the candidates demonstrated the best of the Republican Party and why they deserve to hold the Presidency.

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    Flap will have more on the issues, video and interviews of attendees from the post debate Giuliani event in the morning.

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    Republican presidential hopeful Rudy Giuliani, former New York City mayor, is greeted by his wife, Judith, after the first Republican presidential primary debate of the 2008 election.

    By the way, just as an aside, seeing Mrs. Giuliani for the first time this evening – she is impressive.

    Previous:

    Rudy Giuliani Watch: Rudy the Front-Runner

    Rudy Giuliani Watch: Obama, Edwards Prove Giuliani Right

    Rudy Giuliani Watch: Rudy on Offense and Democrats Don’t Like It

    Rudy Giuliani Watch: Rudy – “America Will Be Safer with a Republican President” The Democrat Response

    Rudy Giuliani Watch: Rudy – “America Will Be Safer with a Republican President”

    Rudy Giuliani Watch: Conservative Christians Favor Giuliani

    The Rudy Giuliani Files


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  • Jim Gilmore,  John McCain,  Mike Huckabee,  Mitt Romney,  President 2008,  Rudy Giuliani,  Tom Tancredo,  Tommy Thompson

    GOP Presidential Debate Watch: Republicans Square Off for the Presidency

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    Flap has arrived at the Mayor’s Simi Valley Debate Event:

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    Let the debate begin……..

    The candidates are engaging in some pre-debate banter on the stage at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.

    5:00 Televison coverage on MSNBC begins with footage of President Ronald Reagan and Chris Mathews narration of footage.

    5:00 Chris Matthews introduces Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Nancy Reagan

    5:02 Positions on stage decided by lot

    5:03 Rules of the debate – answers to questions = 1 minute; no notes but can take notes; questions from The Politico as well as television.

    First question to Rudy Giuliani

    How do we get back to Ronald Reagan’s optimism

    Rudy discussing immigration, healthcare – fix from our strengths not soicalized medicine….also mentioned terrorism.

    Second question to John McCain on Iraq – war was terribly mismanged.
    5:05

    3rd Question to Tommy Thompson – also on Iraq

    Crowd is swelling at Giuliani event – standing room only.

    And the crowd is silent and cheering after when Rudy finished speaking.
    4th question to Duncan Hunter – Iraq

    5th Question to Romney also on Iraq
    Candidates are discussing details about how they would resolve Iraq conflict.

    6th Question to Sam Brownback – on Islamic terrorism

    5:10

    Chris Matthews is monopolizing discussion about Islamic terrorism.

    7. Mike Huckabee – fired Don Rumsfeld before election? Error of judgment but President’s call.

    Huckabee seems comfortable in venue

    8. Jim Gilmore – Do you think a generla shakeup in administration’s cabinet is necessary

    Gilmore ducks question and talks about paying attention to Middle East. President has to bring American people along.
    5:13

    9. Ron Paul – voted against the Iraq War. Supports non-intervention foreign policy.

    10. Question about Iran to McCain. Matthews mentions a quote from Fred Thompson. McCain sounds nervous. What is trip wire? McCain – if they acquire nuclear weapons – then ducks it
    5:16

    11. Tom Tancredo – Question on Iran and Israel. Call from PM of Israel – Israel will strrike Iran then now what? Tancredo talks about details…….ducks question…..mentions conditions…

    12 Rudy same question – mentions Reagan and Iranian release of hostages – big laugh from Giuliani event crowd.

    Giuliani campaign is linking to what Rudy says:

    http://www.joinrudy2008.com/index.php?section=6&lid=53

    12 Jim Gilmore – moral high ground – same shoes as Cold War

    13 Romney – Osama Bin Laden

    5:20

    14. McCain and question from Politico about Tancredo as the head of ICE. Big laugh from crowd.

    Debate is getting lighter.

    15. Arnold – amend the Constitutionto allow him to run? No’s

    McCain depends upon whether he endorses me…..big laugh.

    16. Rudy – Mayor and African-American community reduced crime in 67% – especially in AF/Am community. Work to welfare program.

    17 Romney what do you dislike most about America? Mitt a loss for words. America is the greatest nation in the world. Ronald Reagan’s optimism.

    18. Huckabee – Global Warming…..Giuliani crowd is booing question. Leave plant – good stewards of the earth

    19. Tancredo organ transplant question
    5:26

    20. Hunter – compassionate conservative – Yes and switches to Iran.

    21. Ron Paul – get rid of IRS – yes

    22. Roe v. Wade – overturned/repealed? Rudy would be OK…. talked about federalist system. Thompson abortion left to the states.

