Thursday, March 8, 2007

Rudy Giuliani Takes Strong Lead

The latest USA Today/Gallup poll has Rudy Giuliani in a commanding lead over nearest rival, John McCain as preferred Republican nominee.

The poll of 424 Republican and Republican leaning voters between 2 and 4 March, Giuliani was preferred by 44% of those surveyed, compared with just 20% for John McCain. This is an increase from Giuliani's 40% in the same February poll, and he has been tracking up since November, which had him at 28%, just 2 points ahead of McCain.

Newt Gingrich came in third in the poll on 9%, with Mitt Romney increasing his rating from 5% in February to 8% in the latest poll.

Giuliani's favorable rating has dropped 2 points, but is still a massive 64%, with only 21% of those surveyed having an unfavorable opinion of him.

Sunday, March 4, 2007

Newsweek Poll Has Giuliani Well Ahead

The latest Newsweek poll has Rudy Giuliani in the lead of all major candidates, from both parties as the preferred President.

In a head to head contest with John McCain, Giuliani leads 59%-34%.

And in a contest between any of the 3 leading Democrats, Giuliani leads Clinton by 1 point, John Edwards by 2 points and Barack Obama by 3 points.

The poll was conducted between February 28 and March 1 and has a margin of error of plus or minus 4%.

Saturday, March 3, 2007

Giuliani Profile in Newsweek

The latest missive from Newsweek published today, entitled "The Real Rudy Giuliani". It's a profile piece, a long read, but definitely a good one.

Newsweek
March 12, 2007 issue - Rudy Giuliani had been speaking for six minutes before anyone in the audience thought to clap, which was exactly the way he wanted it. Talking to a political crowd in North Spartanburg, S.C., last month, the former New York City mayor and 2008 presidential candidate was not there to excite but to warn; he was less interested in making political promises than he was in sketching out the perils we face. He spoke in the hushed tones of the day that marked him for history, September 11, 2001, his voice barely filling the somber setting—not a hotel ballroom or a church basement, but a firehouse, festooned with American flags.

America's struggle was far from over, Giuliani warned the crowd. The terrorists who tested the nation that morning were still plotting to destroy its spirit. He wouldn't even use the word "if" to talk about future attacks: "I think probably the way I have to say it is, when we're attacked. That's the only way we're going to be safe." The crowd remained silent. "We're going to be in this war for quite some time," Giuliani concluded. "Not by our choosing, but by theirs."

His remarks were dramatic, which was fitting, since Giuliani has always been a man of drama, always thriving at moments of crisis. Growing up in the Long Island suburbs of New York in the placid 1950s, he would close the door to his bedroom and listen to Italian operas, in which each song contained a challenge, a confession or a choice. As a college student he read the words of Winston Churchill, perhaps dreaming that he, too, might one day feel as though he were "walking with Destiny." For a pudgy, Brooklyn-born undergraduate at Manhattan College, his aspirations seemed somewhat outlandish. Sometimes they still do. In his daily interactions, Giuliani can be arrogant, abrasive and imperious, an average-size man trying too hard to prove himself a giant.

But when the crises come, Giuliani has proved to be big enough. New York City was crime-ridden with a dwindling middle class when he became mayor in 1994. By the millennium, the city was safe, swaggering—and the envy of much of the nation. On 9/11, with the president hidden from view, "America's Mayor" steeled the country by speaking the terrible truth: "The number of casualties will be more than any of us can bear." Now, with the war in Iraq in chaos and Al Qaeda still unvanquished, he is pitching himself to Republican primary voters as the man destined to steady the party and the nation in a time of trial.

More...

Sunday, February 18, 2007

Rudy Giuliani in Richmond

Rudy Giuliani was in Richmond, Virginia last night at a fundraising dinner for his campaign for the nomination. Although Giuliani has repeatedly said he is running, he is still yet to actually officially announce....yes, we are still waiting for the fanfare.

Giuliani said that he will not be doing any more guest speaker engagements, which are reportedly earning him up to $100,000 a piece. He said that it was time to devote himself entirely to the campaign.

The function last night was well attended by social conservatives, the hardest group for Giuliani to win over, given his moderate stance on abortion and gay rights. But Giuliani last night indicated that he wouldnt hesitate to appoint conservative anti abortion justices to the Supreme Court if he became President.

Friday, February 16, 2007

Giuliani on Larry King

King - "Are you running or not?"

