Serving Bread

Last week, I posted why I will not vote for John Edwards. Today, I write my thoughts on why Rudy Giuliani will not get my vote. Since I am not registered as a Republican, I will not get a chance to select the Republican candidate for the Presidency. However, if Giuliani does win the ticket, he will not receive my vote (even under the guise, “He is the lesser of two evils”).

Though Giuliani had various roles on a national level, America did not really get to know him until 9/11. Some people probably had some thoughts on his leadership in New York City, but we saw the man’s leadership before our eyes through the events of 9/11

I recognize that Giuliani’s leadership got tested, and for the most part, most observers were glad for the leadership he exhibited during the days following 9/11. It seemed like he was quick to judge what was needed and how to set up a control center that would coordinate the various things that were needed to address the crisis.

Giuliani was also seen walking through the streets of New York and exhibiting the right tension of stability and emotions. We needed a stable leader and we also needed to know that our leader was angry and outraged. Giuliani did both.

I will not get into Giuliani’s record in fighting crime or managing the budget of New York City. Even if his record is commendable, he falls short of being the next president of the United States.

Giuliani lacks moral character. Although other presidential candidates may have some flaws in their characters, none come close to Giuliani. Married three times, Giuliani has been less than stellar as a husband. His first marriage to Regina Peruggi was annulled by the Catholic Church (after 14 years of marriage). His second marriage Donna Hanover ended poorly. This is the one that made the news.

He had a couple of mistresses (well-publicized) during his tenure as mayor. He announced his separation from his wife in a press conference, which apparently was news even to Hanover. He filed for divorce and married his mistress. Giuliani is now about a million dollars a year poorer, as he owes that much in alimony per year to his ex-wife.

Do presidential candidates have to have perfect marriages? No! But they have to have the moral character to lead our country. Giuliani has no respect for the institution of marriage nor to the values of reconciliation. The demise of marriage number two and the ways he handled it raise my concerns of not just his moral character (which is severely flawed), but his decision-making process.

It is concerning that Giuliani is running strong in most polls. It would be a tragedy for Republicans to choose Giuliani as their man. It makes me wonder how the party that tends to push the moral and character issues in the public arena, can realistically consider a man who mocks these values!

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