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DEL.ICIO.USSpeaking for Giuliani: What Steve Forbes said about the South, Iraq, and Fred Thompson
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
In the last few weeks, the Rudy Giuliani campaign in Georgia has become particularly forceful, likely in anticipation of the Fred Thompson entry into the Republican race for the White House.
Earlier this week, Giuliani operatives fleshed out much of their state network. Next week, we expect for them to name state Sen. Ronnie Chance of Tyrone as the campaign’s state co-chairman, sharing the helm with House Speaker Glenn Richardson.
(Mitt Romney’s team has also made some announcements, and we’ll get to those in a bit.)
On Thursday, publisher and two-time presidential candidate Steve Forbes just happened to dial up, to explain why his boy Rudy could compete in Georgia and other points in the Deep South.
“We’re in a situation where his strengths are going to be very appealing to the south and the rest of the country - in two basic areas. The most critical one is national security. He demonstrated on 9/11 that he can deal forcefully with an unprecedented crisis,” Forbes said.
When pitching Giuliani as the man who can handle Iraq, Forbes’ criticisms of the Bush Administration were implied, but strong: “[Giulini] would not be content — he’s said this — with broad goals of what we want to achieve there, but more specifics. How do we know we’re succeeding? What are we doing neighborhood by neighborhood? He isn’t afraid to get at the nitty-gritty details.”
Click here for Forbes’ exact words.
As for Thompson’s entry, Forbes predicted that an initial “halo effect” would be followed by close and unflattering scrutiny. “For instance, he’s very close to the plaintiff’s bar, which is not popular with the base,” Forbes said. Extended comments can be heard here.
Finally, Forbes argued that, with the way the 2008 primary calendar has shaped, Giuliani will have an advantage. On Feb. 5, Republicans in California, Florida, New York and New Jersey will be joining voters in Georgia at the ballot box.
Said Forbes: “Eight years ago, he wouldn’t have had a successful national candidacy, maybe eight years from now he wouldn’t. But at this particular time, I think the man and the moment are met.”
Comments
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By john
July 20, 2007 6:13 PM | Link to this
Forbes is correct-timing is everything. Reagan ,too would not have been elected had it not been for the mood in the country at that time-utter frustration on the part of the electorate due to the failure of the Carter administration………during times of desparation , people respond by thinking and voting “out of the box”….enter candidate Giuliani, Republicans, put your differences aside, unite & elect this Man-if the changes in N.Y.C are any indication, you wont be dissappointed-
By Tim
July 21, 2007 9:29 AM | Link to this
Rudy is the only candidate that can save the GOP in 08.
By Brett
July 22, 2007 12:36 AM | Link to this
Rudy’s a leader that can unite the nation, successfully advance freedom, reign in government spending, and return an appreciation for the rule of law.
A few stats from his eight years as Mayor of New York:
Homicides down 66%, overall crime down by 57%. A reduction of 93% in inmate-on-inmate violence.
Forty-one Business Improvement Districts formed. 200 new businesses opened in Harlem alone.
Cut welfare roles by 60% reducing those on public assistance from 1.1 million to under 500,000.
Began a Charter School fund, improved teacher salaries while instituting merit pay and reduced teacher: pupil ratio.
65% increase in adoptions matched with a decline in the foster care population. Reduced the ratio of cases to caseworkers from 24:1 to 14:1.
Over 2,000 acres of new parkland — in New York City! Over 100,000 trees planted.
Reduced City-owned vacant buildings by 2/3rds.
The list goes on an on. Rudy will be the first to say that timing as well as a tremendous number of dedicated City employees and other capable officials were part of the team that made the New York renaissance possible. I believe Rudy is the candidate best qualified to put together such a team for our nation in 2008.
By Bitter EX democrackkk
July 23, 2007 7:52 AM | Link to this
Hmm…wheres the stat on getting rid of ILLEGALs in NYC?
and what about his support of CFR?
Gigilo is NOT what we need…we NEED RON PAUL!!!
By GRich
July 23, 2007 3:43 PM | Link to this
Thompson, Obama, and Clinton all are looking solid now and barring a scandal that takes Giuliani out, it will be the debates that seperates Giuliani from the field.
People think Thompson can work a room? Wait until it’s time for the four of these candidates to play “The Big Room”. Giuliani will spank this group when the real running starts.