Giuliani - "Yeah, I'm running, sure"


Wednesday, February 14, 2007

USA Today Poll has Giuliani in Lead

Rudy Giuliani has overwhelmingly taken the lead as preferred Republican nominee in the latest USA Today Gallup poll, taken between 9-11 February.

And in even more positive news for the Giuliani campaign, his favorable rating amongst Americans has gone up to a massive 66%. This is up from 62% in January, although not yet near the 77% high he received in the same poll in December.

On the preferred nominee question, Giuliani leads John McCain 40% to 24%, with 425 Republican and Republican leaning voters surveyed. Behind them are Newt Gingrich on 9% and Mitt Romney on 5%.

And on the question of preferred President, Rudy Giuliani leads Hillary Clinton 50%-48% and Barack Obama 52%-43%.

65% of people surveyed thought that Giuliani would make a good President - the highest rating of any of the candidates.

Giuliani is Running for President

Rudy Giuliani has tonight confirmed that he will be running for the Republican Nomination for President.

Giuliani was speaking tonight on CNN's Larry King Live. He had filed a Statement of Candidacy last week, and over the weekend in California strongly hinted that he would be in this for the long haul.

He said tonight that he believes that he can make a difference and that America needs leadership

On Monday, Giuliani said that he was 100% committed to running for the GOP nomination.

Tuesday, February 13, 2007

Giuliani Is In 100%

From the San Francisco Chronicle today. Rudy Giuliani seems to be doing everything BUT making the formal announcement. It's a slow drip feed...

Carla Marinucci - 2/13/07

Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, insisting he is "100 percent committed" to running for the 2008 Republican presidential nomination, wooed Silicon Valley's tech leaders Monday -- saying he "definitely'' believes in global warming, praising Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger for being a "progressive'' leader on the environment and calling for immigration policies that welcome "people who make contributions" to America's economy.

Giuliani spoke to about 500 members of the Churchill Club, a Silicon Valley business leaders organization, at the Hyatt in Santa Clara Monday, meeting privately beforehand with a handful of top tech executives and then with about 100 potential supporters at a VIP reception before an hourlong talk to the crowd, where he was warmly received as a leading presidential hopeful.

"I am 100 percent committed'' to running for the Republican party nomination for president, he told the crowd. "I still have to do a formal announcement -- but we'll figure out how to do that.''

Poll Has Giuliani Leading in Texas

A poll by Baselice & Associates has Rudy Giuliani leading the race as the preferred Republican nominee in Texas.

Giuliani leads John McCain 28% to 26%. Third in the poll was Newt Gingrich on 17% with Mitt Romney who announced he was running for President today, sitting on only 6%.

The GOP primary in Texas will be held on March 4, 2008, on the same day as 9 other states.

The poll was conducted about 3 weeks ago, and surveyed just over 500 likely Republican voters.

Giuliani Campaigns in Fresno

Rudy Giuliani made a campaign stop last night in Fresno, California. (Go Bulldogs)

Giuliani has spent the weekend campaigning in California and addressed the State GOP Convention on Saturday. Today he was in Santa Clara, speaking to a business group at the Hyatt Regency.

Rudy Giuliani was last night at a house fundraising party, at the home of Jerry & Paula DeYoung. A ticket to the event cost $2,100.

Sunday, February 11, 2007

Rudy Giuliani in Time Magazine

A feature piece appeared a few days back on Rudy Giuliani in Time Magazine. It's a good profile piece, and takes us through the specific stances Giuliani has on some issues which might limit his support from social conservatives in the GOP.

Rudy Giuliani trots out a joke when people ask how someone like him - a thrice married New Yorker who supports gun control, abortion rights and gay rights and who shared an apartment during his second divorce with a couple of gay guys and a Shih Tzu named Bonnie-could possibly win the Republican presidential nomination. "Of course there are disagreements," he'll say. "You never agree with any one candidate 100%. I don't agree with myself 100%."

It's not much of a joke, but then Giuliani's predicament is no laughing matter. The former New York City mayor is at or near the top of the national polls, thanks to a heroic image forged in the fires of 9/11 (he was TIME's Person of the Year for 2001). And with John McCain's call for a supersurge in Iraq putting the Arizona Senator out of step with public opinion, the ground may be shifting toward Giuliani, who supports the Bush surge yet also sends the vague signal that "we've got to get beyond Iraq." The problem is, most Republican voters have no idea where Giuliani stands on social issues--and the conventional wisdom holds that once they find out, his candidacy will die. "It's one of those oddities," says a senior Giuliani adviser. "We're ahead in the polls, but we 'can't win.' Hey, we don't mind being the underdog."

