2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Rudy Giuliani Campaign Launches New Television Ad, “Leadership”

Rudy Giuliani Campaign Launches New Television Ad

New York City - The Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee announced the launch of a new television ad entitled, “Leadership.”  The ad is airing in New Hampshire and Boston. 

Script for “Leadership”: 

MAYOR GIULIANI: “I believe I’ve had the most leadership experience of anyone that’s running.  It’s not just holding executive positions, like Mayor of New York, or United States Attorney, or 3rd ranking official in the Reagan Justice Department. It’s having held those positions in time of crisis.  I’ve been tested in a way in which the American people can look to me. They’re not going to find perfection, but they’re going to find somebody who has dealt with crisis almost on a regular basis and has had results. And in many cases, exceptional results. Results people thought weren’t possible. I’m Rudy Giuliani and I approve this message.”

Rudy Giuliani Campaign Launches First Television Ad

Rudy Giuliani Campaign Launches First Television Ad

New York City - The Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee announced today it will launch its first television ad of the campaign.  The ad, entitled “Tested,” will begin airing statewide in New Hampshire on Thursday.  “Tested” features Rudy Giuliani speaking to the camera about his record of results turning around New York as Mayor. 

“America deserves an authentic leader who has been tested in times of crisis and has a real record of results," said Campaign Manager Michael DuHaime.

The script is below.   

Script for “Tested”: 

MAYOR GIULIANI: “New York City is the 3rd or 4th largest government in the country.  It’s one of the largest economies in the United States.

“They used to call it unmanageable, ungovernable. A large majority of New Yorkers wanted to leave and live somewhere else.  It was a city that was in financial crisis.  A city that was the crime capital of America.  A city that was the welfare capital of America.  A city that was in very, very difficult condition when I became the Mayor.

“By the time I left office, New York City was being proclaimed as the best example of conservative government in the country.  We turned it into the safest large city in America.  The welfare to work capital of America.  And most importantly, the spirit of the people of the city had changed. Instead of being hopeless, the large majority of people had hope. 

“So, I believe I’ve been tested in a way in which the American people can look to me. They’re not going to find perfection, but they’re going to find somebody who has dealt with crisis almost on a regular basis and has had results. And in many cases exceptional results. Results people thought weren’t possible. I’m Rudy Giuliani and I approve this message.”

Statement from Rudy Giuliani in Honor of Veteran’s Day

Statement from Rudy Giuliani in Honor of Veteran’s Day

New York City – Rudy Giuliani made the following statement today in honor of Veteran’s Day: 

“Throughout our nation’s history, no group has done more to ensure we live in freedom than our servicemen and women.  We have a responsibility to our veterans and their families that should not end with their tour of duty. 

“While we remember and honor those who have fought in wars past, we must keep in our thoughts and prayers the men and women fighting today in the Terrorists’ War on Us.  The sacrifice made by all servicemen and women – in active duty, the National Guard, and the Reserves – must be recognized not just with praise, but with the assurance that they and their families will be taken care of once their service is completed.” 

Pat Robertson Endorses Rudy Giuliani for President

Pat Robertson Endorses Rudy Giuliani for President

New York City – The Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee today announced that Pat Robertson has endorsed Rudy Giuliani for President of the United States. 

“It is my pleasure to announce my support for America’s Mayor, Rudy Giuliani, a proven leader who is not afraid of what lies ahead and who will cast a hopeful vision for all Americans,” said Pat Robertson.  “Rudy Giuliani took a city that was in decline and considered ungovernable and reduced its violent crime, revitalized its core, dramatically lowered its taxes, cut through a welter of bureaucratic regulations, and did so in the spirit of bipartisanship which is so urgently needed in Washington today.” 

“I am very encouraged by Pat’s support,” Rudy Giuliani said.  “His confidence in me means a lot.  His experience and advice will be a great asset to me and my campaign.” 

