Rudy Giuliani is not a social conservative by any stretch of the imagination. He supports gay marriage, abortion on demand and scientific research involving the destruction of human embryo. This didn't stop Jennifer Rubin (American Spectator column) from suggesting that Giuliani could be viewed as a social conservative:

But the commentators and consultants may have gotten the questions wrong. The better, at least the more interesting, question is whether Giuliani can establish a new description of what it means to be "socially conservative." Perhaps to be socially conservative means something more than just fidelity to pro-life and anti-gay marriage positions. Giuliani has a convincing argument that he is an ethical or cultural conservative who in the end will protect the values that most conservative Republicans hold dear. What does this mean? It means that he sees the world as a battle between good and evil, and politics as a struggle between decent hard working people and elites who have too little respect for their values -- public safety, respect for religion and public virtue.

Every politician claims to battle evil, seek public safety and fight for virtue. The question is: "What do they define as evil and by what standard to they seek justice?". Rubin writes,

For [Giuliani] and those he has befriended, social conservatism means defending a functioning civil society where families enjoy physical security, religious respect, and public decency.

Social conservatives have been the defenders of the unborn and traditional view of marriage based upon a Judeo Christian ethic which holds high the dignity of human life and the sanctity of marriage. They seek justice for children in the womb by insisting that government step up to the plate and defend the weakest and most vulnerable from a murderous demise.

If abortion, gay marriage and destructive embryonic stem cell research are no longer part of the social conservative's view of evil, then Giuliani may well fit into the tent. Until then, he remains outside the camp.

Figure: invitation sent by then Mayor Rudy Giuliani (Stone Wall Vets)

• Choosing Life - Choosing McCain - Mar 13, 2008
• Huckabee's Problem - Jan 16, 2008
• The Black Church and Obama - Jan 09, 2008
• Ron Paul for Life - Nov 02, 2007
• Bob Jones and Romney - Oct 22, 2007
• Romney Narrowly Edges Huckabee in Values Voter Straw Poll - Oct 20, 2007
• WB 2007 - Morning Session Has Ended - Oct 20, 2007
• Priest Blasts 'Usual Suspects' For Votes Against Pro-Life Policy - Sep 24, 2007