Thursday, September 07, 2006

Romney v. Giuliani

I enjoy the contest of loyalties over in the corner between Kathryn Lopez and John Podhoretz over the merits of Mitt Romney vs. Rudy Giuliani. And I have to admit that I am subject to a pretty intense version of this at home: My 12 year old son, a passionate Yankees fan, is ecstatic at the possibility of a fellow fan reaching the White House - and horrified at the thought of anyone from Boston ever reaching a position of national authority.

In many ways, the two men look like exact opposites: Romney, the consistent principled social conservative; Giuliani, the tough-on-terror social liberal; Romney, the smooth and friendly campaigner, Giuliani, the edgy highly caffeinated alternative. But from my point of view, these two seemingly disparate men offer the GOP the same advantage: unlike their principal 2008 rivals, both men have proven themselves supremely capable executives. Giuliani proved himself the most effective mayor in American history; Romney succeeded in private business, rescued the 2002 Olympics from disgrace, and has achieved more than any Republican governor in the nation in just one term in Massachusetts. (Yes, more than Jeb.)

I'd be delighted to see either man win the Republican nomination; I'd sleep well at night having either in the White House. But how in the coming primary season to decide for one over the other? To my mind, it comes down to this: The Republican party is a pro-life party. That's just an empirical fact about the party. Giuliani is not merely not pro-life (I think he (but nobody else!) could get away with that, if he had chosen to address), but adamantly unwilling to reach any compromises with those who are.

(Two years ago, I suggested some ways in which he might reach out. You can read them here - please ignore the editor's overselling title on the article.)

At this point, with not a single concession to the prolife camp, a Giuliani nomination would split the Republican party in very damaging ways. It would very possible trigger an independent candidacy by a prolife Perot. 2008 will be a tough enough year without that ...

09/07 08:38 PM