About M.G. “Pat” Robertson:

M. G. "Pat" Robertson has achieved national and international recognition as a religious broadcaster, philanthropist, humanitarian, educator, religious leader, businessman, and author.  He is the founder and chairman of The Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) Inc., and founder of International Family Entertainment Inc., Regent University, Operation Blessing International Relief and Development Corporation, American Center for Law and Justice, The Flying Hospital, Inc. and several other organizations and broadcast entities.

After graduating with honors from McCallie School in Chattanooga, Tennessee, a military prep school, Robertson entered Washington and Lee University in 1946, where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa.  In 1948 he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve.  After graduating magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Washington and Lee in 1950, Robertson served as the assistant adjutant of the First Marine Division in combat in Korea.  He was promoted to first lieutenant in 1952 upon his return to the United States.  Robertson received a juris doctor degree from Yale University Law School in 1955 and a master of divinity degree from New York Theological Seminary in 1959.

In November 1959 Robertson left New York with his wife, Dede, and their three children and drove to Tidewater, Virginia, where he planned to buy a bankrupt UHF television station in Portsmouth.  Arriving with only seventy dollars in his pocket, Robertson proceeded to raise the finances to purchase the station.  CBN was formed January 11, 1960, and on October 1, 1961, CBN went on the air for the first time. 

Robertson is the author of sixteen books including “Courting Disaster,” “The Ten Offenses,” “Bring It On,” “Six Steps To Revival,” “The Turning Tide,” “The New Millennium,” “The New World Order,” and his first fiction, “The End of the Age.”  “The Secret Kingdom” was number three on Time magazine’s national non-fiction list.  “The New World Order” was number four on the New York Times’ non-fiction list of America’s best selling books.  “The Secret Kingdom,” “Answers to 100 of Life’s Most Probing Questions,” and “The New World Order” were each in their respective year of publication the number one religious book in America.

Numerous governors, state legislators and mayors have recognized Robertson's humanitarian efforts with citations.  Robertson is past president of the prestigious Council on National Policy.  In 1982 he served on President Ronald Reagan's Task Force on Victims of Crime.  He previously served as a member of the Board of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership and on the Governor’s Council of Economic Advisors in the State of Virginia.

Pat and Dede Robertson have four children and fourteen grandchildren and reside in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Senator Norm Coleman Endorses Rudy Giuliani For President

Senator Norm Coleman Endorses Rudy Giuliani for President

New York City – The Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee announced today that Senator Norm Coleman (R-MN) has formally endorsed Rudy Giuliani and will serve as the campaign’s Minnesota State Chairman and Midwest Regional Chairman.   

“I have long respected and admired Rudy Giuliani,” said Senator Coleman.  "Rudy Giuliani and I share a strong bond as former Mayors.  We focused on bringing people together to get things done, and to ensure that our focus was on solutions, not problems.  I am confident that his vision and his strength as a candidate will give Republicans a strong voice in the November 2008 elections."

“I am honored to have the backing of Norm Coleman,” said Rudy Giuliani.  “Norm was an effective Mayor and serves the people of Minnesota well in the United States Senate.  I truly appreciate his continued friendship and support.”

Norm Coleman:
In 1993, Norm Coleman was elected Mayor of St. Paul as a Democrat. In 1996, he joined the Republican Party and was reelected in 1997 as the first Republican Mayor in St. Paul in over 25 years, receiving nearly 60% of the vote.

During his 8 years in office, he led the city through an economic rebirth.  In 1997 Coleman led an effort to secure a National Hockey League franchise for the city, the Minnesota Wild, which began play in September 2000 at a new state-of-the-art arena.

Norm Coleman was elected to the United States Senate in 2002.  He currently serves on several key committees including the Committee on Agriculture, Forestry and Nutrition, the Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs, the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship and the Foreign Relations Committee.   

