September 19, 2007
Posted: September 19th, 2007 07:11 PM ET

Watch part of John King's interview of Rudy Giuliani.

WASHINGTON (CNN) - Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani told CNN Wednesday that he welcomes attacks from the liberal organization MoveOn.org, and predicted that continued criticisms from the group will likely raise his standing among Republican primary voters.

“Frankly, I wish MoveOn.org would do several more commercials attacking me, because if they do it could get me nominated," Giuliani told CNN's John King in London. “They are not exactly the most popular group among Republicans.”

"They have spent $200 or $300 million assassinating the character of Republican candidates, and the fact that they want to personally attack me is probably a badge of honor for me, and probably is going to jump me five points in the Republican primary," he added.

The presidential hopeful has been highly critical of the organization for publishing an ad in the New York Times last week questioning Gen. David Petraeus’ trustworthiness in reporting the latest conditions in Iraq.

MoveOn responded to the criticism with a television advertisement in Iowa — and nationally on CNN — condemning Giuliani for dropping out of the bipartisan Iraq Study Group last year, and alleging he opted instead to hit the high-priced speaking circuit.

In the interview with CNN, Giuliani defended his decision to leave the group charged by Congress to assess the United State's Iraq policy, saying he would "have totally politicized it."

"The reason I didn't: I couldn't give the time to it, and secondly I knew that, ultimately, I could very well be running for president of the United States," Giuliani said. "[H]ad I stayed on that group, their report was put out just at the time I announced for president and it [would have been] totally politicized. It was a mistake to join in the first place."

In the wide-ranging interview, the former New York City Mayor also said that, as president, he will not hesitate to take action against Iran if the country acquires nuclear weapons.

"I think we should be clear that Iran is not going to be allowed to become a nuclear power," he said. "This idea of containment of Iran is too dangerous. Iran is already the biggest state sponsor of terrorism. They already are therefore handing off armaments and weapons to terrorists. [They are the] biggest supplier of it."

"America should be precise what it will do and what it wouldn't do," he added. "And the reality [is] we don't want them laboring under the misimpression that we wouldn't take action."

Giuliani also predicted that the United States would need to maintain a military commitment in the Middle East — including Iraq — for the "indefinite future," and said it was a mistake on the part of the Bush Administration not to increase the size of the military.

“We need a bigger military. We need a larger military,” he said. "This whole engagement in Iraq [and] Afghanistan has shown us that."

Giuliani also faulted Bush for cuts in the CIA's budget.

“The cuts that were made to our intelligence budgets were dramatic,” he said. "I think some of the CIA people described them as gutting the CIA. We've got to rebuild that."

Filed under: New Hampshire • Rudy Giuliani


Chris, Middletown, CT   September 21st, 2007 1:55 pm ET

The thought of having a president who is fiscally conservative and socially liberal...just makes me sick....wait....I was thinking about Hillarys high tax socialist agenda....Rudy will win in 2008....there is no doubt....Hillary is unelectable...and all the nay sayers here will become "disenfranchised voters" – you guys need to start thinking of excuses as to why she didn't win...here are some suggestions:
Republicans tampered with every voting machine in every state
Republicans challenged the fact that 30000 people are registered to vote and 35000 voted (and some were dead)
They didn't vote for Hillary because she's a woman (not because there are serious trust issues with her)
I'm sure there are others (remember the "Supreme Court stole the election" and the Hillary "won the popular vote" have already been used

Bea, Hoboken, NJ   September 21st, 2007 3:34 am ET

To think of this guy and his trampy third wife in the White House is enough to turn my stomach!!!

Go ahead, vote for the guy who at the end of his term as mayor could not have gotten elected dog catcher if it hadn't been for 9/11. Go ask the NYPD and the NYFD what they think of this creep!!

Rose Hann New London, CT   September 20th, 2007 11:22 pm ET

Giuliani is playing with fire. If your kids won't support you, what are you thinking that MoveOn.org will help you. Rudy Giuliani is not helped by them, he just thinks if he opens his mouth enough about it he might get on CNN for free publicity. Careful, MoveOn is better then Swift Boat any time.

Tricia M Charlottetown PEI   September 20th, 2007 1:42 pm ET

Rob Ocala, Fl.

That was Bush's First Victory. You can't blame theft on his second term.
It was the fault of Americans.

They thought he did such a good job at Blowing Iraq to bits they put him in again to finish the country totally. His terrorist scare tactics won the race and crippled the world.

I hope Americans do a better job this time around!

Rob Ocala, Fl.   September 20th, 2007 12:57 pm ET

More Illuminati

"The new world order"

There is one big plan. It does not matter which one is elected.
Besides it does not matter what the people say.
Remember Al Gores election theft.

