Advertisement

IowaPolitics.com: Giuliani says Dem victory would leave U.S. 'to the left of France'
10/17/2007

By Chris Dorsey
IowaPolitics.com

DES MOINES -- Rudy Giuliani's speech Wednesday afternoon at Drake University had a general election feel as the contender for the Republican presidential nomination drew significant contrasts between himself and Democratic Oval Office hopefuls.

"If we are not careful and you don't elect me, this country will be to the left of France," Giuliani said of a potential presidential win by New York Sen. Hillary Clinton, Illinois Sen. Barack Obama or former Sen. John Edwards. "That is why I am running."

Clinton was the target of the majority of Giuliani's address before an estimated crowd of more than 400 people. In 2000 Giuliani and Clinton ran for the same U.S. Senate seat, which Clinton won. However, Giuliani dropped out of the race prior to the election due to health reasons.

On Wednesday, Giuliani pointed out there was much more at stake in this race for the presidency. The former New York City mayor reiterated his message of staying on offense in the war on terror as well as warning the Des Moines crowd that following past policies of France when it comes to health care and other issues -- as he said Democrats are suggesting -- are the wrong direction for the United States.

Giuliani drew a laugh when he discussed a dream he has had about the strides France has made in moving toward the policies similar to America. In the analogy from his dream, he said French President Nicolas Sarkozy was traveling in a plane to the U.S. when he met another plane, carrying Democratic presidential candidates Clinton, Illinois Sen. Barack Obama and John Edwards, flying to France.

"They (are trying) to figure out to get all these failed policies from France and let's see if we can inflict them on the American people," Giuliani said. "Higher taxes, more government control of health, more government control of education and more government control of who knows what -- the air that you breathe. The whole world is going in the other direction of bigger free markets, more free trade, lower taxes, small essential government. And we have three candidates for president going in exactly the opposite direction."

Giuliani touted his record as a fiscal conservative as New York mayor. The Republican candidate said he cut billion of dollars in taxes which in turn stimulated the economy and led to the creation of new jobs. He emphasized the same strategy is needed to bolster the American economy and job market.

The Democratic presidential candidates' proposed policies would take the United States in the wrong direction, Giuliani warned.

"These policies sound good, and they are extremely damaging," Giuliani said. "They sound very enticing. We'll send you money. We'll guarantee your health care. We'll take care of you from cradle to grave. We will send you money when you are born."

Giuliani's message resonated with Dan Forsey of Urbandale. He likes the mayor's stance on the fight against terrorism, his leadership qualities demonstrated after September 11 and his fiscal discipline.

"I think he is my guy," Forsey said. "He has been. I think he is very truthful and understand the economics of the health care system."

Giuliani addressed health care, citing the need to keep it in private hands and not in the hands of the government in an effort to keep costs down.

"You have got to get the cost of health care down," said Giuliani, adding if costs do not decrease the health care system is doomed.

Des Moines resident Art Filean is not committed to a candidate, but is leaning toward Giuliani with former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney being his second choice.

"I think (Giuliani) he has what it takes to be president," Filean said.
IowaPolitics.com: Listen to audio of the Giuliani event


Printer-friendly version      Send this article to a friend