Coleman was born in Brooklyn, New York.  He is a graduate of Hofstra University on Long Island. He received his Juris Doctor from the University of Iowa College of Law. Coleman spent 17 years working for the Minnesota Attorney General's office, prosecuting cases all over the state and getting involved in a wide variety of public policy matters, including child abuse and drug abuse.

He is married to Laurie Coleman.  They have two children, Jacob and Sarah.

Joe Allbaugh To Serve As Senior Advisor To Rudy Giuliani

Joe Allbaugh to Serve as Senior Advisor to Rudy Giuliani

New York City – The Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee announced today that former FEMA Director Joe Allbaugh will serve as Senior Advisor to the Rudy Giuliani campaign.  Allbaugh will advise the campaign on general strategy and homeland security.    

“Rudy Giuliani is the only candidate who will keep America on offense in the Terrorists’ War on Us,” said Joe Allbaugh.  “The leadership he showed after 9/11 was an inspiration not only to New Yorkers but to the country.  He knows what it takes to keep America safe, and as President, he will ensure that our country never goes back on defense in this war.”   

“Joe and I worked closely together in the aftermath of 9/11 to ensure that everything possible was being done to help victims and their families,” Rudy Giuliani said.  "He has significant experience in emergency management and I will look to him for sound advice and expertise."

About Joe Allbaugh:
Joe M. Allbaugh was the National Campaign Manager for the Bush-Cheney 2000 presidential campaign.

Rudy Giuliani Campaign Launches New Radio Ad in New Hampshire Entitled, “Chances”

Rudy Giuliani Campaign Launches New Radio Ad In New Hampshire Entitled, “Chances”

New York City - The Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee today announced it will launch a new radio ad in New Hampshire, entitled “Chances.”  The ad highlights Rudy Giuliani’s commitment to give Americans more control over and access to health care with affordable and portable free-market solutions including tax exemptions for those who chose to purchase their own health insurance.

Script for “Chances”: 

RUDY GIULIANI: “I had prostate cancer, five, six years ago.  My chance of surviving prostate cancer, and thank God I was cured of it, in the United States, 82%.  My chances of surviving prostate cancer in England, only 44% under socialized medicine.”

RUDY GIULIANI: “You and I should be making the decisions about what kind of health care we get with our doctors, not with a government bureaucrat.  What we need to do is to give people a $15,000 deduction for a family, a $7500 deduction for an individual so they can go out and by their own health insurance.”

RUDY GIULIANI: “If we do that, and we end up with a market of 50, 60 million Americans buying their own health insurance, without a mandate, the cost of health insurance will come down and the quality will come up. 

RUDY GIULIANI:  “Government has never been able to reduce costs.  Government never increases quality”. 

RUDY GIULIANI:  “We have the best health care system in the world.  We just have to make it better.”

VOICEOVER:  “Rudy Giuliani.  Leadership.  Principle.  Results.”

RUDY GIULIANI:  “I’m Rudy Giuliani and I approved this message.” 

VOICEOVER: “Paid for by Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee Incorporated.  Visit joinrudy2008.com”

Missouri House Majority Leader Endorses Giuliani For President

Missouri House Majority Leader Endorses Giuliani for President
Rep. Steven Tilley Files Giuliani’s Candidacy Papers This Morning

New York City – The Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee today announced Missouri House Majority Leader Steven Tilley has endorsed Mayor Giuliani for President. He will serve as the campaign’s Missouri State Co-Chair.

Tilley also filed candidacy papers this morning with the Missouri Secretary of State’s office on behalf of the Mayor.

“Mayor Giuliani has a strong record of fiscal discipline and lowering taxes, he is tough on crime and has shown the kind of strong leadership required to be the nation’s top executive,” said Tilley. “I am proud to be part of the Giuliani campaign in Missouri. I believe he is the best choice for Republicans to capture the White House in 2008.”

