Former New York City Mayor Rudy
Giuliani likes Rick Santorum on foreign policy and the economy but is
opposed to his approach on social issues.
Appearing Friday on CNN, Giuliani gave
Santorum a tepid endorsement.
“I like Rick's approach to foreign
policy. I like Rick's approach to the economy. We have big
differences on social issues. That's why I'm a moderate Republican.
That's why I couldn't get nominated, if I ran,” Giuliani said.
Santorum is considered the GOP
presidential field's most vocal opponent of gay rights, while
Giuliani has previously said he
supports civil unions for gay and lesbian couples.
“I'm concerned about how do we get
back the Northeast as a voting block, when we seem to be not modern
enough on social issues.”
“I think the biggest problem right now …
I think the gay rights issue is a more current one right now. And I
think beyond all the religious and social part of it, it makes the
party look like it isn't a modern party. It doesn't understand the
modern world,” Giuliani added. (Watch
the exchange at CNN.)
(Related: Rick
Santorum opposes civil unions for gay couples.)