Some interesting items from the Washington Post/ABC News Poll:
Giuliani's frontrunner status is fueled by a broad-based perception that he is the party's most electable candidate.
Nearly half of Republicans believe Giuliani is their party's best chance of winning in November 2008; that is three or four times higher than the percentage mentioning other candidates. Democrats and independents also said Giuliani would represent the Republicans' best shot at holding onto the White House.
Yep, if Rudy Giuliani somehow lost his perception of electability, he would be down there with Ron Paul faster than a New York minute. But the electability is there, it's real, and the Republicans have lost the House and Senate. Do they really want to risk losing the presidency as well? If not, go Rudy.
At 16 percent, McCain is at his lowest point of the campaign after a month in which he reported that his campaign was nearly out of money and his campaign manager, chief strategist, finance director and communications director -- among others -- announced their resignations.
It's probably worse than that, but the trend is more important than the number here. And the trend is down.
Thompson, meanwhile, continues to be competitive as an unannounced candidate. His campaign now does not plan to make his presidential bid official until after Labor Day.
Fred Thompson is waiting until the right time. Smart. Why announce when everything's going your way? Hold your fire until you see the whites of the eyes.
And Mitt Romney faces his own challenges: If elected, Romney would become the nation's first Mormon president and that makes some uneasy. Overall, 63 percent of all Americans and 63 percent of Republicans said they would be comfortable with a Mormon as president. But only about a third of each group said they would be "entirely comfortable.
"Do Americans have a bias against Mormons? Should they? I know any American in the 1800's would have been freaked out if you told them that a member of the LDS would be runnning for president in 2008. Perhaps some of that lingers. On paper Romney looks like a near perfect candidate who should be doing better than he is. Perhaps the mormonism explains it, but i'd prefer to think that the perception of electability is more to blame. Romney will not flip Massachusetts or any of the NE states over to the Republicans. He will have to fight just as hard in the other states. Compared to Rudy, he's just not as electable.
Reader Comments ( Page 4 of 5)
46. We Americans must choose either of two: democracy through war - a man's ideology or democracy through diplomacy - God's ways. You see the Bible said, that they that live by the sword shall die by the sword. Unfortunately they is no third option, or a combination. So the choice is ours. To repair the damage that Bush-Cheney has done you need a Democrat to build a bridge of peace and respect for human dignity and decency. Republicans can never do, because they believe that the way to peace is war, but God thought us something different, peace only come through the pursuit of peaceful existence. America is a religious nation, we cannot preach peace and on the other hand, we push for war. That is at least a contradiction, if we choose the part of war.
Kennedy Mokwunye at 9:58AM on Jul 31st 2007
47. I've said this before and I'm going to say it again,the Iraq war is not and shouldn't be the main issue for the 2008 election.We all know what is going on in Iraq and it's the Congress and the White House problem to fix it or leave it.American is in crisis of many domestic problems unless a real experience manager step in and put things in order and control it.The war is becoming a boring and single issue some candidates and their supporters think ought to be the main issue WRONG we as people and citizens and as families are facing our own domestic war that it should really be the focus of any candidate.The one and only candidate that is fighting this domestic war on behalf of all American people hard and willingly is former Massechussets Governor Mitt Romney.We have a crisis on immoral ISSUES such as murderer,rape,abduction and molestation of children on the rise and attack on innocent American Families by parole criminals and sex offenders and yet the rest of presidetial candidates are wrapping their arms around the war issue as if nothing else is happening.Governor Romney is working very hard to explain to American citizens how their money can be save without all kind of taxing loophole,he emphasize that we the American people we are the strength of this nation by giving us more opportunity to use our skills and talents to further the advance of our economy and prosperity as American citizens,families and as the nation.American people are angry at how the war has been managed from the very beginning,it should have been short and sweet victory if the management expertise of professional American like Governor Mitt Romney was requested by the Administration.No way so called HEROES or HEROE can withstand the force and pressure of a mismanagement escalating conflict.Giuliani cannot handle such conflict with his 9/11 fiasco and what seems to be his only issue that already sunk him because of the way he handle it right after the 1993 first World Trade Center bombing by the Terrorists.How can people say he is the heroe and he is the right one for President and yet he still chase after his failure,or is he trying to find a way to correct his mistake infront of the American people.I smell something of another catastrophy in planning with the same name adjacent to it.American people are too foolish if they don't learn their lesson yet,you cannot be a questionable figure of the aftermath of a major disaster in the country (9/11)and try to seek the higher office to proove or make correction if you knew you were at fault in some part of managing your city.Even the democratic candidates seems stuck their head on this Iraq issue as if thats all American care about.Come on open your eyes and see the mountain of external immoral problems that is bringing this country down to its despicable standards and at the same time affect the economy nationwide.Mitt Romney is the real deal intelligent leader and the right President at the right time for the right reason.
