Every presidential candidate brings a unique set of qualifications to the table when they run for office. Some have executive experience, but no foreign policy experience (Giuliani, Romney), while others have extensive experience in foreign policy, but have never been the head of a government (Brownback, McCain, Gingrich). Greg Sargent accurately points out that unless the media keeps everyone’s qualifications in mind, some candidates will unnecessarily be given standing in areas where they have none.

Bottom line: If insiders, reporters and commentators cede Rudy the aura of foreign policy strength based on the sole fact that he was politically fortunate enough to be Mayor of New York on Sept. 11, rather than seriously digging into his lack of a real record on foreign policy, he’ll have a far better shot at the nomination, not to mention the White House. This obviously isn’t the only factor at play, but it certainly is a key one. No mystery here.

My guess is that the press has already ceded foreign policy expertise to Giuliani. Never mind that foreign policy happened to Giuliani on 9/11.

A fair analysis of Giuliani’s foreign policy experience would likely remove the luster of his campaign. Will the traditional media and commentators like Stu Rothenberg, who readily recognizes Romney’s lack of foreign policy experience, exhibit skepticism about Giuliani’s resume? I doubt it.

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