by Mark Silva
Rudy Giuliani, the only supporter of abortion-rights in the Republican campaign for president, stood before a hall filled with 2,000 conservative Christians this morning and told them there is more that unites them than divides them, and they can be assured of one thing: He will never “twist’’ in the wind to please people.
The greatest difference between them remained unspoken in this hall until near the close of his address. First, in the course of a long, quiet and conversational speech, Giuliani gradually broke the ice among a crowd that greeted him with a polite standing ovation at the start but sat largely silent throughout much of his talk.
By the end – after Giuliani promised to limit abortion as much as possible and appoint conservative judges “in the mold’’ of Justices Scalia, Alito, Thomas and Roberts – the audience was applauding the one candidate who could be least likely to win a straw-poll of the Values Voter Summit to be conducted today. And again, they stood and rose to applaud him at the end.
“You and I know that I am not a perfect person,’’ Giuliani said. “During the greatest crises in my life, I have prayed to God… We lose trust in political leaders not because they are imperfect, because after all they are human. We lose trust when they are not honest with us…. We may not always agree… I don’t always agree with myself. .. But I’ll always give you a reason to trust me.’’
The former New York mayor spoke of ridding 42nd Street of purveyors of pornography – more applause – and he spoke of his belief in God.
“It takes a family, not a village to raise a child,’’ said Giuliani, the front-running candidate in the Republican Party in national polling, with another applause line that managed to make one direct shot at the Democratic Party’s leading candidate, Sen. Hillary Clinton of New York, without mentioning her by name.
And with his talk of holding true to his beliefs, he made another allusion, without name, to the Republican candidate best known here for shifting his stance from abortion-rights to abortion opposition, former Gov. Mitt Romney of Massachusetts.
“Isn’t it better that I tell you what I really believe instead of changing all my positions to fit the prevailing winds?
“For me to twist myself all up, to try to figure out exactly what you want to hear… ah… if you do that too long, you lose the sense of what leadership is all about,’’ Giuliani said. “With me, you’re going to always know where I stand. You will always know that I will not bend with the political winds.’’
When Giuliani finally addressed the issue which will be critical to many of the evangelical Christians who compromise nearly 40 percent of the Republican vote, he did it with a promise to “advance’’ the United States to “a culture of life.’’
“People of good conscience can come to different conclusions,’’ Giuliani said. “But you and I share the same goal, a country without abortions… We can all agree to move in the direction of setting specific goals to decrease as much as we can the number of abortions in America and to increase the number of adoptions.
“First, I will veto any reduction in the impact of the Hyde amendment’’ or other measures that restrict federal spending on abortion, he said. “I will support any reasonable suggestion that promises to reduce the number of abortions… I support parental notification, and I will continue to support the ban on partial birth abortion.
“No decision the next president makes is as important as the judges that president appoints,’’ Giuliani said. “It is critical that judges be conscientious in their role of interpreting the law, not creating the law…. Each opportunity I have I will appoint men and women who understand and act upon the principle… that it is their role to interpret what other men and women meant when they wrote the Constitution, not what they would like it to mean.’’
“If you need a yardstick… what kind of judges would he appoint -- judges in the mold of Justice Scalia, Justice Thomas, Justice Alito and Chief Justice Roberts,’’ he said.
Giuliani opened with an appeal to accept their differences.
“I have come here to speak with you about our shared values and shared goals… I truly believe what unites is us much greater than anything that divides us,’’ he said. “But my belief in God… is at the core of who I am, I can assure you that.’
“The American people want our political leaders to reason together… I try to spend as little time in Washington, D.C., as I can, because there is something in the air here… It really prevents people from finding solutions and solving problems.
“Even when we discuss the role of faith… unfortunately the discussion turns around to something negative,’’ he said. “It’s usually about what people are against instead of what they are for.
“Christianity is all about inclusiveness. It’s based upon the most profound act of love in all of history, isn’t it?
“I am running for president of the United States because I believe I can bring us together,’’ he said. “Strong leadership can help us find common solutions to our problems.
“We may have big problems, but we have bigger solutions…. I see a country that’s committed to restoring the social contract which says that for every right there is a duty, for every benefit we have an obligation… and I see a country that is truly committed to creating a culture of responsibility.
“I see clearly the value of people of faith informing the political debate with their ideas and ideals,’’ he said. “Never let anyone tell you that your faith should not be part of your political values… That is for you to decide.’’
A product of parochial schools, he said he had “almost entered the seminary.’’ The first class he attended which opened without a prayer, he said, was at New York University law school.
“Every parent in America should have the right to send their children to the school of their choice – including the right of responsible parents to choose home-schooling,’’ Giuliani said, drawing strong applause from an audience that includes many home-schooled teenagers from around the nation.
“You’ll see a great deal of evidence of our shared views and our shared values. I’m not going to pretend to you that I can be all things to all people. I’m just not like that. I can’t do that.
“The one thing you can count on with me, I’ll always be honest with you,’’ he said. “I come to you today as I would if I were your president, with an open mind and open heart and would ask that you do the same… Please know this, you have absolutely nothing to fear from me.’’
