By Matthew Allen
In a poll released last week, asking people to name which politicians they like the best, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani came out on top with a 64.2 rating and Sen. John McCain not far behind with a rating of 57.7.
The poll, which was conducted by Quinnipiac University in Connecticut, surveyed more than 1,500 registered voters nationwide by telephone.
Both men have said they plan on exploring a possible run for the presidency, and Giuliani has already taken a necessary first step by filing papers to set up a committee that would look into a possible candidacy, while McCain has said he plans on doing the same.
“Both Giuliani and McCain are candidates that appeal to the independent voter,” said Jonathan Stradling, managing editor of the BYU Political Review. “That is crucial in a presidential election because people who are too far on either side of the spectrum tend to do poorly.”
Stradling said Giuliani makes an interesting Republican candidate because of his openly pro-choice stance on abortion and his support for gay rights.
“This is problematic for the Republicans because for the last decade and a half, they have been building this Reagan Republicanism, which is a very strong, conservative platform,” Stadling said. “If they want a candidate that fits this mold, Giuliani will have a tough time securing the Republican nomination.”
Jeremy Pope, a political science professor at BYU, agreed with Stradling and his viewpoint that Giuliani may be too far left for Republican voters.
“Giuliani will have trouble with the primary electorate because of his liberal views on social issues,” Pope said. “Negotiating those waters will take some skill.”
Giuliani, who many dubbed “America”s mayor” after the unwavering leadership abilities he exhibited after Sept. 11, 2001, may have support because of the heroics he showed after that day, but it is something that other possible candidates can overcome, Pope said.
“I think it [Giuliani”s actions on Sept. 11] will be a big advantage, but certainly an advantage that a smart opponent can overcome,” Pope said.
At this point, McCain seems to be the logical choice to challenge Giuliani for the nomination. In addition to coming in just behind Giuliani in Monday”s poll, McCain is an experienced politician and a decorated veteran of war.
“McCain isn”t just a Vietnam War veteran, but he was also a prisoner of war and endured various beatings and torture,” Stradling said. “Certainly that kind of courage and patriotism is something that I and many other Americans admire.”
Rep. Chris Cannon said via e-mail that he thinks Giuliani and McCain both make outstanding candidates and the 2008 presidential race will prove to be one of the most interesting races in a long time.
