Is Rudy Going to Be Acceptable to Social Conservatives Because of 9/11

A profile of Rudy Giuliani in the New York Times implies that despite his imperfections, Rudy might have been immunized against criticism by his response to 9/11:

For many loyal Republicans — and more than a few independents and Democrats — his national security message seems to work, blotting out the central question facing his candidacy: whether a supporter of legal abortion, gay civil unions, immigrants’ rights and gun control; a thrice-married, Catholic New Yorker whose split with his second wife took place publicly and none too neatly, can win Republican presidential primaries and caucuses.

“I’m well to the right of Rudy on social issues,” said Sid Dinerstein, chairman of the Republican Party in Palm Beach County, Fla., after an appearance there by Mr. Giuliani two weeks ago. “But this is a man who, when it comes to dealing with bad guys, has infinite courage.”

In August, at a fund-raising dinner in Charleston for South Carolina’s very conservative Republican Party, Mr. Giuliani spoke about port security. When the party faithful had a chance to pose questions, they did not ask him about abortion or gays — only reporters did that.

Mr. Giuliani is never asked about recent charges that he, among others, did not do enough to protect rescue workers at the trade center site from inhaling toxic dust.

Nor is he asked about his friend, former police commissioner and former business partner, Mr. Kerik, whom President Bush nominated to be homeland security secretary in December 2004, with Mr. Giuliani’s support. Mr. Kerik withdrew his nomination as questions were raised about unpaid taxes involving his nanny, ties to people accused of involvement in organized crime, an illegal gift and an unreported loan. Just 19 months later, he pleaded guilty to two misdemeanors.

I've long said that we're not looking to hire the national pastor, but the national leader, and Rudy certainly has leadership qualities in spades. Some social conservatives will not be able to see past abortion or gay rights issues, but Rudy may have more than enough draw among moderates and even liberals to overcome that. His younger age is also an advantage when compared to John McCain, and given that McCain has been wishy-washy on a lot of issues important to Republicans, Rudy's steadfast leadership may trump McCain's media friends.