Rudy Giuliani: Fake Conservative

National Review: Liberal Views On Abortion, Gay Rights Will Doom Giuliani In GOP Primaries

(National Review Online)  This column was written by Terence P. Jeffrey.

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"Murder and graffiti are two vastly different crimes," Rudy Giuliani once said. "But they are part of the same continuum, and a climate that tolerates one is more likely to tolerate the other."

Good point, Rudy.

Now, what about a climate — not to mention a Republican presidential candidate — that not only tolerates, but allows unelected judges to legalize the practice of delivering a child until only its head remains within its mother's womb so the child can be killed by sucking out its brains?

What about a climate where same-sex couples are given the same legal status as married couples, whether the resulting arrangements are candidly called "same-sex marriages," or are semantically papered-over with terms such as "civil unions" or "domestic partnerships"?

Apply the Giuliani Continuum to fundamental issues such as marriage and the right to life, and where does it lead?

Not where conservatives want America to be.

Rudy Giuliani's observation about the "continuum" running from graffiti to murder was quoted in a piece in the winter edition of City Journal by Steven Malanga. The title of Malanga's piece neatly encapsulates his argument: "Yes, Rudy is a Conservative — and an electable one at that."

I believe Malanga is wrong on both counts. Rudy is neither conservative, nor electable — at least, not as a Republican presidential candidate.

As Malanga seems to define it, a politician dedicated to good police work and free-market economics qualifies as a conservative. "Far from being a liberal," Malanga writes of Giuliani, "he ran New York with a conservative's priorities: Government exists above all to keep people safe in their homes and in the streets, he said, not to redistribute income, run a welfare state, or perform social engineering. The private economy, not government, creates opportunity, he argued; government should just deliver basic services well and then get out of the private sector's way."

But that's not enough. While advocating law and order, self-reliance, and capitalism is laudable, it does not entitle a politician to a free pass for advocating other causes that are deeply destructive of American society.

While it is always wrong to take an innocent human life — whether on a New York sidewalk or in a mother's womb — Giuliani is highly selective in applying this principle. In 1999, when he was pondering a run for the U.S. Senate, he was asked whether he supported banning partial-birth abortion. "No, I have not supported that," he said, "and I don't see my position on that changing."

"I'm pro-gay rights," he also said. Indeed, his position is so radical in this area that as New York City mayor he promoted a city ordinance that removed the distinctions in municipal law between married and unmarried couples, regardless of their gender.

"What it really is doing is preventing discrimination against people who have different sexual orientations, or make different preferences in which they want to lead their lives," Giuliani said, explaining the ordinance to The New York Times. "Domestic partnerships not only affect gays and lesbians, but they also affect heterosexuals who choose to lead their lives in different ways."

In other words, preserving a legal order that prefers traditional marriage and traditional families is "discrimination."

Giuliani's positions on abortion and marriage disqualify him as a conservative because they annihilate the link between the natural law and man-made laws. Indeed, they use man-made law to promote and protect acts that violate the natural law.

Given his argument that there is a "continuum" between graffiti and murder, you would think that Giuliani would understand the importance of the link between the natural law and the laws of New York City, let alone the laws of the United States. At the heart of Rudy's "continuum" argument, is the realization that when society refuses to enforce a just law it teaches people to disrespect the moral principles underlying just laws.

The late Russell Kirk argued in The Conservative Mind that the first canon of conservatism is "[b]elief in a transcendent order, or body of natural law, which rules society as well as conscience. Political problems, at bottom, are religious and moral problems. … True politics is the art of apprehending and applying the Justice which ought to prevail in a community of souls."

It is simply not justice to take the life of an unborn child. Nor is it justice to codify same-sex relationships so that, by design of the state itself, a child can be denied a mother or a father from birth, which is one thing legalized same-sex unions would do.

By advocating abortion on demand and same-sex unions, Rudy is doing something far more egregious than, say, defacing a New York subway train. He is defacing the institution that forms the foundation of human civilization.

That is not conservative.

Rudy will not win the Republican nomination because enough of the people who vote in Republican caucuses and primaries still respect life and marriage, and are not ready to give up on them — or on the Republican party as an agent for protecting them.

[perception5]

National Review........ wrong again! Rudy is primarily a "moderate" and Republicans everywhere may not agree with all of his positions ...........but do agree with most of his positions......
Of course a corrupt liberal news outlets are very nervous about Rudy because they know he can "win"........ and if he runs he will.

[bigwhtpony]

I would definately hold my nose and vote for Rudy over Hillary or Osama.......I mean, Obama.

