By Toby Harnden in Washington
Last Updated: 1:28am GMT 27/11/2006
Some of the biggest Republican donors to George W Bush's presidential campaigns are backing Rudy Giuliani, the former New York mayor, for the White House as the candidate who can beat Hillary Clinton in 2008.
Over a private lunch of sea bass and hamburgers at New York's 21 Club recently, Mr Giuliani addressed nearly three dozen of the men who helped propel Mr Bush to the presidency. They included "Pioneers", who donated more than $100,000 to Bush campaigns, and "Rangers" who gave at least $200,000.
[excerpt]
Telegraph
Monday, November 27, 2006
Thursday, November 23, 2006
Blog: Giuliani says McCain’s a “Hero”
They are both exploring whether to run for president, but that shouldn’t stop Rudolph Giuliani and Arizona Sen. John McCain from remaining friends – so said the former New York City mayor today in Yonkers.
Journal News reporter Bruce Golding, who was on hand for Giuliani’s press conference, said Giuliani, when pressed by reporters about a possible confrontation with McCain, described the senator as a “great American,” and “one of my heroes.”
Politics on the Hudson
Journal News reporter Bruce Golding, who was on hand for Giuliani’s press conference, said Giuliani, when pressed by reporters about a possible confrontation with McCain, described the senator as a “great American,” and “one of my heroes.”
Politics on the Hudson
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
CNN Poll: Giuliani 33, McCain 30, Romney 9, Gingrich 9
CNN Poll conducted by Opinion Research Corporation. Nov. 17-19, 2006. N=365 registered voters nationwide who are Republicans or lean Republican. MoE ± 5.
Polling Report
Polling Report
NY Times: Giuliani Files to Explore Run for President
On Nov. 15, Mr. Giuliani met in Manhattan with supporters who could form the core of a national fund-raising effort, including Thomas O. Hicks, the owner of the Texas Rangers; Mel M. Immergut, the chairman of the New York law firm Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy; and William E. Simon Jr., an investor who ran for governor of California in 2002.
Mr. Giuliani crisscrossed the country this year, visiting 25 states to campaign with or raise money for Republican candidates, according to his political action committee, Solutions America. But political analysts say his liberal views on social issues like abortion and gay rights could be a liability in a Republican primary.
“Everyone I’ve talked to keeps dismissing him for one reason or another: that he’s from New York, that he’s moderate, that he’s wrong on one social issue or another,” said Frank I. Luntz, a Republican pollster who worked for Mr. Giuliani in his 1993 and 1997 mayoral campaigns. “They don’t know Rudy Giuliani, and they don’t understand the electorate. The public is demanding intelligent leadership and is far more focused on personal attributes of the candidates than on specific policy issues.”
Mr. Luntz said he believed that the midterm elections, which cost Republicans control of Congress, would lead party members to consider an unorthodox candidate like Mr. Giuliani.
“There’s a great fear among the G.O.P. — and it’s a legitimate fear — that they could end up losing everything,” he said. “In times of genuine crisis, leadership matters a heck of a lot more than anything else.”
[Excerpt]
Mr. Giuliani crisscrossed the country this year, visiting 25 states to campaign with or raise money for Republican candidates, according to his political action committee, Solutions America. But political analysts say his liberal views on social issues like abortion and gay rights could be a liability in a Republican primary.
“Everyone I’ve talked to keeps dismissing him for one reason or another: that he’s from New York, that he’s moderate, that he’s wrong on one social issue or another,” said Frank I. Luntz, a Republican pollster who worked for Mr. Giuliani in his 1993 and 1997 mayoral campaigns. “They don’t know Rudy Giuliani, and they don’t understand the electorate. The public is demanding intelligent leadership and is far more focused on personal attributes of the candidates than on specific policy issues.”
Mr. Luntz said he believed that the midterm elections, which cost Republicans control of Congress, would lead party members to consider an unorthodox candidate like Mr. Giuliani.
“There’s a great fear among the G.O.P. — and it’s a legitimate fear — that they could end up losing everything,” he said. “In times of genuine crisis, leadership matters a heck of a lot more than anything else.”
[Excerpt]
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Political Wire: Giuliani Creates Federal Committee
Rudy Giuliani (R) "quietly took another step today toward seeking the Republican nomination for president in 2008. Giuliani filed a statement of organization with the Federal Election Commission setting up a presidential exploratory committee," according to ABC News.
Political Wire
Political Wire
MyrtleBeachOnline: Giuliani's views don't match S.C. GOP's
by LEE BANDY
S.C. Republicans love Rudy Giuliani. But will they go so far as to vote for him for president?
Probably not. Why?
Because the former New York City mayor is a moderate Republican who supports gun control, same-sex civil unions, embryonic stem-cell research and abortion rights stands that put him at odds with the majority of the GOP conservative base.
"We are a pro-life party and proud of it," state Republican Party Chairman Katon Dawson said.
In presidential election years, South Carolina is one of the most Republican states in the nation, ranking up there with Utah and Idaho.
Giuliani spent two days in South Carolina before the mid-term election, campaigning for GOP candidates and raising money for the state party. He drew large, enthusiastic crowds.
"Rudy has been a tremendous asset to us in this election cycle," Dawson said. "Everywhere he went, there were big crowds. I like him."
So do other Republicans.
Dubbed "America's mayor," Giuliani achieved wide recognition for his handling of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on New York. He became a hero in the eyes of many.
The love affair often ends there.
[excerpt]
The Sun News
S.C. Republicans love Rudy Giuliani. But will they go so far as to vote for him for president?
Probably not. Why?
Because the former New York City mayor is a moderate Republican who supports gun control, same-sex civil unions, embryonic stem-cell research and abortion rights stands that put him at odds with the majority of the GOP conservative base.
"We are a pro-life party and proud of it," state Republican Party Chairman Katon Dawson said.
In presidential election years, South Carolina is one of the most Republican states in the nation, ranking up there with Utah and Idaho.
Giuliani spent two days in South Carolina before the mid-term election, campaigning for GOP candidates and raising money for the state party. He drew large, enthusiastic crowds.
"Rudy has been a tremendous asset to us in this election cycle," Dawson said. "Everywhere he went, there were big crowds. I like him."
So do other Republicans.
Dubbed "America's mayor," Giuliani achieved wide recognition for his handling of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on New York. He became a hero in the eyes of many.
The love affair often ends there.
[excerpt]
The Sun News
NRO: Right Rudy
By Deroy Murdock
With his exploratory committee now prospecting for 2008, former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani leads the pack of GOP White House hopefuls. His standing atop numerous polls remains unchallenged. Also, his recent endorsement by some former critics suggests that social conservatives who explore his record might embrace him as president of the United States.
Surveys consistently demonstrate that Giuliani, not Arizona Senator John McCain, is this race’s frontrunner. It’s not even close.
[excerpt]
NRO
With his exploratory committee now prospecting for 2008, former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani leads the pack of GOP White House hopefuls. His standing atop numerous polls remains unchallenged. Also, his recent endorsement by some former critics suggests that social conservatives who explore his record might embrace him as president of the United States.
Surveys consistently demonstrate that Giuliani, not Arizona Senator John McCain, is this race’s frontrunner. It’s not even close.
[excerpt]
NRO
Monday, November 20, 2006
The Washington Times: 'Rudy'to the rescue?
By Deroy Murdock
With his exploratory committee prospecting for 2008, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani leads the GOP's White House hopefuls. His standing atop numerous polls remains unchallenged. Also, his recent endorsement by some former critics suggests social conservatives who explore his record might embrace him as president of the United States.
Surveys consistently demonstrate Mr. Giuliani, not Arizona Sen. John McCain, is this race's front-runner. It's not even close.
In a nationwide Rasmussen Reports survey of 1,050 Republicans and 203 GOP-leaning independents, 24 percent backed Mr. Giuliani while 18 percent chose Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. Mr. McCain, at 17 percent, lags behind Miss Rice, a declared non-candidate. "If we assume Rice is not running and allocate her votes," says pollster Scott Rasmussen, "Giuliani would top McCain 32 percent to 22 percent in the Nov. 4-7 study."
Among likely Republican voters polled in Michigan, Mr. McCain beat Mr. Giuliani 33 percent to 25. Rudy romped elsewhere in Strategic Vision's Nov. 6 survey. Mr. Giuliani outran Mr. McCain by 9 points in Georgia (33 percent to 24); 19 in Florida (46 percent to 27) and Washington state (42 percent to 23); 22 in New Jersey (47 percent to 25); and 23 points in Pennsylvania (47 percent to 24). Gov. Mitt Romney of Massachusetts scored, at best, a distant third in these states.
A Clemson University poll of South Carolina Republicans and GOP-leaners revealed Mr. Giuliani's enormous 68 percent net-favorable rating (78 percent favorable minus 10 percent unfavorable). Mr. McCain's equivalent figure was 42 percent (65 favorable, less 23 percent unfavorable). These figures don't surprise Rasmussen.
"Giuliani has the highest net-favorable ratings of any candidate on whom we've been polling," he says. "Giuliani's higher than McCain and higher than Hillary Clinton. He's even higher than Bill Clinton."