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Comments
I get a kick out of these candidates standing up there and gushing out the well thought out words trying to win over the "Spanish Inquisition".
The Spanish Inquisition was used for both political and religious reasons. Spain is a nation-state that was born out of religious struggle between numerous different belief systems including Catholicism, Islam, Protestantism and Judaism. Following the Crusades and the Reconquest of Spain by the Christian Spaniards the leaders of Spain needed a way to unify the country into a strong nation. Ferdinand and Isabella chose Catholicism to unite Spain and in 1478 asked permission of the pope to begin the Spanish Inquisition to purify the people of Spain. They began by driving out Jews, Protestants and other non-believers.
Sound familiar?
Posted by: bill r. | October 20, 2007 10:10 AM
"It takes a family, not a village, to raise a child" Or in Rudy's case, a village of families.
"I try to spend as little time in Washington D.C. as I can" That's because he's down in Texas getting greased by Dumbya's energy buds who are once again trying to find a gutless, spineless shill to buy off.
Just wait until Rahm and Co. break out Rudy's ties to Manuel Noriega, Citgo, financiers of apartheid and chemical plants in Libya. Where o where will the value voters go?
Posted by: Bubba | October 20, 2007 10:28 AM
I try to spend as little time in Washington, D.C., as I can, because there is something in the air here…
When I try to bring people together (solve problems)I also spend as much time as possible away from the problem hoping it will clear up on it's own. Way to go Joe for persevering, rolling up your sleeves, and getting dirty. Your leadership skills forecast is on par with W, that is on vacation for most of the time and in denial the rest.
Posted by: ok | October 20, 2007 10:39 AM
I try to spend as little time in Washington, D.C., as I can, because there is something in the air here… It really prevents people from finding solutions and solving problems.
Someone should clue him in that he will have to be in DC because that is where the WH is. If he doesn't want to be there he'd better drop out of the race.
Posted by: lochnessmonster | October 20, 2007 11:42 AM
The fact-challenged "bill r.", trying to diss the values voters, proclaims: "Following the Crusades and the Reconquest of Spain by the Christian Spaniards the leaders of Spain needed a way to unify the country into a strong nation. Ferdinand and Isabella chose Catholicism to unite Spain and in 1478 asked permission of the pope to begin the Spanish Inquisition to purify the people of Spain."
One problem: the Reconquest was still going on in 1478 (and didn't finish until the fall of Grenada in 1492). Thus the Ferdinand/Isabella 1478 request was NOT "following the Reconquest."
Lesson to be learned--If you want accurate history, don't listen to a Leftist.
Posted by: Bruce | October 20, 2007 1:17 PM
I hope the Wingnuts are stupid enough to nominate this crossdressing freak, Rudy's the only candidate who could make Hillary look good:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMveQ1sG9QU
Posted by: Don't Taze Me, Bro | October 20, 2007 1:44 PM
Bruce...How does that dismiss the problems with a witch hunt and the injustices committed in the name of God?
The Inquisition was run procedurally by the inquisitor-general who established local tribunals of the Inquisition. Accused heretics were identified by the general population and brought before the tribunal. The were given a chance to confess their heresy against the Catholic Church and were also encouraged to indict other heretics. If they admitted their wrongs and turned in other aggressors against the church they were either released or sentenced to a prison penalty. If they would not admit their heresy or indict others the accused were publicly introduced in a large ceremony before they were publicly killed or sentenced to a life in prison. Around the 1540s the Spanish Inquisition turned its fire on the Protestants in Spain in an attempt to further unify the nation. The Spanish Inquisition's reign of terror was finally suppressed in 1834.
In Bruces mind the end justifies the means.
Kill away Bruce!
Posted by: bill r. | October 20, 2007 2:05 PM
I would like to hear more about Guiliani's ties to Manuel Noriega, Citgo, financiers of apartheid and chemical plants in Libya. Where is the main stream media on this issue?
Posted by: v.cobb | October 20, 2007 2:33 PM
v.cobb,
Unfortunately, the MSM is busy hiding in the bushes outside Lidsey Lohan's latest rehab facility. I read the info on Rudy in the latest issue of The Nation, which most on the right crucify regardless of the accuracy of their reporting. There was a Guliani campaign dossier leaked to the New York Daily last January where their biggest liabilities listed were "business" and ex-wife Donna Hanover. The "business" concern stems from Rudy's work as an attorney back in 1989 for the law firm White and Case. Their clients included Noriega and the country of Panama, foreign banks that gave large loans to the apartheid regime in SA and an Italian construction firm that helped build a chemical weapons plant in Libya. Maybe these are a bit tangetial to hold against him as an indictment of character but it sure makes the right wing attacks on John Edwards law career seem pretty pale by comparison. Rudy's current law firm, Bracewell and Guliani, represented Citgo, Venezuela's state oil company.
Those are just some of the interesting parts of the article. Most of it is about Rudy getting in bed with the same energy industry billionaires that helped put W in office. If the environment is an issue for you in voting, Rudy is not the best candidate.
