Political Cortex: Brain Food for the Body Politic

"My wife says there's been an explosion in one of the towers," he continues with decibel levels aloft.

Only moments later, it seemed, CNN was showing footage of the recently breached tower, smoke billowing, as they reported that a small plane had apparently accidentally run into the tower.

It wasn't long before the second plane pierced the other tower and a sense of fear swept the floor. Only then did the smoke begin it's journey past our building and into the East. Soon after came a snowstorm of 8.5x11 sheets of paper -- tens of thousands of them. They descended on the East River carpeting its glassy surface and creating a stark white bridge to the adjoining borough.

As quickly as the surreality enveloped us, we were snapped from our trance by curt orders to exit our positions and evacuate the building. Who knew where the next plane was going to hit.

Only minutes later, I found myself watching in horror as the first tower crumbled to the ground. Wandering in shock, but gratefully, physically untouched, I continued the two-hour walk home -- along the way hearing reports that the Sears Tower, Capitol Building, White House, Supreme Court, and the Pentagon had all suffered the same fate as the twin towers.

And then came the missile -- or so my colleagues and I thought -- about to crash down on the city, perhaps with nuclear consequences. At that point the idea was far from crazy. Only after several missed heartbeats did we realize that the sound was actually that of our own fighter jets breaking into the Manhattan airspace.

Thankfully, I was able to make my way safely home -- welcomed there by the infinite warmth of my beloved family.

Never will this feeling be taken for granted.

The days that followed were punctuated by the near continuous sound of sirens as emergency vehicles raced to Ground Zero from literally hundreds of miles away.

As the city quickly began its ascent from the ashes, Rudy Giuliani was there -- doing his job and doing it well. He was in control. He was organized.

At the time, the thought of the political implications of a mayor effectively doing his job never crossed my mind -- the horror of catastrophe still in control.

Soon, however, the potential for pure politicization of a national disaster would become apparent. Little did I know that the proselytizing of Rudy Giuliani was already well under way.

In fact, access to lower Manhattan was still denied and an acrid stench yet filled the air as the political aftermath began rearing its ugly head.

Somehow, Mr. Giuliani -- a man 'just doing his job' had become an overnight sensation, an icon for American courage, and a model of leadership perfection. Instantly, a competent disaster manager was labeled an international hero.

Where did that come from? Was it because so many people were starved for the appearance of leadership in the age of George W. Bush? Was it the 'rally around the flag' effect that also catapulted Bush's approval ratings to the low 90's even as his 9/11 reaction was filled with 'My Pet Goat' and dodging fictional attacks on Air Force One?

Whatever it was, it still remains. And it is something for which we might all pay dearly.

A poll conducted by the University of North Florida shows Sen. John McCain and former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani both lead Sen. Hillary Clinton in potential matchups in the 2008 presidential election." The survey "found that both McCain and Giuliani held 47 percent to 41 percent margins over Clinton." Giuliani "leads among registered Republicans in the Florida 2008 presidential race, leading McCain by 33 to 22 percent. Clinton leads among Democrats, 45 percent to Sen. John Kerry's 14 percent."

And it seems that Giuliani is likely to take advantage of that.

According to the subscription-only US News Bulletin, "allies of New York City's 9/11 mayor Rudy Giuliani say he feels strongly that he has enough time to get into the race. And while Giuliani, now a businessman and motivational speaker, is coy about his plans, supporters who have met with him over the past month say he is leaning toward a run and making it official after the midterm congressional elections. Both political advisors and fundraisers helping the long-time big city mayor said that despite McCain's best efforts, many voters and donors remain on the sidelines and looking for a fresh face. "Rudy is the new energy the race needs," said one supporter.

However, as is often the case with blinding lights, unseen details become apparent only when the veil of electoral scrutiny offers shade from its perceived brilliance. Only then can the truth of reality -- of Rudy Giuliani -- be observed.

Strangely, that 'truth' will be most offensive and off-putting to social conservatives, a critical, politically active constituency.

Thus, it is in the Republican primary where we must ensure that Giuliani's presidential aspirations are crushed.

If Giuliani makes it past the Republican primary, I believe he will easily take New York in the general election (Even if NY Senator Clinton is his opponent) and continue to haul in the rest of the nation.

So it is our job to offer shelter from Giuliani's 'blinding light' and offer truth to social conservatives everywhere.

In particular, there are four Giuliani views that the social conservative base views with great disdain:

1) ABORTION and... 2) GAY RIGHTS

Rudy is both Pro-Choice and Pro-Gay Rights!