Still, Mr. Giuliani had limited Election Day impact. Among Senate candidates he assisted, 32 percent won, the New York Post reports, as did 38 percent of his House endorsees. While these are not huge numbers, few Republicans enjoyed huge numbers Nov. 7.
Nevetheless, conservatives should appreciate Mr. Giuliani's tireless campaigning. At rallies, press conferences and individual and party fund-raisers, he stumped with Republicans in 25 states this year and reportedly donated $1.2 million to 55 candidates. Except for Nov. 1, Mr. Giuliani was on the hustings daily from Oct. 30 through Nov. 7 and did 30 events for state-legislative, gubernatorial and congressional nominees.
Alas, most incumbents and challengers Mr. Giuliani supported drowned in the Democratic tsunami. But other Republicans he championed swam to safety, such as South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford and Arizona Sen. Jon Kyl.
SayNoToRudy.Org's online retreat also impresses. As the Ohio-based Web site's self-described social-conservative organizers stated Nov. 5:
"We sought to do everything legally possible to prevent [Mr. Giuliani] from becoming the Republican presidential nominee. ... Unexpectedly, as we began to see more and more of who Mr. Giuliani really is... we found that Mr. Giuliani is truly a committed Republican and an accomplished conservative on many issues. ... Therefore, the creators of this organization, with much humility and apology, beyond all probability, hereby announce that we are willing to endorse Mr. Giuliani for the Presidency in 2008."
Despite widespread misinformation about how "liberal" Mr. Giuliani is, this group's 180-degree reversal shows what can happen when conservatives scrutinize Mr. Giuliani's entire performance. Mr. Giuliani chopped overall crime 57 percent, slashed homicide 65 percent, graduated 649,895 New Yorkers ( 58.4 percent of relief recipients) from welfare to work, curbed or abolished 23 taxes, sliced the tax burden by $8 billion or 18.9 percent of personal income, halted racial and gender quotas in contracting, delivered 25,637 children from foster care to adoption, privatized some 23,000 apartments from bureaucratic control to individual and family ownership, and financed charter schools while fighting for vouchers. Some liberal.
Yes, America's Mayor must comfort Republican primary voters on abortion, homosexual rights and guns. He might do this by advocating parental consent for minors who have abortions, and opposing partial-birth abortion and subsidized embryonic stem-cell research. (Can't drug companies fund this?) He could outline his longtime opposition to same-sex "marriage" and promise to nominate constitutionalist judges who respect the Second Amendment. If Rudy Giuliani did this, his Reaganesque approach to nearly every other issue -- plus his tough leadership, counterterrorism credentials and communications prowess -- could make him irresistible in 2008.
Deroy Murdock is a columnist with Scripps Howard News Service and a media fellow with Stanford University's Hoover Institution.
With his exploratory committee prospecting for 2008, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani leads the GOP's White House hopefuls. His standing atop numerous polls remains unchallenged. Also, his recent endorsement by some former critics suggests social conservatives who explore his record might embrace him as president of the United States.
Surveys consistently demonstrate Mr. Giuliani, not Arizona Sen. John McCain, is this race's front-runner. It's not even close.
In a nationwide Rasmussen Reports survey of 1,050 Republicans and 203 GOP-leaning independents, 24 percent backed Mr. Giuliani while 18 percent chose Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. Mr. McCain, at 17 percent, lags behind Miss Rice, a declared non-candidate. "If we assume Rice is not running and allocate her votes," says pollster Scott Rasmussen, "Giuliani would top McCain 32 percent to 22 percent in the Nov. 4-7 study."
Among likely Republican voters polled in Michigan, Mr. McCain beat Mr. Giuliani 33 percent to 25. Rudy romped elsewhere in Strategic Vision's Nov. 6 survey. Mr. Giuliani outran Mr. McCain by 9 points in Georgia (33 percent to 24); 19 in Florida (46 percent to 27) and Washington state (42 percent to 23); 22 in New Jersey (47 percent to 25); and 23 points in Pennsylvania (47 percent to 24). Gov. Mitt Romney of Massachusetts scored, at best, a distant third in these states.
A Clemson University poll of South Carolina Republicans and GOP-leaners revealed Mr. Giuliani's enormous 68 percent net-favorable rating (78 percent favorable minus 10 percent unfavorable). Mr. McCain's equivalent figure was 42 percent (65 favorable, less 23 percent unfavorable). These figures don't surprise Rasmussen.
"Giuliani has the highest net-favorable ratings of any candidate on whom we've been polling," he says. "Giuliani's higher than McCain and higher than Hillary Clinton. He's even higher than Bill Clinton."
Still, Mr. Giuliani had limited Election Day impact. Among Senate candidates he assisted, 32 percent won, the New York Post reports, as did 38 percent of his House endorsees. While these are not huge numbers, few Republicans enjoyed huge numbers Nov. 7.
Nevetheless, conservatives should appreciate Mr. Giuliani's tireless campaigning. At rallies, press conferences and individual and party fund-raisers, he stumped with Republicans in 25 states this year and reportedly donated $1.2 million to 55 candidates. Except for Nov. 1, Mr. Giuliani was on the hustings daily from Oct. 30 through Nov. 7 and did 30 events for state-legislative, gubernatorial and congressional nominees.
Alas, most incumbents and challengers Mr. Giuliani supported drowned in the Democratic tsunami. But other Republicans he championed swam to safety, such as South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford and Arizona Sen. Jon Kyl.
SayNoToRudy.Org's online retreat also impresses. As the Ohio-based Web site's self-described social-conservative organizers stated Nov. 5:
"We sought to do everything legally possible to prevent [Mr. Giuliani] from becoming the Republican presidential nominee. ... Unexpectedly, as we began to see more and more of who Mr. Giuliani really is... we found that Mr. Giuliani is truly a committed Republican and an accomplished conservative on many issues. ... Therefore, the creators of this organization, with much humility and apology, beyond all probability, hereby announce that we are willing to endorse Mr. Giuliani for the Presidency in 2008."
Despite widespread misinformation about how "liberal" Mr. Giuliani is, this group's 180-degree reversal shows what can happen when conservatives scrutinize Mr. Giuliani's entire performance. Mr. Giuliani chopped overall crime 57 percent, slashed homicide 65 percent, graduated 649,895 New Yorkers ( 58.4 percent of relief recipients) from welfare to work, curbed or abolished 23 taxes, sliced the tax burden by $8 billion or 18.9 percent of personal income, halted racial and gender quotas in contracting, delivered 25,637 children from foster care to adoption, privatized some 23,000 apartments from bureaucratic control to individual and family ownership, and financed charter schools while fighting for vouchers. Some liberal.
Yes, America's Mayor must comfort Republican primary voters on abortion, homosexual rights and guns. He might do this by advocating parental consent for minors who have abortions, and opposing partial-birth abortion and subsidized embryonic stem-cell research. (Can't drug companies fund this?) He could outline his longtime opposition to same-sex "marriage" and promise to nominate constitutionalist judges who respect the Second Amendment. If Rudy Giuliani did this, his Reaganesque approach to nearly every other issue -- plus his tough leadership, counterterrorism credentials and communications prowess -- could make him irresistible in 2008.
Deroy Murdock is a columnist with Scripps Howard News Service and a media fellow with Stanford University's Hoover Institution.
Poll: Giuliani behind with conservatives
Free Republic Opinion Poll: Giuliani Takes Steps to Prep for Presidential Bid in 2008! Would you be for or against Rudy Giuliani for president?
Poll - current results
NY Post: CRITICS TO KICK RUDY PATOOTIE
November 20, 2006 -- Some of Rudy Giuliani's fiercest city critics are set to launch "swift boat"-type strikes to inform voters around the nation about the former mayor's behavior before 9/11, The Post has learned.
"There have already been some informal discussions by people who were very involved [in] some of the controversies during the Giuliani era," said civil-rights lawyer Norman Siegel.
Indeed, there are a number of issues that could weigh Giuliani down as he tries to move from being "America's Mayor" to America's president.
NY Post
"There have already been some informal discussions by people who were very involved [in] some of the controversies during the Giuliani era," said civil-rights lawyer Norman Siegel.
Indeed, there are a number of issues that could weigh Giuliani down as he tries to move from being "America's Mayor" to America's president.
NY Post
Friday, November 17, 2006
The first 2008 presidential debate on May 15, 2007
COLUMBIA, S.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--FOX News and the South Carolina Republican Party have jointly announced that they will present the first 2008 presidential debate on May 15, 2007. The debate, which is expected to attract the top Republican contenders for President, will be shown live on FOX News Channel (FNC) and FOX News Radio from the University of South Carolina’s Koger Center.
Giuliani assembles high-powered donors
BETH FOUHY
Associated Press
NEW YORK - Republican Rudy Giuliani has assembled a group of high-powered business executives, including billionaire Texas oil mogul T. Boone Pickens, to raise money as the former New York City mayor weighs a full-blown presidential bid.
Giuliani headlined a meeting of the finance committee in New York on Wednesday. The group will be chaired by Roy Bailey, a former finance chairman for the Texas Republican Party and a founding member of Giuliani Partners, the former mayor's consulting firm.
"It's a group of very committed people who hope the mayor's exploratory committee leads to other things," Bailey said in an interview.
