 "Photo: JOINRUDI2008.COM")
The first month of 2007 is fast approaching its conclusion and suddenly the 2008 presidential races in both parties are taking shape. It seems presidential politics have gone the way of sports handicapping, with horses entering the derby earlier and earlier each term.
What once was a sprint to the top of the field in the first quarter of the primary season has now turned into a 15-month marathon through the heart of America. The folks in New Hampshire and Iowa will know the flavor of gum the candidates chew, the size and style of shoe each prefers, the color of their favorite suit, and whether they prefer Levi, Wrangler or Chic blue jeans.
Perhaps there will come a time once more in this nation when people will learn to relax again and smell the flowers. Since that has yet to happen, let's take a look at this writer's early favorite to win the Republican nomination in August 2008, Rudolph Giuliani.
The former mayor of New York City began his time as the leader of America's most celebrated city with a plan. That plan was to make his beloved residence of choice clean and safe for its citizens again by starting with the small things and working forward.
His devotion to the "Broken Windows Theory," which was developed by two college professors more than a quarter of a century ago, paid great dividends. The idea involved taking care of the small things before they became big things that would result in reductions in crime across the board.
"We started paying attention to the things that were being ignored, aggressive panhandlers and the squeegee operators who would come up to your car and wash the window of your car whether you wanted it or not," said Giuliani in an interview with the Academy of Achievement in 2003. "So we said we were going to pay attention to that … and it worked."
But that aspect of Giuliani's political career takes a back seat to his leadership during that horrific day on Sept. 11, 2001. His take-charge management style during the Big Apple's darkest hour transformed him into a national hero.
Heroes tend to do well in presidential politics. George Washington, Andrew Jackson, Ulysses S. Grant and Dwight D. Eisenhower were famous war heroes who parlayed their fame into terms in the White House.
Many would say this status also historically exposed their flaws. They were all military leaders, you see - strong-willed, stubborn and determined.
It would be foolish to compare Rudolph Giuliani to such historical icons, yes, but the context of the message is that above all else they were leaders first.
What makes a leader is being willing to challenge the status quo. A leader must be willing to listen to those around him with open ears and mind, but at the end of the day as Harry Truman said, "The buck stops here!"
Speaking earlier in the week on NBC's "Today" program, Giuliani was asked if he could win the Republican nomination. "I'll get nominated if more Republicans think I offer more hope for the future and better leadership," he said.
Though his candidacy has not yet officially kicked off, Giuliani will soon beat the paths of New Hampshire with his plan. Whether the issues he presents to America resonate is yet to be determined. That's why the race is run.
What's certain is this: More than anything else, America needs a true leader who does things just because they're the right things regardless of ever unbalanced opinions and views. At the very least, Rudolph Giuliani fits the bill - and that's not a bad place to start.
dstroud@unews.com
