The Republican’s independent streak appeals to a wide range of voters, making him the best GOP choice to battle Democratic front-runner Hillary Rodham Clinton, he and supporters say.
Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani makes the same claim. His potential to capture mainstream votes from Democrats has led many GOP conservatives to overlook his moderate to liberal positions on social issues, such as abortion and gay rights.
Other Republican candidates also are presenting themselves as Clinton stoppers, taking frequent verbal shots at the former first lady, who energizes conservative GOP voters in visceral opposition.
Despite the candidates’ bravado, the Republican Party is in a predicament.