Giuliani assembles high-powered donors
Associated Press
NEW YORK - Republican Rudy Giuliani has assembled a group of high-powered business executives, including billionaire Texas oil mogul T. Boone Pickens, to raise money as the former New York City mayor weighs a full-blown presidential bid.
Giuliani headlined a meeting of the finance committee in New York on Wednesday. The group will be chaired by Roy Bailey, a former finance chairman for the Texas Republican Party and a founding member of Giuliani Partners, the former mayor's consulting firm.
"It's a group of very committed people who hope the mayor's exploratory committee leads to other things," Bailey said in an interview.
Giuliani assembles high-powered donors
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Human Events: Giuliani Sits Pretty After GOP's Ugly Mid-Term Loss
by Deroy Murdock
Posted Nov 16, 2006
Where Do Conservative Christians Go From Here?
With his exploratory committee now prospecting for 2008, former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani leads the GOP’s White House hopefuls. His standing atop numerous polls remains unchallenged. Also, his recent endorsement by some former critics suggests that social conservatives who explore his record might embrace him as president of the United States.
Surveys consistently demonstrate that Giuliani, not Arizona Senator John McCain, is this race’s front-runner. It’s not even close.
Human Events
Posted Nov 16, 2006
Where Do Conservative Christians Go From Here?
With his exploratory committee now prospecting for 2008, former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani leads the GOP’s White House hopefuls. His standing atop numerous polls remains unchallenged. Also, his recent endorsement by some former critics suggests that social conservatives who explore his record might embrace him as president of the United States.
Surveys consistently demonstrate that Giuliani, not Arizona Senator John McCain, is this race’s front-runner. It’s not even close.
Human Events
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
NY Daily News: GOP's pain is Giuliani's Gain
By FRED SIEGEL
Last week's elections were, of course, disastrous for Republicans. But the dark day for the Bush presidency was a bright day for Rudy Giuliani's 2008 aspirations. Now that Giuliani has announced a presidential exploratory committee, it's worth sizing up just how good the news was for our ex-mayor - and what it means for his designs on the White House.
If the GOP had won last week by once again mobilizing its socially conservative base, that would have reduced the chances for the socially moderate Giuliani in 2008. But what happened was that key swing voters - Reagan Democrats and former Ross Perot supporters - turned to the Democrats in droves.
New York Daily News
Last week's elections were, of course, disastrous for Republicans. But the dark day for the Bush presidency was a bright day for Rudy Giuliani's 2008 aspirations. Now that Giuliani has announced a presidential exploratory committee, it's worth sizing up just how good the news was for our ex-mayor - and what it means for his designs on the White House.
If the GOP had won last week by once again mobilizing its socially conservative base, that would have reduced the chances for the socially moderate Giuliani in 2008. But what happened was that key swing voters - Reagan Democrats and former Ross Perot supporters - turned to the Democrats in droves.
New York Daily News
Blog: Rudy at 90 Percent
Steve Malanga, senior fellow at Giuliani's preferred think tank, the Manhattan Institute, thinks that Rudy Giuliani's formation of a exploratory committee for president was as good as an official declaration. Almost.
"Having talked to some of the people in Rudy's administration, I think they give it up to 90 percent chance that he will run," said Malanga. "The odds seem to be in favor of it."
The New York Observer
"Having talked to some of the people in Rudy's administration, I think they give it up to 90 percent chance that he will run," said Malanga. "The odds seem to be in favor of it."
The New York Observer
CNSNews: Giuliani 'Unacceptable' for President, Conservatives Say
By Randy Hall
CNSNews.com Staff Writer/Editor
(CNSNews.com) - Former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani enjoys "a lot of good will" from Republicans from his handling of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, but his stance on social issues like abortion and gun control make him an unacceptable candidate in the 2008 presidential election, according to conservative analysts.
CNSNews.com
CNSNews.com Staff Writer/Editor
(CNSNews.com) - Former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani enjoys "a lot of good will" from Republicans from his handling of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, but his stance on social issues like abortion and gun control make him an unacceptable candidate in the 2008 presidential election, according to conservative analysts.
CNSNews.com
Blog: Count Me in the Giuliani Camp
By Debbie Schlussel
Every day, I'm asked whom I'm supporting for President in 2008. I've looked over the potential candidates, and on the Republican side, I believe the best, by far, is Rudy Giuliani, who took the first step toward a run, yesterday, with an exploratory committee.
(On the Democratic side, the best guy who's been talked about as a Presidential contender is Senator Evan Bayh from Indiana, who truly understands the Islamic threat and is a more moderate Democrat--which is why he'll never get the nomination.)
Yes, I'm pro-life and against gay rights, where Giuliani shares neither of my views on these issues. But, to me, the terrorism issue is far more important, #1 on the list. Right now, we have a President who is pro-life, against gay rights, and pretends to be the "Counterterrorism Prez." But, actually, he's done nothing substantive on any of these issues.
Debbie Schlussel
Every day, I'm asked whom I'm supporting for President in 2008. I've looked over the potential candidates, and on the Republican side, I believe the best, by far, is Rudy Giuliani, who took the first step toward a run, yesterday, with an exploratory committee.
(On the Democratic side, the best guy who's been talked about as a Presidential contender is Senator Evan Bayh from Indiana, who truly understands the Islamic threat and is a more moderate Democrat--which is why he'll never get the nomination.)
Yes, I'm pro-life and against gay rights, where Giuliani shares neither of my views on these issues. But, to me, the terrorism issue is far more important, #1 on the list. Right now, we have a President who is pro-life, against gay rights, and pretends to be the "Counterterrorism Prez." But, actually, he's done nothing substantive on any of these issues.
Debbie Schlussel
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Draft Rudy Giuliani For President Begins Radio Ads in Key States
(Chicago, IL) One year after its formation, Draft Rudy Giuliani for President announced today that it has begun airing radio ads in Iowa and New Hampshire encouraging Mayor Giuliani to run for president in 2008.
"With the mid-term elections now over, Americans are already thinking about 2008," said Draft Rudy Giuliani spokesman, Allen Fore. "Mayor Giuliani has a demonstrated record of success and is exactly the kind of leader that people are looking for right now."
The sixty-second spot focuses on Mayor Giuliani's heroism after the events of September 11, 2001, and on his ability to cut through partisan politics in a divided Washington. The script of the ad reads, in part:
At times of crisis, Americans look to their leaders for strength, hope, and leadership. Five years ago, Americans looked to our president first, but we also looked to another man to help guide us through the darkness, Mayor Rudolph Giuliani. He wasn't just the mayor of New York, he was America's mayor . . . Rudy Giuliani has shown us what it takes to lead in the toughest of circumstances.
As America begins to focus on who will be our next president, we want change. We want someone who will rise above partisan politics and get things done . . . Please join us in asking Rudy Giuliani to run for president of the United States. We need his steady hand and his steadfast leadership. Sign a petition to draft Rudy Giuliani for President at draftrudygiuliani.com. Draft Rudy Giuliani for President is a federal committee filed with the Federal Election Commission and cannot, by law, coordinate its efforts with Mayor Giuliani.
"This is an all-volunteer effort," added Fore. "The thousands of people who have signed our petition online at www.draftrudygiuliani.com have already shown us that there is strong support for a Giuliani candidacy. And we want to do everything we can to encourage Mayor Giuliani to run for president. American would be well-served by having Rudy Giuliani in the White House."
The mayor has stated publicly that he will make a final decision about a 2008 presidential bid either later this year or in early 2007. Just yesterday, it was announced that he has officially begun the process of exploring a run.
###
The first radio ad, "We Needed Him Then, We Need Him Now," can be heard and downloaded online at:
Rudy Ad
"With the mid-term elections now over, Americans are already thinking about 2008," said Draft Rudy Giuliani spokesman, Allen Fore. "Mayor Giuliani has a demonstrated record of success and is exactly the kind of leader that people are looking for right now."
The sixty-second spot focuses on Mayor Giuliani's heroism after the events of September 11, 2001, and on his ability to cut through partisan politics in a divided Washington. The script of the ad reads, in part:
At times of crisis, Americans look to their leaders for strength, hope, and leadership. Five years ago, Americans looked to our president first, but we also looked to another man to help guide us through the darkness, Mayor Rudolph Giuliani. He wasn't just the mayor of New York, he was America's mayor . . . Rudy Giuliani has shown us what it takes to lead in the toughest of circumstances.
As America begins to focus on who will be our next president, we want change. We want someone who will rise above partisan politics and get things done . . . Please join us in asking Rudy Giuliani to run for president of the United States. We need his steady hand and his steadfast leadership. Sign a petition to draft Rudy Giuliani for President at draftrudygiuliani.com. Draft Rudy Giuliani for President is a federal committee filed with the Federal Election Commission and cannot, by law, coordinate its efforts with Mayor Giuliani.
"This is an all-volunteer effort," added Fore. "The thousands of people who have signed our petition online at www.draftrudygiuliani.com have already shown us that there is strong support for a Giuliani candidacy. And we want to do everything we can to encourage Mayor Giuliani to run for president. American would be well-served by having Rudy Giuliani in the White House."
The mayor has stated publicly that he will make a final decision about a 2008 presidential bid either later this year or in early 2007. Just yesterday, it was announced that he has officially begun the process of exploring a run.
