Rudy Giuliani Tough on crime, with a legacy of busting both mafia families and Wall Street insiders, “America’s Mayor” is anything but the typical Republican. Start with his origins as the son of Italian working-class immigrants, through his messy divorce-laden personal life and end with his progressive views on abortion, gay rights, affirmative action and immigration, and you won’t find your father’s Republican. He emerged as an American leader when he stepped up in the face of the 9/11 attacks. Of course, our sitting president has shown how too much 9/11 fixation can lead to bad policy, especially as that event gives way to its aftermath, and Rudy’s campaign shows signs of an understandably similar obsession.
Audience choice: Rudy Giuliani
Best audience comments: Best as in, least likely to be elected and so best for the country, or best, as in, most maniacally mendacious war monger and hater of the poor?; (Note: None was actually the audience`s top choice, followed by Rudy Giuliani.)
