The terrain shifts on Giuliani

The changing mix of issues in the presidential campaign -- and the difficulty that poses for Rudy Giuliani -- was on vivid display during Thursday night's debate among the Republican White House contenders.

A significant shift has occurred in the topics that dominate the political discussion in both parties. As The Times' Peter Wallsten wrote almost a month ago, the spotlight has moved "from the battlefields of the Middle East and toward kitchen-table issues, such as the economy."

So it was that the first question posed by the Fox News team moderating Thursday's get-together concerned the likelihood of a recession and what should be done about the growing signs of economic problems. And so it was that the first question concerning foreign affairs came about 40 minutes into the 90-minute forum.

Giuliani's presidential bid is premised on party stalwarts setting aside his liberal record on social issues and rallying to him because of his commitment to tackle the terrorism threat head-on and with vigor. The more that subject is not front and center, the more there is a sense of drift to his efforts.

-- Don Frederick

Comments

[Winghunter]

Yet as their records catch up to them and people realize these new epiphany's of conservatism is only pandering, a price will be paid;

http://sayanythingblog.com/readers/entry/candidate_research_know_who_youre_voting_for/

[dectra]

What!!!

Rudy can't find a way to sputter "9/11" about the topic of the US economy yet?? He must be slipping... or is it he never was the right choice to begin with???

What has 6 1/2 years of GOP control of all branches of Government gotten us?
NO Border Security
NO Immigration Reform
NO Health Care Reform
NO Social Security Reform
NO Osama

But of course, rudy and his ilk DO want folks to vote for them.....I think I'll pass.

[Janice Hobbs]

Rudy doesn't have a chance as long as Romney is in the race. Romney is the CEO of the group. Romney made some of the biggest companies in this country successful(Staples, Domino's Pizza, the Olympics). He has multiple degrees from Harvard and has some of the most influential people backing him in the race. Ebay CEO Meg Whitman of California has given inspiring speeches encouraging Romney supporters. She has backed him from the start. Romney isn't just a business genius, he also is involved in many charities and has a great family to show because of his insistence to hold true to his values and ideals.

[ule]

Romney also has enough money to pay people to post his talking points onto blogs. At least I have heard that. "Genius" may be a little strong, there, darlin ... and you know, you can't base an entire economy on office supplies, pizza, and synchronized swimming.