Dear Editor,
The latest American opinion poll out over the weekend shows former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani ahead of his rivals for the Republican nomination as well as ahead of his Democratic rivals to win the Presidency. But Guyanese are sticking with Senator Hillary Clinton for the Democratic nomination as well as the Presidency.
The figures showed that Giuliani had pulled ahead of his main rival, Senator John McCain of Arizona, by a whopping 23 per cent. Giuliani is cashing in on his popularity in his response to the 9/11 terror attack on the city when he was mayor. And Hillary is cashing in on the popularity of her ex-President husband, Bill Clinton who is the most popular former President.
The simple explanation for Giuliani’s success is his image as the nation’s hero of 9/11. The story of what he did on September 11, 2001, is now the stuff of legend. That day, famously, turned him into America’s Mayor, earned him an honorary British knighthood. He is basking in the glow that has sustained him ever since.
On 9/10, Giulaini was one of the most despised individuals in New York and the country. He, President Bush and then N.Y Governor George Pataki were suffering from low popularity in opinion polls. Their political careers were in ruin and they were facing sure defeats in elections. But Bin Laden rescued their careers by attacking New York and Washington. Giuliani rose to the occasion taking charge and providing leadership that won worldwide admiration; he became an iconic figure with no opposition from critics who had chastised him for his failures in the city. Bush also capitalized from the terror attacks and succeeded in making electoral gains in 2002 and 2004.
But his invasion of Iraq has haunted his political career leading to severe electoral losses last November.
The Presidential race is 21 months away and poll numbers are likely to fluctuate by then. Last month, Hillary trumped Giuliani. And last November Giuliani was ahead of Hillary.
Also, two months ago, Barack Obama and Hillary were tied in popularity for the Democratic nomination but last month, Hillary bested him by 20%. Now, the two are almost at a dead heat again. I believe ultimately McCain will win the nomination with Giuliani as his running mate or vice versa. It is my belief Hillary will win the nomination. It is too early to speculate on the winner of the Presidency. But Guyanese I have spoken with are backing Hillary and are not counting her out against Giuliani or McCain.
Not much attention has been focused on Giuliani’s negatives. But the closer the election gets, the louder the questions will become about his fitness for office. He will face intense scrutiny in which voters are going to become much more familiar with his record.
Yours faithfully,
Vishnu Bisram