“We’re glad Steve has joined our Missouri team,” said Congresswoman Jo Ann Emerson, Giuliani’s Missouri State Chair. “His endorsement demonstrates the Mayor’s growing strength in the state. Steve will be a great supporter of Rudy’s message of keeping America strong and safe and governing with fiscally conservative principles.”

What They’re Saying … About Mayor Giuliani, Part Two At The Republican Debate

What They’re Saying … About Mayor Giuliani, Part Two

Politico’s Mike Allen: “Baseball addict Rudy Giuliani had a World Series performance.” (Mike Allen, Politico’s “Playbook,” http://dyn.politico.com/playbook/, 10/22/07, Accessed 10/22/07)

CBN’s David Brody: “As for Rudy Giuliani, it was another strong debate performance.” (David Brody, “Brody File Reaction To GOP Debate,” CBN.com’s “The Brody File” Blog, http://www.cbn.com/CBNnews/254065.aspx, 10/21/07)

Brody: Giuliani “just doesn't come across as your typical politician. He's breezy, funny, serious and intellectually engaging all at the same time. A rare combination.” (David Brody, “Brody File Reaction To GOP Debate,” CBN.com’s “The Brody File” Blog, http://www.cbn.com/CBNnews/254065.aspx, 10/21/07)

Brody: “It was vintage Giuliani. In your face. The Straight shooter.” (David Brody, “Brody File Reaction To GOP Debate,” CBN.com’s “The Brody File” Blog, http://www.cbn.com/CBNnews/254065.aspx, 10/21/07)

Power Line Blog’s Paul Mirengoff: “Giuliani had another good night.” (Paul Mirengoff, “A sleeping giant wakes up,” Power Line Blog, http://www.powerlineblog.com/archives2/2007/10/018822.php, 10/21/07, Accessed 10/21/07)

Pollster Frank Luntz: Giuliani was “Almost off the charts.” (Fox News, “Hannity & Colmes,” 10/21/07)

Luntz: “And in fact it was Rudy Giuliani who these voters thought would be the best candidate to defeat Hillary Clinton.” (Fox News, “Hannity & Colmes,” 10/21/07)

Luntz: “Rudy Giuliani had a priceless sound bite.” (Fox News, “Hannity & Colmes,” 10/21/07)

EyeOn08.com: Giuliani “looks like he could be President.” (“McCain Wins The Debate,” Eyeon08.com, http://www.eyeon08.com/2007/10/21/mccain-wins-the-debate/, 10/21/07)

The National Review’s Jim Geraghty: “The first time I thought Rudy Giuliani could be president was at his 2004 convention speech … Similar performance tonight – maybe heavy on laughs – but it worked.” (Jim Geraghty, “Everybody Was Good; Fred, Rudy, And Huck Were Best,” The National Review’s “The Corner” Blog, http://campaignspot.nationalreview.com/post/?q=NjkyZTFmNmJjNTQ4NzJjYTU5MGExMDk4MWUzZWY4NzQ=, 10/21/07, Accessed 10/21/07)

Geraghty said Giuliani was “engaging,” a “quick thinker on his feet,” and “pugnacious.” (Jim Geraghty, “Everybody Was Good; Fred, Rudy, And Huck Were Best,” The National Review’s “The Corner” Blog, http://campaignspot.nationalreview.com/post/?q=NjkyZTFmNmJjNTQ4NzJjYTU5MGExMDk4MWUzZWY4NzQ=, 10/21/07, Accessed 10/21/07)

Geraghty said Giuliani is “hitting all cylinders at just the right time.” (Jim Geraghty, “Everybody Was Good; Fred, Rudy, And Huck Were Best,” The National Review’s “The Corner” Blog, http://campaignspot.nationalreview.com/post/?q=NjkyZTFmNmJjNTQ4NzJjYTU5MGExMDk4MWUzZWY4NzQ=, 10/21/07, Accessed 10/21/07)

