Telegraph Names Giuliani 'Most Influential Conservative'

By Rick Moran

The UK Telegraph has named the most influential conservatives in America and topping the list is something of a surprise; Republican presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani.

The choice should raise some conservative eyebrows here in America given Rudy's stands on social issues not to mention gun control and immigration. But the Telegraph noted:

Giuliani's performance after 9/11 made him an international figure and helped make a nation feel good about itself just after its darkest hour. But 9/11 is the centrepiece of the Giuliani campaign in more than just that respect - he is determined to confront America's enemies, including Iran, and has taken on an array of hawkish advisers. Meetings with Tony Blair and Gordon Brown while in London to receive an award from Margaret Thatcher underlined his global stature.

Rounding out the top 5:

2. General David Petraeus - who the Telegraph sees as a probable presidential candidate some day.

3. Matt Drudge

4. Newt Gingrich

5. Rush Limbaugh

George Bush came in at #21 - far behind his own Vice President as Cheney clocked in at #6.

It's an interesting list and hard to disagree with the names on it, although most would probably change the rankings somewhat.

I note that I didn't make the top 100 either because of a snafu in the voting or, more likely, my nomination got lost in the mail.

Just pencil me in at #101.