Rudy was against a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage:

"Terry Holt, the spokesman for Mr. Bush's campaign, conceded that Mr. Giuliani's opposition to a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage, his support of abortion rights and his staying with the gay couple during his divorce might alienate him from the party's base."

Rudy did not support a ban on partial-birth abortions:

When asked to respond to social issues on CNN's Inside Politics, Giuliani replied, "I'm pro-choice. I'm pro-gay rights." He was then asked whether he supports a ban on what critics call partial-birth abortions. "No, I have not supported that, and I don't see my position on that changing,' he responded."

Rudy is socially tolerant:

Shortly after being elected mayor in 1993, Giuliani spoke of his hopes for the Republican Party, "Will you press your party to change its platform to allow abortion rights and gay rights?" Giuliani responded: "Sure. I have already. I'd like to see the Republican Party have a broad base, reach out to everyone on the basis of equal rights."

3) MORALITY: (Yeah... I know, but hypocrisy should be left for another discussion)

Rudy is an Adulterer:

What is more disgraceful than an office holder who is publicly flaunting his infidelity (and impotence?) -- and sadistically humiliating his long-time, and once-beloved, wife? Shouldn't this bother those who supported impeaching President Bill Clinton?

4) GUN CONTROL

Rudy is pro-Gun Control:

From conservative Columnist Richard Poe...

One of the most aggressive gun control advocates today is Republican mayor Rudolph Giuliani of New York City, whose administration sued 26 gun manufacturers in June 2000, and whose police commissioner, Howard Safir, proposed a nationwide plan for gun licensing, complete with yearly "safety" inspections.

These are four major elements of the conservative base's social agenda. Does Rudy really think they'll favor him over other, less socially liberal primary candidates when they can barely forgive George Bush for not driving forward with their every demand? Let's make sure they don't.

And if you don't buy my assessment, maybe you'll believe a social conservative icon. According to right-wing leader Paul Weyrich, Giuliani has "'a couple of obstacles -- his pro-abortion positions and being for gay rights. "Those were two things which the conservative movement really couldn't swallow." [New York Times, 9/05/02]

And then there's his disconnect from Bush's views on tax policy, perhaps causing some apprehension with anti-tax fanatics:

"Although Mr. Giuliani is running as a pro-gun control, pro-abortion-rights Republican who likes tax cuts, he did shy away yesterday from the large tax cut proposal of his political benefactor, George W. Bush, which has been criticized as too large and favorable toward the rich." [New York Times, 2/04/00]

Add to that, the array of 'issues' that have breached Giuliani's britches: Bernard Kerik, avoidance of service in Vietnam, a registered Democrat for much of his life, and let's not forget these little tidbits...

Rudy couldn't manage his own finances:

Giuliani's divorce lawyer, Raoul Felder, announced that the mayor is "nearly broke" with a mere $7,000 left in his bank account. This is quite amazing really, when you consider that not only does he have a salary of $195,000, he also lives rent-free in Gracie Mansion and rides around in a taxpayer-funded car. In a somewhat lame attempt to explain Rudy's obviously out-of-control spending, Felder could only come up with: "He has considerable expenses - children's schooling, credit cards, dining out..." Mind you, the cost of maintaining a mistress can't be that cheap these days, especially in New York City.

Rudy associated with crooks (besides Kerik): (though that might actually help him rise in the Republican ranks)

Rudy created a 'Decency Panel' to investigate how public funds are spent on art. Readers may be interested to know that one of the members of the Decency Panel [include] Raoul Felder, who is also the mayor's divorce lawyer. Another is Peter Max, who in 1998 spent two months in prison for swindling the IRS out of $714,000 in unpaid taxes.

And finally, Rudy had his mistress Judith Nathan named to the board of directors of New York's Twin Towers Fund.

GOP Primary will be Giuliani's Toughest Challenge

Although these issues are no secret to politicos across the nation, the vast majority of the voting population is quite unaware of the nuances of Giuliani. Once they find out, the 'hero factor' will decrease for many and dissolve for some. In the end, his mayoral management skills might not be enough to put him through the Republican primary even as his non-partisan approval ratings might soar above those of his primary rivals.

The time is now to bring Giuliani down from the stratosphere. The best chance we have of doing that is during his toughest battle -- the Republican Primary. After that, his underserved and rather baffling 'hero' status might just swindle enough people into casting their vote for him as their new President.

Rudy Giuliani is no hero and he would be a disastrous president. Head of FEMA, perhaps, but NOT President of the USA.

It is our job to inform the conservative base just how disastrous he would be for them too.

So let's hit it!