Wednesday, August 15, 2007

What Said This?   [Kathryn Jean Lopez]

In 1996?

America is an immigrant nation with a long and proud tradition of inclusion and diversity. This tradition has helped our country to grow into the world's leading economic power. Forward-looking and enlightened Americans joined together to stop the "Know-Nothings" of the mid-nineteenth century. This allowed for an incredible expansion in the twentieth century. Now, we must do the same and stand up to today's isolationist movement to ensure that America's next century is as prosperous as the last.

That would be Rudy Giuliani, who sounded at the time a whole lot like a George Bush type on immigration.

And then there's this, via the Daily News:

"Some of the hardest-working and most productive people in this city are undocumented aliens," Giuliani said in 1994. "If you come here and you work hard and you happen to be in an undocumented status, you're one of the people who we want in this city."

Now you can blame this flashback game with Mitt Romney on some key issues, too, of course. And I am strongly pro-convert — so I'm delighted Rudy is singing a different tune.

However...

Why did the Giuliani campaign have campaign adviser Stewart Verdery (who I am a fan of, but who is also more George Bush than NR on immigration) on Bill Bennett this morning arguing that Giuliani has not changed his views on immigration? Toward the end of the interview this morning (listen here), Stewart made perfect sense: It's a different world now, no one can look at the world through a 1996 lens. But suggesting Rudy hasn't changed his views seems ridiculous — at least if Giuliani means his more recent tough talk.

Rudy ought to be clear on this issue. Many a conservative is not comfortable with him already. Being unclear on immigration won't help. Being crystal clear and honest will.

Until then, though, it's YouTube time starring Hizzoner:

08/15 02:57 PMShare