Redstate

Is there any evidence that Rudy is running in 2008?  Has he been locking up Republican campaign personnel like the other candidates?

How pro-choice is Rudy?  Does he advocate for abortion, or just tolerate it because New Yorkers clearly want it?  

Reputation and superb speaking skills will get you a good spot in the presidential race, but it's not enough to win the nomination.  That'll depend on his stance on issues like immigration, whether people believe he's logical fiscal conservative, let's people decide the social issues, and is a strong supporter of textualist judges like Bush.  I have little doubt he'd win a general election unless there is some huge blockbuster corruption/scandal.  He's probably the "surest" Republican bet for a win in the general election, followed by McCain (though I think his age and other factors will only let him barely win against a Dem) and Romney.

I will support either McCain or Guiliani, with me supporting Rudy over McCain if both are running for the nomination. Call me odd, but my first criteria for a Presidential candidate is their past effectiveness in running government and the scope of the leadership. There is no doubt in my mind that Rudy is the best leader for our country. In addition, he is someone who believes in federalism, which is the answer to any social issue in my opinion, especially abortion and same-sex marriage, on the federal level.

my first criteria for a Presidential candidate is their past effectiveness in running government

McCain's never run anything but his staff, ragged.  Other than maybe Hagel, he is about the most unqualified candidate in the field.  He's just been around a long time.

I agree with you, that is why I am supporting Guiliani over McCain. However, if Rudy is not in the field, I have other reasons for supporting McCain over the others, such as his stance on some issues (however, not his stance on campaign finance). I am looking for someone who believes in federalism in this race and I think the order goes Rudy, then McCain, however, someone else could convince me of their loyalty to the lost value of state's rights.

All of the early, national polls are worthless.

#1 - They are reflections of Name ID.

#2 - The nation doesn't pick the President. A handful of early primary states do.

This is not to say that Giuliani or McCain would not be the frontrunner, but national polls this early are meaningless.

Also, a moderate statewide elected official winning a statewide primary in a Democratic state where she was the favorite is a harbinger of what exactly?

McCain has only one principle.  John McCain is the Center of the Universe.  McCain is totally unqualified to be POTUS.  He is the most dangerous man in America.

1. He has no central principles other than the one noted above.
   
   
2. He is generally opposed to the First Amendment.
   
   
3. He is opposed to tax cuts of all stripes.
   
   
4. He talks tough on Iraq, but has no discernable position on the GWOT.
   
   
5. He is opposed to border security.
   
   
6. He comes off as "tough on spending" because of his position on earmarks but has no position on reducing spending on "entitlements".
   
   
7. He would likely nominate SCOTUS justices in the mold of SD O'Connor, not Roberts or Alito.
   
   
8. Need I say "Gang of 14".  McCain is more concerned with Senate comity than he is with the quality of judges and justices.
   
   
9. He's changed his "pro-life" position a couple of times.
   
   
10. He doesn't like Roe but doesn't think it should be overturned.
    
    
11. He does not have the temperament to be POTUS.  When faced with even mild criticism, his head explodes.
    
    
12. Need I discuss his choice of "friends", namely John Kerry and Ted Kennedy.
    
    
13. His comments supporting Kerry and defaming the SwiftVets.
    
    
14. His total lack of executive experience.  His only experience is being 1 of 100 where his opinion doesn't have to matter for anything.
    
    
15. Keating 5 is too old and forgotten to care about.  So why is he still compensating?
    
    
16. Did I mention CFR, G14 and his votes against EVERY tax cut?

I'd rather see Jimmy Carter serve a second term than see John McCain serve his first.

The poll that shows Rudy leading McCain 29% to 22% proves...what? If you've got 49% for other candidates or undecided, a lot can change between now and the first primary in 2008.

A lot of questions need to be answered about Rudy Giuliani. Sure, lots of people (including me) admire what he did on and shortly after 9/11. But where does he stand on social issues (abortion, marriage, school choice, etc.) important to Christian voters? Whom would he appoint to SCOTUS? How well would he work with Congress? What would he do if faced with a threat from Iran? Would he raise or lower taxes?

What are Rudy Giuliani's convictions, deep in his heart? Is he a real conservative, who feigned liberal positions to win City Hall in New York, or is he really a liberal RINO who is tough on crime?

Giuliani was in the perfect position to challenge Hillary for the Senate in 2000, but backed down when he had prostate problems. Could he be sidelined again by health problems when he's eight years older?

Rudy still has another 2 years to tell us, but I'm not ready to jump on his bandwagon yet...