###
The first radio ad, "We Needed Him Then, We Need Him Now," can be heard and downloaded online at:
Rudy Ad
DNC Statement on Giuliani's Potential Presidential Bid
The Democratic National Committee issued the following statement in response to news that former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani may seek the GOP nomination for President:
"It's unclear whether or not Rudy Giuliani will be able to just 'explain away' the fact that he's consistently taken positions that are completely opposite to the conservative Republican base on issues they hold near and dear," said Democratic National Committee Communications Director Karen Finney. "Throughout his career Giuliani has tried to paint himself as a moderate, but now that he's vying for his Party's nomination will he undergo an extreme makeover in an attempt to cozy up to the far-right?"
Giuliani Was A Registered Democrat For Much Of His Life. Giuliani registered as a Democrat and even served as a party committeeman on Long Island when he was 21. [U.S. News & World Report, 3/23/87; USA Today, 12/20/99]
Giuliani Is Pro-Choice. When asked to respond to social issues on CNN's Inside Politics, Giuliani replied, "I'm pro-choice." [CNN, 12/2/99]
Giuliani Doesn't Support A Ban On Partial-Birth Abortions. When asked whether he supported a ban on what critics call partial-birth abortions, Giuliani replied, "No, I have not supported that, and I don't see my position on that changing." Giuliani also told The Albany Times Union that he would not support a ban on late-term. Moreover, when asked "If you were in the Senate and he [President Clinton] vetoed the so-called partial-birth abortion procedure.you would support the president on that." Giuliani replied: "Yes. I said I then that I support him, so I have no reason to change my mind about it." [CNN, 12/2/99; New York Times, 11/26/99; CNN Late Edition with Wolf Blitzer, 2/6/00]
Giuliani Identified Himself As Pro-Gay Rights and Supports Civil Unions and Gay Benefits. When asked to respond to social issues on CNN's Inside Politics, Giuliani replied, "I'm pro-choice. I'm pro-gay rights." When asked whether marriage should be between a man and a woman, Giuliani agreed, but stated "I supported civil unions, however, partnerships, and I signed that legislation when I was mayor of New York City. The distinction is that you protect people's rights."[CNN, 12/2/99; Hardball, 10/13/04]
Giuliani Opposed Bush Tax Cut. "Although Mr. Giuliani is running as pro-gun control, pro-abortion-rights Republican who likes tax cuts, he did shy away yesterday from the large tax cut proposal of his political benefactor, George W. Bush, which has been criticized as too large and favorable toward the rich." [New York Times, 2/04/00]
Giuliani Announced a Publicly Funded Voucher Plan That Would Have Taken $12 Million Out of New York City Public Schools. In his State of the City address in January 1999, Giuliani proposed paying for a school voucher program with City money. In his FY2000 Preliminary Executive Budget, Giuliani proposed spending $12 million over two years to establish the administrative structure for a voucher program in a volunteer school district so as many as 3,000 public school students could attend private and parochial schools in the city. "The money would be distributed through [Giuliani's] office to avoid involving Schools Chancellor Rudy Crew, who opposes the idea," according to The New York Times. At a speech in Miami in March, 1999, The New York Times reported that, "Mr. Giuliani, who is in the midst of considering his political future, has adopted the national Republican Party's enthusiasm for school vouchers. On Sunday, while delivering a speech in Miami, for example, he called it "the most important thing that has to be done with education in America." [New York Times, 4/26/99; 3/4/99]
Giuliani Refused To Endorse Minimum Wage Increase. Giuliani declined to endorse an increase in the minimum wage to $6.50 from $5.50, pending studies that he said were necessary to make certain that a higher rate would not lead to the elimination of many low-paying jobs. [New York Times, 10/17/99]
Giuliani Said It Would Be a "Good Thing" If the Poor Left the City; Said That Was His Welfare Strategy. In April 1995, Rudy Giuliani said that many poor New Yorkers could be forced to leave New York City as a consequence of his welfare reforms, and that it "would be a good thing." WNYC radio then reported that Giuliani said in a press briefing, "That's not an unspoken part of the strategy. That is our strategy." The mayor denied these comments and offered to play them back, but his communications director had not taped the session. [Newsday, 4/29/95]
Source URL: http://www.democrats.org/a/2006/11/dnc_statement_o_9.php
"It's unclear whether or not Rudy Giuliani will be able to just 'explain away' the fact that he's consistently taken positions that are completely opposite to the conservative Republican base on issues they hold near and dear," said Democratic National Committee Communications Director Karen Finney. "Throughout his career Giuliani has tried to paint himself as a moderate, but now that he's vying for his Party's nomination will he undergo an extreme makeover in an attempt to cozy up to the far-right?"
Giuliani Was A Registered Democrat For Much Of His Life. Giuliani registered as a Democrat and even served as a party committeeman on Long Island when he was 21. [U.S. News & World Report, 3/23/87; USA Today, 12/20/99]
Giuliani Is Pro-Choice. When asked to respond to social issues on CNN's Inside Politics, Giuliani replied, "I'm pro-choice." [CNN, 12/2/99]
Giuliani Doesn't Support A Ban On Partial-Birth Abortions. When asked whether he supported a ban on what critics call partial-birth abortions, Giuliani replied, "No, I have not supported that, and I don't see my position on that changing." Giuliani also told The Albany Times Union that he would not support a ban on late-term. Moreover, when asked "If you were in the Senate and he [President Clinton] vetoed the so-called partial-birth abortion procedure.you would support the president on that." Giuliani replied: "Yes. I said I then that I support him, so I have no reason to change my mind about it." [CNN, 12/2/99; New York Times, 11/26/99; CNN Late Edition with Wolf Blitzer, 2/6/00]
Giuliani Identified Himself As Pro-Gay Rights and Supports Civil Unions and Gay Benefits. When asked to respond to social issues on CNN's Inside Politics, Giuliani replied, "I'm pro-choice. I'm pro-gay rights." When asked whether marriage should be between a man and a woman, Giuliani agreed, but stated "I supported civil unions, however, partnerships, and I signed that legislation when I was mayor of New York City. The distinction is that you protect people's rights."[CNN, 12/2/99; Hardball, 10/13/04]
Giuliani Opposed Bush Tax Cut. "Although Mr. Giuliani is running as pro-gun control, pro-abortion-rights Republican who likes tax cuts, he did shy away yesterday from the large tax cut proposal of his political benefactor, George W. Bush, which has been criticized as too large and favorable toward the rich." [New York Times, 2/04/00]
Giuliani Announced a Publicly Funded Voucher Plan That Would Have Taken $12 Million Out of New York City Public Schools. In his State of the City address in January 1999, Giuliani proposed paying for a school voucher program with City money. In his FY2000 Preliminary Executive Budget, Giuliani proposed spending $12 million over two years to establish the administrative structure for a voucher program in a volunteer school district so as many as 3,000 public school students could attend private and parochial schools in the city. "The money would be distributed through [Giuliani's] office to avoid involving Schools Chancellor Rudy Crew, who opposes the idea," according to The New York Times. At a speech in Miami in March, 1999, The New York Times reported that, "Mr. Giuliani, who is in the midst of considering his political future, has adopted the national Republican Party's enthusiasm for school vouchers. On Sunday, while delivering a speech in Miami, for example, he called it "the most important thing that has to be done with education in America." [New York Times, 4/26/99; 3/4/99]
Giuliani Refused To Endorse Minimum Wage Increase. Giuliani declined to endorse an increase in the minimum wage to $6.50 from $5.50, pending studies that he said were necessary to make certain that a higher rate would not lead to the elimination of many low-paying jobs. [New York Times, 10/17/99]
Giuliani Said It Would Be a "Good Thing" If the Poor Left the City; Said That Was His Welfare Strategy. In April 1995, Rudy Giuliani said that many poor New Yorkers could be forced to leave New York City as a consequence of his welfare reforms, and that it "would be a good thing." WNYC radio then reported that Giuliani said in a press briefing, "That's not an unspoken part of the strategy. That is our strategy." The mayor denied these comments and offered to play them back, but his communications director had not taped the session. [Newsday, 4/29/95]
Source URL: http://www.democrats.org/a/2006/11/dnc_statement_o_9.php
FORBES: President Rudy Giuliani?
Nathan Vardi 11.14.06, 12:25 PM ET
Rudolph W. Giuliani's recent move to create a presidential exploratory committee is only the latest maneuver in his methodical plan to mount a serious White House bid. The purpose of his committee, as his New York state filing puts it, may be only "to conduct federal 'testing-the-waters' activity," but Giuliani's actions suggest he’ll be a candidate in 2008.
[excerpt]
President Rudy Giuliani?
Rudolph W. Giuliani's recent move to create a presidential exploratory committee is only the latest maneuver in his methodical plan to mount a serious White House bid. The purpose of his committee, as his New York state filing puts it, may be only "to conduct federal 'testing-the-waters' activity," but Giuliani's actions suggest he’ll be a candidate in 2008.
[excerpt]
President Rudy Giuliani?
Poll: Giuliani Leads McCain for GOP Nomination
Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani (R) made it official on Monday, filing paperwork to launch a 2008 Presidential campaign.
