Andrew Zajac
Rudy, we hardly knew you.
And if you could have kept it that way, maybe you'd be in California raising money for your surging campaign instead of endorsing John McCain.
Former New York mayor turned one-man conglomerate Rudolph Giuliani is quitting the race for the Republican presidential nomination today, capping one of the more spectacular political flameouts in recent memory.
How did Giuliani blow it?
He ran as America's Mayor, the hero of 9-11. It was an image that spread widely though not deeply among voters, allowing them to reflexively serve up Giuliani's name to pollsters last fall when Giuliani led all GOP contenders. His campaign would claim 'momentum-proof' bulges in large, key states like New York, New Jersey and California.
The table was set.
The conventional wisdom is that Giuliani was done in by loopy strategy in which he was mostly absent in Iowa, Nevada and South Carolina, tried to compete, sort of, in New Hampshire and counted on a wave of popularity in Florida to top presumably bloody and exhausted rivals.
But when Florida finally rolled around, neither McCain nor Mitt Romney was bloody and exhausted and Giuliani found himself eclipsed by them in buzz and money.
He also seemed to have forgotten what a tough sell a pro-choice, pro-gun control, pro-gay rights New Yorker would be to the conservative GOP base.
There's one more significant factor at play: Almost nothing that's come out about Giuliani since last Labor Day has been flattering.
Consider the extraordinarily messy state of Giuliani's personal life and his frenetic, post-9-11 business dealings, both of which he apparently, perhaps naively, perhaps arrogantly, expected his celebrity to somehow neutralize.
Giuliani has been married three times; his children by all accounts barely speak to him. Two of his best friends are a priest accused of molesting boys and the twice-indicted Bernard Kerik.
As he ramped up his campaign last fall, the second Kerik indictment hit and it's a bomb, including counts of fraud and tax evasion and allegations that Kerik lied to the White House while being vetted for secretary of Homeland Security -- a post for which he was recommended by Giuliani.
Then it was revealed that while still New York mayor, Giuliani used the public dime for police protection during his trysts with Judith Nathan, the woman who would become wife number three.
Giuliani has spent nearly every waking moment since leaving the New York mayor's office in early 2002 leveraging his heroic image into a business empire that includes lawyering, rainmaking, consulting, investment banking and motivational speaking, an unknown chunk of which he's declined to publicly disclose.
That empire looks to have earned him a personal fortune in the tens of millions of dollars.
I know it's a America and everybody gets to cash in, but looming over the whole enterprise of Giuliani Inc. is the uber-question: Has Giuliani cross the line from good old-fashioned buck-raking to unseemly -- and un-presidential -- profiteering from a national tragedy?
But that's a question that might not get asked loudly and directly until the gloves really come off, in a general election campaign.
Here's some of what's come out in recent months about Giuliani's various pursuits:
-- He joined a consortium for a casino license in Singapore that included a Hong Kong billionaire with ties to organized crime and the communist regime of North Korea.
-- He consulted for the government of Qatar, a not-always reliable ally of the U.S. in the war on terror which once. A faction of the ruling clan in the country tipped off 9-11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed when U.S. authorities sought to arrest him in 1996.
-- His $100,000-plus speaking fee has sometimes drained the coffers of charitable fundraising efforts, resulting in a shamed Giuliani giving back some of the dough or raising more.
-- He set up the Rudolph Giuliani Center for Urban Leadership as a think tank for city problems, but its only function to date has been to raise money to privately archive Giuliani's mayoral papers. It's a practice that New York City Council has since outlawed for future mayors because it removes city records from public control.
-- He called for a border fence using surveillance technology without disclosing his financial interest in a firm, SkyWatch LLC, seeking to develop such technology.
-- He's lent his cache via partnerships or consulting agreements to at least three firms faced with regulatory or criminal charges.
You get the picture.
A lot of this stuff didn't grab people by the lapels because the election hasn't truly gone national yet and many people still aren't paying attention. But you can bet that fundraisers and other insiders took note and understood what kind of vulnerabilities Giuliani would have once the campaign took center stage.
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Comments
The reality is Giuliani did not run a very good campaign, with flawed strategy. You cannot let your opponents go weeks getting wins and media coverage, while you become nothing more than a bystander. That is why he failed.
Posted by: John D | January 30, 2008 2:30 PM
Ha ha ha to Ghuliani's epic collapse. Even bigger thumb in the eye to Faux News who backed that cretin all the way.
Posted by: weinerdog43 | January 30, 2008 2:32 PM
"BUSH SPEAKS ISSUES EXECUTIVE ORDER TO CONFISCATE RUDY'S ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION DEVICES"
NOW SOMEONE GO AND GET RUDY AND HIS PALM PILOT, HIS IPOD, AND ANY OTHER LISTENING DEVICE, EMAIL DEVICE THAT HE MAY HAVE.