    23. Romney – pro-life or pro-choice. Romney explains position. Explains why he changed mind…follow up, asked if the change is personally convenient…..hemmmming and haaaaaing…..

    Sam Brownback could support pro-choice candidate? Invokes RR Yes.

    5:32

    Rudy Giuliani – federal funds for abortion – supports Hyde amendment, state to make decisions. NY made the choice a long time ago.
    24. McCain – restore unity of Reagan purpose – knows how to make Congress work don’t wish to be President of a failed nation
    5:34

    Quicky questions…..

    Giuliani event room folks sitting on the floor – room is full.

    Huckabee – America is a great nation, turns to life issues – celebrating life.

    25. Ron Paul about libertarianism…..the goal of government……

    5:37

    Romney on Roman Catholic Bishops – they can do what they want…..

    Mke Huckabee – my faith explains me…..

    Huckabee vs. Romney – about faith and affecting political decisions. Huckabee pullling back from questioning Romney’s Mormonism.

    Romney – people have deep feelings about faith.

    Brownback – running faith out of the public square.

    Folks are lining the walls at Giuliani event….. and many sitting on the floor

    Duncan Hunter on the border fence…..

    Karl Rove in the White House

    Tancredo

    Rudy – increase influence of Christian conservatives good for the GOP party….. Yes but Rudy changes direction of question….New York City running the most conservative administration.

    Brownback – Abramoff, Mark Foley GOP scandels then mentions about William Jefferson and the cash in his freezer. Big Laughs with the Giuliani crowd.

    5:47

    Tancredo – ethics violations – failures of individuals.

    McCain – radio frquencies – Special interests – spectrum for first responders. Why we lost election in 2006 – spending out of control. Reagan drunken sailor analogy. Big laugh…..

    Question to McCain about cutting budget….pork barrel defense acquisitons.

    Rate Bush on Irq War – Huckabee – too early to give grade.

    Romney – judges and pro-life. Abortion question addressed to anyone who is not pro-life.

    Rudy – abortion……Chris Matthews says he has a nuanced position. Rudy explains his position which is pro-choice.

    5:54

    Tom Tancredo – who should be President? Swings to immigration reform.

    Illegal immigration question to McCain – status quo not acceptable, mentions Guest Worker, and a comprehensive plan

    Duncan Hunter – watched Al Gore’s movie? No Swings to energy dependence.

    Ron Paul – Decision in crisis cite an example? Political or medicine? Can’t think fo one.

    Jim Gilmore –

    Embryonic stem cell – will it expand under your administration. federal funding?
    Romney – favors alter nuclear transformation

    Brownback – No.

    Gilmore –

    No DH,

    McCain – yes

    Paul – states no

    Rudy – yes with limitations like Senator Coleman’s bill in Congress

    Romney – healthcare experiement in Mass? Romney loves it.

    6:03

    McCain question about Bush tax cuts….first against then favor – Iraq War

    Romney – loves the veto

    Brownback – flat tax

    Huckabee –

    TT – Governor of Wisconsin – vetoes

    McCain – President should have a line item veto.

    Ron Paul – foreign policy cannot afford.

    Rudy – address AMt; get rid of death tax; tax cuts have to remain land ook for marginal tax rate reduction.

    Tancredo

    McCain – will appoint a Democrat? Many American Indies and Demcrats – go to corporte America – come and serve.

    Final interactive segment

    Duncan Hunter –

    McCain question – do you believe in evolution? Yes Everyone concurs.

    Question to Rudy from the Politico – difference betwen Sunni and Shiite Muslims – Rudy fielding question….. and answers without frustration.

    Gilmore a consistent conservative.

    Ron Paul do you trust the MSM? Trust the internet more!

    Brownback – do your personal religious beliefs affect view on foreign policy? It doesn’t dominate it.

    Rudy – what do you consider your most significant weakness as a candidate? Dodged question – turned to positive charactristics.

    6:15

    Question to Rudy about National ID card – favors; romney favors; Brownback opposes; McCain – yes absolutely, employer sanctions if hire somone without ID Card; Ron Paul – no; tom Tancredo – No

    Do you think Scooter Libby should be pardoned?

    Romney – outrageous for the Prosecutor, but let judicial process run
    Brownback – dodges

    Gilmore – swings to illegal immigration…… and then back – go to American people – No?

