Video: Rudy on illegal immigration and the 12 commitments
posted at 6:01 pm on June 13, 2007 by Allahpundit
Well, three commitments here: cutting taxes, solving health care, and closing the border. Ace dared me to post it, on the theory that I owe the guy I’m supporting 1/100th of the coverage I’m devoting to Fred.
Rudy as Reagan? Good enough for second place next February, I’d imagine.
Blowback
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And Ace is right. Rudy was very good in this interview, and you should have posted it earlier. Again, if Fred is a bust, Rudy’s my fallback. I still worry that the life/guns/amnesty people will bail.
The fact that trust of politicians is as low as can be right now, he’s gonna have to work damn hard show that he’ll really moderate/nuance his positions, and that he isn’t just pandering now to stab us in the back later.
Bad Candy on June 13, 2007 at 6:07 PM
The footsteps Rudy is hearing must be deafening…
Theworldisnotenough on June 13, 2007 at 6:08 PM
That’s his big challenge, if you can discern what I said that in that mangled comment….
Bad Candy on June 13, 2007 at 6:09 PM
Saw this last night and was very impressed, hoping that it wasn’t a temporary act, until the shamnesty storm passes. Definitely full of passion, but that’s not new. That’s always been our Rudy. On the list of 12, he definitely has the priority down pat.
It’s curious how no one touches Social Security. It’s not politically expedient but it would demonstrate courage, when otherwise there isn’t any on display these days.
Entelechy on June 13, 2007 at 6:11 PM
Trust comes from credibility, and because he did things people said couldn’t be done when he was MONY, he has crediblity when he says he can do what people say can’t be done vis a vis immigration, health care, etc. I think from that credibility comes trust, and because I still think that a sizeable majority of Americans want our border secured (see the thread about the comments about Fred on the DNC web-site that got the comments feature shut down) I think Rudy has a good shot to whip the pants off of any Dem (or McCain) who is wishy-washy on this issue. It’s supposed to be a wedge dividing the GOP, but that’s not how it’s going to play out in ’08 imho.
smellthecoffee on June 13, 2007 at 6:18 PM
As a non-New Yorker, I started with a slightly negative view of him. Whether I agree with him or not, I’ve been impressed by him.
Spirit of 1776 on June 13, 2007 at 6:19 PM
The August debate can’t come soon enough. Everybody on the stage (except John) is calling for a fence. I want one question asked in that debate…..
‘When you are elected how many miles of fence will be built in the first year?’
Put all these fellas on the spot. Forget the commitments, I want plans.
Limerick on June 13, 2007 at 6:34 PM
Guiliani looks great here; but its softballs by Hannity.
I’m not planning on voting for him (right now), but I certainly wouldn’t be upset if he wins. So he’s pro choice. So what.
I think, what this race really needs is bipartisan debates where democrats ask republicans questions and vice versa. Moderator would just control the flow. Having all the democrats in a room and all the republicans in a room doesn’t do anything but get talking points out there. It’s silly.
lorien1973 on June 13, 2007 at 6:38 PM
Health care. Health care…. Fed Gov needs to stay the hell out of Health care. Fed is not our answer! EVER.
tickleddragon on June 13, 2007 at 6:46 PM
I like Gulie…but I’m sick of hearing about health care reform.
(And that coming from a gal with a broken leg.)
tickleddragon on June 13, 2007 at 6:47 PM
Hello! Bush’s betrayal has conservatives leary not to mention the middle that is has just seen a border fence bill pass and have yet to see it built. Fool me once…
How do you reconcile hating abortion but being okay with Roe? Hating abortion so much that he thinks every woman that wants an abortion but can’t afford one should be on the governments tab? Hating abortion so much he speaks at NARAL conferences and donates to the leading abortion provider in the country. Sheesh what if he liked abortion?
