RFFM.org Commentary by Daniel T. Zanoza, National Director
Since former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani officially threw his hat into the ring as a candidate seeking the Presidency of the United States, the conservative media has been more than kind to his candidacy.
A number of recent polls indicate the former federal prosecutor currently leads an ever-growing field of Republicans seeking their Party's nomination. Many conservatives seem to be in denial when it comes to Giuliani's liberal social leanings, including his position on abortion, homosexual "marriage," and gun control.
For example, one of Giuliani's strongest supporters seems to be Sean Hannity of FOX News. In one interview with Hannity, when queried about the abortion issue, Giuliani, a skillful politician, did all he could to portray his pro-abortion views in the most favorable light. But, as expected, Giuliani did not and could not tell Hannity he believed in the sanctity of life because the truth is the popular New Yorker supports abortion rights, even though he addressed the issue with the skill of an experienced tactician.
Unfortunately, Hannity and some other conservatives in the media seem willing to accept Giuliani's shortcomings regarding social issues simply because he could potentially defeat Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama in a heads-up election. Conservatives must not fall into such a trap. Positive reactions to a Giuliani candidacy by conservatives is troubling for those who believe that over-turning Roe v. Wade may be one U.S. Supreme Court Justice appointment away.
During Bush's last term as president, he may have an opportunity to nominate another Supreme Court Justice, and, hopefully, Bush will follow his past pattern of choosing a strict constructionist for confirmation to the high court. But if conservative members of the media begin to support candidates of either Party for their electability--rather than their position on the issue of life--it could lead to a disaster of great proportions.
There is much more at stake regarding the upcoming fight for the White House. With the appointments of U.S. Supreme Court Justices John Roberts, Jr. and Samuel Alito, the pro-life movement is closer than it ever has been to reversing the 1973 decision that legalized abortion. If the nation's next president is a pro-abortion Republican, it would virtually guarantee Roe v. Wade will stand as law into the foreseeable future.
However, with the Democrats now controlling the U.S. Senate, the battle to confirm a Bush nominee would be heated, to say the least. But, if Bush nominated a bullet-proof jurist reminiscent of the Roberts' nomination, the Senate would be obligated to fill its mandate regarding Bush's choice. The same can be said for a pro-life president who might follow Bush.
However, if Giuliani wins the GOP's presidential nomination, it would set a precedent which might stand for years to come. Currently, there are many Republicans who believe the Party should take a turn to the left on social issues. A victory by Giuliani in the primary and a subsequent win in the presidential election would doom Republican social conservatives to the back of the Party's political bus.
Indeed, if the next president of the United States is not pro-life and is a Republican to boot, it would skew the political debate over the issue of abortion. The pro-life movement would, essentially, no longer have a political home, and the hopes that abortion would one day become a dark and distant memory of America's past would be dashed.
Social conservatives in the media must stand behind presidential nominees who embrace the sanctity of life. Sacrificing these values is not worth the price of victory.
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