Quote:
Originally Posted by Dom1
Even though Giuliani isn't the first choice of many Republicans, he is gaining ground. He is out raising McCain, and I think it is a sign of Republicans uniting behind the most viable candidate. I don't think it is likely that Republicans will vote Democrat if Giuliani is nominated when that vote is going to go towards Hillary Clinton. I think that the only way that Republicans don't vote for Giuliani should he be nominated is if they stay home. Giuliani at least brings things back to the middle whereas I don't think Hillary Clinton does that at all. I do question if he gets through the primaries, but as of now, he is a very viable candidate.
|
Yes, Giulani may get the Big Money--New York City, after all-- and has a definite appeal with his tough 9/11 image, but I'm not yet sure if he can get past the primaries. Big Money might also choose to get behind Romney, since he's the only real moderate Republican out there--Giulani is more of a hybrid--and Big Money knows what the mainstream wants after the debacle that was the '06 election. However, GOP primary voters may not follow Big Money's lead; at least, I haven't sensed much enthusiasm for the "Big Three" (Giulani, McCain, Romney) among what I can see of the base, but you probably have more insight into the average GOPer's sentiments.
But, more generally, with respect to the general election--
Republicans will vote for the Republican candidate, as they always do; Democrats will vote for the Democratic candidate, as they always do, notwithstanding changes of heart on the margins. But Republicans account for only one third of the population, Democrats for only a smaller third: the moderates in the middle will decide the election in favor of one candidate or the other, as always. And moderates are trending Democratic big time.