How do you trust him to appoint originalist judges when he appointed mostly liberal judges? They were non political judges but he is by no means a blanket supporter of judges in the Scalia mold. We could get another Roberts that ends up being another O’Connor. I have full confidence in Fred to appoint a originalist justice, Rudy he’s a “hopefully” he’ll appoint an originalist justice” candidate.
Also…
Rudy is way to authoritarian for me. “I’ll identify every illegal alien in the country?” F- that. That means he is knocking on my door. And biometric ID cards? Um nah I’d rather not, sets bad precidence. We start tagging humans like birds and eventually doing it to citizens will seem like a good idea.
But hey I was pro Rudy. He was the best I could hope for and alot better than Hilary. But Fred showed up. I wanted to go to the polls and vote enthusiastically, now I can.
Rudy for Attorney General?
Theworldisnotenough on June 13, 2007 at 6:57 PM
No. 12 is interesting, I want a specific answer as to how Rudy will satisfy the global currency octopi and stop illegal migration, keep the money monsters at bay here at home, protect our livelihoods and open more global ‘free trade’, without tariffs to get manufacturing up and going again.
The great Rudy of OZ maybe?
Speakup on June 13, 2007 at 7:09 PM
Rudy did well here, but softballs and cue cards help.
He looks quite tired and the BUG EYED thing really puts me off.
Guliani for Ambassador to UN.
omnipotent on June 13, 2007 at 7:11 PM
Rudy is still my 1st choice.
SouthernGent on June 13, 2007 at 7:12 PM
These twelve points of his are (mostly) great and all—but he really has no power to institute most of them. That’s the legislature’s job if my civics is right. It was a little different with Newt’s Contract with America—Newt was in a position to enact it. Unless there’s a pro-Rudy congress, all this is wishful thinking.
jdpaz on June 13, 2007 at 7:13 PM
Hey, Where ya been? I haven’t seen you in a couple days. You broke your leg? Ouch. Best wishes and a speedy recovery.
csdeven on June 13, 2007 at 7:14 PM
Bail? In order to “bail” … one has to have been there in the first place.
If Rudy is the nominee … prepare for Hillary. True conservatives (those who actually care about what they say they stand for) will stay home, rather than vote for Giuliani. There’s really no reason to vote in that situation anyway. This country will be history under the leadership of either one, so it just doesn’t matter.
I just vomit at all those who bitch and moan about amnesty (or any conservative value) and then suggest that they support Giuliani. You all have a lot of nerve to dare accuse liberals of being hypocritical.
Gregor on June 13, 2007 at 7:26 PM
Yeah, that’s just brilliant. Put an open borders gun grabber into the U.N. leadership position. That will work out real well for us.
Gregor on June 13, 2007 at 7:28 PM
Color me surprised! Must not have caught that before (although I don’t read every thread).
Just my opinion but….
I think the super tuesday may put Rudy in front. If he gets NY, Fl, Ca and a couple of others he is at 500 delegates plus, or just under a quarter of the votes needed. If Fred runs he may do okay in the south but you can bet that if it comes down to Rudy and Fred the media will tilt Rudy’s way. McCain and Romney will take votes from Fred in key contests. My opinion but the Republicans who lean moderate will see Rudy as a viable choice. There are more moderates than “true conservatives” (whatever that really means).
Were there to be a Fred – Hillary matchup, it would be close but she would get the win as Fred would rub moderate democrats as old style republican.
Had the primaries been scheduled over a longer time period than in the past, Rudy would have a much tougher time.
Bradky on June 13, 2007 at 7:37 PM
I wouldn’t wish the UN job on my worst enemy.
Rudy still has my vote for president – even though he says “idear” instead of “idea” and may or may not have buggy eyes.
forest on June 13, 2007 at 7:48 PM
Should have read “the Democrats who lean moderate”
Bradky on June 13, 2007 at 7:51 PM
Last I checked the UN didn’t make decisions about our sovereignty or Constitutional rights (thank the lord!).
omnipotent on June 13, 2007 at 7:55 PM
Not for a lack of trying. :)
Spirit of 1776 on June 13, 2007 at 8:04 PM
Yeah, that’d be brilliant. Don’t vote for the guy you agree with most of the time. Stay home, and allow the person you despise to get into office. That’ll do wonders for our views.