The action comes as Giuliani is the top choice of Republican voters nationwide earning support from 24% of likely GOP voters. Senator John McCain (R), considered by many insiders to have the early advantage, and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice are close on Giuliani’s heels.
Poll: Giuliani Leads McCain for GOP Nomination
The action comes as Giuliani is the top choice of Republican voters nationwide earning support from 24% of likely GOP voters. Senator John McCain (R), considered by many insiders to have the early advantage, and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice are close on Giuliani’s heels.
Poll: Giuliani Leads McCain for GOP Nomination
Monday, November 13, 2006
CNN: Giuliani takes first step toward '08 presidential bid
NEW YORK (CNN) -- Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, known for his apt leadership after the attacks of September 11, 2001, took the first step toward a possible 2008 presidential bid by forming an exploratory committee.
Giuliani has not officially decided whether to run, said committee treasurer John Gross in a statement.
"We have taken the necessary legal steps so an organization can be put in place and money can be raised," Gross said. (Watch how Giuliani will be pondering a presidential run "quite a bit" -- 1:44 Video)
A document from the New York Department of State says Giuliani made the initial filing Friday.
Paperwork filed with the department said the committee's purpose is "to conduct federal 'testing-the-waters' activities under the Federal Election Campaign Act."
CNN: Giuliani takes first step toward '08 presidential bid
Giuliani has not officially decided whether to run, said committee treasurer John Gross in a statement.
"We have taken the necessary legal steps so an organization can be put in place and money can be raised," Gross said. (Watch how Giuliani will be pondering a presidential run "quite a bit" -- 1:44 Video)
A document from the New York Department of State says Giuliani made the initial filing Friday.
Paperwork filed with the department said the committee's purpose is "to conduct federal 'testing-the-waters' activities under the Federal Election Campaign Act."
CNN: Giuliani takes first step toward '08 presidential bid
NYTimes: Giuliani Takes First Step Toward Presidential Bid
By SEWELL CHAN
Published: November 13, 2006
Rudolph W. Giuliani, the former mayor of New York City, has taken the first step toward mounting a presidential candidacy, forming an organization on Friday to explore a White House run.
Mr. Giuliani stopped short of filing documents with the Federal Election Commission to create a presidential campaign committee, a step that Gov. Tom Vilsack of Iowa, a Democrat, has taken. Instead, he filed to form a nonprofit group in New York State. Other politicians, like Senator John McCain, Republican of Arizona, have said they planned to file.
“Mayor Giuliani has not made a decision yet,” John H. Gross, a lawyer at Proskauer Rose and a former campaign treasurer for Mr. Giuliani, said in a statement. “With the filing of this document, we have taken the necessary legal steps so an organization can be put in place and money can be raised to explore a possible presidential run in 2008.”
[excerpt]
Published: November 13, 2006
Rudolph W. Giuliani, the former mayor of New York City, has taken the first step toward mounting a presidential candidacy, forming an organization on Friday to explore a White House run.
Mr. Giuliani stopped short of filing documents with the Federal Election Commission to create a presidential campaign committee, a step that Gov. Tom Vilsack of Iowa, a Democrat, has taken. Instead, he filed to form a nonprofit group in New York State. Other politicians, like Senator John McCain, Republican of Arizona, have said they planned to file.
“Mayor Giuliani has not made a decision yet,” John H. Gross, a lawyer at Proskauer Rose and a former campaign treasurer for Mr. Giuliani, said in a statement. “With the filing of this document, we have taken the necessary legal steps so an organization can be put in place and money can be raised to explore a possible presidential run in 2008.”
[excerpt]
Rudy Giuliani
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Born May 28, 1944
Brooklyn, New York
Residence New York
Office Mayor of New York City
Term 1994 – 2001
Predecessor David N. Dinkins
Successor Michael R. Bloomberg
Political party Republican
Religion Roman Catholic
Spouse Judith Nathan
Children Andrew, Caroline, Whitney
Website: http://www.solutionsamerica.com/
Rudolph William Louis "Rudy" Giuliani III, (born May 28, 1944, in Brooklyn, New York) served as the Mayor of New York City from January 1, 1994, through December 31, 2001. He is currently Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Giuliani Partners LLC, which he founded in January 2002, and a name partner in the Houston-based law firm Bracewell & Giuliani LLP. During his two terms as mayor of NYC, crime rates dropped dramatically. His popularity was elevated during the September 11 terrorist attacks in New York. [2][3]
Since leaving office as Mayor of New York, Giuliani has spent large amounts of his time campaigning for Republican candidates for political offices at all levels. In 2004, for example, he was one of the keynote speakers of the Republican National Convention. On June 13, 2006, Giuliani started a website called Solutions America ostensibly to help elect Republican candidates around the nation, but which might also be part of a framework of a 2008 presidential run. On November 13, 2006, Giuliani announced that he has launched an exploratory committee to consider a run for president in 2008.[1]
Giuliani is married to Judith Nathan in his third marriage. He has two children, Andrew and Caroline, from a marriage with Donna Hanover, and one stepdaughter, Whitney, from the relationship with Nathan. Giuliani was also previously married to Regina Peruggi.
Contents
[hide]
* 1 Early career
* 2 Mayoralty
o 2.1 1993 campaign and election
o 2.2 Crime control
o 2.3 Urban reconstruction
o 2.4 Media management
o 2.5 Run for United States Senate
o 2.6 Opposition to Brooklyn Museum art exhibit
o 2.7 Role during 9/11 attack
+ 2.7.1 Image
+ 2.7.2 Effect on 2001 local elections
+ 2.7.3 Time Person of the Year
* 3 Post-mayoralty
o 3.1 Consulting
o 3.2 Commercial endorsement
o 3.3 2004
o 3.4 2005
o 3.5 2006
* 4 Anticipated 2008 presidential campaign
* 5 Electoral history
* 6 Further reading
* 7 See also
* 8 External links
* 9 Notes
[edit] Early career
Giuliani was born in Brooklyn, New York to Harold Angelo Giuliani and Helen C. D'Avanzo, the children of Italian immigrants. He was raised in Garden City South on Long Island and attended Manhattan College before graduating from New York University School of Law magna cum laude in 1968. Upon graduation, he clerked for Judge Lloyd MacMahon, United States District Judge for the Southern District of New York.
In 1970, Giuliani joined the Office of the US Attorney. In 1973, he was named Chief of the Narcotics Unit and rose to serve as executive US Attorney. In 1975, Giuliani was recruited to Washington, D.C., where he was named Associate Deputy Attorney General and chief of staff to the Deputy Attorney General. His first high-profile prosecution was of Congressman Bert Podell, who was convicted of corruption. From 1977 to 1981, Giuliani practiced law at the Patterson, Belknap, Webb and Tyler law firm.
In 1981, Giuliani was named Associate Attorney General, placing him in the third-highest position in the Department of Justice. As Associate Attorney General, Giuliani supervised all of the US Attorney Offices' Federal law enforcement agencies, the Department of Corrections, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the United States Marshals Service.
In a well-publicized 1982 case, Giuliani testified in defense of the federal government "detention posture" of interning over 2,000 unlawfully-immigrated Haitian refugees in refugee camps, at one point stating that there was "no political repression" under President Jean-Claude "Baby Doc" Duvalier.[4]
In 1983, Giuliani was appointed U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York. It was in this position that he first gained national prominence by prosecuting numerous high-profile cases, including the successful prosecutions of Wall Street figures Ivan Boesky and Michael Milken for insider trading.
Giuliani attracted some criticism for arranging very public arrests of people, then dropping charges for lack of evidence rather than going to trial. He also spearheaded the effort to jail drug dealers, combat organized crime, break the web of corruption in government, and prosecute white-collar criminals. He amassed a record of 4,152 convictions with only 25 reversals.
It was in 1983 that Giuliani indicted Marc Rich on charges of tax evasion and making illegal oil deals with Iran during the hostage crisis. Rich fled the United States to avoid prosecution, and was controversially pardoned by President Bill Clinton in 2001.[5]
In 1984, Giuliani indicted Paul Castellano for racketeering and involvement in the La Cosa Nostra Commission.
Giuliani was U.S. Attorney until January 1989, resigning as the Reagan administration ended. He then joined the law firm White & Case in New York City, as a partner. He remained with White & Case until May 1990, when he joined the law firm Anderson Kill Olick & Oshinsky, also in New York City.
Giuliani first ran for New York City Mayor as the candidate of both the Republican and Liberal parties, attempting to succeed Ed Koch in 1989. Democrat David Dinkins was elected by a margin of 47,080 votes in 1,899,845 votes cast, in the closest election in city history.[6]
[edit] Mayoralty
[edit] 1993 campaign and election
The principal issues of the election of 1993 were crime and taxes. Giuliani also campaigned on what he perceived to be the unchecked expansion of the city's budget and the lack of managerial competence of incumbent David Dinkins. While Dinkins had frequently and eloquently voiced his affection for New York City diversity while in office, his tenure bore witness to anti-Semitic rioting in Crown Heights and an Al Sharpton-led boycott of Korean businesses in Brooklyn.
Giuliani promised a return to social order, addressing day-to-day issues rather than past or imminent crises:
The prevalence of homeless panhandlers on streets and subways.
