"Values voters" aside, I don't see how Rudy would get through primaries--much less a General Election campaign--if he continues to show the bumptious stubborness he was infamous for pre-9/11. The latest episode was his defense of his disgraced former NYC police commissioner, Bernie Kerik (a very genial rogue, as those who know him can attest). Kerik has already pleaded guilty to state corruption charges and is now facing a raft of federal charges, all for problems Rudy knew about beforehand. But in an interview with the AP, written up in today's NYT, Rudy--whose push to have Kerik nominated as Director of Homeland Security led to the scrutiny that prompted Kerik's downfall--defends Kerik's record.

Sure, there were issues, Mr. Giuliani says, but if I have the same degree of success and failure as president of the United States, this country will be in great shape.

Ummm. If he becomes a convicted criminal and potential felon while in office, that would be okay? Rudy, Rudy. Rudy...

Okay, it's early (though it seems like the campaign has been on forever), but here's my prediction: It'll be Mitt versus Hillary, and the Mormon Question will cancel out the Gender Worry. Oh, and I reserve the right to delete this post should I turn out to be wrong.