Giuliani's 9/11 aura helps Bush camp ( and says Kerry is qualified)

[kskiska]

NEW YORK - Just weeks before the Republican National Convention hits his hometown, Rudolph W. Giuliani is emerging as a central player in the Bush re-election effort, attacking John Kerry, racing around the country campaigning and directly leveraging the events of Sept. 11 in ways that President Bush and many of his closest allies have not dared.

The former mayor has emerged as a potent political symbol who evokes the nation's initial response to the Sept. 11 attacks. Giuliani said in an interview Wednesday that in his address to the convention, he will speak almost exclusively about that fateful day.

(snip)

Even Wednesday, while vigorously defending Bush, Giuliani seemed to float away from Republican talking points, declaring that Kerry was qualified to be president, even if he would not vote for him.

"Somebody who has been elected to the United States Senate three times, been attorney general and has the war record, he has absolutely" the qualifications to be president, Giuliani said. "It would be a terrible mistake for the Republican side to argue he is not qualified."

His rapprochement with the Republicans comes after years in which the national party often shunned him, particularly when he did things like support President Clinton's crime bill in 1994 and bunk with gay friends during his divorce.

more…
http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/politics/2735557

[GimmeDANEger]

1. either....

A: He's trying to appeal to both sides for a future run for the oval office.

B: He's trying to make good with Kerry because he is losing faith in Chump winning another term.

or

C: He actually has a shred of dignity.


My money's on A.

[physioex]

3. Hello Welocme to DU (If you are indeed new)....

I don't think he can make a run. He was a failed mayor before the attacks. He is not a Neocon and is probably are Repug in the tradional sense. Plus he is a known adulterer.....

[GimmeDANEger]

4. Thanks (long-time reader, firs-uh-seventh-time poster)

I guess you're probably right, although there was a good six months after 9/11 when the man could have gotten away with murder, yet alone a presidential bid.

How messed up is this nation when those who fight for morals aren't exceptionally good at exercising them and those who push for war are those who personally avoid it?

When are we (nation as a whole, not just us who already pay attention) going to wake the hell up?

[physioex]

5. Same here....

I spent months reading the op-ed pieces on the home page and discussion board. Then like you I started posting.

Change can occur when we start getting rid of the PNAC Neocons. They are the most dangerous people around in my opinion.....

[MichiganVote]

6. Welcome mynameisdane

[physioex]

2. Giuliani is like McCain....

In the sense I can't figure out these men. I really dont like the guy and I think he was a failed mayor before the attacks. I am sure what he did was emotionally draining but he was simply doing his job.

He could have done somethings better post 9/11 in terms of taking care of the families and first responders. He just wants his face in front of the camera and I really don't think he cares about anything substantive.....

[DaveSZ]

7. I've seen an interview with him

(Charlie Rose I think)

Anyways, he's liberal on social issues, but more right wing on economic issues.

[NewYorkerfromMass]

8. He endorsed Mario Cuomo for governor in 1994

and when Pataki beat him Rudy was persona non grata for the next year or 2 with Albany.
He's pretty liberal in a lot of respects, and don't forget this:

[kskiska]

9. Kick!!!!

:kick:

[JI7]

10. this means Giuliani is planning to run for Governer or Senate

or maybe even mayor again. it's just like the comments arnold made about how kerry is his friend .