[jjp735i]

Mr. Jeffrey is an ***. Rudy is a moderate conservative, not a religious conservative, which Mr. Jeffery seems to be leaning towards.

I think the people are getting tired of hearing from the Republican Taliban party. People who preach one set of morals that they want everyone to follow, while they them selves do not.

Rudy runs.....Rudy will win.

[getcentered]

Rudy G. will probably not get the GOP nomination because of the above mentioned "problems" with his ideology.

The GOP is taking a dump on itself at the same time, because Rudy probably is the best candidate any Republican could hope for. Rudy is a city boy and city people understand the plight of humanity FAR BETTER than any backwoods, Midwest, ignorant GOP/Republican could.

Republicans need to move on and find new things to base their party ideology on, because for the life of me, I can't figure out what it means to be Republican. My family usually votes independent, but they used to ALLWAYS vote Republican.

Now, not even my grandma understands what the hell the GOP/Republicans stand for.

[jimfinster]

Ha! Most conservatives are fakes. Their rhetoric simply does not match their actions.

[jsilver2th]

Boy oh Boy- How you so-called Conservatives meander...

Barry Goldwater wouldn't be "Conservative" enough for your mad pack today- after all he supported abortion rights and gay rights as well.

Maybe it was the loco weed he admitted smoking- and old William F. Buckley admitted toking up too I do recall.

Ronald Reagan wasn't probably tough enough on abortion for you either with Nancy making fun of Right to Life right in the White House.

Giuliani very well could be your presidential candidate before you are done with it. Who do you think ArrrNnoldd is moving the California primary up for? It ain't Brownback I bet. Rudy takes big wins in California and New York- NRO watch out-

[jsilver2th]

Terence P. Jeffrey
Editor at Large


What the NRO bio line does not say:
"Mr. Jeffrey began working at Human Events in 1996 after serving as campaign manager to Republican presidential candidate Pat Buchanan.

Mr. Jeffrey was Buchanan's research director in his 1992 campaign. In between the two campaigns, he served as executive director of the American Cause." From Human Events web site.

[gunownerdan]

Both liberals and conservatives seem to have a serious problem with our Bill Of Rights.

[dallison7]

This is funny! The republicans best three hopes for a candidate are a male *** that stands against everything they believe in, a 70 year old has-been that likes to fall asleep in public and a mormon who believes that a 'talking white salomander' revealed scripture to the 'prophet' Joseph Smith. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

[jsilver2th]

Like i just said: Giuliani very well could be your presidential candidate before you are done with it. Who do you think ArrrNnoldd is moving the California primary up for? It ain't Brownback I bet. Rudy takes big wins in California and New York- NRO watch out-

[cs4466]

"By advocating abortion on demand and same-*** unions, Rudy is doing something far more egregious than, say, defacing a New York subway train. He is defacing the institution that forms the foundation of human civilization.

That is not conservative. "

Bigotry against gay people and women is not conservatism. FISCAL conservatism is what Republicans have historically stood for, and have completely abandoned in the last six years. You've abandoned your fiscal conservatism, held on to your bigotry and now call it "conservatism". Sorry, but saying it doesn't make it so.

[cs4466]

"Giuliani's positions on abortion and marriage disqualify him as a conservative because they annihilate the link between the natural law and man-made laws. Indeed, they use man-made law to promote and protect acts that violate the natural law."

What sort of fruitcake is Terence Jeffrey? Assuming he's referring to homosexuality, there's nothing MORE natural. Numerous examples in numerous species. He's saying homosexuality is against natural law? Is he obtuse or just simply ignorant?

[usmcmarc]

jjp735i hit the nail on the head. This all boils down to religion. These politicians are blind to the fact that they are becoming (if not already are) as bad as the Taliban. This "you must live by my morality" attitude has got to stop. I am tired of a politician with a religious agenda telling me what is right and wrong. If someone chooses to live a life that is "different", that is their business and their RIGHT. It's FREEDOM. Something I fought to defend. Get these religious zealots out of the White House before we are all wearing Burkas.

[quatermass2]

This article is clear evidence of just how deeply the regressive religious right has its claws in the GOP. Barry Goldwater must be spinning in his grave. "Natural laws" - this from a group that denies one of the basics - evolution - and refuses to recognize the science behind global warming. As long as this crowd decides the primary winners, the Republicans are doomed to nominate Neanderthals as far removed from the *real* conservatives as the fringiest leftist candidates.

