by Ted Sherman

Created on: February 20, 2007   Last Updated: July 02, 2008

Giuliani is by far the best and most qualified potential candidate among all who've announced their intent to run for President in 2008, except maybe John McCain. And for sure, Rudy's biggest stumbling block will be his own Republican Party. They hate his honest, too-liberal guts. But in the past Rudy has overcome party objections. He was first elected mayor of New York in 1993 by running on the Fusion ticket, which included Republican, Liberal, Independent and some maverick Democrats.

For 2008, the answer may be for Rudy to make a choice now, and literally run with it. His options could be:

1. Campaign as a Republican. Make strong results in state primaries by emphasizing his independence from the current Republican regime's horrendous mistakes. Then go to the Republican convention as the logical leader with the best chance of winning the Presidency over the Democratic nominee: either the tainted Hillary or the inexperienced Barack.
2. Repeat his New York mayoral success. Make the Fusion Party a national reality. If it gathers in all the disgruntled delegates from all parties, Rudy can make history by running as a 3rd party candidate with a good chance to win.
3. Like Ronald Reagan, Rudy started out in politics as a Democrat, then switched to Republican when he gained prominence as a crusading district attorney. For 2008, he can switch back again and campaign as a conservative Democrat. Then, if his support is strong enough, he can go into the convention and beat out Hillary, Barack and all other competitors.

Of course, this is all theory, with absolutely no guarantee of any kind of success. In fact, there may even be one other choice for Rudy, a far-fetched one, considering his big ego. Form a Republican ticket with John McCain and run as John's vice presidential candidate. However, it isn't like Rudy to be content to sit back and wait another eight years for his big chance.

Whatever choice he makes, Rudy Giuliani will be a force to be reckoned with next year.

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