More...

California Republicans Welcome Rudy

Rudy Giuliani was the guest speaker yesterday at the California GOP convention held at the Hyatt Regency in Sacramento.

Coming close to announcing that he was running for President, Giuliani asked of the California Republicans to decide on him as the type of leader needed for the future.

Giuliani focused heavily in his speech on fighting terrorism, and called it the greatest moral issue of our time.

He was also critical of the move by some Republicans and most Democrats to pull the troops out of Iraq, saying that in a time of war, you don't talk about pulling out. Giuliani said that the non binding resolution was not something that Presidents do - they have to move the country forward and make decisions.

Giuliani said that was the kind of President he wanted to be.

Thursday, February 8, 2007

Chicago Tribune Attacks Giuliani

The Chicago Tribune have launched an attack on Rudy Giuliani, in a front page story on his business practices. Its a big story, no doubt a long time in the works, but held from running until Giuliani announced his candidacy.

These attacks on Giuliani have been expected for some time, so it really comes as no surprise.

Make your own mind up on the story.

Giuliani Leads in New Hampshire

A poll conducted last week has Rudy Giuliani in joint lead in New Hampshire with John McCain as preferred Republican nominee.

Giuliani and McCain were both on 27%, with Mitt Romney in third place on 13%. Undeclared potential candidate Newt Gingrich was on 9%.

However, Giuliani topped McCain in the favorability rating - people who view him favorably minus those who view him unfavorably. Giuliani's net rating was 56% compared with 32% for McCain.

Tuesday, February 6, 2007

Rudy Giuliani Is In To Win

Rudy Giuliani yesterday lodged his Statement of Candidacy with the Federal Electoral Commission.

He appeared last night on the Fox News Network, giving an extensive interview on the Hannity and Colmes program.

Part 1


Part 2

Monday, February 5, 2007

Rudy Giuliani Is Running

According to sources within Rudy Giuliani's camp, he will tomorrow file a "Statement of Candidacy" with the Federal Electoral Commission. This will put his exploratory committee on the same level as that of John McCain and Mitt Romney.

In recent weeks, Giuliani has not been totally clear on whether he would actually run for the GOP nomination.

On the weekend, Giuliani said he was a good chance to run. When he files this statement tomorrow, his campaign to secure the nomination will surely be on in earnest.

Giuliani is in the lead in most of the polls across the country. And in the rest, he comes in either shared or a close second to John McCain.

The real question is whether he has the grass roots support amongst the GOP voters.

However, on his tour to key states he has had a very positive response. In addition, his fundraising capacity is still strong and he will be expected to continue as a front runner.

Sunday, February 4, 2007

Giuliani a Good Chance to Run

Rudy Giuliani told Associated Press yesterday that there was a real good chance he will run for the Republican nomination.

Giuliani was in Colombia, South Carolina yesterday.

After setting up his exploratory committee last November, Giuliani said that he has been very pleased by the response. Apparently since that time he has raised a significant amount of money.

Saturday, January 27, 2007

Giuliani in New Hampshire

Rudy Giuliani has been campaigning today in Manchester, New Hampshire and will be speaking at the State GOP Convention.

Last night he spoke at a function with more than 400 people in attendance. Apparently he frequently mentioned the 9/11 attacks and the work achieved after the disaster. He was introduced as "America's Mayor".

In his speech he said that the war in Iraq was very important, but the "..war on terror is much broader than the war in Iraq."

Giuliani hasn't declared yet that he will seek the nomination. But given he is braving the cold in New Hampshire, he leads in the polls and he has a raft of fundraising activities planned in the coming weeks, we think the exploratory committee will shift fairly soon to a declared campaign.

Giuliani Leads Again in New Poll

Rudy Giuliani is the leading Republican candidate for the Presidential nomination according to a new poll released today by CNN.

Giuliani has secured 32% of the support, followed by John McCain who was preferred by 26% of respondents.

They were then followed by the undeclared Newt Gingrich on 9%, and Mitt Romney on 7%.

The poll took place between 19 and 21 January.

Wednesday, January 24, 2007

Giuliani on State of the Union

Rudy Giuliani has backed the State of the Union speech by President Bush. Appearing this morning on NBC Today, Giuliani said that while Iraq was a very important issue, the President was trying to remind America that there are other issues of concern, there is a whole domestic agenda as well.