    Tancredo – pardon him

    Ron Paul – doesn’t need pardon – information to support Iraq War.

    Terri Schiavo

    Should Congress have acted?

    Romney – courts – Congress a mistake, no.
    Brownback – yes

    McCain – acted too hastily, no
    Rudy – better for courts to decide, no

    Would it be good for America to have Bill Clinton living in the WH?

    Romney – gang of 3 running war on terror HC Pelosi and Reid

    Huckabee – not a good idea

    Duncan Hunter – cut military – no

    TT – bad possibility,no

    McCain – No Supreme Court justices appointed from the left.

    Ron Paul – no voted to impeach him
    Rudy – back on defense against terrorism

    Tom Tancredo – lousy idea.

    6:28

    Question about President Bush

    Tnhe crowd at Rudy’s event is becoming restless but still attentive with the closing comments about President Bush – all candiates pusing their own sound bites.

    Rudy – September 11 – had a President who made the right decision…

    The end of the debate……..

    The Rudy event room will now be cleared in anticipation of the Mayor’s arrival.

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    Flap will return with the photos and video of post debate festivities.

  • Duncan Hunter,  GOP,  Jim Gilmore,  John McCain,  Mike Huckabee,  Mitt Romney,  President 2008,  Rudy Giuliani,  Tom Tancredo,  Tommy Thompson

    GOP Presidential Debate Watch: A Study Guide

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    Top L-R) Republican prsidential candidates, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, Sen John McCain from Arizona, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, Sen. Sam Brownback from Kansas, former Virginia Gov. Jim Gilmore, (Bottom L-R) Rep. Duncan Hunter from California, Rep. Tom Tancredo from Colorado, former HHS Secretary Tommy Thompson, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee and Rep. Ron Paul from Texas. The Republican presidential contenders will line up for their first head-to-head debate 03 May, 2007 at the Ronald Reagan Presidential library in California.

    The Polling Report has a study guide for the GOP field.

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    Flap is off to Simi Valley……

    Previous:

    GOP Presidential Debate Watch: Let’s Get Ready to Rumble

    GOP Presidential Debate Watch: Republicans Get Ready to Square Off


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  • President 2008,  Rudy Giuliani

    Rudy Giuliani Watch: Rudy the Front-Runner

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    MSNBC: RUDY THE FRONT-RUNNER?

    From NBC’s Mark Murray and Chuck Todd
    Late yesterday — on the eve of tonight’s debate — the Giuliani campaign released a memo to supporters arguing that the former New York mayor is the clear GOP presidential front-runner and has wide appeal in a general election. “Mayor Giuliani has led in every major national poll from the last 14 weeks,” the memo says. “Since [he] made clear his intention to seek the Republican nomination for President, he has maintained a double digit lead over his rivals… We expect the dynamics of the Republican race may change in the coming months. However, we are confident we have built strong and durable support.”

    The memo goes on to say that Giuliani can compete in large blue states (like California, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania), and he fares better than his GOP rivals in head-to-head match ups with the Democratic front-runners. “Rudy Giuliani may be the only Republican candidate that can compete in 2008 against the Democratic nominee. Mayor Giuliani dramatically swings the Gallup Poll’s generic ballot gap from a 15-point Republican deficit, to a 2-point lead over Senator Clinton and a 9-point lead over Senator Obama. Since the beginning of February, Rudy Giuliani has led Hillary Clinton in every major national poll conducted by an average of 4-points.”

    The strategy memo is here.

    The telling graphics which answer the question:

    Rudy Giuliani Leads his Republican Rivals in California and Other Important Primary States

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    Rudy Giuliani Will Put California and Other Key Battlegrounds in Play

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    Well, the answer Chuck is: YES.

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    Previous:

    Rudy Giuliani Watch: Obama, Edwards Prove Giuliani Right

    Rudy Giuliani Watch: Rudy on Offense and Democrats Don’t Like It

    Rudy Giuliani Watch: Rudy – “America Will Be Safer with a Republican President” The Democrat Response

    Rudy Giuliani Watch: Rudy – “America Will Be Safer with a Republican President”

    Rudy Giuliani Watch: Conservative Christians Favor Giuliani

    The Rudy Giuliani Files


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  • Duncan Hunter,  GOP,  Jim Gilmore,  John McCain,  Mike Huckabee,  Mitt Romney,  President 2008,  Ron Paul,  Rudy Giuliani,  Tom Tancredo,  Tommy Thompson

