Yesterday in my post on Rudy Giuliani, I delicately asked what in God’s good name have been going on with America’s mayor and why has he stumbled so dramatically the past week. I posited three theories – 1) That he was disoriented by the weirdo media-types he was confronted with; 2) He thinks he already has the nomination sewn up and is prematurely tacking leftwards; or 3) He doesn’t really want to be president and is subconsciously trying to undermine his candidacy.

Reader “Name Withheld,” a Rudy fan, provides a response to these theories. I’m publishing his letter because it’s very insightful and better than anything I was going to write so early in the morning.

Theory #1: Rudy was taken aback by Barbara Walters, because her questions are nonsense. And Rudy was taken aback by Dana Bash, because, well, Dana's hot. Are you telling me that you'd be able to stick to the script when confronted with Ms. Bash's sultry smile? (Ed. Note: I don’t think this would be a problem. Now if Kirsten Powers or MKH was doing the questioning…)

Theory #2: Rudy is anything but an exercise in humility. In many ways, that's why I like the guy; I think our country needs a TR right now after eight years of letdowns by the tough-talking, yet often Carteresque Dubya. It's possible that Rudy's Newt-sized ego (Gingrich, not the animal) has gotten a hold of him. He's convinced that Romney's paltry numbers and McCain's paltry funds will prevent either from passing him by. The nomination is his, Rudy thinks, time to play for the center! Bad idea. Really bad idea. 'Specially with Fred Dalton Thompson waiting in the wings.

Theory #3: This is one that I've often entertained, especially given Rudy's late start. Rudy never wanted to run for president, so my theory goes. Oh, he sort of wanted to run, but not really. His heart wasn't in it. He liked private life. Making money for giving speeches was fun. It didn't require a lot of late nights. He got to spend those with his very attractive wife. But said attractive wife wanted to be First Lady a lot more than Rudy wanted to be president. According to my married friends, you pretty much do what your wife tells you in situations like these. (Ed. Note: These and all others, my friend. All others.) Rudy is now tired, and is subconsciously slipping up in the hope that he can go back to giving those nifty speeches again.

Oh, did I mention Fred Thompson's waiting in the wings?

I like Rudy. A lot. I hope he's our nominee. I hope he stops making gaffes. But the guy's starting to make me nervous. How can someone who won two tough-as-nails elections in tough New York make such bizarre missteps?

There you have it. A Rudy fan speaks. (And as a bonus, I did some of my “Honeymooners” shtick.) Rudy wouldn’t be the first guy who ran for president who lacked the fire in the belly. It’s more common than you think.

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