Jor at 7:12PM on Jul 31st 2007
48. Rudy Giuliani is not the right person for president or even a nominee for the Republican Party.He is not in line with MORAL VALUE ISSUES the Religious Right and Repubican Party stood for for many years as their hallmark.Evangelical Christians and Religious Rights represent Christ teaching in being FIRM,CONVICTION OF THEIR MESSAGE,DO THE RIGHT THING and ENDURE as Christ did in Gethsemane.If otherwise he end up being the nominee is that mean the Evangelical Christian and the Religious Right crucify everything they work so hard to preach? I hope it doesn't end up like it.
Realistic at 10:18AM on Aug 1st 2007
49. Rudy Giuliani is not the right person for president or even a nominee for the Republican Party.He is not in line with MORAL VALUE ISSUES the Religious Right and Repubican Party stood for for many years as their hallmark.Evangelical Christians and Religious Rights represent Christ teaching in being FIRM,CONVICTION OF THEIR MESSAGE,DO THE RIGHT THING and ENDURE as Christ did in Gethsemane.If otherwise he end up being the nominee is that mean the Evangelical Christian and the Religious Right crucify everything they work so hard to preach? I hope it doesn't end up like it.
Realistic at 6:40PM on Aug 1st 2007
50. As we near the 2008 election year and look at both Democrats and Republicians who would one vote for, a woman, a black muslum, a white mormon, a latino, does it matter about gay rights, abortion or the war? What really matters with the economy is to have someone that understands making money. For if our country is out of debt, has a surplus, then we have money to do whatever we want. What does religion or sexual preference have to do with the rice in China? Mitt Romney understands money. That is what we need. Someone that can turn our financial issue around in a short amount of time. Mitt Romney is the only one I know that can do this...coming from a homosexual blogger.
Matt at 7:57PM on Aug 1st 2007
51. This comment reminds me of what the media said about JFK being Catholic. It is a non issue unless you prefer another candidate who favors abortion, homosexuality, the decay of family values, and an increased role of government in your personal life (and wallet). You will witness the lies come out by the elite if Mitt remains in the race. You will probably hear that he has multiple wifes (Mormon's who believe in this are excommunicated (kicked out of their church).
cdhay at 8:27PM on Aug 1st 2007
52. Addendum, I have read above that Mormons believe that a person is black for some thing their race has done. In fact, Mormons were in opposition to slavery which lead to their "extermination" order by Govenor Boggs of Missouri. This allowed for the lawful murder of Mormons in the Missouri territory. This order was reinforced by the Federal government. At the time Missouri was on the fence as far as slavery and the Mormon population would tip the balance. This order was not removed from the Missouri statute until the 1970s. Blacks could always join the Mormon Church; however, they were not in higher positions until the 1970s. This is not much different from our society in the U.S. as a whole. As far as equality, the Mormon church adheres to the Constitution and believe it was inspired by God himself. There has been books written about blacks by members of the church but, like any faith, their are members that have views that are not mainstream or sanctioned by the Mormon faith. As far as being a cult, the "Christian" church was also considered a cult at its inception by both the Jewish establishment and the Romans. The Mormons believe an individual's free will to choose is of divine orgin. I guess it could be said that a "cult" is a religion that is not yours. As far as beliefs, those religions that believe homosexuality, abortion, gambling, drugs (and other substances of abuse, legal or otherwise) are straying from the Bible more than the Mormon faith.
cdhay at 9:05PM on Aug 1st 2007
53. To be candid, the ignorance and lack of tolerance by many social elites and so-called Christians is truly un-American. The fact that one will not consider Romney because of being a Mormon says much about the provincialty of our Progressive Society - hypocrisy! He must be ok; he won a majority of registered voters in Mass. Last time I looked into the demographics of MA politics, I read that the majority is democrat and liberal. Not everyone that is Mormon voted for the guy; some gays did; some atheists did, even some Catholics and Evangelicals. He could not have won any other way.
The reality is that the religion card is duplicitious in nature. How can any of the guys running say he or she is a better Christian, that is pharisaical at best. To attain such stature, there must be some compromise, and compromise is not always highly esteemed if one uses the Bible as a reference guide to what is acceptable. Clinton received blow in the office and cheated on Hillary; who really cares you bigots say because he was a great christian. Let the one without sin cast the first stone... Clinton led well as a transformational leader. Rudy lead well after 911, but he dressed in drag and a Christian. If a candidate has some good arguements and solutions to bring to the table so all - the majority- can benefit, then that will better our country. If Romney makes Rudy a better nominee then the objective of our founding fathers has been achieved. If one's Sunday worship or Saturday worship is going to preclude a person, then our country sucks. To the persons casting aspersions on the basis of religion, please adduce the evidence to prove that Romeny has done something bad in this cult called Mormonism. I believe that if the practice of Mormonism is so bad then why is Romney not in jail behind bars like Joe Smith. Answer: He has broken no laws to warrant incarceration. He must be somewhat ok not to have a criminal record, no divorce, no practice of polygamy, no large number of personal friends having committed suicide, donates to other religious charities beside his own. Much to the chagrin of our country, ignorance still obtains.
