Ruffini on Rudy!

Patrick Ruffini remains a shining star over at Hugh Hewitt's site. I like Hewitt but his (may I call it Nativism?) and his unabashed shilling for Governor Romney cause my eyes to roll and my heart to sink. Still, I think he represents a good sized wing of the GOP, and I'd rather hear it from Hugh than most others.

Ruffini gets the Gold Star for his Giuliani support in that hostile environment. But even Patrick has caught the Giuliani Ennui:

I hate to say this, but I don’t think Rudy wants it badly enough. He has a bit of a Fred Thompson problem about him. He hasn’t said anything particularly distinctive or memorable the entire campaign. His lows haven’t been very low, and his highs haven’t been very high. There is no one big thing his campaign is about — first, there were twelve, then there was a laundry list of his accomplishments as a Mayor; then, there were a series of issue spots that failed to move the needle in New Hampshire. You would think the guy who sparred with the media and his opponents on an ongoing basis in New York, who fundamentally got that leadership after 9/11 was all about projecting confidence and strength, would understand that Presidential contests are about narrative and confidence and conflict — not (primarily) about issues.

It's a comprehensive and smart piece, well worth a read in full. I haven't defected but his Fredness has moved into a razor-thin second place for me (Geri and the Fire hat!) But Giuliani is still resting on his superb Kudlow interview. I haven’t heard anything uplifting between that and his Christmas message. I still want him to win, but Ruffini is right, he has to give a reason more compelling than NYC crime stats from the 20th Century.

2008 Race Posted by jk at December 21, 2007 5:27 PM