<p>Hunt, why would you think if abortion wasn’t in play that the flow would be toward democrats? I would think that the next issue (according to James Carville) being immigration, the flow could be the opposite. I’d love to hear (read) your thoughts.</p>
<p>“or that he can take off the blinders occasionally and realize that abortion isn’t the only political issue in the world right now.”</p>
<p>If you believe abortion is murder, like Pat does, then “taking off the blinders” would be akin to being a 19th century abolitionist who votes for a pro-slavery candidate because you like his foreign policy.</p>
<p>That’s a pretty contrived example. This is voting for a candidate who matches with Robertson the best in all sectors except abortion, including the most vital metric: the ability to possibly beat Hillary.</p>
<p>ZM, no, but I swim in a sea of polling data and I know how to bet. Fwiw, from the Republican point of view, immigration was a disappointing issue in the Virginia state elections earlier this week. The Democrats picked up four seats in the state senate, giving them control. Yesss!!! One more chamber locked in for Phase V, the reapportionment after the 2010 census that will do unto the GOP what they did to the Democrats after 2000…any bets that Republicans don’t start suddenly whining about “fair” redistricting and gerrymandering? (One Virginia GOP country commissioner who made immigration his centerpiece was re-elected handily but overall the issue did little for them.)</p>
<p>"ZM, no, but I swim in a sea of polling data and I know how to bet. Fwiw, from the Republican point of view, immigration was a disappointing issue in the Virginia state elections earlier this week. "</p>
<p>You can certainly make an educated bet, but I think it’s waaaaay to early to be as decisive as your prior post. I still think this will be an interesting election season and I would bet (not being as informed as you) that the “one big thing” is still unimagined.</p>
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<p>Upon what issues do you base your decision, then?</p>
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<p>And it can work in reverse, as well. I know a lot of pro-choice Democrats who support Ron Paul, despite the fact that he’s pro-life.</p>
<p>“Upon what issues do you base your decision, then?”</p>
<p>National security (including immigration) and taxes.</p>
<p>Roberson voting for Crookiani is more than just weird not because of abortion.
There’s gay mariage and school prayer. The big three for the “Faith before Facts” Crowd. Guiliani is/was against them on all three. </p>
<p>The reason why Robertson suppots Crookiani is because Christian conservatives see the turmoil in the Middle East as a holy war and a crusade. Bush even called it a crusade at one point time. Also, there’s the added perk for them of putting all the Jews in Israel to make Jesus come back. So the militant foreign policy that Crookiani wants is an extension of something they like.</p>
<p>These so called “Values Voters” should vote for Clinton (who I hope doesn’t win the primary, I am hoping for Edwards or Obama) over Crookiani if its between the two. Here’s why.</p>
<p>And finally, New Rule: If the choice in '08 is between Rudy and Hillary, “values voters” must do the Christian thing and choose Hillary. Of course, I think all religion is nuts, but at least she practices it the way Jesus suggested: privately. Like a Dick Cheney energy meeting. </p>
<p>Plus, she’s raised an admirable daughter, while Rudy’s kids couldn’t hate him more if they were New York City firefighters. </p>
<p>And let’s not forget, Hillary didn’t commit adultery. Her husband did. And afterwards, she did the Christian thing and forgave him. And then she had a GPS unit implanted in his *****. But the important thing is, she forgave him! </p>
<p>Now, I bring all this up because this weekend in Washington is the “Values Voters Convention.” Three days of peace, love and hypocrisy. Where the Republican frontrunners will spend the week kissing the asses of 2,000 social conservatives who despise liberals, homosexuals, Muslims, Mexicans and Nobel Prize winners. And who believe the sound of a condom wrapper being opened makes angels die. </p>
<p>It’s kind of like a “Star Trek” convention, only the virgins are angry–and they think outer space is just a theory. So, Ann Coulter, if you’ve got any more “f@ggot” jokes, this is the room for you. </p>
<p>But - but, here’s something I learned while indulging one of my traditional values, reading. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the states with the most conservative Christians have the highest rates of divorce, the highest teen pregnancy rates and the highest obesity levels. Yes, they’re fat, knocked up and not talking to each other–but, at least they put homosexuality back where it belongs: in the airport men’s room. </p>
<p>Now, I know what you “values voters” are saying right now: “Why would we listen to you, Bill Maher? You’re a bachelor from heathen California. What do you know about family values?” Well, I know enough not to get married and live in Kansas. </p>
<p>And I know that if you can look at the war in Iraq, the melting environments and the descent of America into “idiocracy,” and still think our biggest problems are boobies during the Super Bowl and the “war on Christmas,” then you don’t have values, you have issues. </p>
<p>If you had “values,” you’d draw the line at torture. But a startling number of people who call themselves Christians don’t. And I’m pretty sure if you asked, “What would Jesus veto,” it wouldn’t be health care for sick kids. </p>
<p>Why, it’s almost like “values voters” don’t really believe Jesus was right about anything. [in mock attack ad voice] “Jesus Christ: wrong on gays, wrong on taxes, wrong on torture, and wrong for America.” </p>
<p>[HBO:</a> Real Time with Bill Maher: New Rules: October 19, 2007](<a href=“http://www.hbo.com/billmaher/new_rules/20071019.html]HBO:”>http://www.hbo.com/billmaher/new_rules/20071019.html)</p>