THE LAST THING WE NEED IS ANOTHER INVESTIGATION AS TO WHY "SKYWATCH" WAS DOING SURVEILLANCE WORK PRIOR TO 9/11 OR THEIR EXISTENCE.
THE LAST THINK WE NEED IS RUDY TO START RUNNING OFF THE MOUTH ABOUT THE DAYS PRIOR TO 9/11 NOW THAT HE HAS LOST. GOD FORBID IF HE BECOMES A SQUEALER ABOUT THIS REPUBLICAN CONGRESS AND HIS REPUBLICAN FUNDRAISING BUDDIES.
KARL TAKE CARE OF THAT!
Posted by: Roger Morris | January 30, 2008 2:40 PM
"McCain’s ’Secret Plan’ To Get Bin Laden"
By: Steve Benen on Tuesday, January 29th, 2008
I realize that Republicans and campaign reporters continue to perceive John McCain as a credible person when it comes to matters of national security and military affairs — but that doesn’t make it sensible.
John McCain says in almost every stump speech that he knows how to capture Osama bin Laden and that he’d follow the al Qaeda leader to the “Gates of Hell.”
So Washington Wire was wondering, what does McCain know that President Bush and the Pentagon don’t about how to sweep up America’s most elusive enemy?
If McCain's lips are moving...he's lying:
http://www.crooksandliars.com/2008/01/29/mccains-secret-plan-to-get-bin-laden/
Posted by: John E | January 30, 2008 2:51 PM
McCain For President!!
Do you want to see how clear his message is?
Do you want to learn how much of a straight talk is he?
Do you want to learn how much Honesty this man has to share with everyone?
Then watch this video and learn..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioy90nF2anI
McCain For PRESIDENT!!!
Posted by: Anonymous | January 30, 2008 2:54 PM
McCain For President!!
Do you want to see how clear his message is?
Do you want to learn how much of a straight talk is he?
Do you want to learn how much Honesty this man has to share with everyone?
Then watch this video and learn..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioy90nF2anI
McCain For PRESIDENT!!!
Posted by: roger | January 30, 2008 2:54 PM
Giuliani was the very least qualified out of all candidates running to be President. The man is not a politican. This fraud fell flat on his face. He paid millions and millions and millions for a single delegate. Loser!!
Posted by: Doug R. | January 30, 2008 3:02 PM
This is America’s loss. If you look at the facts objectively Rudy made the best GOP nominee. Here are 5 great reasons they should have voted for Rudy:
http://www.americanthinker.com/2008/01/rudy_giuliani_should_be_gop_no.html
Posted by: Tim | January 30, 2008 3:35 PM
Hard to read, please
check spelling and grammar before posting.
Posted by: Eve | January 30, 2008 3:40 PM
Good riddance and good bye. I feel bad for Roger Ailes and Sean Hannity, who are surely huddled together right now in a corner crying about their fallen hero and their failed attempt to play kingmaker.
Posted by: Dave | January 30, 2008 3:49 PM
No worries, McCain will win. He's the next president of the US. You can pretty much guarantee it.
Posted by: ERG | January 30, 2008 3:49 PM
Lifecycle of the Giuliani campaign (media perspective):
Declares candidacy (front runner) -> leadup to primaries (pace setter) -> primary season (gambler)-> dropout (how could this happen?).
Lifecycle of the Giuliani campaign (public perspective):
Declares candidacy (enough about 9/11 already) -> leadup to primaries (wasn't this guy in drag on live TV?) -> primary season (his kids won't even talk to him) -> dropout (now please go away).
Posted by: Otto | January 30, 2008 3:53 PM
now he'll have plenty of time to write his book about 9/11, because we all know that one's going to be coming next.. typical charlatan.
Posted by: Groucho | January 30, 2008 4:04 PM
He's need some shop therapy. But don't we all.
Posted by: Sally Vance | January 30, 2008 4:05 PM
Why his campaign failed:
-He was a thrice married politician who dressed up in drag and would use a company car to drive his mistress around. Probably not the wisest move for someone counting on the religious right for votes.
-He didn't campaign in small states and thought the retired population of Florida could bail him out.
-911, we get it....Stop saying it over and over again. Develope a new campaign slogan.
Gee, who is Fox "News" going to back now?
Posted by: Nora | January 30, 2008 4:06 PM
Just goes to show the American public is not naive, Giuliani is sowing what he has reaped. Now if the justice system works as well as public opinion Mr. Giuliani will be sowing in prison.