The squeegee men begging from motorists waiting at a light.
streets.[7]
Giuliani's message focused on an alleged breakdown of social and political order that Dinkins had been either unwilling or unable to effectively address: the rise in unemployment during an economic downturn(6.7% in 1989 to 11.1% in 1992), the rate of crime in NYC reaching an all-time peak, and the August 1991 Crown Heights Riot, all were contrasted with Dinkins's appeal to the "gorgeous mosaic" of New York ethnic diversity.
Giuliani won the election by a margin of 53,367 votes, with 49.25% of the electorate to the incumbent's 46.42% share. He became the first Republican elected Mayor of New York City since John Lindsay won re-election in 1969.
[edit] Crime control
National, New York City, and other major city crime rates (1990-2002).
In his first term as mayor, Giuliani, in conjunction with New York City Police Department Commissioner Bill Bratton, adopted an aggressive enforcement-deterrent strategy based on James Q. Wilson's Broken Windows research. This involved crackdowns on relatively minor offenses such as graffiti, turnstile jumping, and aggressive "squeegeemen", on the principle that this would send a message that order would be maintained, and that the city would be "cleaned up".
Giuliani also directed the New York City Police Department to aggressively pursue enterprises linked to organized crime, such as the Fulton Fish Market and the Javits Center on the West Side (Gambino crime family), in the breaking up of mob control of solid waste removal, the city was able to save city businesses over $600 million.
One of the first initiatives of Giuliani and Bratton was the institution of CompStat in 1994, a comparative statistical approach to mapping crime geographically and in terms of emerging criminal patterns, as well as charting officer performance by quantifying criminal apprehensions. CompStat was operationalized by the empowerment of precinct commanders, based on the assumption that local authorities could best institute crime reduction techniques specific to their experiential knowledge of their own localities. This system also enhanced the accountability of both the commanders and the officers themselves. Critics of the system assert that it creates an environment in which police officials are encouraged to underreport or otherwise manipulate crime data.[8]
Giuliani continued to highlight crime reduction and law enforcement as central missions of his mayoralty throughout both terms, efforts which largely met with success. Concurrent with his achievements, a number of tragic cases of abuse of authority took place, and numerous allegations of civil rights abuses were leveled.
Giuliani's own Deputy Mayor, Rudy Washington, alleged that he had been harassed by police on several occasions. More controversial still were several police shootings of unarmed suspects[9], and the scandals surrounding the brutalization of Abner Louima and the killing of Amadou Diallo.
In a case less nationally-publicized than those of Louima and Diallo, unarmed bar patron Patrick Dorismond was killed shortly after declining the overtures of what turned out to be an undercover officer soliciting illegal drugs. Even while hundreds of outraged New Yorkers protested, Giuliani staunchly supported the New York City Police Department, going so far as to take the unprecedented step of releasing Dorismond's "extensive criminal record" to the public.[10]
The amount of credit Giuliani's policies deserve for the drop in the crime rate is disputed. A small but significant nationwide drop in crime preceded Giuliani's election, and he may have been the beneficiary of a trend already in progress. Additional contributing factors to the overall decline in crime during the 1990's was federal funding of an additional 7,000 police officers and an overall improvement in the national economy. Many experts believe changing demographics were the factor most responsible for crime rate reductions, which were similar across the country during this time. [citation needed] Different studies show that New York's drop in crime rate in the '90s and '00s exceeds all national figures and therefore should be linked with a local dynamic that was not present as such anywhere else in the country: "most focused form of policing in history. Zimring (Frank Zimring - The Great American Crime Decline) estimates that up to half of New York’s crime drop in the 1990s, and virtually 100 percent of its continuing crime decline since 2000, has resulted from policing." However, any "credit for keeping Gotham on the path of ongoing crime reduction belongs to Ray Kelly, serving his second tour of duty as the NYPD’s commissioner.(...) Giuliani loyalists, perennially predicting le déluge, greeted Kelly’s appointment with dismay." [11]
Many New Yorkers believe Mayor Giuliani's policies pertaining to the policing of NYC to have been effective. This view was obviously not limited to New York City residents, as several programs similar to CompStat were subsequently instituted by a variety of urban police departments nationwide.[12][13]
Giuliani dismissed Bratton after polls indicated that 60 percent of New Yorkers credited Bratton with the drop in crime and 18 percent credited the mayor.[2]
[edit] Urban reconstruction
Giuliani pursued similarly aggressive real estate policies. The Times Square redevelopment project saw Times Square transformed from a seedy, run-down center for businesses ranging from tourist attractions and peep shows to a gleaming, high-priced district filled with family-oriented stores and theaters, including the MTV studios and a massive Disney store and theater. Giuliani faced some opposition to these changes, which critics alleged displaced low income residents of the area in favor of large corporations. His critics also alleged that the Giuliani administration's real estate policies tended to reduce the amount of usable public space in the city while increasing the amount of private or corporate space (e.g., the sale of city-owned community gardens to private developers). Throughout his term, Giuliani also pursued the construction of a new sports stadium in Manhattan, a goal in which he did not succeed, though new minor league baseball stadiums opened in Brooklyn, for the Brooklyn Cyclones, and in Staten Island, for the Staten Island Yankees. Conversely, Guiliani refused to attend the opening ceremonies for a Dinkins success, Arthur Ashe Stadium in Flushing Meadows, Queens, stating his anger with a contract that fines the city if planes from LaGuardia Airport fly over the stadium during U.S. Open matches. Giuliani boycotted the U.S. Open throughout his mayoralty.
[edit] Media management
Giuliani, after being elected, started a weekly call-in program on WABC radio. He avoided one-on-one interviews with the press, preferring to only speak to them at press conferences or on the steps of City Hall. Giuliani made frequent visits to The Late Show with David Letterman television show, sometimes appearing as a guest and sometimes participating in comedy segments. In one highly publicized appearance that took place shortly after his election, Giuliani filled a pothole in the street outside the Ed Sullivan theater.
Donald Rumsfeld and Rudy Giuliani at the site of the World Trade Center, on November 14 2001.
Enlarge
Donald Rumsfeld and Rudy Giuliani at the site of the World Trade Center, on November 14 2001.
[edit] Run for United States Senate
In April 1999 Giuliani formed an exploratory committee in connection with the 2000 New York United States Senate election, seeking the Republican nomination to fill the seat vacated by the retiring Daniel Patrick Moynihan. His expected Democratic opponent was Hillary Rodham Clinton. On May 19, 2000, before the Republican primary, which he was expected to win, he withdrew his candidacy because of prostate cancer, the Farmersville Garbage Scandal which significantly reduced his support in his core upstate counties, and the fallout from his affair and messy divorce from his wife Donna Hanover. During the ill-fated campaign, Giuliani was forced to confess to his marital infidelities and, in the process, lost a further significant base of electoral support. New York Congressman Rick Lazio replaced Giuliani as the Republican nominee and lost to Clinton.
[edit] Opposition to Brooklyn Museum art exhibit
In 1999 Giuliani threatened to cut off city funding for the Brooklyn Museum if the museum did not remove a number of works in an exhibit entitled “Sensation: Young British Artists from the Saatchi Collection.” One work in particular, The Holy Virgin Mary by Turner Prize winning-artist Chris Ofili (a Catholic himself), featured the Virgin Mary next to elephant dung and female genitalia pictures. It was targeted as being offensive to some in the Christian community in New York, leading the artist to comment that "This is all about control."
In its defense, the museum filed a lawsuit, charging Giuliani with violating the First Amendment right to freedom of speech. Religious groups such as the Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights supported the mayor's actions, while it was condemned by groups such as the American Civil Liberties Union, objecting to the mayor's censorship and interference with the first amendment rights of the museum.[3][4] The museum's lawsuit was successful; the mayor was ordered to resume funding, and the judge, Federal District Judge Nina Gershon, declared that [t]here is no federal constitutional issue more grave than the effort by government officials to censor works of expression and to threaten the vitality of a major cultural institution as punishment for failing to abide by governmental demands for orthodoxy.[5]
[edit] Role during 9/11 attack
The defining episode in Giuliani's career was his management of the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center. He coordinated the response of various city departments while organizing the support of state and federal authorities for the World Trade Center site, for city-wide anti-terrorist measures, and for restoration of destroyed infrastructure. He made frequent appearances on radio and television to communicate critical information to the public authoritatively: for example, to indicate that tunnels would be closed as a precautionary measure, and that there was no reason to believe that the dispersion of chemical or biological weaponry into the air were a factor in the attack. He balanced the need to make hundreds of decisions directly and immediately, to delegate hundreds of others, and to visit the injured and console the families of the dead.
When Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal suggested that the attacks were an indication that the United States "should re-examine its policies in the Middle East and adopt a more balanced stand toward the Palestinian cause," Giuliani asserted,
There is no moral equivalent for this [terrorist] act. There is no justification for it... And one of the reasons I think this happened is because people were engaged in moral equivalency in not understanding the difference between liberal democracies like the United States, like Israel, and terrorist states and those who condone terrorism. So I think not only are those statements wrong, they're part of the problem.[14]
New York City subsequently rejected the prince's $10 million donation to disaster relief in the aftermath of the attack.
