I am a "social conservative" as typically defined by the major media. Your article is genuinely persuasive. Although I never had doubt that Mr. Giuliani was a leader, you showed his commitment to certain principles of "small government" conservatism. In that respect, it's easier to reconcile his more liberal leanings if it is viewed as a pseudo-libertarian.

One of the issues I have with Senator McCain is that he seems to become more liberal when around liberals and more conservative when surrounded by conservatives. Senator McCain as Zelig, I suppose. Not necessarily a "flip-flopper," but a man more interested in being liked. Mr. Giuliani's liberal views are clearly not because he hangs out with a liberal crowd and feels the need to give in to get along. It seems to be, as I noted, a marriage of libertarian and conservative philosophies.

In the end, I can accept such a philosophy, even if I don't get a "true social conservative" (whatever that means). I can accept it because he has shown steadfast resolve in the midst of heavy Left-leaning pressure. I'm not sure the same can be said for Sen. McCain.

This doesn't mean Mr. Giuliani has my vote locked up. It does mean that he gets to the kitchen table to make his case.

My wife and I were there. And every word of this piece is
true. We saw and heard and read about it every day. We voted for Dinkins in their first contest. But then in their second contest we voted for Giuliani.

Even though we voted for Giuliani we were only hoping
that he'd arrest the decline. We were amazed at what he
did during those years. His reforms saved thousands of
lives. Literally, thousands. If the murder rate had
continued at its Dinkins-years pace thousands of
additional people would have been killed. It could have
been either one of us. Or someone we knew. Perhaps he saved our lives. We're grateful as if he did.

We're conservatives on most issues and perhaps disagree
with Giuliani on this or that. But for us the war against
Islamofascism trumps all else. We are confident that
Giuliani can lead America to victory. Nothing else matters
very much.

Your lengthy piece on Rudy Giuliani was very good except for one thing: I don't remember a word about Rudy's position on
the illegal alien invasion our our country. I was a strong supporter of Rudy's, but not for some time. I could be again if he would come out strongly in favor of securing our border. And I mean strongly and honestly. As of now Romney has
this conservative's vote. But I'm ready to be convinced otherwise.

Yes, Giuliani is a fiscal conservative. However, your dismissive attitude toward social conservatives is unrealistic. If you think we will agree to sit down and shut up for the sake of electing a good and likable manager with questionable moral standards and integrity, but ignore abortion, immigration, gun rights, gay marriage, etc., you are dreaming. When we think of a good conservative, we think of Ronald Reagan. Giuliani is no Ronald Reagan.

Even without 9/11, Giuliani deserved to be a serious presidental candidate. Based on achievement and vision, he stands heads taller than every other candidate or potential candidate for that matter.

I might add that he had no greater supporter than my older brother Billy (unless it is my black-Hispanic wife). On 9/11, Capt. William F. Burke, Jr., of Eng. Co. 21, gave his life at the WTC. The Mayor spoke at his service at St. Pat's, which Billy would have considered a great honor. But truthfully, he knew the mayor of NYC owed him. As did Giuliani.

America's Mayor deserves to be America's president.

Simple question: Can Rudy beat Hillary in New York State? If so, that would seal the presidential election, as the Democrats probably can't win without New York.

Great article. Conservatives are principally concerned with Giuliani on abortion and gay marriage. If he could just say—and believe—that whatever his personal views on these issues, they are issues to be resolved by the states (i.e. Roe is wrong) and on the latter (gay marriage) one state shouldn't be able to bind all others through the full faith and credit clause, then conservatives such as myself who think on essentially all other conservative principles—and on security—Giuliani is indeed the best candidate, would be much more comfortable. I hope he stakes out such positions, and fairly soon.

". . . his support for abortion rights, gay unions, and curbs on gun ownership."

This may make Rudy a conservative in NY; in Texas, it makes him a flaming liberal.