Rudy Giuliani, whose positions on abortion and homosexuality mark him as the most socially liberal Republican presidential candidate in more than a generation, is so far winning the contest for the support of social conservatives, according to a new analysis of recent polls.
Widespread perceptions that Giuliani is the most electable Republican in this year’s field are driving his support among social conservatives, according to the analysis by the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life.
If the trend holds, this apparent willingness to support a candidate who fails what were once regarded as litmus-test issues would mark a landmark shift in the political behavior of a constituency that has been a pillar of the modern GOP. Already the shift is spurring sharp debate among prominent Christian conservative leaders, some of whom warn that Giuliani backers are abandoning core principles.
It is a fascinating development: suddenly, social conservatives seem to be willing to focus on other issues than the ‘favorite two.’ Suddenly, they’re backing a candidate who publicly says that he supports the right to choose for women. For years and years, this was considered to be a big no-no. Pro-choicers had no chance whatsoever of winning the Republican nomination… suddenly, all has changed.
Or not?
What will happen once Thompson formally announces his candidacy?
I fear for Rudy that a Thompson run will hurt his chances tremendously.
Cross posted at my own blog.
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