In the wake of the attacks, Giuliani was widely hailed for his decisive and undaunted leadership during the crisis. For this, he was named TIME magazine's Person of the Year for 2001, and given an honorary knighthood by Queen Elizabeth II on February 13, 2002.[15]
Giuliani has been subject to increased criticism for downplaying the health effects of the air in the Financial District and lower Manhattan areas in the vicinity of the Ground Zero.[6] He moved quickly to reopen Wall Street, and it was reopened on September 17. However, in the weeks after the attacks, the United States Geological Survey identified hundreds of asbestos hot spots of debris dust that remained on buildings. By the end of the month the USGS reported that the toxicity of the debris was akin to that of a household cleaner.[7] The city's health agencies, such as the Department of Environmental Protection, did not supervise or issue guidelines for the testing and cleanup of private buildings. Instead, the city left this responsibility to building owners.[8]
Firefighters, police and their unions, have criticized Giuliani over the issue of protective equipment and illnesses after the attacks.[9]An October study by the National Institute of Environmental Safety and Health said that cleanup workers lacked adequate protective gear.[10]
[edit] Image
Giuliani in his public statements mirrored the emotions of New Yorkers at the time: shock, sadness, anger, resolution to rebuild, and the desire for justice to be done to those responsible. "Tomorrow New York is going to be here," he said. "And we're going to rebuild, and we're going to be stronger than we were before...I want the people of New York to be an example to the rest of the country, and the rest of the world, that terrorism can't stop us." Giuliani was widely praised for his close involvement with the rescue and recovery efforts.
As an avid and public fan of the New York Yankees, who won four World Series Championships during his time as mayor, Giuliani has frequently been sighted in field-level seating at Yankee games, often accompanied by his son. On September 21, 2001, the first game was played in New York City since the attacks, with the New York Mets at home facing the Atlanta Braves. Despite his being a Yankee fan, the crowd cheered for him for his leadership over the preceding days.
Rudy Giuliani, 2001 Time Person of the Year.
Enlarge
Rudy Giuliani, 2001 Time Person of the Year.
[edit] Effect on 2001 local elections
The 9/11 attack occurred on the scheduled date of the mayoral primary to select the Democratic and Republican candidates to succeed Giuliani. The primary was immediately delayed two weeks to September 25. During this period, Giuliani sought an unprecedented three-month emergency extension of his term, from its scheduled expiration on January 1 to April 1, due to the circumstances of the emergency besetting the city. He threatened to challenge the law imposing term limits on elected New York City officials and run for another full four-year term, if the primary candidates did not consent to permit the extension of his mayoralty.[11]
Advocates for the extension contended that Giuliani was needed to manage the initial requests for funds from Albany and Washington, speed up recovery, and slow down the exodus of jobs from lower Manhattan to outside New York City. Opponents viewed the extension as an unprecedented power grab and as a means for Giuliani to profit politically from the sudden, international prominence of the role of New York City Mayor. Although a provision for emergency extensions is written into the New York State Constitution (Article 3 Section 25),[12] leaders in the State Assembly and Senate indicated that they did not believe the extension was necessary and the election and inauguration proceeded as scheduled.
[edit] Time Person of the Year
In 2001, TIME magazine named Giuliani Person of the Year.[13] TIME observed that, prior to 9/11, the public image of Giuliani had been that of a rigid, self-righteous, ambitious politician. After 9/11, and perhaps owing also to his bout with cancer, his public image had been reformed to that of a man who could be counted on to unite a city in the midst of its greatest crisis. Thus historian Vincent J. Cannato concluded in September, 2006, "With time, Giuliani's legacy will be based on more than just 9/11. He left a city immeasurably better off -- safer, more prosperous, more confident -- than the one he had inherited eight years earlier, even with the smoldering ruins of the World Trade Center at its heart. Debates about his accomplishments will continue, but the significance of his mayoralty is hard to deny."[14]
At the same time, however, voices were being raised against the refrain that it was the mayor who had pulled the city together. "You didn't bring us together, our pain brought us together and our decency brought us together. We would have come together if Bozo was the mayor," said civil-rights activist Al Sharpton, in a statement largely supported by Fernando Ferrer, one of three main candidates for the mayoralty at the end of 2001.[15]
[edit] Post-mayoralty
Rudy Giuliani at NYFPC briefing on "New York City - 1 Year After 9/11".
Enlarge
Rudy Giuliani at NYFPC briefing on "New York City - 1 Year After 9/11".
[edit] Consulting
After leaving the mayor's office, Giuliani built a security consulting business and gave speeches. On December 1, 2004 his consulting firm announced it purchased accounting firm Ernst & Young's investment banking unit. The new investment bank will be known as Giuliani Capital Advisors LLC and will advise companies on acquisitions, restructurings and other strategic issues.
[edit] Commercial endorsement
Giuliani and Giuliani Partners struck a deal to promote the wireless communication company Nextel. [16]
[edit] 2004
Giuliani, who campaigned on behalf of the reelection of George W. Bush in the 2004 election, was reportedly the top choice for Secretary of Homeland Security after the resignation of Tom Ridge. When suggestions were made that Giuliani's confirmation hearings would be marred by details of his past affairs and scandals, he turned down the offer and instead recommended his friend and former New York Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik. Kerik in his pre-announcement interviews with the White House failed to disclose facts in his past which were certain to disqualify him. After the formal announcement of Kerik's nomination, information known for years to local reporters, but unreported, became widely known. The political fallout was damaging to the perception of competence in the White House vetting process and doubts as to the political judgment of Giuliani in recommending Kerik in the first place.
Giuliani cutting the ribbon of the new Drug Enforcement Agency mobile museum in Dallas, Texas in Sept. 2003
Enlarge
Giuliani cutting the ribbon of the new Drug Enforcement Agency mobile museum in Dallas, Texas in Sept. 2003
[edit] 2005
On March 31, 2005, it was announced that Giuliani would join the firm of Bracewell & Patterson LLP (renamed Bracewell & Giuliani LLP) as a name partner and symbolic head of the expanding firm's new New York office. Despite a busy schedule the former mayor is known to be highly active in the day-to-day business of the Texas-based law firm. While there was early speculation that the firm would merge with Giuliani Partners, this is a legal impossibility (As a matter of ethics, lawyers cannot share legal fees with non-lawyers). However, while the firm is completely independent of the consulting business, the two entities maintain a close strategic partnership.
[edit] 2006
Some have speculated that Giuliani might become a candidate for statewide office in 2006, either for the United States Senate challenging incumbent Hillary Clinton, or for Governor of New York; on July 27, 2005, current Governor George Pataki announced that he would not seek re-election for a fourth term. The consensus of political observers then was that Giuliani would not run[16] even though polls show that he would be favored in a matchup against Democratic nominee Eliot Spitzer [17]; in any case, a Giuliani spokesman says that he "has no intention" of running,[17] leaving no clear favorite among Republicans. With Giuliani staying out of the Senate race, the Republican nomination was contested among several lesser-known candidates, with none gaining much traction and several dropping out (see New York U.S. Senate election, 2006). Democrat Eliot Spitzer won the governorship by 41% margin [18].
On March 15, 2006, Congress announced the formation of the Iraq Study Group (ISG), of which Giuliani is a member. The ISG is a bi-partisan task force which authored the Iraq Study Group Report, an assessment of US involvement in Iraq.
On May 12, 2006, Cinema Libre Studio [19] is scheduled to theatrically release GIULIANI TIME [20], a critical, feature-length documentary about Giuliani's personal and political history.
On August 15, 2006, a poll from Rasmussen Reports revealed the perception of Giuliani as a moderate. [21]
On November 13, 2006, Giuliani took his first step toward a potential 2008 White House bid by forming a presidential exploratory committee. He has not officially decided if he will run. By forming the committee Giuliani is able to travel and gauge support without formally declaring his candidacy, which would subject him to federal fundraising laws.
[edit] Anticipated 2008 presidential campaign
Rudy Giuliani speaks to the press about New York's status two years after the September 11, 2001 attacks.
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Rudy Giuliani speaks to the press about New York's status two years after the September 11, 2001 attacks.
Giuliani is widely reported to be considering a run for the Presidency in 2008. Supporters point to his leadership of New York City during the 9/11 attacks and his coordination of the emergency response in the immediate aftermath, as well as his track record of success in reducing crime and improving the economy of New York City. The prospect of a Republican candidate possibly carrying New York is strategically tantalizing for the Republican Party, since the state has recently voted overwhelmingly for Democrats in national elections.
A significant obstacle Giuliani would need to overcome in order to win a primary would be his pro-choice stand on abortion. Giuliani is a Roman Catholic but he supports policies such as abortion rights, which puts him at odds with the Catholic Church. Pro-life groups, such as the Republican National Coalition for Life, have already announced their intention to oppose Giuliani or any other pro-choice candidate,[18] though anecdotal evidence suggests that even among these voters, he enjoys some support.[19] NBC host Chris Matthews and syndicated columnist Kathleen Parker believe that in South Carolina, an early Southern state on the Republican primary calendar, abortion will not be a deciding political issue.[22] Indeed, a recent Rasmussen Reports poll indicates that Giuliani is viewed favorably among Republicans by a 63% to 17% margin.[20] Early 2008 Presidential polls show him with one of the highest levels of name recognition and support.
