A Kinder, Gentler GOP?

Where have we heard that one before, huh? But it would appear one GOP 2008 hopeful is getting the message about the GOP's shrinking fear advantage. From Big Tent Democrat at TalkLeft:

As [Rudy Giuliaini] answered the last of the three questions from reporters, he talked about the root causes of terrorism: "oppressive governments that demagogue and blame and project their problems other places and do nothing to solve the problems of their own people."

"Sounds like the Democrats," shouted a man. The crowd roared.

. . . "Time out," [Giuliani] said . . .The other thing we have to learn is that we can't get into this partisan bickering. The fact is that Republicans and Democrats have the same objectives. Democrats are loyal Americans. Republicans are loyal Americans. I think we have better answers, but we have to respect each other."

Say what? No more calling Democrats traitors? No more comparing them to terrorists? What will that leave Rove and Cheney and Rummy and Lieberman? Next thing you know Rudy will be defending gay marriage and the right to choose. I saw that season of the West Wing -- did Alan Alda win? I forget.

Somehow I don't think Rudy is going to be the GOP standard bearer in '08, but it sure is nice to hear a Republican rejecting the tired old GOP New McCarthyism.