I’m not quite sure how the Ambassador to the UN influences domestic gun issues more than the President would. Giuliani’s in favor of strengthening our economy, fixing the border, stopping illegal immigration entirely, and fighting the war on terror.
amerpundit on June 13, 2007 at 8:19 PM
Moderates are less likely to vote in the primaries than conservatives; that’s why Rudy and Mitt are trying to tack to the right to get the nomination. Furthermore, recent polls show that most of those who pick Rudy don’t feel that strongly about him, and mediocre support doesn’t get one to the polls.
Reagan got support from many “Reagan Democrats” despite being the most politically conservative President in recent history. Given that the Democrats controlled both houses of Congress, you can’t argue that the country suddenly became more conservative. I believe that Fred would beat Hillary the Robot in much the same way; Hillary represents the inauthentic, pandering politician that so many- Republican and Democrat- are tired of.
Hollowpoint on June 13, 2007 at 8:53 PM
Moderates are less likely but the monster “Super Tuesday” hype may bring more than normal to the polls with the media attention. The blogosphere is reflecting the opinions of the base — don’t count out the moderates in this election.
I disagree about a Fred – Hillary matchup. In closeness it would be like 2004 in electoral count. Fred is not a Washington outsider and all the fun stereotypes about good ol boy republicans that conservatives get incensed about would be in full play (that’s just reality and I think you would agree).
I’ll concede it couldgo his way but he has a very long way to go before he picks up the kind of traction needed. If Obama manages to eke out the nomination, Fred would get soundly spanked. But in order for Obama to get the nomination he needs to swing for the fences in expanding his message (won’t bore you with the speech I think he should be giving to make the home run swing). But at this juncture I think that is unlikely.
Bradky on June 13, 2007 at 9:04 PM
I’d been pretty much just reading and not talking much (on here) until today (see the Planned Parenthood thread for my grand, grand re-entrance ;).
I fractured my right fibula (down at the ankle) slipping on a wet tarp Sunday before last (on a photo shoot for a benefit for a friend’s recovery, of all things). Luckily, no pain, no surgery, and I am able to work from home (Have I said I LOVE my job?)…but I’m in a boot and on crutches for 3 months and it is an ordeal getting around.
But thanks bunches for that well-wishing, CS. I really appreciate it. ;)
tickleddragon on June 13, 2007 at 9:08 PM
Rudy did do a good job cleaning up NYC, but I don’t believe him about the border and immigration. NYC is and has been for quite a while a sanctuary city, he’s just playing to the base on immigration.
NeverSubmit on June 13, 2007 at 9:11 PM
I don’t believe him on immigration or the second amendment. At least Bush was conservative on gay marriage and abortion and in the end even that wasn’t enough so now we’re supposed to vote for someone even more liberal.
Buzzy on June 13, 2007 at 9:17 PM
Tancredo Hunter 2008.
Rudy for Homeland Security or Defense.
profitsbeard on June 13, 2007 at 9:42 PM
Rudy Giuliani strikes me more as a Prime Minister Howard of Australia than as a President Bush, who has been so weak and disappointing. Guiliani is much more astute and better at communicating.
I don’t like his pro-choice position, but he has promised conservative judges. As Laura Ingraham said today, “Trust and verify.” These 12 commitments look good.
At this point, I’m supporting Giuliani because he is out there to win.
januarius on June 13, 2007 at 10:17 PM
Oh my prophetic soul.
smellthecoffee on June 13, 2007 at 10:58 PM
Oh really? You sure about that?
Don’t be.
It’s been suggested by at least one popular President.
Gregor on June 13, 2007 at 11:22 PM
Errr … most conservatives rarely agree with Giuliani.