boris at 12:48PM on Aug 7th 2007
54. The truth can really hurts some folks that believe in the unbelievable.It is Mitt Romneys idea that help benefit many folks in Massechussets who didn't have health insurances.Now most States are adopting the clever idea from a clever candidate and others are taking the credits in something they didn't sweat for it.The Winter Olympic and its successful ending really reflects the courage and spirit of this nation especially right after the 9/11 attack and the entire world witness our American Spirit.Again it was Mitt Romney that came to the rescue and tell the world America is in great spirit.The guy knows what he's doing America,so cut the bull and support a true American for President.
Image at 12:42AM on Aug 4th 2007
55. NixGuy I'm sorry but you don't go around trying to sell Rudy Giuliani like that.Let each candidates record of performance and achievement speaks for itself.The only time we heard of Giuliani was the 9/11 bombing of the World Trade Centre,and thats about it plus he was only a Mayor not a Governor who is over a State not a City.To tell you the Truth he is not fit to be Pesident not only he has limited experience but also a very conflicting candidate in some of the very important issues.You people are trying to promote failure that doesn't really help the country in many areas.He is a big,big,FAILURE.
Realisti at 2:58AM on Aug 6th 2007
56. RUDY HAS BEEN CALLED BUSH ON STEROIDS. CAN AMERICA AFFORD THAT FOR 4-8 MORE YEARS?. HIS ONLY POLITICAL EXPERIENCE WAS BEING A MAYOR..AND NOT A VERY GOOD ONE AT THAT. AND HE HAS ABSOLUTELY NO FORIEGN POLICY EXPERIENCE, WHICH IS CRUCIAL AT THIS TIME.AS FOR HIS WIFE..SHE IS A SOCIAL CLIMBER WHO'S ONLY MEDICAL EXPERIENCE IS IN THE TORTURE AND MUTILATION OF DOGS. IS THAT SOMEONE YOU WANT FOR A FIRST LADY?
B MATHEWS at 12:04PM on Aug 6th 2007
57. RUDY HAS BEEN CALLED BUSH ON STEROIDS. I DOUBT THE COUNTRY WANTS 4-8 MORE YEARS OF THAT. HE HAS NO POLITICAL EXPERIENCE EXCEPT AS BEING A MAYOR AND NOT A VERY GOOD ONE AT THAT. HE HAS ZERO FORIEGN POLICY EXPERIENCE WHICH IS CRITICAL NOW. AS FOR HIS WIFE..THE ONLY MEDICAL EXPERIENCE (WHICH HE CLAIMS SHE HAS, IS IN THE TORTURE AND MUTILATION OF DOGS.
B MATHEWS at 12:02PM on Aug 6th 2007
58. Lets see Rudy did what any American Mayor in a disaster would do, he did not treat his wife when he was Mayor very well. In fact he was told by a Judge he could not live in Gracie Mansion! He ruled NY as a Gestopo city, and that makes him a Shoe in for President? I don't get it? His third wife wants to talk about Medicine? that sure will aid the Cabinet meetings. She was a nurse does that mean She is an expert on Heath care? Then all the nurses in America should be consulted.
What a sham Rudy is, all Media and no substance.
JCREDD at 12:40AM on Aug 6th 2007
59. ITS VERY TELLING WHEN YOUR OWN CHILDREN (WHO KNOW YOU BETTER THAN ANYONE) DON'T SUPPORT YOU FOR PRESIDENT. SO MUCH FOR FAMILY VALUES. UNFORTUNATELY RUDY HAS NONE.
B MATHEWS at 1:00PM on Aug 8th 2007
60. I have been exploring the Mormon Church for about a year now and have found them to be nothing but the nicer group of people I have met. They are extremely family oriented and about the farthest thing from a cult as you could get. All religious people believe or faith in God, Jesus, and Prophets such as Moses and Noah. The Mormons just happen to believe that Joseph Smith was a recent Prophet that is, by Gods direction, trying to get everyone to see that they are the correct church, just like every church is trying to get people to think they are the right church. If you have ever had the opportunity to met a Mormon or know a Mormon family they were probably a very nice and well behaved family that believed in doing the right things in life. I'm not a Mormon yet and I don't know if I will convert but I do believe in them and respect them very much. Not voting for Mitt Romney because he is a Mormon is just plain ignorance on your part.
John H. at 9:51PM on Aug 7th 2007