The Political Market

Two columns today, by Kevin Rennie (linked above) and George Will, assert that the "political market" is working and this is why, despite pundit predictions to the contrary, Rudy Giuliani has zoomed to the top of the short list of Republican prospects.

Rennie includes an interesting reminder about Rudy and conservatism:

"The other candidates talk about social issues and seek to placate suspicious conservatives who've heard their sweet songs before. Giuliani showcases pelts on his belt. The most sumptuous comes from his 1999 battle with the Brooklyn Museum of Art. The museum, which enjoyed some public funding, booked an incendiary exhibit that featured a portrait of the Virgin Mary caparisoned in elephant dung and vulgar photos. Giuliani cut off the museum's public funds. That's something religious Republicans in South Carolina can understand. And who can forget Giuliani's rejection of a $10 million donation to a 9/11 fund from an Israeli-hating Saudi?"

More food for thought.

Incidentally, is anyone else having trouble believing we're discussing all this in February of 2007, rather than February 2008? It's going to be a long couple years of Presidential politics...

Monday Update: Captain's Quarters suggests that McCain and Romney's excessive flip-flopping benefits Giuliani...and maybe Gingrich.