Posted by: Mike Kegel | January 30, 2008 4:07 PM
If the swamp isn't even going to bother to screen them out, then why does it say in the disclaimer that anonymous comments will not be posted in the disclaimer?
Don't get me wrong seeing them. I, too, know the courage and personal conviction it takes to post as "weinerdog43," but if you're going to say they won't be posted it looks pretty stupid when you post them.
Posted by: Jeff | January 30, 2008 4:08 PM
Democrat here who liked Giuliani and wishes him well.
Posted by: Tom | January 30, 2008 4:17 PM
I would bet that he becomes McCains running mate. Imgaine the record of McCain and Gulianis against 2 never have done anythings in Edwards and Obama. I smell a rout. If McCain wins the nom I can only hope that Obama wins the dems so McCain can get an easy win.
Posted by: Vinny | January 30, 2008 4:18 PM
Interesting the Swamp's headlines: "Rudy's Epic Collapse;" and "Classy exit to great bid" for Edwards. Giuliani was a beacon of strength to this country in a time of crisis. Edwards? Well, he was always Edwards. And as far as the Swamp goes, it didn't even exist on 9-11.
Posted by: Marshall | January 30, 2008 4:22 PM
Dave:
They won't be crying in the corner...they'll swear they never backed him...just try and prove it!
Posted by: lochnessmonster | January 30, 2008 4:24 PM
Did Rudy actually "lend his cache" or did he lend his cachet to those firms?
Posted by: JB | January 30, 2008 4:24 PM
He was NEVER America's mayor. He's far too slimey, even by politician standards. Good riddance!
Posted by: Denise | January 30, 2008 4:25 PM
Hard to read, please
check spelling and grammar before posting.
Posted by: Eve | January 30, 2008 3:40 PM
Ditto.
Posted by: Bud McFarlin | January 30, 2008 4:32 PM
Regarding above post "No worries, McCain will win. He's the next presdident of the US. You can pretty much guarantee it"
I think McCain stepped on his tallywhacker when he said that we could be in Iraq for a hundred years or more. If it wasn't for that one statement, the Republicans just might have a chance at the White House again. But no one wants to extend this war. Even those that hate Hillary will vote for her if she is the nominee, just so we can get out of Iraq and stop the blood flowing. Thank God that Rudy Giuliani was forced to step down by having such a lackluster showing yesterday. The man is a creep. His own children will not speak to him, he has made money off his whole 911 fame, and he is dishonest. He shows poor judgment at almost every turn. He has poor perception as well, thinking that this nation would embrace him and that homewrecker wife of his. It's over for the Republicans for the next four years, at least.
Posted by: Pam | January 30, 2008 4:43 PM
The next news flash might be that Giuliani is being investigated by the FBI for SEC improprieties or other questionable business dealings. A married public figure who would keep a mistress using alleged public funds doesn't need to soil the Presidency with his mistress, now wife. No wonder his kids don't like him. And by the way, her birth name is Judi, not Judith (a pretentious attempt at being classy). "After her second divorce, she upgraded herself to "Judith" with such vehemence that, one former Giuliani aide confides, "at City Hall we were prohibited from calling her Judi. She would bawl us out if we did."
If interested, READ MORE about Judith Stish Ross Nathan Giuliani http://www.vanityfair.com/politics/features/2007/09/giuliani200709 She is no Laura Bush or Hillary Clinton.
Posted by: the truth | January 30, 2008 4:48 PM
http://americaphile.blogspot.com/2008/01/passing-mantle.html
FLORIDA REPUBLICANS HAVE FAILED TO LIVE UP TO THEIR PROPHETIC CALLING!!!!!!:
Rudy Giuliani told supporters Wednesday he's abandoning his bid for president and backing Republican rival and longtime friend John McCain.
Rep. Peter King, a New York Republican and adviser to Giuliani, said the former mayor called him this morning to tell him of his plan.
Giuliani "will be announcing his endorsement today," said King.
"I expect him to be fairly active for McCain. There is a real friendship and respect between the two," he said. A similar call took place between Giuliani and New York Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno.
"I spoke with Rudy Giuliani this morning and he confirmed that he is dropping out of the race and will endorse Senator John McCain for president," Bruno said in a statement.
ALTHOUGH FLORIDA FAILED TO HEED WISE COUNSEL IN THIS MATTER, WE MAY REJOICE IN THE PROPHETIC DIRECTION GIVEN TO US BY RUDY’S (21ST CENTURY ELIJAH!!!) ENDORSEMENT OF SENATOR JOHN MCCAIN (AMERICA’S ELISHA)!!!!
