Giuliani takes stand on terrorism?

Analysis:

This article is based upon a visit to Grand Rapids by GOP Presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani on June 7. The headline of the story focuses on the former New York City Mayor’s position on terrorism, but most of the story deals with his position on issues like abortion and gay marraige. Giuliani did address the Police Officers Association of Michigan and the article does source one member’s response to the candidate’s visit by saying “Look at his record in New York City. His record speaks for itself.” The GR Press article does not provide much of Giuliani’s record other than some vague comments about reducing crime in New York, even though there are numerous sources of information that provide a critical view of Giuliani while he was Mayor of New York City. There is even a feature length documentary that gives a critical assessment of the 2008 Presidential candidate.

However, most of the GR Press article presents other GOP positions on Giuliani, most of which are critical. The article cites a cofounder of the group Conservative Declaration of Indepedence, Representative Vern Ehlers, and state Party Chairman Saul Anuzis all of which share unfavorable comments about Giuliani’s chance of winning the GOP Presidential nomination. The article does mention briefly Giulinani’s position on the US war in Iraq, but misses numerous aspects of his speech that the independent press reported on.

Story:

Voters such as Bill Dempsey are just the sort former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani needs if he is to gain a shot at the presidency.

The 38-year-old suburban Detroit police officer opposes abortion. He wishes Giuliani did as well.

But Dempsey believes in Giuliani, calling him “leaps and bounds above the rest of them. “Look at his record in New York City. His record speaks for itself.”

Dempsey applauded the message Giuliani brought to West Michigan on Thursday as he underlined his leadership against crime and tough stand on terrorism.

“We have got to remain on offense against (terrorism),” Giuliani told members of the Police Officers Association of Michigan at the Amway Grand Plaza. “And you are the first line of defense.”

Giuliani, 63, touted his record as mayor, where he is credited with increasing the size of the police force and driving down crime during his two terms as mayor.

“We can’t let crime come back up again,” he said. Giuliani continues to lead national GOP polls for president, with Arizona Sen. John McCain a distant second.

But as the campaign warms up, there are growing signs of push-back from conservative party elements because of his stand in favor of abortion rights and statements in favor of gun control and civil unions for gay couples. No abortion rights Republican has won the GOP nomination since Gerald Ford in 1976.

On Thursday, a group called the Conservative Declaration of Independence added its opposition to Giuliani as it announced the addition of 27 new signers from West Michigan.

“The debates removed any question that Giuliani is a pro-abortion candidate with a liberal agenda,” said group co-founder Tom McMillin, a Macomb County resident and party issues committee chairman for the Michigan Republican Party. He is a board member of the American Association of Michigan and was state field director for the Christian Coalition from 1994 to 1998.

McMillin said he is not supporting any other Republican at this point, but wants to ensure that the party nominates a candidate that fits its traditional values.

“We are getting tired of being taken for granted,” McMillin said.

Last week, U.S. Rep. Vern Ehlers, R-Grand Rapids, said he considered Giuliani’s campaign “dead,” citing his stand on abortion and the fact he is twice divorced.