Clarification/Follow-up by ETWolverine on 07/19/04 11:35 am:
Chou,

If Rudy wanted it, he'd get the nomination in a heartbeat. Rudy is the darling of the GOP after 9-11. He'd not only get the nomination, but any other GOP nominees would only put up a token fight... just enough to make the whole process work.

Do you have any doubt, given the amount of money Rudy can charge for a speech these days, that he isn't the biggest fund-raiser that the GOP has right now? Do you think any other Republican is as popular as he is? Even Schwartzenegger doesn't have his popularity... and Schwartzenegger couldn't run for the White House even if he did have Rudy's Popularity because he's a naturalized citizen.

Do you think that, if Bush back Rudy, and if the rest of the party got behind him, that there's anyone in the Democratic Party that could possibly match that level of popularity and fund-raising ability?

And the fact is, from the point of view of most NYers at least, Hillary is the WORST possible choice that the Democrats could possibly put against Rudy. The comparison in how each of them reacted at Ground Zero and in terms of leadership in the hours, days and weeks follwing 9-11 is so stark as to be in two different leagues.

Rudy would tear Hillary apart.

The only question is whether he wants it or not.

Elliot

Clarification/Follow-up by Chouxxx on 07/19/04 11:47 am:
Giulliani could never get the nomination; if he did, he could never get elected.

Like your violent metaphor "tear Hilary apart".

Have a great week.