Giuliani said that we cant afford to ignore other issues like health, education and energy.

In regard to the Iraq strategy, he said that there has to be a heavy emphasis on measuring results. Giuliani also said that success in Iraq means a victory against terrorists and a safer world, and President Bush should be given the support by Congress and America in his new escalation plan.

Asked how he could get elected as nominee when he is considered liberal, Giuliani said that he could provide hope for the future, give better leadership, and would be able to handle the country in a time of crisis.

Giuliani will announce he said when the questions of his exploratory committee are answered.

Sunday, January 21, 2007

POST/ABC Poll - Giuliani Leads

In the latest Washington Post and ABC poll, Rudy Giuliani is in the lead, preferred candidate for the Republican nomination by 34% of those surveyed.

He was followed by John McCain on 27%, with Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich on 9% each.

The poll was conducted last week and has a margin of error of 4%.

This is good news for the Giuliani camp, after a shaky start to the year with their campaign strategy being leaked to the media.

However, this is only the beginning. Being in front usually means you are the first to be attacked. Giuliani will be subjected to some scrutiny in coming weeks regarding his business affairs, probably followed closely by a whisper campaign on his previous marriages.

Saturday, January 13, 2007

Giuliani Backs Bush Troop Plan

Rudy Giuliani has backed the 21,500 increased troops being sent to Iraq, as proposed by President Bush.

Appearing on Hannity & Colmes, Giuliani said that he believed that President Bush did the right thing in announcing a new strategy and an increase in troops.

Giuliani was adamant that America had to succeed in Iraq and said that "If we don't succeed in Iraq, we are going to face much more difficulties, tremendous problems."

Giuliani's position on the Bush announcement is in line with the two other leading Presidential hopefuls, John McCain and Mitt Romney. However another hopeful Senator Brownback who is currently in Iraq has attacked the plan, as has possible candidate Chuck Hagel who linked the Bush decision on Iraq to the failures of strategy in Vietnam.

Thursday, January 11, 2007

No Comment from Giuliani on troop surge

The New York Post has reported that Rudy Giuliani isn't yet commenting on the troop surge proposal by President Bush. He is not alone. Apparently Romney, Brownback, Gingrich and Huckabee wouldn't comment either. John McCain appears to be the only one at this stage who is fully behind the President's decision, a move he himself describes as risky.

The latest issue of Time Magazine has created a racing guide, with Rudy Giuliani appearing to have over $600,000 in his campaign account. We would expect that to rise quite sharply in the coming weeks. Surprisingly, the report notes that Giuliani has only been to Iowa and New Hampshire twice each, a lot less than a combined total of 25 visits by Mitt Romney.

Saturday, January 6, 2007

Rudy Giuliani in 08?

Rudy Giuliani, whose reputation amongst all Americans was enhanced by the 9/11 event, is considered the leading candidate for the GOP with John McCain.

However Giuliani is a moderate in the GOP, being pro-choice, favoring same sex marriage and is an advocate for gun control.

Yet he has a large popularity in the community, and is often considered by many commentators as one of the best chances for the GOP to retain the White House. In addition, being from New York, Giuliani's popularity would be a great asset in capturing that State's 31 electoral votes.

That is of course if New York's other favorite representative, Hillary Clinton doesn't secure the Democratic nomination. But like Clinton, Giuliani has a great capacity for fundraising, and would lead a very cashed up party to the 08 election.

But Giuliani does have some problems. He has been married 3 times, a fact that will surely be highlighted by his opponents, and certainly by the press. There is also little doubt that his previous health scare will feature in negative campaigns, if only at the whisper level.

In the last few days, the New York Daily News reported on a 140 page leaked report from the Giuliani campaign which detailed the strategy for the coming months. The Giuliani camp are suggesting that the report was stolen, by another candidate's team, although which one has yet to be reported. The Daily News however are reporting that it was from someone within the Giuliani camp sympathetic to another candidate.

Regardless, the report has brought attention to all the matters that Giuliani was seeking to avoid. It highlighted the anti-spin needed to deal with the issues of his former relationships, as well as his positions on social issues to help secure at least some of the right of the Republicans.

What effect this will have in the longer term remains to be seen, but at the very least it puts the issues out into the open once and for all, rather than being eked out by opponents during the primaries.