I can only assume that the above dirt on Rudy is being held back by the DNC for an "October Surprise" pending him coming out of the primary. Even so, the MSM will still be more interested in Britney's latest hair cut.
Posted by: Bubba | October 20, 2007 4:03 PM
Lets see. Married three times. Dressed up in drag on SNL. His children don't speak to him. Guess who I'm voting for? RUDY! Take it from a NYC resident, the man is a leader. Also, keep in mind NYC is a liberal wasteland. Many didn't like some of his policies, but loved the results. The NYC firefighters union doesn't support him because ALL unions support democrats. The same way the NRA always supports the consevative. He is the only candinate from either party running soley on his resume. His record as crime fighter, fiscal conservative, and school choice is by far the strongest among republicans. Maybe his kids don't speak to him because their idiots?
Posted by: megalomaniac | October 20, 2007 5:01 PM
I get a kick out of reading the leftists who think they're smart because they can make foolish comparisons between the Spanish Inquisition and America. Gee whiz, wonder why Democrats hate America so much? It's because anyone is isn't an utter narcissist -- anyone who isn't so without values that risk their marriages, lie to their citizens, commit felonies and spew their DNA on 21-year-old fat chicks is the equivalent of "The Spanish Inquisition" or "Hitler" or "Genghis Khan." Everyone, of course, except for the Islamic fascist terrorists who ware "the good guys" in the Democrats' "minds."
Posted by: Anonymous | October 20, 2007 6:15 PM
I get a kick out the rightious right who is neither. Who can use McCarthyism at the drop of a hat to say who is most American like. That's the problem Bozo, you know nothing about those you group into a bundle and spew your hate from your moral high ground. Hypocricy is the game and anonymous is your name.
Posted by: bill r. | October 20, 2007 8:59 PM
Well, we have nothing to fear from Rudy but fear itself, I guess.
Posted by: C.Morris | October 20, 2007 9:31 PM
Yoh! Bubba!
You rule. I would respond, but I am three sheets to the wind.
Posted by: C.Morris | October 20, 2007 9:33 PM
"Lesson to be learned--If you want accurate history, don't listen to a Leftist."
Posted by: Bruce | October 20, 2007 1:17 PM
Same old tired propaganda from Bruce.
Rudy's own kids don't like him and neither do New York City fireman.
http://www.rudy-urbanlegend.com/
Posted by: Alberto G | October 20, 2007 10:49 PM
So what that we may agree on other things. Giuliani supports the destruction of babys and marriage -- the two things that form a bedrock of our society. It doesn't matter whether he does a perfect job in other areas if we are destroyed from the inside by our own sexual immorality and abortion blood-lust. Rome fell from within, not without. "For what good doth it profiteth a man to gain the whole world, but lose his soul." Ask youself that when you think about pulling the lever for Rudy because he's the "only one who can win," and then think about the millions of babys killed each year in our abortion clinics, which he has argued should be supported with YOUR TAX DOLLARS. And, as an aside, hearing him talk about it taking a family not a village to raise a child... what does he know? He has completely failed in that regard -- his kids hate him and so do his harem of ex-wives. 'Nuff said, Mr. family man.
Posted by: JPL | October 21, 2007 9:19 AM
What is Rudy's beliefs about guns?I want to know if we will not have the right to bear arms or go huntingagain. I really don't want to hear liberal slurs or opinions. I want to know where he stands. I like him except for the concern for the right to have guns. I am a firm believer that only the bad guys will have guns if our rights were taken away.We also live in the country where people still hunt game. If someone breaks in my house to harm me and has weapons I want to have an equalizer. Carol
Posted by: Carol Fenton | October 21, 2007 10:52 AM
I believe the Republic party is at risk if Giuliani is our candidate. He would hand America over to Mexico on a silver platter just like George Bush is doing. President Bush is supporting Giuliani. He believes that after he is gone, Giuliani is the only candidate to carry on his views on such things as allowing illegal aliens to invade our country. If this RINO is our only choice, I would rather have a democrat in office because I believe our party would work harder to reign in a democrat than to go against one of our own.
Posted by: v.cobb | October 21, 2007 12:21 PM
"I believe the Republic party is at risk if Giuliani is our candidate. He would hand America over to Mexico on a silver platter just like George Bush is doing."
Posted by: v.cobb | October 21, 2007 12:21 PM
Viva la raza!!!
Posted by: Alberto G | October 21, 2007 2:25 PM
"I believe the Republic party is at risk if Giuliani is our candidate. He would hand America over to Mexico on a silver platter just like George Bush is doing."
Posted by: v.cobb | October 21, 2007 12:21 PM
Does the "V" stand for vicious?
Posted by: bill r. | October 21, 2007 4:47 PM
It really doesnt matter if Rudi is for or against abortion. and neither for Hillary because the greatest national epidemic for humanity about humanity is not and has not been abortion but rather divorce and separation and the effects on the kids and the two respective parents. when 85% of half the nations kids reside in a female headed household, sumptins up. Funny how certain matters just never seem to make it to the media or out of these politicos mouths. Human overpopulation is actually the first greatest epidemic.
Posted by: Robert Gartner | October 23, 2007 4:24 PM