[russellvbrla]

So NRO is calling out Rudy for sipping the kool-aid but not swallowing. Why does that make Rudy deserve such attention? Most republicans were democrats when being democratic was in vogue. These are just politicians we are talking about here, not normal human beings. There are only two career paths in politics, Demo and GOP so you gotta suck up to someone. Rudy is no worse or better than any other pol, and if 9/11 never happened, he would be a nobody by now; but 9/11 did happen, and Rudy used 9/11 to gather political fame and fortune. Hmmmm. Now that I think about it, Rudy is more of a typical republican than I had thought. In fact, he is the prototype for today's republican party. He just has to claim he is a born-again christian, and he's a winner!

[robjk1-2009]

I can't vot for anyone who'f killing unborn babies and gay marriage. Call me what you want, just don't call me late for dinner!

[robjk1-2009]

excuse my type errors. A little vegged, work nites.

[jeffstersf]

Excellent point cs4466. I get so tired of hearing convervative religion wingnuts saying homosexually is not part of God's plan. MANY MANY species contain large numbers of homosexual members, **** sapiens sapiens included. I think a straight man (Rudy) befriending a gay man and not being threatened by it is the apex of REAL manhood. Terence P. Jeffrey is obviously not very evolved.

[jeffstersf]

And robjk1 is obviously one of those people who think killing adults is fine, but a few undiffernitated cells is a sin. Moral minority (finally) mixup.

[robjk1-2009]

Where did Robjk1 mention it's ok to kill adults?

[johnshaft4]

Rudy..."Fake Conservative"; but real crook...

[Jasonian18]

i look at it this way the republicans picked a canidate they thought was electable on both sides but i have news for you there is now a majority of people voting for a republican who has anything to do with abortion or homosectuality because republicans are typically high end individuals and i have not seen one republican who was liberal make it to the presidency

[sharncedar]

Rudy's views on homos are not mainstream Republican. Unlike Foley, jim bakker, Cheney and his daughter, the evangelical preacherman with the male prostitute, and the others, Rudy likes homos as people but not as playthings.

The mainstream Republican view is to denigrate homos in public, and play house with them in private. Opposite of Rudy, guess the closet-queer Republican party regulars won't vote for him. Maybe he not preety enough for dem southern boys.

[sharncedar]

"MANY MANY species contain large numbers of homosexual members"

Yes, the figgle fuddleblattereae and the nonsensica nosuchthingarie, these species are 100% ****! Yes, really, I'm a scientist! Many plants too, many tress for example are homos, and while the males cannot reproduce with the male flowers, they WANT TO! Because they are homos, too, just like us, sweeeeeety!

An entire genus of the lions is queer, queer, queer! But, they are forced by CONVENTIONAL thinking, you know, to reproduce with lionesses, eeeeewwwwhh .... that's how they have babies, but their hearts are queer!

[tibu987]

So long Rudy, join Mitt for an extended golf vacation until after the elections.
You and Mitt do not stand a chance with the American public.
Things not looking too good for the Dems either.
Doesn't appear to be a decent candidate in front for either party.
Gonna be interesting.

[fredgrad2000]

I am not sure if I will support Guiliani or not yet; But Giuliani has made clear, clear as day (read the transcript of his interview with the conservative-wing's own Sean Hannity last night), that he opposes abortion, but doesn't believe the government should ban it or make it criminal (something us in the libertarian wing of the party, the part not owned by the Dobson's or Falwell's of the world)and that its best to put reasonable limitations on it (no partial birth abortion and parental notification), not limitations to CHOICE, but regulations that will limit the cruelest procedures and might help young girls make more educated decisions. As for gay rights; he supported a domestic partnership law in NYC; he believes as most moderate Republicans do that homosexuals are here to stay, and to deny them basic rights is wrong - BUT that marriage is a fundamental institution that the minority has no right to force a change upon. He said in no uncertain terms yesterday, that he would only support marriage as that between a man and a woman. We Republicans better realize the America we're in and be willing to compromise and accept more moderate views in our party; not liberal policies, because in the current environment, only a moderate, level-headed Republican can prevent a worse scenario...President Billary!!

[k4329]

Most conservatives are born liers. Take any body.

[rafterman1]

"Not where conservatives want America to be."

Yes, because apparently conservatives want America to be at a place of hate, bigotry and war. Heaven forbid there should be any conservative candidates that meet the other 50% of the country half way.

[robjk1-2009]

I think it's a sad case that my 3rd grader knows about homosexuality. I had no clue about it at his age when I was a young gun. It's the thing in school to call something or someone "gay"

[zootallures2]

Giuliani is more like a fake American. This guy is running for president? Why do we even bother to worry about being invaded? Tribal instinct, maybe? Free speech... oh boy! At least in another country where I would be jailed or executed, it must be because they actually care about what I'm saying. In America, why should they bother to jail you when no one cares what anyone says. The elite run everything and do what ever they want. The rest of us can go borrow a quarter and call someone who gives a ***.