Even if Giuliani can overcome his relatively liberal record on social issues such as gun control, gay marriage, and abortion, other aspects of his past could be major issues in a presidential campaign, and in attempts to win primaries in the effort to secure the Republican presidential nomination. Giuliani's relationship with Judith Nathan, later to become his third wife, was well-publicized by local media, as it appears to have begun during his marriage to his second wife. Mr. Giuliani, before his divorce, called Judith Nathan, his "very good friend." On May 10, 2000 Mr. Giuliani announced at a press conference that he was seeking a separation from his wife, Donna Hanover -- without first informing her of his decision. Mr. Giuliani went out of his way to praise Judith Nathan as a "very, very fine woman," and said about his marriage with Donna Hanover: "Over the course of some period of time in many ways, we've grown to live independent and separate lives." The mayor's assertion was contradicted three hours later by his former wife, who said, "I had hoped that we could keep this marriage together. For several years, it was difficult to participate in Rudy's public life because of his relationship with one staff member." Ms. Hanover was referring to Cristyne Lategano-Nicholas, the mayor's former communications director. The mayor and Ms. Lategano-Nicholas denied those allegations in the past, and continue to deny them now.
On July 8, 2006, syndicated columnist Robert Novak reported that "well-connected public figures" had been told by Giuliani that "as of now" he planned to run for President.[23] A few days later, Giuliani told a Baltimore crowd that he was "seriously considering" a run.[24] On August 5, 2006, Novak reported that "one of Giuliani's closest friends has confirmed that Giuliani is definitely running for president."[25] A recent Gallup poll found Giuliani to be the most "acceptable" nominee for Republicans, with 73% giving him a thumbs-up and 25% dismissing him as "unacceptable." By this measure, he led both Condoleezza Rice (68%-29%) and John McCain (55%-41%).[26] The same poll also found Giuliani leading the Republican field with 29% support, with John McCain at 24%, Newt Gingrich at 8%, and both Mitt Romney and Bill Frist at 6%.[27]
Draft Rudy Giuliani for President, Inc., registered with Federal Election Commission in October 2005 to become the first federal committee formed with the sole purpose of encouraging former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani to run for President of the United States in 2008. As of May 2006, it remained the only federal committee formed for this reason. By law, Draft Rudy Giuliani for President cannot coordinate its activities with the former mayor.
According to the real money presidential futures market run by intrade.com, the odds of Giuliani getting the GOP nomination have ranged from 20-6%. The odds of Giuliani obtaining the presidency have been between 5-11%. Giuliani is the strongest major candidate in the sense of the ratio of his chance of getting elected to his chance of getting nominated.
On November 13, 2006, the Associated Press reported that Rudy Giuliani has taken the first step in seeking presidency in the 2008 Election. He has filed papers to create the Rudy Giuliani Presidential Exploratory Committee, Inc., creating a panel that would allow him to raise money for a White House run and travel the country.
[edit] Electoral history
* 1997 Race for Mayor (New York City)
o Rudy Giuliani (R) (inc.), 59%
o Ruth Messinger (D), 41%
* 1993 Race for Mayor (New York City)
o Rudy Giuliani (R), 49%
o David Dinkins (D) (inc.), 46%
* 1989 Race for Mayor (New York City)
o David Dinkins (D), 51%
o Rudy Giuliani (R), 49%
[edit] Further reading
* Barrett, Wayne, (2000). RUDY!: An Investigative Biography of Rudolph Giuliani, Basic Books, ISBN 075676114X (Reprint by Diane Publishing Co.)
* Giuliani, Rudolph W., Kurson, Ken (2002). Leadership (book). Miramax Books. ISBN 0-7868-6841-4.
* Kirtzman, Andrew (2001). Rudy Giuliani: Emperor of the City. Harper Collins. ISBN 0-06-009389-7.
* Newfield, Jack, (2003). The Full Rudy: The Man, the Myth, the Mania, Thunder's Mouth Press, ISBN 1560254823
* Polner, Robert, (2005). America's Mayor: The Hidden History of Rudy Giuliani's New York, Soft Skull Press, ISBN 1932360581
* Siegel, Fred (2005). The Prince of the City: Giuliani, New York, and the Genius of American Life. Encounter Books. ISBN 1-59403-084-7.
* Barrett, Wayne & Collins, Dan (2006). Grand Illusion: The Untold Story of Rudy Giuliani and 9/11. Harper Collins. ISBN 0-06-053660-8.
[edit] See also
Wikiquote has a collection of quotations related to:
Rudy Giuliani
Commons logo
Wikimedia Commons has media related to:
Rudy Giuliani
* September 11, 2001 attacks
* New York City
* William J. Bratton (former Police Commissioner of New York City)
* Bernard Kerik (former Police Commissioner of New York City)
* Anthony Rosario
* Howard Safir (former Police Commissioner of New York City)
* Peter Vallone (former Speaker of New York City Council)
* Thomas Von Essen (former Fire Commissioner of New York City)
[edit] External links
* Biography from Global Leaders India Summit 2006
* Giuliani Partners - Rudolph W. Giuliani official profile
* Academy of Achievement Profile http://www.achievement.org/autodoc/page/giu0pro-1
* Academy of Achievement Biography http://www.achievement.org/autodoc/page/giu0bio-1
* Academy of Achievement Interview http://www.achievement.org/autodoc/page/giu0int-1
* Academy of Achievement Photo Gallery http://www.achievement.org/autodoc/page/giu0gal-1
* Bracewell & Giuliani LLP his law firm's website
* Draft Rudy Giuliani for President a federal committee organized to "Draft Rudy Giuliani" in 2008
* Rudy Giuliani - 2008 Presidential Wire
* Summary Biography from Global Leaders
* GIULIANI TIME the official Web site for the Kevin Keating documentary
* Giuliani Blog Tracking Giuliani's potential 2008 candidacy
* Race 4 2008 A blog devoted to covering the 2008 Republican nomination
* Rudy Can't Fail Student Alliance to Elect Rudy in 2008
* Solutions America Giuliani's website
[edit] Notes
1. ^ Giuliani takes step toward '08 bid, Devlin Barrett, Associated Press, November 13, 2006
2. ^ Richard Bernstein, "New York Times," August 2, 2000.
3. ^ CATHOLIC LEAGUE for Religious and Civil Rights. Retrieved on November 15, 2005.
4. ^ American Civil Liberties Union : Civil Liberties Union Files Brief Supporting Brooklyn Museum In Controversy with Mayor Giuliani. Retrieved on November 15, 2005.
5. ^ Giuliani Is Ordered to Halt Attacks Against Museum. Retrieved on November 15, 2005.
6. ^ Ben Smith, "Rudy's Black Cloud," "New York Daily News," September 18, 2006, p. 14
7. ^ http://www.alternet.org/911oneyearlater
8. ^ http://www.alternet.org/911oneyearlater
9. ^ Ben Smith, "Rudy's Black Cloud," "New York Daily News," September 18, 2006, p. 14
10. ^ http://www.democracynow.org/article.pl?sid=06/09/08/1349248
11. ^ Conservative Party and Courts May Hold Key to NYC Mayor's Race -- 1 October 2001. Retrieved on November 15, 2005.
12. ^ Content Removed. Retrieved on November 15, 2005.
13. ^ TIME 2001 Person of the Year: Rudy Giuliani Profile. Retrieved on November 15, 2005.
14. ^ Washington Post Wook World Sept 3, 2006[1]
15. ^ REVEREND AL SHARPTON IN NEW SLAM AT RUDY GIULIANI. Retrieved on November 15, 2005.
16. ^ Legislative Gazette. Retrieved on November 15, 2005.
17. ^ Democrat & Chronicle: Local News. Retrieved on November 15, 2005.
18. ^ http://www.renewamerica.us/news/040830parro.htm. Retrieved on November 15, 2005.
19. ^ CBS News : Early Signs Point To Giuliani '08 : December 10, 2004 14:33:12. Retrieved on November 15, 2005.
20. ^ Election 2008. Retrieved on November 15, 2005.
NYTimes: Giuliani Says That Last Week’s National Elections Were Not a Major Rebuke to Republicans
By NICHOLAS CONFESSORE
Published: November 13, 2006
WILKES-BARRE, Pa., Nov. 12 — In his first public comments about last week’s Democratic sweep of Congress, Rudolph W. Giuliani, the former Republican mayor of New York City, who is a possible 2008 presidential candidate, said on Sunday that he did not view the election as a major rebuke to his party. But he said that Republicans “have to go back to your principles in figuring out how you react to something like this.”
[excerpt]
Published: November 13, 2006
WILKES-BARRE, Pa., Nov. 12 — In his first public comments about last week’s Democratic sweep of Congress, Rudolph W. Giuliani, the former Republican mayor of New York City, who is a possible 2008 presidential candidate, said on Sunday that he did not view the election as a major rebuke to his party. But he said that Republicans “have to go back to your principles in figuring out how you react to something like this.”
[excerpt]
Welcome to Guiliani2008
Could it be Rudy Guiliani 2008 for the GOP Presidential nomination?
Let's follow along and see.
This will be a news and information site for Mayor Rudy Guiliani.
Let's follow along and see.
This will be a news and information site for Mayor Rudy Guiliani.
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