Giuliani hires Bush's first campaign manager: The Swamp

Posted October 30, 2007 9:33 AM

by Mark Silva

Rudy Giuliani's presidential campaign has signed up a new senior adviser: Joe Allbaugh, a Washington-based consultant who managed President Bush's first campaign and served as chief of staff for the Texas governor.

Allbaugh, pictured at right, also ran the Federal Emergency Management Agency until 2003, and brought his friend Mike Brown in as general counsel -- Brown succeeded Allbaugh as director and became renowned for his role in recovery efforts following Hurricane Katrina. Allbaugh maintains that Brown became a fall-guy for problems beyond his control.

Allbaugh plans to advise the Giuliani campaign on "general strategy and homeland security,'' according to the campaign. The emergency management part comes naturally, as will Allbaugh's experience in running a national campaign. They ought to have some fun talking about gun control too. Giuliani opposes it, and Allbaugh is an NRA board member.

“Rudy Giuliani is the only candidate who will keep America on offense in the 'Terrorists’ War on Us,''' Allbaugh said in a statement released by the campaign. "The leadership he showed after 9/11 was an inspiration not only to New Yorkers but to the country... He will ensure that our country never goes back on defense in this war.”

Giuliani, noting that he worked closely with Allbaugh in the afternath of 9/11, said: "He has significant experience in emergency management and I will look to him for sound advice and expertise."

Allbaugh is president and CEO of the Allbaugh Company, which helps corporate customers "create new opportunities and expand competitive advantage for private sector clients.'' He served as FEMA director until March 2003. He had been chief of staff to then-Gov. Bush in Texas and was national campaign manager for the Bush-Cheney 2000 campaign.

Allbaugh also serves on the board of the National Rifle Association.

Comments

"“Rudy Giuliani is the only candidate who will keep America on offense in the 'Terrorists’ War on Us," Allbaugh said in a statement released by the campaign. "The leadership he showed after 9/11 was an inspiration not only to New Yorkers but to the country... He will ensure that our country never goes back on defense in this war.”

Translation:

If Guiliani is elected expect more pointless wars like Iraq. We will attack nations that have nothing to do with the "Terrorists war on us" just to make it look like we are on offense if we can't find a real target, or if wedon't think the real target we have is sexy enough (Afghanistan).

Shorter Translation: Vote for Guiliani if you want unending war and a return of the draft.

Posted by: AJF | October 30, 2007 9:56 AM

Allabaugh will remind voters of the cronyism that led to a man like "Brownie" and the disaster of New Orleans.

"Good job Brownie!" is an infamous phrase of ridicule.

Posted by: Oscar | October 30, 2007 10:27 AM

With this guy and 'The Pod' advising Julianne we can expect to Raptured by Feb 09! Good News! Good News!

Posted by: C.Morris | October 30, 2007 11:05 AM

AJF,

I gotta agree with you.

Dressed to Kill Rudi already has a itchy trigger finger. All we need if for him to have a bunch of yes men around him shouting, 'pull it! pull it!'

Posted by: C.Morris | October 30, 2007 11:08 AM

Guiliani is no more, no less, than 4 more years of Bush. I can't see how the country could elect him. Of course there are still many sheeple he can whip up into a frenzy with a couple more 9/11, 9/11, 9/11, 9/11's.

Posted by: bill r. | October 30, 2007 11:20 AM

Rudy Giuliani is a Rabid Bush Republican (or "RBR"). We can expect the same neo-con (RBR) policies from him if he ever gets elected. Despite his poll numbers, he does not have a broad backing from conservatives. His inconsistencies on issues like gun control, abortion and immigration have shaken the confidence of many traditional Republicans. I fear his nomination would result in a split in the party, causing many Republicans to either stay home or vote for a 3rd party candidate on election day.

Posted by: John W. | October 30, 2007 2:37 PM

I heard Bay Buchanan say today on Sirius that if the Republicans nominate Rudy Giuliani for President, Hillary will beat him.

Posted by: BobinATL | October 30, 2007 3:14 PM

Allbaugh, The Pod, and now I hear Squeaky Frum is on board the Julianne express.

Jeezus, the same hidden persuaders never go away.

Rudi Caligula succeeds George Tiberius.

Posted by: C.Morris | October 30, 2007 5:13 PM

John W,

Yet another moment of clarity.
I must agree with you. Hope it doesn't offend.

Rudy and Bush are mutual enablers.

Posted by: C.Morris | October 30, 2007 6:10 PM

All Swamp Rats,