Okay, now you’re just being ridiculous. As Michelle Malkin said in her post today … you’re either lying with that comment, or you’re clueless. Did you just start listening to Giuliani speak this week? Of course, I guess in a way … giving amnesty to all illegal aliens “eliminates illegal immigration entirely.” Like magic, all that is illegal is suddenly legal.
And I guess it’s reasonable to think that giving 20 – 30 million illegals amnesty, giving them all the right to vote, and allowing them to then bring over millions more of their relatives to live off of our tax money would somehow strengthen our economy.
Makes sense to me.
Gregor on June 13, 2007 at 11:36 PM
Best candidate bar none.
Bodhi on June 13, 2007 at 11:37 PM
Well, it’s great that you didn’t need surgery and you get to work from home. Hang tough.
csdeven on June 13, 2007 at 11:41 PM
Will do..thanks, CS.
tickleddragon on June 14, 2007 at 12:19 AM
So far the comments I’ve seen at a couple of sites have been by and large negative.
It did take some guts to do this, Rudy does deserve at least some credit for committing where other candidates haven’t.
Speakup on June 14, 2007 at 12:31 AM
tickleddragon, hugs and patience. Good thing you didn’t break a finger (that you can still type :) We need you here!
All the best,
Entelechy on June 14, 2007 at 12:37 AM
Well it’s certainly impacted my impression of him. I think he currently shows the greatest willingness to take the battle to the enemy, both literally and politically.
Spirit of 1776 on June 14, 2007 at 12:43 AM
Yeah, when you are the one dissenting vote on a popular measure because you think it is a state’s issue, you earn some trust. I feel I can take Fred at his word he’ll appoint a originalist justice.
Spirit of 1776 on June 14, 2007 at 12:48 AM
The thing Rudy has going for him is that he can point to actual accomplishments and then his promises become credible. A candidate that hasn’t done anything can only promise what he/she will do. IE Hillary, Obama, Edwards…. That’s a day and night comparison.
Rudy’s got the qualifications for sure.
BTW, Rudy’s twelve points are a response to Mitts! three legged stool.
csdeven on June 14, 2007 at 1:11 AM
That’s true, but I wonder how deeply that impacts voters, ie if just a resume runaway B. Richardson would be over Obama on the left. On the right, I would agree Rudy and Mitt have advantage in that category, but Thompson has some street cred as well.
Spirit of 1776 on June 14, 2007 at 1:25 AM
To everyone breaking out the old “not his job to do that” about some of the 12 points, Rudy succeeded in NYC by strongarming and shaming the Democratic City Council into things they would not otherwise support. A good executive needs to be able to interact with the legislature in a constructive way, and get his programs implemented. Yeah, maybe some of the 12 commitments are not within a President’s constitutionally delineated power, but that doesn’t mean an energetic and convincing president can’t get them done. If I recall correctly, Reagan gets credit for tax cuts and military buildup, but really, it was Congress that authorized those things, at the President’s insistence.
The question regarding whether or not the Federal government has any business getting involved in healthcare and education is a more substantive one. I’m no constitutional lawyer, but I don’t seem to recall any specific prohibition of it. That said, there’s a majority in this country that wants some kind of healthcare reform and expansion (we already have Medicare and Medicaid) on a Federal (or joint Federal/State) level, and the remaining question is: what kind of reform are we going to get? It seems to me that while Giuliani’s proposal would federalize management of the system in some ways, he wants to institute it with individual accounts and choices and based on market principles and the removal of regulatory barriers. You may not agree with it entirely, but it would serve as an effective barrier to the advance of socialized medicine, which is one reason I am inclined to support it.
Big S on June 14, 2007 at 2:06 AM
Gregor on June 14, 2007 at 2:13 AM
I think Rudy is terrific. I’ve never needed to vote in the primaries, but this time, I’l be there. Consevatives love to call everybody else RINO’s, but frankly, I’m ready for a Republican from the Republican wing of the Republican party. I’ve always been a Fred fan too, and I’ll vote for him if he’s the nominee. Conservatives can stay home and pout if they their guy doesn’t get the nod, but I wouldn’t count on folks beggin’ you to come back. The party might just decide to go after the center more aggressively, and wish you luck on your own.
