Posted by Christi Parsons at 10:15 a.m. CDT
While it’s not unusual for candidates to make promises, you don’t always see them written down in a simple checklist.
That’s what Rudy Giuliani issued today, though, as he spoke to an audience at a town hall in Bedford, New Hampshire.
With his “Twelve Commitments,” the Republican presidential hopeful says he means to promote the idea of giving people more freedom, more power and more responsibility over their own lives.
Though tersely written, the Twelve Step program toes an interesting line between conservative and liberal viewpoints. His point on abortion, for example, sidesteps the question of whether he supports abortion rights (which he does) and suggests a new approach: prevention.
But social conservatives looking for comfort on the issue can move right on to the next commitment, #9, for reassurance that President Giuliani would appoint “strict constructionist judges.”
Here’s the rest of it:
? I will keep America on offense in the Terrorists’ War on Us.
? I will end illegal immigration, secure our borders, and identify every non-citizen in our nation.
? I will restore fiscal discipline and cut wasteful Washington spending.
? I will cut taxes and reform the tax code.
? I will impose accountability on Washington.
? I will lead America towards energy independence.
? I will give Americans more control over, and access to, healthcare with affordable and portable free-market solutions.
? I will increase adoptions, decrease abortions, and protect the quality of life for our children.
? I will reform the legal system and appoint strict constructionist judges.
? I will ensure that every community in America is prepared for terrorist attacks and natural disasters.
? I will provide access to a quality education to every child in America by giving real school choice to parents.
? I will expand America’s involvement in the global economy and strengthen our reputation around the world.
By the way, Giuliani appears to be leading the field of Republicans in opinion surveys. Here’s the latest one, from the Los Angeles Times/Bloomberg Poll.
