As Trump-mania continues, recall that at this point in the past cycle – April 2007 – the leading contender for the Republican nomination was a pugnacious New Yorker with a combover, whose past marital problems had entertained city the tabloids and Spy magazine since the 1980s, who had a reputation for larger-than-life tough talk and combativeness, who was making big money in the private sector and who was ubiquitous on television for a while. Oh, and Darrell Hammond played him on Saturday Night Live.
That contender, of course, was Rudy Giuliani, who ended up winning a single delegate. So as the former mayor will tell you, the lead in April the year before the primaries isn’t always worth all that much.
(You can see video of Trump putting the moves on Giuliani in drag in a short, comedic sketch shown at a mayoral dinner here. You, er, may not want to watch that.)
You have to wonder why Trump, like Ross Perot before him, is willing to enter presidential politics, knowing with virtual certainty that a serious candidacy on his part will damage conservative candidates nationwide and lead to a worsening of all that is going so wrong now.
What's Wrong With These People?
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseSome big differences, though...
Rudy had been running for President since 9/11. Trump hasn't even really started yet. And Trump can spend a billion dollars of his own money before he asks donors for a single dime. Finally, Rudy was a big GOP-establishment-type in a time when it was bad to be a Republican. Trump is much more independent and an outsider at a time when America is sick and tired of partisan politicians.
Oh, and my captcha says "upset the apple cart." Make that the "Big Apple" cart for this post!
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseMr. Trump's "Naboth's Vineyard" performance way back when doesn't encourage this one Independent's vote at ANY time.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseI don't remember Jim and National Review blasting Rudy like they are Trump. I wouldn't doubt if a significant number of their staff supported Rudy. This seems a bit of a stretch.
I had to type in "pen is mightier than the sword" to post this. Call me crazy, but I rather be attacked with a pen than a sword. :)
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