Rudy! Rudy! Rudy!

I share with you tonight some thoughts from Rudy Giuliani's speech, which was A+ quality in terms of substance and style.

Rudy symbolizes so much to America about strength and patriotism, which he put to good use showing that "McCain is a true American hero" (in contrast to the man who would not wear an American flag lapel pin or put his hand over his heart during the national anthem). The "U-S-A" chants continued to ring out, as though we were playing the Russians in hockey or something. It would be hard not to come away thinking the GOP's ticket is more patriotic or pro-American, and that's not by accident.

Rudy pondered what a "community organizer" is, in contrast to a job he seemed truly impressed by, mayor. Even his jabs tended to have an affable humor attached and his charisma was put to good use.

In describing Obama, he portrayed him as a "gifted" man with an "ivy league education," silently in contrast to a soldier who endured the school of hard knocks as a soldier and P.O.W. in Vietnam.

Questioning decision making, Rudy mentioned Obama's time in the state legislature, noting that, "nearly 130 times he couldn't make a decision. He couldn't figure out whether to vote 'yes' or 'no.' It was too tough. He voted 'present.'" But, Rudy said, "'present' doesn't work in an executive job."

"He's never run a city, he's never run a state, he's never run a business, he's never run a military unit. He's never had to lead people in crisis." Of course, the GOP's #2 has actually done those things, the implication being their #2 is more more qualified to lead than their #1.

"He is the least experienced candidate for president of the United States in at least the last 100 years." Well, that's pretty clear, isn't it?

"Not a personal attack, a statement of fact: Barack Obama has never led anything, nothing, nada ... nada, nothing."

Rudy labeled the opposition as "substance over style," explaining this is no time for "on the job training."

He attacked the oftmentioned "more of the same" mantra of the DNC by explaining that "change" vs. "more of the same" was a false choice and noted that, "Change is not a destination, just as hope is not a strategy."

Ultimately, Rudy gave the impression the McCain is ready to be president and he can be trusted because "the country will be safe in his hands."

Keying in on the national security issue, Rudy mentioned that, "John McCain will keep us on the offensive against terrorism" and that the Democrats are in a "state of denial" about the terrorist threat in the wake of 9/11.

Rudy gave many specifics regarding McCain's accomplishments and Obama's weaknesses, including the latter's propensity to change his mind, including this zinger: "If I'm Joe Biden, I'd wanna get that vice president thing in writing."

In contrasting the VP selections, he noted that Obama "looked back [taking Biden]; John McCain looked forward" [taking Palin].

He praised Sarah Palin as one with more executive experience that Obama & Biden combined, one who took on corruption, even in the Republican party, and he called out the sexism in the media: "How dare they question whether Sarah Palin has enough time to spend with her children and be vice president?! When do they ever ask a man that question?! When?!"

Rudy noted that the Republican party is at its best when its expanding freedom, like "ending slavery." He implied that the GOP was for increasing freedom from government and for empowerment (perhaps even of women) and ended with the exhortation to his fellow Americans: "Let's get John McCain and Sarah Palin elected and let's shake up Washington and most this country forward."

Overall, Rudy did a great job trying to claim the ticket for (positive) change, to move forward. it was a moving speech and I encourage you to watch it here.