January 30, 2008

Rudy Pulls Out

A great opportunity has been lost by Rudy Giuliani and by the American people. He was the greatest mayor New York has seen in a half-century or more, and he could have been a fine President.

I've heard that the old fire was completely lacking in all of his recent campaign appearances. He didn't seem to really want it, he had lost his edge entirely.

In retrospect, the Giuliani campaign strategy was incomprehensibly bad. I'd sent him a $100 campaign contribution, and I feel like asking for a refund.

The strategy to bet the ranch on Florida let Romney, McCain and Huckabee gain all the momentum, while the only publicity Rudy was getting was from a stream of negative articles from the jackals of the NY Times, the NY Daily News, NY Magazine. Even Tim Russert gave Rudy far more brutal treatment than he dished out to anyone else.

I'd like to see Rudy Giuliani in a position of public service once more. McCain-Giuliani is no impossibility.

Now, pardon me while I take down the Rudy banner.

8 comments:

Bay Ridge for Ron Paul said...

We're one step closer to getting Ron Paul the nomination!

The Phantom said...

Bay Ridge and NYC people are a little too grounded to vote in significant numbers for Ron Paul. He's a few tall boys short of a six pack, as they might say at Sunnydale Farms deli.

Bay Ridge for Ron Paul said...

Ron Paul shouldn't be dismissed that easily.

I will be happy to meet you over a pint and talk about the merits of Ron Paul.

You'll find I'm quite "grounded."

Anonymous said...

I am 44 years old and never once in my life was there a candidate that I felt, "wow, I would campaign for him(her)". I would have worked really hard to do anything for him and would have been proud to have him as President of the USA.

Gotham City Insider said...

Article from the Associated Press discusses that New York City mayors who aim for higher office always miss.

A Curse? No Higher Office for NYC Mayors

The Phantom said...

Anon

I hear you. He was very imperfect, and had a dark side that was most visible.

But his accomplishments in this City, which reverberated across America, were immense -- both before and after 9/11.

He'll be OK. The loss is ours. More on this later.

Anonymous said...

Poor Rudy!!!!

Anonymous said...

I think it's a great shame he pulled out. He wasn't exactly perfect (!) but leaving personal life out of politics he was the best man for the job. Right age, statesman like, good ideas and commanded respect. The single most significant thing an American President needs internationally right now. I know some may dismiss that but the international impact on America is bigger than ever now, regards defence. None of the other candidates have any panache or ...anything to offer.