Why is Rudy Giuliani leading in the Republican polls?

I am from New York and I thought it was a joke when rumors circulated that this ex-mayor was running for president simply because of his lack of experience. I am a democrat and I thought he was a fine mayor, but how could he possibly be a good president? I'm not trying to start a fight here, I honestly want to know what Giuliani supporters' rationale is. I have a feeling people like him only because of his great media coverage post-9/11, but does this guy have any other qualifications? Are republicans just looking for the 'anti-Bush'? A couple people are comparing Giuliani to Bill Clinton, but Bill Clinton had 12 years experience as governor of Arkansas. I guess my question more specifically is, how do you trust someone to run a nation when the only prior experience they've had is running a city? Don't you think he will be overwhelmed by the bureaucracy? Do you really think being mayor for 8 years is enough preparation for this huge job? Not to mention that he will have been out of office for 7 years by the time he is elected...

Public Comments

1. He was a good mayor wasn't he? he also drastically reduced the crime in nyc and got bums off the street.
2. There is no reason in the world why Giuliani should lead the polls or even be considered a Republican. What did he ever do?
3. Because he isn't crazy like most of the neo-cons. He is the most liberal Republican in the bunch. The country is going to lib-cons and con-libs now. Both sides are freakin crazy. As far as what he brings to the table. He talks out of one side of his mouth, doesn't seem to be a slave of any particular industry (like Bush and oil and energy), and he has a perfect record. After Bush, he is the only candidate the Reps have that scares me. Republicans aren't all bad, they don't all support Limbaugh.
4. can the right wing convert him
5. He would not be a good candidate. Look up Ron Paul. ronpaul2008.com. Click on issues. This is a man that has a correct agenda and would be the best candidate for president of the U.S.
6. He has a great deal of experience, not just as Mayor. But if he gets the nomination 9/11 will get him there.
7. I'm not a republican, but I think Rudolph Giuliani did great things for New York City before 9-11-01. He got the bums off the streets and made the city safe for normal people again. I think he would make a competent president, so if he were elected, I would not move to Canada. I will vote for Clinton or Obama though.
8. I guess he thought that if Bush could run,,, cheat his way in and stay there for two years.. hell.. anyone could. I like Rudy too.. and think he was a great mayor.. and he may just be a good president. I too am democrat and cannot see voting for him.. but if he won.. I would support him.
9. I'm a conservative and don't intend to vote for him. Or McCain; or Romney; or.......
10. How could Hitlery, Dean, Kucinich be a good president?
11. His actions during 9/11 introduced Rudy to a lot of people in this country for the first time. He shined during the ordeal, which gave many a lasting impression. Since most people polled have no clue about ANY of the candidates' policy platforms, they rely heavily on a candidate's "likability". They like Rudy. How do you think Clinton got elected?
12. If he does the same thing on the national level (as he did for the reduction of crime in NY) he could be a fine president. He is much more suitable for the position than current bunch of (ex)Senators from the other party.
13. Can't see it. He is a democrat calling himself a Republican
14. RUDY IS PRO-CHOICE ......that should do him in
15. I can't imagine what his other qualifications would be unless you count dressing up as a woman and making a spectacle of his relationships & private life. How did he even become known as a brave, respected figure during the 9/11 saga? All he did was parade around the streets for the cameras, and he probably only did that because his WTC office was destroyed so he had nowhere else to go! Have you noticed how easy it is for a Republican to become a "hero"? It's even easier for a Democrat to be slandered and blacklisted almost overnight.
16. Lack of experience is actually a very good thing to have if your running for President. "Career" politicans tend to be so polluted by special interests/lobbyists that they aren't very good Presidents but guys like Bill Clinton who was a total outsider to Beltway politics & supposedly lacked experience & he turned out to be a great President. Hilary on the other hand is a total insider & that's not a good.
17. He appears to be a take charge guy who'll think for himself and be willing to tell others to go to hell if he doesn't like what they say. I think he'll be in charge and not be led around by handlers who tell him what to say and do.
18. o yourself a big favor and lay off the polls. I'm 50 and I've NEVER seen one poll to be correct.
19. It is a sad state of affairs. He and people like Obama are considered viable candidates because they have NO experience (hence, not corrupted). I disagree. They will both owe their shirts to numerous people (organizations) if they even come close to the nomination. Obama is not going to make it, nor is Rudy.
20. Most of your good Presidents have been Mayors or Governors Because the have worked within or in-charge of a command structure some Company CEO.s would also make good presidents. How ever most people frown on congressmen and senators, becoming President because, They often lack or have not established any leadership styles. Their job is poll vote and canvas for money. They only lead or direct their personnel staff. This goes for all parties. If you just look at the current Military spending budget There is only one person leading the whole mess , President Bush. It doesn't matter how many sound bites or rantings the Democrats make he is the leader. Rudy Giuliani has pr oven himself to be a hard as nails leader.
21. He is widely seen as a strong & resolute leader. What experience does he lack?
22. Well if he is he IS NOT getting my vote, I am a conservative and a republican ..... Rudy is way to liberal for my vote i will not vote any man in who condones homosexuality and abortion! regardless of political affiliation!
23. Rudolph Giuliani is leading in the Republic polls because he is tough against terrorism which is the most inimical threat to the existence of USA. VOTE for your choice as US President on my 360 degrees blog and know who will likely win.
24. Here's a video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rapaWbPRj3Y Maybe it will answer for some of you why Obama is so popular.
25. Here's a simple answer for you: It's only May. Four years ago, Joe Lieberman was kicking everybody's butts in democratic polling. Even a couple weeks before the Iowa caucus, Howard Dean was kicking everybody's butts in the polls. Rudy Giuliani is not going to win the Republican nomination. Bank on it.