Every presidential candidate brings a unique set of qualifications to the table when they run for office. Some have executive experience, but no foreign policy experience (Giuliani, Romney), while others have extensive experience in foreign policy, but have never been the head of a government (Brownback, McCain, Gingrich). Greg Sargent accurately points out that unless the media keeps everyone’s qualifications in mind, some candidates will unnecessarily be given standing in areas where they have none.
Bottom line: If insiders, reporters and commentators cede Rudy the aura of foreign policy strength based on the sole fact that he was politically fortunate enough to be Mayor of New York on Sept. 11, rather than seriously digging into his lack of a real record on foreign policy, he’ll have a far better shot at the nomination, not to mention the White House. This obviously isn’t the only factor at play, but it certainly is a key one. No mystery here.
My guess is that the press has already ceded foreign policy expertise to Giuliani. Never mind that foreign policy happened to Giuliani on 9/11.
A fair analysis of Giuliani’s foreign policy experience would likely remove the luster of his campaign. Will the traditional media and commentators like Stu Rothenberg, who readily recognizes Romney’s lack of foreign policy experience, exhibit skepticism about Giuliani’s resume? I doubt it.
Technorati Tags: 2008 Election, Greg Sargent, Rudy Giuliani
2 Responses to “Candidate Credentials”
what is a terrorist organization? in many ways terror cells function like organized crime, through their methods of funding, maniuplation of civil liberties, drug trafficing, and many other common similarities between mafioso and terrorists. their motives are different, but many of their actions to achieve their motives are the same, namely how they get their money, and finance their weaponry. now, when these comparisons are made clear, and you view the landscape of candidates, who has the most experience in bringing down criminal organizations? is it barrack hussein? nope. how about mitt the mormon? nope. giuliani’s LEADERSHIP when the towers fell is what captivated the country, the way he didnt flinch in crisis the way others like ray nagan, kathleen blanco, and bill clinton have in the past. his credentials for defeating terror are found in his long and storied history of cracking criminal organizations long thought to be untouchable.
Something to say?
The myth that because Giuliani was mayor when the Trade Towers fell somehow he is strong on anti-terror or all of a sudden is a foreign policy pro is probably the biggest farce of this presidential race thus far. I wish the media would stop conflating the two.
(It’s one thing to point out that conservatives think Giuliani is strong on those issues, but it is another to buy into that bogus talking point.)
Giuliani has zero credibility on counter terrorism or foreign policy. Period.
Left by Matt Ortega
March 16, 2007 at 4:21pm