NBC’s Chuck Todd: “Giuliani is proving to be one of the better pure debaters on stage …” (Chuck Todd, “Quick Post-Debate Thoughts,” NBC’s “First Read” Blog, http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/10/21/423073.aspx, 10/21/07, Accessed 10/21/07)

The Orlando Sentinel’s Scott Maxwell: “And everyone seemed to think that Rudy did what he needed to do -- both tonight and this weekend.” (Scott Maxwell, “Post Spin Room,” Orlando Sentinel’s “Taking Names” Blog, http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/news_local_namesblog/2007/10/post-spin-room.html, 10/21/07, Accessed 10/21/07)

The Des Moines Register’s David Yepsen said Mayor Giuliani “turned in a good performance.” (David Yepsen, “McCain Shines, But Little Is New In GOP Debate,” The Des Moines Register, 10/22/07)

Time Magazine’s Mark Halperin: “Giuliani: A-” (Mark Halperin, Time Magazine’s The Page Blog, “Game Over Republican Presidential Candidates Fight To A Draw,” http://thepage.time.com, 10/21/07)

Halperin: Giuliani “Stood up to onslaught from Thompson on his immigration position, and uncharacteristically chose to fight back rather than dodge.” (Mark Halperin, “The Republican Candidates,” Time’s “The Page” Blog, http://www.time.com/time/specials/2007/article/0,28804,1674201_1674200_1674193,00.html, 10/22/07, Accessed 10/22/07)

Time Magazine’s Ana Marie Cox: “Snap judgment … Rudy had the most good [lines] …” (Ana Marie Cox Time Magazine’s Swampland Blog, “Liveblogging: The Orlando Oral Exam,” http://time-blog.com/swampland, 10/21/07)

Pajama Media’s Stephen Green: “[R]udy had the best instincts…” (Stephen Green, “Liveblogging The Florida GOP Debate,” Pajamas Media Blog, http://www.pajamasmedia.com/2007/10/_liveblogging_the_republican_d.php, 10/21/07)

Ankle Biting Pundit: Giuliani “hit it out of the park when questioned about teachers hating him - he said he cared about the kids more, and gave one of the best defenses of school choice I’ve heard.” (“The GOP Debate – The Best So Far,” Ankle Biting Pundit’s Blog, http://www.anklebitingpundits.com/content/index.php?p=2683, 10/21/07, Accessed 10/21/07)

Ankle Biting Pundit: “All in all though a good solid night for Rudy…” (“The GOP Debate – The Best So Far,” Ankle Biting Pundit’s Blog, http://www.anklebitingpundits.com/content/index.php?p=2683, 10/21/07, Accessed 10/21/07)

The Associated Press’ Libby Quaid: “Relaxed, smiling and conversational, Giuliani reinforced his image as a front-runner much as he does on the campaign trail ...” (Libby Quaid, “With Humor And Warnings, GOP Candidates Denounce Clinton,” The Associated Press, 10/22/07)

Fox News’ Molly Line: “As for a crowd favorite … it seemed at least upon entering the room that Rudy Giuliani got the most applause.” (Fox News’ “Fox And Friends,” 10/22/07)

What They’re Saying … About Mayor Giuliani At The Republican Debate

What They’re Saying … About Mayor Giuliani

Florida Voter: “[Giuliani] is strong. He’s strong. He's what we need. He’s got the track record …” (Fox News, 10/21/07)

Ask By Frank Luntz: “Why Giuliani?” Florida Voter Said, “Clear, concise, direct answers and he’s a man who’s got a track record of execution.” (Fox News, 10/21/07)

Pollster Frank Luntz on Fox News focus group reaction: “Rudy Giuliani definitely benefited from tonight’s debate. Very clearly.” (Fox News, 10/21/07)