<p>Why hasn’t anyone considered national security as a reason to vote republican? </p>
<p>As far as Rudy goes, I must say that I am strongly inclined to vote for him, should he win the Republican nomination. Before anyone goes and freaks out, let me explain why I think he would be an excellent president. Only a true New Yorker could describe to you what a phenom Rudy truly is.</p>
<p>Rudy Giuliani is a true political centrist. The man has courage and conviction. Never have I ever seen another politician in my life who was so purely interested in making life better for people. His political ideology and decisions are based on solid logic and good common sense. He doesn’t jump to conclusions, he exhibits thought and practices due diligence.</p>
<p>How do I know this? A proven track record. Giuliani is pro-stem cell research, civil unions, social programs and all the other progressive ideas our country seems to want. He doesn’t consider them progressive though, he considers them necessary for the betterment of peoples’ condition. Giuliani doesn’t focus on “right and wrong” as so many Republicans foolishly do, he focuses on “good and bad.” The man is a true centrist and a true fighter for the rights people.</p>
<p>When I was growing up, New York City was a terrible **** hole. The physical condition of the city was terrible, graffiti covered almost every square inch, the city agencies ran like crap, there was rampant crime to the point where people were scared to walk around the streets past rush hours. Poverty was everywhere, in every neighborhood, drugs and guns flowed freely on the streets and everyone in the city felt like we were on the verge of the apocalypse. Rudy Giuliani came in and turned all that around and restored New York to its pinnacle. He reformed social programs and city agencies to ensure that they could deal with the growing poverty rate effectively and basically all but stamped it out in New York. He cleaned up our corrupt ass police force and actually made the streets safe for parents and kids alike. Giuliani rehabilitated the MTA and other critical services which restored life to the city and drastically increased the quality of our lives. He pushed the city council to enact fair, thoughtful and useful legislation. Legislation which encouraged freedom and innovation. He works with all sides and pays service to none. New York was on top again, where it belongs. Then came 9/11.</p>
<p>It is what we do in our most trying of times that defines us. Those with natural character and ability will always triumph over any obstacle. The ignorant will fall by the wayside and true leaders emerge. When we were down late in the game, an unlikely hero, Rudy, got us back in it and back on our feet. We went on to win that game.</p>
<p>In a world where New York is a microcosm, a melting pot, a mirror of the country, and even of the world, New Yorkers already know–Rudy Giuliani is not only a president, but a king. It’s time for us to stop seeing things as right or left, not everything needs to be so controversial. I truly do believe Giuliani will be our next president, and deservingly so.</p>
<p>Don’t mind if I ask a question, How much did it cost to buy Hilary to shut up on health reform the last time around?</p>
<p>The day Christians start taking political advice from Bill Maher will be the day I dance naked on the empire state building.</p>
<p>But what can really be taken from his diatribe is that Giuliani and Clinton are BOTH awful choices for value voters, and both just really awful choices in general.</p>
<p>“New Yorkers already know–Rudy Giuliani is not only a president, but a king.”</p>
<p>The New York firefighters association doesn’t seem to think so.</p>
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<p>Yes, so according to you Jesus should be a front runner for the 08 election? Religion and family have absolutely nothing to do with a person’s ability to run an entire country. </p>
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<p>Nobody is perfect in the eyes of everyone, Not many politicians can perform the way Giuliani does. I may be a bit biased towards Rudy, due to witnessing all he has done for New York City. As far as ethics and morale go, Clinton Vs Giuliani, Rudy takes it hands down.</p>
<p>Vyse - Are you a new yorker? I went to Stuyvesant HS, which is located a few blocks away from The World Trade Center, and was there the morning of Sep. 11, it is pretty hard to argue that without Rudy’s actions were nothing short of spectacular on Sep. 11. Which is why he wins my vote.</p>
<p>I agree that if you are judging based on media Clinton seems like the stronger candidate. But as I stated, New York was a miserable mess when I was growing up, but Rudy changed all that for us. So I firmly believe that he would make a fine president. Whereas I am skeptical, Hilary’s track record indicates otherwise.</p>
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<p>As asked previously, PLEASE do not lump all Christians in with these kinds of statements. Either that, or start stripping.</p>
<p>I think that’s a fair generalization. Bill Maher has said so many rude and insulting things about Christianity and faith that I cant really understand why someone who is a Christian would take political advice from him.</p>
<p>Vyse, the day right-wing Christian voters vote for Ron Paul I"LL DANCE naked in front of the Empire State Building. :)</p>
<p>National security is exactly the reason I’m voting Democratic. Bush has been a disaster. Giuliani is surround himself with neocon advisers that are Cheneyeseque at the minimum. Bush/Cheney have done the worst job for this country’s security…I wouldn’t be surprised if the Al Qaeda recruiters send them a Christmas card. We don’t need more of the same.</p>
<p>gotta: You better get naked.</p>
<p>TheDad: How are the Democrat candidates any different? They seem to be jumping all over each other trying to prove who’s the most like bush.</p>
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<p>Right on!!!</p>
<p>Oh, and I LOVED post #39! Hilarious and right on.</p>