[freeteddy]

uhm, babies come out head first, not "with only the head remaining in the womb". Now, wouldn't the head have to be out first to "suck the brains" out? This guy sounds about as intelligent as the people who actually put any stock into what he says. And I'm not a liberal.

[adian1-2009]

That's up to Republicans to decide. The writer is a fundamentalist from the extreme right. The column is plagued with his prejudices. But anyway, Giuliani does not have a chance. Not because he is not conservantive enough, but because he is too much of a conservative for us liberals. Unless this painful experience that conservatives and neoconservatives have brought upon our country during the last six years fades away in the next two, Republicans do not have a chance!!! THANKS GOD!!!

[dallison7]

Again, it is extremely amusing that the republicans have of their three choices for a candidate:
1. A male slvt who stands against everything they so dearly believe in.

2. A 70 year old has-been who likes to fall asleep in public.

and last but not least!

3. A Mormon who believes that scripture was revealed to the 'prophet' Joseph Smith by a 'talking' salomander.

[bigwhtpony]

Rudy is not, I repeat, NOT a conservative. In fact, he barely qualifies as a Republican. He is wasting his time and money running for President.

[grumpas]

Giuliani is a good Republican *** kisser! What more can you ask for! I don't think he will ever get the nomination let alone win. It's people like the author who encouraged me to look for someone else to vote for in the mid 80's! They are the most mean-spirited group of people on the planet! They can't open their mouths without some venom flowing in torrents! I just hope the experience with George W Bush has taught a lot more Republican's what has taken a hold of their party! Personally, if they say they are conservative I don't vote for them! That's how much I have grown to dislike the bunch!

[shingles1]

Not to mention the fact that 3 out of the 4 top tiered Republican candidates (Gingrich, McCain, and Guiliani) are all adulterers. Which, I thought, was something that "moral values" voters cared about.

[bigwhtpony]

shingles - you are correct. I don't know anything about McCain (other than his military service, which I respect), but as for the others, their lack of morals is enough to cancel them out.

If Gingrich is dumb enough to throw his hat in the ring, he'll get the picture real quick.

UNLESS - here's a thought......they are trying to dilute the high ground by saying, "if you're looking for a candidate without baggage, you won't find one."

[adventurepa]

Let's hope the re-pelican's are to concerned with politics and do not vote for Rudy. He is the best chance they got at 08. Make it easier for a democrat to get elected.
He appeals to a wider base then any of the other re- pelican candidates could ever dream.
He identify's more with the common american.
Even if it is only from his 911 actions.
Actions speak louder then words.

[observantx]

Terrence P. Jeffrey is the Editor of %u201CHuman Events%u201D, a national conservative weekly. Prior to that, he served as campaign manager to Republican candidate Pat Buchanan in the 1996 presidential race, and as research director in Buchanan's 1992 campaign. In between the two campaigns, Jeffrey was executive director of the American Cause which is Pat Buchanan%u2019s organization promoting %u201Cconservatism of the heart%u201D
%u201CHuman Events%u201D is a weekly conservative magazine founded in 1944. The magazine takes its name from the first sentence of the United States Declaration of Independence which reads "When in the course of human events..."Notable columnists include Ann Coulter and Robert Novak.
Well!

%u201CBy their fruits ye shall know them.%u201D As they say.

Here we have a writer who is cheek by jowl with an uberconservative known for his narrow minded and mean spirited rantings. Add to that chummy with Acid Pit Ann and Neocon Novak.

Mr. Jeffery attempts to paint Mr. Guilianni as a fake conservative. Believe me he IS a conservative. I could trust him to uphold the Constitution of the United States and faithfully execute the duties of the Office of the President. Mr. Jeffery and his best buds are NOT conservatives. They are Radicals of the worst sort that have subverted our presidency and are trying to dismantle our rule of law.

This is the opening salvo in the smear campaign to play out until 2008. Take anything this man says with an entire box of salt.

[tibu987]

It is just a gut feeling and I can't pin it down to anything else, but I could not vote for Giuliani.
I have read just a little about him so don't really know how he would do.

[cdnunn]

Talking salamanders? How about the Creator of the Universe, who had a son who defied death and is now available to believers in the form of a cracker and a shot of burgundy (or is it merlot)? Yum-oh!

[valendug]

Jewliani got hundreds of millions from 9/11. And Kerik and friends.