The Orlando Sentinel’s Scott Maxwell: “Rudy Scores, Fred Pauses.” (Scott Maxwell, “Rudy Scores, Fred Pauses,” Orlando Sentinel’s “Taking Names” Blog, http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/news_local_namesblog/2007/10/rudy-scores-fre.html, 10/21/07, Accessed 10/21/07)

Maxwell said Giuliani scored points “for pointing out that he and all of his GOP peers are here in Florida and not writing off the state the way the Democrats have. He is right on that point …” (Scott Maxwell, “Rudy Scores, Fred Pauses,” Orlando Sentinel’s “Taking Names” Blog, http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/news_local_namesblog/2007/10/rudy-scores-fre.html, 10/21/07, Accessed 10/21/07)

Maxwell: “[T]he audience seemed to be in Rudy's corner.” (Scott Maxwell, “Winners And Losers,” Orlando Sentinel’s “Taking Names” Blog, http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/news_local_namesblog/2007/10/winners-and-los.html, 10/21/07, Accessed 10/21/07)

The Atlantic’s Marc Ambinder: “Giuliani again proved that he is so adept in these formats and can handle really any question with finesse. And he showed, again, that he is the Republican who best frames the race against Hillary Clinton. He's a natural at it.” (Marc Ambinder, “The Republican Debate: First Take,” The Atlantic’s Blog, http://marcambinder.theatlantic.com/archives/2007/10/the_republican_debate_first_ta.php, 10/21/07)

NRO’s Lowry: “Rudy was excellent as always—forceful, lively, substantive.” (Rich Lowry, National Review Online’s The Corner Blog, “Rudy And McCain,” corner.nationalreview.com, 10/21/07)

Lowry: “Rudy feels fresher.” (Rich Lowry, National Review Online’s The Corner Blog, “Rudy And McCain,” corner.nationalreview.com, 10/21/07)

Lowry: “[R]udy scores at the end with the Fred-has-no-executive-experience line. As always, Rudy shows he's very capable of defending himself.” (Rich Lowry, National Review Online’s The Corner Blog, “Fred V. Rudy,” corner.nationalreview.com, 10/21/07)

Lowry: “Rudy Cares About The Kids More: Truly Great Answer.” (Rich Lowry, National Review Online’s The Corner Blog, “Rudy Cares About The Kids More,” corner.nationalreview.com, 10/21/07)

Lowry: “Rudy swats away Romney, and then goes on a real roll.” (Rich Lowry, National Review Online’s The Corner Blog, “‘You've Gotta Be Kiddin' Me,’” corner.nationalreview.com, 10/21/07)

Lowry: “Rudy Explains Health Care Very Well.” (Rich Lowry, National Review Online’s The Corner Blog, “Rudy Explains Health Care Very Well,” corner.nationalreview.com, 10/21/07)

NBC’s Chuck Todd said Giuliani had a “feisty start.” (Chuck Todd, “Rudy Ignores Fred’s Attack By Attacking Back, NBC’s “First Read” Blog, http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/10/21/422985.aspx, 10/21/07, Accessed 10/21/07)

ABC News’ Rick Klein: “Rudy Giuliani was in control of the stage at key moments …” (Rick Klein, ABC News’ Political Radar, “Live-Blogging During Tonight's GOP Debate,” http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2007/10/live-blogging-1.html, 10/21/07)

NRO’s Mark Hemingway: “Rudy is still the most consistent guy in these debates.” Mark Hemingway, National Review Online’s The Corner Blog, “My Debate Wrap Up,” corner.nationalreview.com, 10/21/07)

The American Spectator’s John Tabin: “Rudy: He's now consistently excelling in the debates, and was particularly strong on education.” (John Tabin, “Candidate Scoreboard,” The American Spectator’s “AmSpecBlog,” http://www.spectator.org/blogger.asp?BlogID=8827, 10/21/07, Accessed 10/21/07)

