Rudy's Won the Pundit Primary

The conservative rush to back Giuliani isn't good for the cause, says National Review

By Jonas Oransky, Newser Staff

Posted Nov 18, 2007 11:53 AM CST

(Newser) – Conservative pundits have piled on to the Rudy Giuliani bandwagon in greater numbers and with more naked boosterism than in previous primary races, writes the National Review’s Ramesh Ponnuru—who happens to prefer McCain. Why all the Rudy love—and willingness to forgive his weaknesses? Many right-wing journos live in New York and “are grateful to him for saving the city,” says Ponnuru.

The number and diversity of conservative media outlets is a factor in encouraging columnists to take sides early, he notes; Rupert Murdoch has written 11 pro-Rudy columns this year. But it's distorting coverage, he argues. Hizzoner can't win in New Hampshire? State doesn't count. Pro-life stance a problem? The alternative is electing Hillary. Ponnuru warns that all of this pundit-love could backfire, as it did for McCain in 2000.

Republican Presidential hopeful, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, addresses the Federalist Society, Friday, Nov. 16, 2007, at the 2007 National Lawyers Convention in Washington. (AP Photo/Charles... (Associated Press)

Republican Presidential hopeful, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, gestures during an address before the Federalist Society, Friday, Nov. 16, 2007, at the 2007 National Lawyers Convention in Washington.... (Associated Press)

Republican presidential candidate, former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani, speaks to residents of a retirement community in The Villages, Fla., on Thursday Nov. 15, 2007. (AP Photo/Reinhold Matay) (Associated Press)

David Frum at a benefit for KCRW's Million Dollar Match Campaign (Getty Images)

George Will at the Bakersfield Business Conference (Getty Images)

Republican Presidential hopeful, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, addresses the Federalist Society at the 2007 National Lawyers Convention in Washington, Friday, Nov. 16, 2007. (AP Photo/Charles... (Associated Press)

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Rudy's Won the Pundit Primary

The conservative rush to back Giuliani isn't good for the cause, says National Review

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Sportswriter Turns Pimp After Pay Cut

Set up 'side operation' prostitution ring to supplement dwindling wages

Governator Endorses McCain

Schwarzenegger calls candidate 'a great American hero'

Giuliani Spins Lack of Fla. Endorsements

Romney, McCain swap accusations of liberal flip-flopping

Key Fla. Senator Backs McCain

Martinez's support could swing Cuban vote in Tuesday's GOP primary

Rudy's Camp Beseeches Donors

Campaign reportedly low on funds after Florida advertising spree

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Rudy Giuliani • New Hampshire • journalist • endorsement

MOST POPULAR STORIES

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More Newser Stories

Sportswriter Turns Pimp After Pay Cut

Set up 'side operation' prostitution ring to supplement dwindling wages

Governator Endorses McCain

Schwarzenegger calls candidate 'a great American hero'

Giuliani Spins Lack of Fla. Endorsements

Romney, McCain swap accusations of liberal flip-flopping

Key Fla. Senator Backs McCain

Martinez's support could swing Cuban vote in Tuesday's GOP primary

Rudy's Camp Beseeches Donors

Campaign reportedly low on funds after Florida advertising spree

About Us

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Newser By Users

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