IT IS ALSO HEARTENING TO LEARN THAT SEN. MCCAIN COURAGEOUSLY QUIT THE APOSTATE ECUSA TO BECOME RAPTURE-READY!!!!!
THIS RAPTURE KNOWLEDGE WILL GIVE HIM A GOOD GROUNDING TO INFORM A SERIOUS FOREIGN POLICY AS IS OUTLINED IN THE BEAUTIFUL COULTER PLAN FOR MIDDLE EAST STABILITY!!!!
THANK YOU AGAIN, RUDY, FOR ALL THAT YOU’VE DONE TO KEEP PIAPS’ CRIMES AGAINST NEW YORK CITY AND AMERICA AT THE FOREFRONT OF THIS CAMPAIGN!!!! PLEASE CONTINUE TO STUDY THE MORNING AFTER….
….AND WE’LL SEE YOU AT THE RAPTURE!!!!!
Posted by: RALPH | January 30, 2008 5:36 PM
If the swamp isn't even going to bother to screen them out, then why does it say in the disclaimer that anonymous comments will not be posted in the disclaimer?
Don't get me wrong seeing them. I, too, know the courage and personal conviction it takes to post as "weinerdog43," but if you're going to say they won't be posted it looks pretty stupid when you post them.
Posted by: Jeff | January 30, 2008 4:08 PM
Get out the tissues everyone, the McCain college Republican is crying again...
Posted by: John E | January 30, 2008 5:40 PM
Why didn't Rudy do better among Republicans? Reporter Andrew Zajac resists doing what any sane reporter would do--that is, ask some actual Republicans why.
Zajac's personal-attacking article provides part of the answer why Rudy didn't do better. The media (almost unanimously Democrats) won't give ANY Republican a break, and decided (for whatever reason) to back McCain (not Rudy) as the least threatening (to them) Republican.
Posted by: Murrow | January 30, 2008 5:44 PM
Good riddance, Rudy. Go back to milking the tragedies of others for your ongoing mega-millions 911-incorporated charades. Of all the GOP candidates Rudy was the most obviously phony - he makes Romney seem sincere by comparison!
It says a lot when a guy's own children won't support his campaign . . . or even talk to him.
Posted by: Karl_in_Chicago | January 30, 2008 6:39 PM
Shorter Jeffy:
Wah! Rush Limpbaugh told me to back Ghuliani. Now he's gone. Wah! I need an adult to tell me what to do!
Posted by: weinerdog43 | January 30, 2008 8:13 PM
As Rush said today, they didn't win, but they didn't loose.
Just like everything conservative, nothing they do or say makes any sense.
Posted by: RomanB | January 30, 2008 10:46 PM
As Rush said today, they didn't win, but they didn't loose.
Just like everything conservative, nothing they do or say makes any sense.
Posted by: RomanB | January 30, 2008 11:43 PM
Mike Tyson would have made a better candidate than Guliani.
Posted by: Action Jackson | January 31, 2008 11:02 AM
What a sensationalized hit piece this is -- but I'm not surprised considering the author. Rudy was one of the few who would have been able to attract voters on both sides. Hopefully McCain can fill that role.
Posted by: mary | January 31, 2008 11:25 AM
How arrogant to think that you are bigger than the process.
It was like coming out to play in the 4th quarter of a basketball game because that's where most games are won/lost. It doesnt quite work that way.
Posted by: Rick C | January 31, 2008 1:58 PM
Jeff, if the Swamp will post John E.'s comments, such as a previous comment accusing all Republicans of being pedophiles, they'll post anything. Well, actually, that's not true. The Swamp does a great job of screening out similar comments about Democrats.
Posted by: no name | January 31, 2008 3:07 PM
I hate to say to anyone about 9/11 but Rudy Giuliani has personaly benefited the most from 9/11. Andrew is so right about that. Ruday has spent every minute of his time since 9/11 to benefit from the tragedy. I could not believe that he at some point led in the national polls. I feel pathetic for the people who pay to listen him speak. Anyone in his position on 9/11 could have done what he did. He is a loser and american people know it.
Posted by: SSMK | January 31, 2008 3:43 PM
It's starting to look like Judy will need to "trade up"
Posted by: Jerry | January 31, 2008 3:51 PM
I've always thought of him more as 'America's Oscar Mayer'.
This is the man who said that true freedom comes from your willingness to submit to authority. He must be distantly related to Mussolini. Good riddance!
Posted by: Radian | January 31, 2008 5:25 PM
Somebody put up "Rudy" signs here in San Diego so I put Ron Paul signs right on top of his, since Ron Paul was the main force that stopped Giuliani! All the better since people in New York didn't even like him
Posted by: Jim Lundberg, San Diego | February 1, 2008 2:54 AM