Rudy Giuliani: The Issues

With the 2008 Presidential election around the corner, the rivalry is heating up. Former New York City mayor, Republican Rudy Giuliani is creating waves of competition. In the key states of Florida, Ohio and Pennsylvania, Giuliani leads in the polls against Senator Hillary Clinton, who is currently the Democrat's front runner. The highly populated states are considered critical for both parties. What stance is Giuliani taking that led him to the top of the polls in these coveted states? Giuliani is famous for his role as mayor during the 9/11 attacks. However, his political realm encompasses much more than the 9/11 tragedy. Somewhat a "liberal Republican," Rudy Giuliani may be the middle ground between the opposite ends of a Democratic and Republican spectrum. Is Rudy Giuliani the best choice for president? Investigating his political views provides the answers to voters in these key states as well as the rest of the country.

Giuliani on Abortion
Rudy Giuliani is pro-choice. His belief is that abortion is a woman's choice, and his view places no ban on the controversial partial-birth abortions.

Giuliani on Budget and Economy
As mayor of New York City, Rudy Giuliani ran a responsible and solvent administration. His aggressive requests for tourism in New York following 9/11 proved to be an economic vision. The record breaking tourism in New York, along with responsible decision making, helped the administration turn a $2B deficit into a $2B surplus. Giuliani believes constantly maintaining the economy is essential to growth and development.

Giuliani on Civil Rights
In 1998, Giuliani decided to extend all New York City benefits to same-sex couples. Giuliani said, "I think it puts New York City ahead of other places in the country." Supporting gay rights, Rudy Giuliani disagrees with President Bush's ban on same-sex marriages. In 2001, Giuliani appointed a decency council after Anti-Catholic art surfaced.The Brooklyn Museum of Art portrayed 2 art pieces which were controversial and showed a lack of respect to the Catholic faith.

Giuliani on Crime
During Giuliani's reign as mayor, overall crime was cut in half in New York City and the murder rate dropped 70%. Between 1993 and 1997, New York City accounted for 25% of crime decline across the United States. The FBI called New York City the "Safest Large City in America." In March of 2000, Giuliani stood behind the NYC police force when the Bronx killings occurred.

Giuliani on Education
Rudy Giuliani believes in the separation of church and state. In January of 2001, Giuliani suggested a new approach: Opening schools on Saturdays to allow time for remedial catch up for students who have fallen behind in their classes. He also promotes the creation of charter schools, as they create competition.

Giuliani on Energy and Oil
Like many Americans, Giuliani considers the current oil crisis to be enough of an emergency to open the reserves. Oil costs are hurting the American pocketbook, and Giuliani believes the way to battle rising fuel costs is to open the strategic reserves.

Giuliani on Gun Control
In attempts to control the gun population, Giuliani recommends requiring all people who apply for a gun permit and own a gun to pass a written test.

Giuliani on Homeland Security
After leading New York City through the devastating 9/11 attacks, Rudy Giuliani holds a strong stance on homeland security. Giuliani strongly opposes the idea of going back into the same "defense" mode the country was in before the terrorist attacks on 9/11. Giuliani has recently been criticized for plainly stating his views on terror. In his opinion, terrorism has been festering for years. Giuliani's concern is if a Democrat is elected, the country's mentality will revert back to the days before 9/11. Giuliani believes withdrawing US troops from Iraq will invite more terrorist attacks. He believes the Republican party supports the military better than the Democrats.

By running for President, Giuliani is asking the American people to believe in his leadership abilities. Much of what fuels Giuliani's campaign is what he calls, "Proven leadership." In contemplating leadership, it is interesting to note that many are willing and able to lead a parade on a sunny day in New York City. But when a blustery wind comes ripping by, and the rain starts to fall, many so-called leaders run for cover. A true leader emerges by marching on. Giuliani is proving indeed.