The Many Opinions of Rudy Giuliani

Rudy Giuliani, a republican who is vying for the 2008 presidency, is a complex candidate who requires attention. No matter your party affiliation, Giuliani is a candidate who might appeal to you. In 1993, Giuliani was the first republican to be elected mayor of New York since 1974. He was only the third mayor to have any classification as "republican" since 1914 in the state of New York. It is important to note that New York is, as a majority, democratic, and Giuliani was re-elected mayor in 1997 by a 57% majority. Whether you consider yourself a republican or a democrat, it is essential that you take note of Giuliani's opinions because he is certainly not afraid to cross party lines.

This is a look at some important issues in today's America, and how presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani responds to them.

Perhaps the most pressing issue in today's society is the ongoing war in Iraq. Since the war began, As of April 26, 2007, there have been 3,334 Americans killed in Iraq. George Bush is currently devoted to the war, pledging to veto any bill presented to him that declares any time-table for the withdrawal of American troops from Iraq. Rudy Giuliani is similarly devoted to the cause. According to his presidential campaign website, Giuliani believes that "winning the war on terror is the great responsibility of our generation." Like Bush, Giuliani believes that setting a time-table for the withdrawal of troops is a foolish idea, and will only lead to, not only American defeat, but perhaps more significantly, terrorism victory. (JoinRudy2008.com)

"If any Republican is elected president - - and I think obviously I would be the best at this - - we will remain on offense and will anticipate what (the terrorists) will do and try to stop them before they do it." - Giuliani (giulianiblog.blogspot.com)

"America will (be) safer with a Republican president." - Giuliani (giulianiblog.blogspot.com)

"But the question is how long will it take and how many casualties will we have?" Giuliani said. "If we are on defense (with a Democratic president,) we will have more losses and it will go on longer." - Giuliani (giulianiblog.blogspot.com)

And finally, when will the war be over?

"This war ends when they stop coming here to kill us!" Giuliani said. "Never ever again will this country ever be on defense waiting for (terrorists) to attack us if I have anything to say about it. And make no mistake, the Democrats want to put us back on defense!" - Giuliani (giulianiblog.blogspot.com)

Another important, more domestic issue in today's America is that of gay marriage. "Rudy Giuliani believes marriage is between a man and a woman. He does not - and has never - supported gay marriage" (JoinRudy2008.com). Giuliani, however, is a supporter of what have grown to be called "domestic partenrships." He creates a middle-ground on the issue by supporting fairness in the system and encouraging equality personal and legal matters, all the while expressing his opinion that the sanctity of marriage should not be compromised by allowing same-sex couples to share the title. This opinion is similar to that of President George Bush who supports the constitutional ban on gay marriage.

While Guiliani is not a supporter of abortion, he does not suggest that it should become legally disallowed. He does support a ban on partial-birth abortion, however does not support a ban on abortion as a whole. He "understands that this is a deeply personal moral dilemma, and people of good conscience can disagree respectfully. Ultimately he believes that it is a decision between a woman, her doctor, her family, and her God" (JoinRudy2008.com)

The recent shooting at Virginia Tech University has sparked a heated debate over gun rights. Giuliani, as stated in his website, is a "strong supporter of the Second Amendment." As mayor of New York, an important part of his crime-fighting techniques was to remove illegal handguns from the streets. Giuliani believes that all citizens maintain the right to legally own and operate firearms. It is the illegal ownership that causes a sharp increase in crime.

More information about the opinions of Rudy Giuliani can be found at his presidential campaign website.

Additional Resources:
CNN "Forces: U.S. & Coalition/Casualties" URL: (http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2003/iraq/forces/casualties/)

CNN "Senate passes Iraq withdrawal bill; veto threat looms" URL: (http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/04/26/congress.iraq/index.html)

GiulianiBlog "Rudy Giuliani Watch: Rudy - "America Will Be Safer with a Republican President" URL: (http://guilaniblog.blogspot.com)

Wikipedia "List of Mayors of New York City" URL: (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_mayors_of_New_York_City)

JoinRudy Campaign "On The Issues" URL: (http://www.joinrudy2008.com/index.php?section=2)