Tricia M Charlottetown PEI   September 20th, 2007 12:24 pm ET

laurinda,ny

No your not the only one that noticed Rudy's eyes. I have too...and it's Scarry! They look like they're going ot pop right out of his head at any given moment!

He hasn't got a snowballs' chance in Hades of winning the election with or without Move On Org. His friends are comprised of the lower class ignomities of the world.

Farrell, Houston, Tx   September 20th, 2007 11:31 am ET

Even if MoveOn.org supported Giuliani he still wouldn't win. Giuliani using words like "could" and "probably" certainly don't give an impression as a strong political candidate. He needs more than a "badge of honor".

Cable King Pittsburgh Pa   September 20th, 2007 11:19 am ET

Moveon.org has spent "$200-$300" in character assassination of Republicans (of course, most of what they state is either factual, or simply opinion). Some proof (independent citation)of Rudy's numbers would be in order.

Methinks Rudy is just throwing out wild numbers – that's par for the course for most "public servants" who really have no appreciation for what a buck means to we common folks

Paul, Phoenix, Arizona   September 20th, 2007 11:18 am ET

Moveon.org will have nothing to do with Rudy being elected. He would be better off running around to every polling place in the US and pulling the lever for himself.

Pat, Huntington, NY   September 20th, 2007 11:16 am ET

Hey Mr. Springfield! It's true, Rudy wasn't the worst mayor. However, while he did some good for NYC, having inherited some of it from his democrat predecessor and having some major help by then democrat President Bill Clinton's extra cops on the street, he was very much disliked by most NY'ers by the end of his mayoralship. He lacks the character needed to be a good president. He's extremely divisive, made a number of politically motivated bad decisions [i.e. putting the office of emergency management in the WTC after the 1993 bombing], and ran City gov't like a bully, refusing to work with the City Council, and steadfastedly standing by the cops who beat the crap out of and sodomized with a broom stick handle, Abner Louima. That's not the kind of guy we want in the White House.

Veronica, Stamford, CT   September 20th, 2007 11:01 am ET

If Guiliana thinks all it will take for her to win is MoveOn.org, she's even more delusional than I originally gave her credit for. It's nice to see Guiliana make her pitiful attacks against MoveOn as her top priority, like we have no other issues to face in this country but MoveOn.org. Will she institute the draft to take it on? Will she bulk up our weapons arsenal to quell its treasonous free speech?

Keep going with this Guiliana – you are only strengthening the resolve of those who are not stupid enough to vote for George W. Bush, II. Fear mongering is a thing of the past; just as fake bravado is a thing of the past ... you're already washed up Guiliana.

James, Greensburg PA   September 20th, 2007 10:45 am ET

Rudy's arrogance is almost as big as the number of marriages and jilted children. Leaving the Iraq study group isn't the only thing that Rudy is well known for! This guy wants to ride 9/11 for all it's worth. Oh yeah, how much time have you spent helping the NYFD get the help it needed? Too bad they were just another example of those you leave behind as you seek your own personal glory!

Jack, Glen Ellyn, IL   September 20th, 2007 10:13 am ET

Giuliani lies about the reasons he quit the Iraq Study Group. He was actually was asked to resign because he missed all the initial meetings because they conflicted with his paid speaking engagements. Instead if serving his country by helping correct the worst foreign policy mistake of this century and gain valueable foreign policy experience, he chose increase his own fortune by making millions in speaking fees.

Joe, Florida   September 20th, 2007 7:59 am ET

First visiting Tony Blair and now this, Giuliani better keep his cool, people will realize how desperate he is.

We know you are dying to be President Rudy, too bad you won't.

Sam IA   September 20th, 2007 4:42 am ET

Once again the party of the swiftboaters, hate radio, and Fox whines about someone expressing an opinion, Stones Jim? Standing surrounded by security and saying you are going to have someone kick someone elses ass is stones? You must love Bush.
Stones are the troops doing the dangerous work in Afghanistan and Iraq. Not the blowhard nonserving elitists who send them there. Get real

Steve   September 20th, 2007 3:20 am ET

We're in full agreement on something, oh, family loser Rudy baby.

I too hope Move On keeps making ads about you, but it's time to move on to Repubs that actually might win the nomination.

How the hell does ol' Rudy think, with his two divorces and father-hating kids, that he's going to get nominated by a party held in thrall by the elusive, and imaginary, perfect family values crowd?

WOW is this election fun already.

