Bob McCarty Writes

Having spent the bulk of my 20-plus years of professional life in the business of public and media relations, I’ve prepared and used “talking points” on many occasions. Talking points are particularly useful when dealing with members of the news media and with members of constituency groups, especially when the issues being discussed are potentially volatile ones.

A few days ago, Republican presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani recently offered American voters his campaign’s version of talking points, 12 Commitments to the American People. With the help of others in the blogosphere (see credits in parentheses), I dissect the former New York City mayor’s “dirty dozen” one-liner talking points below:

1. I will keep America on offense in the Terrorists’ War on Us. Could it be that Giuliani has adopted the left-wing liberal view that the War on Terror? Surely not! Instead, I suspect the liberal Republican adopted the “Terrorists’ War on Us” phrase as a means of distancing himself from President George W. Bush who uses it so often. What Giuliani needs to understand is that, no matter how you label it, we are at war against an ideology that requires nothing less than our complete and unconditional submission or — in lieu of that — our death.

2. I will end illegal immigration, secure our borders, and identify every non-citizen in our nation. First, Giuliani never cared about illegal immigration as mayor, so it’s hard to believe it will suddenly be at the top of his domestic priorities. Second, how, exactly, will he go about “identifying every non-citizen”? (Carpetbagger Report)

3. I will restore fiscal discipline and cut wasteful Washington spending. Okay Rudy, did you just photocopy this one from the George W. Bush playbook ? Because he said the same thing in 2000 and 2004, and reality turned out to be far, far different. More importantly, though, what do you consider wasteful? And what would you do to combat the earmarks that Congressman and Senators seem to slip into ever bill that makes it’s way from Capitol Hill to the White House? (The Liberty Papers)

4. I will cut taxes and reform the tax code. Sounds great, but I have a few follow up questions, such as, “What in the world does any of this mean?” Cut whose taxes? By how much? What kind of reform? How much will it cost? Who’ll benefit? Who won’t? (Carpetbagger Report)

5. I will impose accountability on Washington. How? By hiring the type of folks who served as the inspiration for the The Sopranos?

6. I will lead America towards energy independence. Hydrogen fuel cells? Solar power? Bio-fuels? How about easing environmental regulations so that the U.S. oil industry can build new, cleaner and more-efficient refineries for the first time in 30 years and drill for oil in places like the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) and the California coast? That would do it nicely!

7. I will give Americans more control over and access to healthcare with affordable and portable free-market solutions. Access is one thing. Costs are another. How about pushing for tort reform and an end to frivilous lawsuits? Oops, I forgot. That won’t happen, because you’re a lawyer.

8. I will increase adoptions, decrease abortions, and protect the quality of life for our children. Nowhere in this statement does he say he’s opposed to a woman’s right to choose or that he is committed to the fetal rights to which the conservative Republican base clings, and is crossing his fingers that social conservatives will be dazzled by his stating, unequivocally, that he will decrease abortions. (MN Campaign Report)

9. I will reform the legal system and appoint strict constructionist judges. Just like you did in New York City? According to an article at The Politico.com, Rudy leans left. (Ben Smith)

10. I will ensure that every community in America is prepared for terrorist attacks and natural disasters. Ninety-nine percent (99.9% ) of the communities in America are in essentially no danger from terrorism, so why would you expend federal resources on protecting them? (Outside the Beltway)

11. I will provide access to a quality education to every child in America by giving real school choice to parents. That matter, Rudy, should be left to the states and, more specifically, to local school boards. The federal government has no business meddling in the education of our children and, as the last 40 years proves, their meddling has done more harm than good!

12. I will expand America’s involvement in the global economy and strengthen our reputation around the world. That begs the question, “Why not do what’s right instead of worrying what those in other countries think about it? Do the right thing and everything else will take care of itself.