    GOP Presidential Debate Watch: Let’s Get Ready to Rumble

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    LET’S GET READY TO RUMBLE

    Chuck Todd and Mark Murray over at MSNBC have a good set of links for a pre-debate read:

    The AP previews tonight’s debate: “Giuliani, McCain and Romney all kept their public campaign schedules relatively light over the past few days, opting to spend as much time as possible huddling with aides to rehearse their responses to expected questions on top issues such as Iraq, immigration, taxes, abortion, gay marriage and terrorism.” More: “The Reagan library [is] a fitting setting. Most, if not all, of the Republican candidates have embraced Reagan’s legacy and called for their party to return to the small-government, low-tax, strong-military ideals he espoused.”

    But the New York Times wonders if the contenders will want to embrace another Republican: George W. Bush. “Do they embrace him as a means of appealing to the conservative voters who tend to decide Republican primaries? Or do they break from him in an effort to show that they will lead the nation in a new direction? Do they applaud his policies or question his competence – or both?”

    The New York Times also focuses on Giuliani, who hasn’t debated since 1997, when he faced off against mayoral challenger Ruth Messinger. It asks which Rudy will show up: “The hard-hitting prosecutor? Or Mr. Nice Guy? Mr. Giuliani has played both in his short debate history.”

    Flap has his own links:

    Anna Bakalis of the Ventura County Star blogs the debate preparations.

    What To Watch For — Reagan Debate

    MSNBC debate coverage including rate the candidates during the debate.

    Politico.com debate coverage

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    Top L-R) Republican prsidential candidates, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, Sen John McCain from Arizona, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, Sen. Sam Brownback from Kansas, former Virginia Gov. Jim Gilmore, (Bottom L-R) Rep. Duncan Hunter from California, Rep. Tom Tancredo from Colorado, former HHS Secretary Tommy Thompson, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee and Rep. Ron Paul from Texas. The Republican presidential contenders will line up for their first head-to-head debate 03 May, 2007 at the Ronald Reagan Presidential library in California.

    Previous:

    GOP Presidential Debate Watch: Republicans Get Ready to Square Off


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  • Giuliani Notes,  President 2008,  Rudy Giuliani

    Giuliani Notes: Rudy 27% McCain 19% Thompson 14% Romney 8% Gingrich 8% in Latest Quinnipiac Poll

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    Graphic Courtesy of Real Clear Politics

    Quinnipiac National University Poll

    Giuliani leads the Republican field with 27 percent, down from 40 percent, followed by 19 percent for Arizona Sen. John McCain, 14 percent for former Sen. Fred Thompson and 8 percent each for former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney.

    The GOP NUTS:

    Rudy – 27%

    McCain – 19%

    Thompson – 14%

    Romney – 8%

    Gingrich – 8%

    The Head to Head NUTS:

    Rudy vs Hillary – 49% -40%

    Rudy vs. Obama – 44% – 41%

    Rudy vs. Al Gore – 48% – 41%

    Favorability – Unfavorability NUTS:

    Rudy 53% – 24%

    McCain 49% – 26%

    Hillary 44% – 46%

    Obama 46% -18%

    For Thompson, 63 percent haven’t heard enough to form an opinion

    For Romney, 65 percent haven’t heard enough to form an opinion

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    Mayor Giuliani is clearly the FRONTRUNNER going into tonight’s Presidential debate at the Reagan Library. Although he has dropped in the polls (lead has decreased precentage-wise) with the emergence of a Fred Thompson candidacy, none of his “announced” competitors have made any gains.

    If any analysis of a Thompson candidacy or supposed candidacy has been made it is that he divides or peels away soft conservative voters from the Mayor. However, Thompson is unannounced and has not undergone the intense media scrutiny of the big three. Also, he has a cancer in remission – yet an issue. So, his candidacy albeit reflected in the polls should be viewed with skepticism – as is his impact on the Mayor’s poll numbers.

    So, will Rudy run the table and continue to lead the pack? Or does a Thompson candidacy express the dissatisfaction of the GOP with the current field of candidates?

    The answer will come with second quarter fundraising.

    In the debate tonight look for a “CAT FIGHT” between Romney and McCain as Romney attempts to climb over McCain’s back into second place.

    The lesser tier of candidates like Tom Tancredo or Jim Gilmore may attempt an attack on the Mayor – so stay tuned as Flap live blogs the debate from Simi Valley.

    Previous:

    The Rudy Giuliani Files


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