Johney, FL   September 20th, 2007 12:46 am ET

This statement by Giuliani seems extremely arrogant. As an independent, I like Rudy, but this statement really casts a negative image of him to me. I think Rudy would make an OK president, but I don't want someone that is this arrogant and naive. This statement was very unpresidential and very disappointing.

Winston Hsia, San Antonio Texas   September 20th, 2007 12:04 am ET

I wouldn't be so sure. Put your head in the sand is not going to cut it.

HAWK,TEXAS   September 19th, 2007 9:49 pm ET

RUDY HAD A CHANCE TO DO SOMETHING FOR HIS COUNTRY, HE WAS PICKED TO BE ON THE IRAQ PANEL. BUT IT WAS MORE IMPORTANT TO HIM TO GO OUT AND SPEAK SO HE COULD MAKE MORE MONEY. YEAH. A REAL PATEROTIC MAN, RUDY

Carmen, Miami FL   September 19th, 2007 9:31 pm ET

I'm not impressed with Giuliani, and I think he's making a mistake by linking himself more and more to an extremely unpopular war and to a general whose report Americans are being shown not to trust as being free of the Bush administration's meddling. MoveOn's won this round...

Forrest Schrader, Cedar Rapids Iowa   September 19th, 2007 9:01 pm ET

All I know is that I was in New York on September 11th and lived in New York throughout all of Giuliani's tenure...and he ruled that city through fear and violence. He turned my city into DisneyLand, a tourist trap. In addition, it essentially became a police-state. As much as I dislike Bloomberg for banning smoking, he has been doing an infinitely better job than Giuliani.

Giuliani also was quite stubborn, like G.W. Bush when it came to taking suggestions about certain things. For instance, when he was told after the first attacks on the WTC in '93 to put the crisis command center underground in Brooklyn, he did no such thing. He kept it in the WTC...so the only reason he was outside during 9/11 was because HE HAD NO OFFICE! Under Bloomberg, you know where the crisis command center is now? Underground in Brooklyn. Giuliani couldn't be worse for the job of President. Leave it to someone who knows a bit about foreign policy, like Kucinich or Edwards.

Paul H. Tempe, Arizona   September 19th, 2007 9:00 pm ET

Whether it's FOX News or MoveOn.org, these outlets are not representative of the majority of American viewpoints!!!!
At a time when this country is divided over a unjust war, a Congress that has failed to change anything, and a President in denial -convinced that he's made no mistakes in the last 7 years, ALL candidates- Democrat and Republican -need to try and find some way to bring the majority of the American people together. No matter who you are or what party you belong to, there are always going to be groups of people attacking your policies.
MoveOn.org only speaks to the FAR left -a website that NO PERSON who votes in the Republican Primary will read and any ads (TV or otherwise) sponsered by the site will fall on deaf ears... it's a REPUBLICAN Primary!!! Why would they care?!?! Any effect MoveOn.org has on the Rep. Primary will be undetectable.
I guess Giuliani is truly scared of Fred Thompson -who seems to be the more conservative of the two front runners (especially on social issues). Which, at this time in our country- with the War, Illegal Immigration and Healthcare -all citizens should finally realize the true miniscule level of importance trying to change ANY social issue dramatically has at this time. No matter what your beliefs on these issues, there are so many more obviously pressing needs for America.
When will Giuliani and the rest of all the candidates in both parties start providing specifics on issues that really matter!
What America desperately needs is somone to pull this country out of the last 7 yrs of hell. Let's do what should've been done the day after 9/11 – using our military might and intelligence power to find Bin Ladin and wipe out him and those hiding him, instead of sending our children into an Iraqi Civil War and thus breeding more hate for the U.S. and future terrorists. Let's find a practical solution to immigration – deporting everyone or giving amnesty to everyone is not a reasonable solution. Let's finally do something about healthcare in this country. Don't just continue the same crap.
Again, whether it's FOX NEWS or MOVEON.ORG, these outlets are not representative of the majority of American viewpoints!!!!

Andrew, Jakarta, Indonesia   September 19th, 2007 8:52 pm ET

Good to see so many rational, lucid and well-constructed arguments as to why Rudi Giuliani should not become the next President.

Patrick, Cincinnati, OH   September 19th, 2007 8:30 pm ET

"All your nonsense conspiracy theories and third grade insults "

Funny ... like the pot calling the kettle black as always.

Third grade insults are about all the republicans have. Stick to what your good at. You'll still lose.

