Rudy's Leadership and Newt's Ideas

The grave of Republican hopes in 2006 is scarcely filled in, but the hopefuls are lining up for 2008. According to David Saltonstall and Helen Kennedy Rudy Giuliani’s lieutenants have filed the papers for an exploratory presidential committee.

On Sunday in Pennsylvania, Giuliani said he was giving a run for the presidency "a lot of thought" and would make a decision "sometime next year."

But that was on Sunday.

Three of Giuliani's most trusted lieutenants filed papers with the state on Friday forming the Rudy Giuliani Presidential Exploratory Committee, allowing him to raise money to "test the waters" without officially declaring himself a candidate.

Meanwhile Newt Gingrich is generating a fountain of ideas, including books, five point strategies, and a ten point 21st Century Contract with America. His five point strategy looks like this.

1. Defeating Our Enemies
   
2. Defending God in the Public Square
   
3. Protecting America's Unique Civilization
   
4. Competing in the Global Economy
   
5. Promoting Active, Healthy Aging
   

Remember the cartoon back in the 1990s. It showed a rank of filing cabinets, each drawer labeled “Newt’s Ideas.” Over on the right was a drawer labeled “Newt’s Good Ideas.”

Very droll, of course, but don’t forget what the salesman said: Every No is a step closer to Yes.

With Rudy’s charisma and leadership abilities and Newt’s idea factory, Republicans should have a lock on the 2008 election. Right?