Rudy Giuliani: Views & Platform for the 2008 Election

According to a recent CNN poll, approximately 31% of the Republican Party has already decided to support former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani in the 2008 presidential campaign, as opposed to the less popular John McCain and Newt Gingrich. Though these statistics are subject to change, as much time remains between now and the 2008 election, it is important to note that the republican may have possibly already found its star candidate. Though not the most socially conservative republican, Giuliani's views have the potential to collect an enormous number of votes. Based on decisions made and opinions expressed by Giuliani in his former role as Mayor of New York, the following views on essential topics and his platform for the 2008 campaign are established.

Abortion
1. Giuliani, unlike most of the Republican Party, is pro-choice though he supports having reasonable restrictions such as parental notification and a ban on partial-birth abortion.

Budget & Economy
1. Giuliani believes that economic development also requires maintenance of what currently exists-this includes buildings, subways, etc. He believes millions of the maintenance budget's dollars are wasted annually resolving solving fiscal issues.
2. We must encourage tourism and entertainment revitalization (through building television studios, etc) to stimulate the economy.

Civil Rights
1. Opposes a ban on gay marriage and is well known to be pro gay rights. This includes his belief that all city rights should be extended to same-sex couples. Though Giuliani believes the term "marriage" describes the union between a man and a woman, he supports "domestic partnerships."
2. Supporter of affirmative action.

Crime
1. In favor of the death penalty for 9/11 conspirators
2. Believes home ownership decreases crime.
3. DNA Labs are necessary in order to combat crime.
4.It is impossible to eliminate risk, but security should be taken more seriously.

Drugs

1. Drug policy should be included as an essential part of our foreign policy.

Education
1. In support of using vouchers, creating charter schools to increase competition, and privatizing failing schools.
2. Opposes prayer in schools.

Energy & Oil
1. The Strategic Petroleum Reserve should be opened up in order to combat rising oil prices

Gun Control
1. All gun owners should be required to pass a written test.

Homeland Security
1. No compromise with terrorists.
2. Strongly supported reauthorization of the Patriot Act

Immigration
1. In support of the Senate's guest worker plan and the path to citizenship because he does not believe preventing illegal immigration is possible.

War
1. Withdrawing from Iraq will fuel terrorism and encourage future attacks.
2. We should be proud that we have liberated the Iraqi people

Welfare
1. We are responsible to provide aid for the homeless
2. We should stabilize businesses so that they can provide more jobs.

It is important to note that despite the information which is available, Giuliani has not yet taken a stance on many important issues which will become central to the 2008 campaign. These topics include health care, the environment, and social security. It is inevitable that Giuliani will face opposition from his more socially conservative running mates and even more opposition from the more conservative portion of the Republican Party; let the debates begin!