Jeff Spangler, Arlington, VA   September 19th, 2007 8:28 pm ET

My MoveOn colleagues are appalled when I tell them I will not vote for Hill under any circumstances, like many Democrats. If she is nominated by the death-wish Dems, I will vote for Rudy and deny I did. But my top pick now is Edwards, who is hammering Hill on her fundraisers where she pimps lobbyists to hop into the sack with Congresspeops. Neither she nor Obama are electable, for good and bad reasons, and if the Dems recognize this fact, they win over any GOP pick.

Christian, Tampa FL   September 19th, 2007 8:26 pm ET

Giuliani is increasingly showing how much of an egomaniac he is. Saying things like "I'm the liberals' worst nightmare" and "I'm one of the four or five most famous Americans around the world" makes him looks silly.

Lance Manfredi   September 19th, 2007 8:25 pm ET

Poor Rudy, he actually takes himself seriously. Maybe he's just so excited to actually be campaigning for his party's nomination for president? 9/11? New York City's Fire Dept have no use for the man. What a bum.
This man is a putz, and an embarrassment to Italian Americans. Lance Manfredi

Rocco,Wellington,Fl   September 19th, 2007 8:24 pm ET

What if we let the fire fighters decide on Giuliani, Game Over!

Joe Corrao, Brooklyn, NY   September 19th, 2007 8:22 pm ET

People do NOT listen to Rudy's BS...he was a marginally effective mayor and extremely polarizing one at that...His standing in NYC Sept 10, 2001 was pretty bad, we can not let use "good timing" for his political gain. We need effective leaders NOT an oppurtunist.

Matt, Lansdale PA   September 19th, 2007 8:19 pm ET

Do humanity a favor and fade into the darkness from whence you came.

S Carey   September 19th, 2007 8:18 pm ET

Once again, good old Rotten Rudy has distinguished himself as an idiot! God save us from these lunatics!

James Irvine California   September 19th, 2007 8:15 pm ET

It's a good thing Rudolph is a uniter and not a divider. That's all we need, another president picking fights with whomever he can. Beware Republicans, this is your last warning about RG.

Allegra Khan, Chicago, IL   September 19th, 2007 8:11 pm ET

Ooohhhh guys, don't be too hard to RG. I mean, he is very crafty though ... at least, he's been doing his fundraising in London (United Kingdom, not City of London in Ohio). So, he knows how to get more and more and moreeeeee money and who knows he will do the same to mitigate our budget deficit. Don't you think? Don't you think?

Allen Sircy, Nashville TN   September 19th, 2007 8:01 pm ET

If it wasn't for 9-11 He wouldn't even be running. He would be a partner in a law firm somewhere. He pretends to be a hero who helped save the day. He didn't do anything to earn that. He was the idiot who decided to have his emergency headquarters in one of the twin towers. Before 9-11 New Yorkers were ready to run him out of town due to his infedility.

Rich, Michigan   September 19th, 2007 7:57 pm ET

Giuliani will never be president so he should just give up! He's ugly and does not have the experience needed. You do not become mayor of a city one day and President of the United States the next.

Justin B., Springfield, MA   September 19th, 2007 7:41 pm ET

I get it. Now that Rudy is running for president, he was a terrible Mayor. Funny, five years ago everyone said he was the greatest mayor in American history. Sorry, but America doesn't vote based on whats in a lesfists head.

KD, Dallas, TX   September 19th, 2007 7:37 pm ET

I just don't understand the warmongers. If this guy gets elected we may as well prepare for Armageddon. Bush has done enough damage to our country, Guiliani would put the last nail in the coffin. What does this guy stand for anyway? He wants to push off every single topic onto state governments; making the president's job nonexistant. We need someone with ideas, vision and energy, not just someone with very old rhetoric that amounts to absolutely nothing.

RB, from the bay state   September 19th, 2007 7:37 pm ET

Right, Mr. Smithers – Giuliani may have the stones, but unfortunately they are all in his head.

I still think of that scene when Rudy and Bernie Kerik (there's a real loser)were racing toward the WTC on 9/11, and he was muttering his now famous line "Thank God George Bush is our president"

You can't make stuff up that's as funny as that.

Rudy, join a traveling circus somehere.

laurinda, shokan,ny   September 19th, 2007 7:28 pm ET

Rudy Giuliani must have some of Bush's thinking skills. He doesn't seem to grasp the idea that not to many people want him for president. I would still like to know what is going on with his eyes? Am I the only observant one that notices this?

Wynter, Loudon, NH   September 19th, 2007 7:28 pm ET

Rudy is getting delusional if he thinks attention from MoveOn.org will lift him in the polls. The more light that is shown on his abysmal record will only show to everyone how liberal he really is. By the way, why the heck is he visiting Brown and Blair in London? Give me a break Rudy. You ain't even close to being president yet. Stick with the primaries, Rudy. And please do something with your walk!