JM Hanes on June 14, 2007 at 4:00 AM
The image of the candidate and the shallowness of the voter has a lot to do with that. Obama has done nothing, yet is very presentable. Bill Richardson is less articulate, but knows more than Obama does. Only a shallow fool would vote for Obama over Richardson. Richardson has way more on hand experience that would allow him to rely less on advisers and more on his own experiences when he is required to make decisions.
I, before hearing Bill in the debate, felt I could support him if he were POTUS because of his creds alone. But hearing him take extreme leftist positions has left me unable to stomach him (or any dem) as a possible POTUS.
IMO, Obama is a train wreck waiting to happen. I really hope the dems nominate him, because his complete lack of experience will be exposed very quickly in a debate. That is if he decides to debate the rep nominee. I’d like to see Frankenstein vetted from the process. She actually has some insider experience and might have a chance at pulling it off because her base are brain dead females and sissy marys and they’ll vote for her just because she’s a dem and has a vagina.
csdeven on June 14, 2007 at 8:31 AM
Heh.
I find it
difficultpainful to listen to or watch Hannity discuss anything with the GOP. He’s a putz.Jaibones on June 14, 2007 at 9:28 AM
Rudy we need you-You are our ONLY hope
tomas on June 14, 2007 at 9:58 AM
Don’t assume I’m raging on you but if we don’t have the character integrity to give credit where credit is due what does that say about our personal courage for honesty?
Rudy is far from earning my vote as they all are.
Is he lying, maybe, did he do something positive in a conservative direction, yes, the sooner we admit he did the sooner we move on and expect the other candidates to do at least as much.
Speakup on June 14, 2007 at 11:52 AM
Tomas, you are the Col. Custer reverse barometer of the Hotair bunch.
Speakup on June 14, 2007 at 11:54 AM
There is no better choice on the democraticas side…than there is on the republican. I believe in disagreeing with republican candidates, but I think it is too early to try to discount them out of hand, because it has could have ramifications on the real election should that person get the nomination.
Rudy is my choice, but if McCain is nominated (for arguements sake)I will support him. I don’t see any other choice. We have to understand the world isn’t perfect. I don’t mean you have accept these guys, but you have to really really really really really think about the alterantives.
Democrats are so scary it makes me..well…scared. I can’t bare the thought of hearing Obama speak for three hours at a time and say absolutely nothing.
tomas on June 14, 2007 at 12:05 PM
Not perfect as in Rudy Guilani not perfect or as in Thomas Jefferson wasn’t perfect?
Fact is we get the quality of candidates we adamantly demand to have on the ballot.
Not demanding adamantly means another George Bush in office.
Speakup on June 14, 2007 at 12:26 PM
Thanks, Entelechy…that was very sweet. Good to have you guys as friends!
tickleddragon on June 14, 2007 at 12:31 PM
The only way to get through is to have to have the audacity to hope that he will say something meaningful.
Spirit of 1776 on June 14, 2007 at 12:56 PM
Rudy will do what he says. If he says he will fix the border…he will.
tomas on June 14, 2007 at 1:37 PM
This is not my original thought and I don’t remember where I read it first. Take Giuliani’s pronouncements on abortion and insert any other civil rights or even ethical issue in it’s place and what do you get?
“I hate _______ but I think everyone should have the right.” It’s tough to find anything that you actually hate but defend and promote with every fiber of your being.
Under Rudy, NY was an amnesty city. “I hate having an unregulated border where terrorists can wander freely over, but I think it’s important to defend each person’s right to make that decision for themselves. That’s why I’m giving to La Raza.” That’s Rudy-logic.
cmay on June 14, 2007 at 5:06 PM