AmSpec Blog’s Philip Klein: “He gave a strong answer by saying he cares about teachers, but cares about the kids more.” (Philip Klein, The American Spectator’s AmSpec Blog, Giuliani On School Choice, http://www.spectator.org/blogger.asp?BlogID=8817, 10/21/07)

Klein: “The fiesty, reformist, Rudy came out when he talked about fighting beauracracy and called choice, as he as before, the ‘civil rights issue of our time.’” (Philip Klein, The American Spectator’s AmSpec Blog, Giuliani On School Choice, http://www.spectator.org/blogger.asp?BlogID=8817, 10/21/07)

Klein: “Giuliani’s strong personality was on display, and his answers on Iran and school choice were pitch perfect.” (Philip Klein, “Debate Wrap,” The American Spectator’s AmSpecBlog, http://www.spectator.org/blogger.asp, 10/21/07)

The American Spectator’s Jennifer Rubin: “This is the Rudy that got liberals mad in NY-- taking on government bureaucrats.” (Jennifer Rubin, “Debate 3,” The American Spectator’s “AmSpecBlog,” http://www.spectator.org/blogger.asp?BlogID=8816, 10/21/07, Accessed 10/21/07)

Rubin: “When he goes into his Hillary taunts and his ‘I like kids better’ there is no space between him and the most conservative of the base.” (Jennifer Rubin, “Another Break,” The American Spectator’s “AmSpecBlog,” http://www.spectator.org/blogger.asp?BlogID=8821, 10/21/07, Accessed 10/21/07)

The American Spectator’s Jennifer Rubin: “Rudy’s answer on Iran is very strong …” (Jennifer Rubin, “Debate 5,” The American Spectator’s “AmSpecBlog,” http://www.spectator.org/blogger.asp?BlogID=8824, 10/21/07, Accessed 10/21/07)

Rubin: “Rudy was … on his game -- the best answers on school choice and Iran with his Hillary routine still the best you can find.” (Jennifer Rubin, “Wrap,” The American Spectator’s AmSpecBlog, http://www.spectator.org/blogger.asp, 10/21/07)

Politico’s Jonathan Martin: “Asked about his clashes with New York City teachers, Rudy unapologetically said of educators: ‘There are great ones, there are average ones, there are bad ones.’ … It's these frank appeals to the conservative gut that remind Republicans that he's one of them.” (Jonathan Martin, “This Is Why It’s Hard To Paint Rudy As A Lefty,” Politico’s Blog, http://www.politico.com/blogs/jonathanmartin/1007/This_is_why_its_hard_to_paint_Rudy_as_a_lefty.html, 10/21/07, Accessed 10/21/07)

Martin: “When Rudy noted that his poll deficit to Hillary was ‘within the margin of error,’ the Floridians in the crowd let loose with some applause.” (Jonathan Martin, “The State Of Affairs For The GOP,” Politico’s Blog, http://www.politico.com/blogs/jonathanmartin/1007/The_state_of_affairs_for_the_GOP.html, 10/21/07, Accessed 10/21/07)

Townhall.com’s Matt Lewis said Rudy had a “great line” on education. “When pressed about teachers not liking him, Rudy has a great line about how he cares about teachers, but he cares about the kids more.” (Matt Lewis, “GOP Candidates Mix-It-Up,” Townhall.com’s Blog, www.townhall.com, 10/21/07, Accessed 10/21/07)

Right Wing News’ John Hawkins: “Spot-on Rudy. We don't want to fight with Iran, but better to fight with Iran than allow them to have nukes.” (John Hawkins, Right Wing News’ Blog, “Debate Liveblogging,” http://www.rightwingnews.com/mt331/2007/10/debate_quasiliveblogging.php, 10/21/07)

Power Line Blog’s Scott Johnson: “Rudy Giuliani undeniably shone.” (Scott Johnson, “Best Line Of The Camaign So Far,” Power Line Blog, http://www.powerlineblog.com/archives2/2007/10/018821.php, 10/21/07, Accessed 10/21/07)