Telling it like I see it,
Wynter

Deepraj, Fairfax, VA   September 19th, 2007 7:27 pm ET

Giuliani is all bluster and does nothing more than propel empty and pointless partisan bickering. He's pretty much more of a divider than President Bush ever was and is definitely not what this country needs. He even admits to stepping down from the Iraq Study Group for fear of "politicizing it." Can we even fathom what he will do to our nation?

Bill, Streamwood, IL   September 19th, 2007 7:25 pm ET

So, in the world-according-to-Rudy terrorism, the economy, illegal immigrants, health care, and the war in Iraq have been pushed to the back burner by MoveOn.org?

Where are this man's priorities? Where is this man's campaign manager and why hasn't he been fired?

Laura Niles MI   September 19th, 2007 7:21 pm ET

This moron is delusional. He's the same kind of trash as Craig, Vitter, Newt and all the rest with the morals of an alley cat. The only difference is they have more money than and alley cat.
As far as his vendetta with moveon.org, He's way out of his league.

C.LyOnS, New York, NY   September 19th, 2007 7:18 pm ET

IMBECILE...

Greg, Phoenix, AZ   September 19th, 2007 7:17 pm ET

He's got a point. MoveOn.Org will help him far more than it could ever hurt him. The more they attack him, the more solidified his lead will become.

No reasonable American could support MoveOn.Org or any of it's actions after this last putrid display. The Democrats would do themselves a favor to try and distanance themselves as far away from the black cloud as possible.

Mike, Wisconsin   September 19th, 2007 7:14 pm ET

Oh yeah mayor, we Dems are really scared of you! Thats why we are literally PRAYING for you to get nominated. I for one hope the ads boosted your polling among primary go-ers!

Rose Hann New London, CT   September 19th, 2007 6:59 pm ET

Giuliani can try to run on his record as mayor, but the truth is he was a terrible mayor. He spent more time with his third wife, trying to kick out his second wife from the mayors mansion.
9/11 was a shared tradgedy which included then Gov. Patacki, Senator Clinton and Senator Chuck Schumer. If one month at ground zero is the criteria for being President, FDNY and NYPD have better people. Let us remember, Guiliani was supposed to implement communication in 1993 for Port Authority, FDNY and NYPD. Never happened. This contributed to loss of life on 9/11. Command center was set up in WTC. Shameful! The man doesn't get it. He is not presidential material. Heck, he's not mayoral material. He was far to busy with family and marital embarrassments.
Now he is telling MoveOn.org to "bring it on". Be careful what you wish for.

RB, from the bay state   September 19th, 2007 6:47 pm ET

The only thing that can help Judi Riulini get elected is MorOns.org

What a buffoon...........

George W. Scherf, DC   September 19th, 2007 6:44 pm ET

Gulliani had knowledge about the 911 attacks along with the NY Port Authority prior to 911. He's part of the Facist New World Order.

Google Freedom to Facism.

Jim Smithers   September 19th, 2007 6:43 pm ET

Mr.Giuliani will win the primary and the general election beating Hillary Clinton by 3 percentage points. Hillary Clinton is an appeaser and thoughtful, rational adults do not want civilian deaths to occur in the USA. Mr. Giuliani has the stones to do what is necessary to secure the USA, yes even the malcontent left.

John, Ca.   September 19th, 2007 6:24 pm ET

Sweetie, you'll need all the help you can get!

Edwards in 2008

Jimmy, Cherokee, Ok   September 19th, 2007 6:03 pm ET

BAHHHHHHHHH!Senator Clinton is soon to be adressed President Clinton. Rudy Giuliani is a nobody has been. I have not seen MoveOn.orgs add about him and I'm a news buff. Couldn't find it. He only wishes they would do an ad on him, but you have to be a somebody before that happens

Dan (Baltimore, MD)   September 19th, 2007 6:03 pm ET

Jeff – That goes for you too. Lefty bloggers are despised by Republicans too. All your nonsense conspiracy theories and third grade insults (proudly exhibited by you here) are just what Republicans need to start thinking that maybe this is their candidate.

When Hillary is fuming after her general election loss to Rudy, you'll have MoveOn, yourself, and your lefty buddies to blame. See you at Rudy's inauguration!

Steve, Portland, OR   September 19th, 2007 5:43 pm ET

Iran AND the US are the largest sponsors of terror in the middle east you baffoon. As it is all in your point of view as to who is who. Just what we need there is more guns and bullets and less diplomacy.God help us if you were ever elected.

Jeff Spangler, Arlington, VA   September 19th, 2007 5:31 pm ET

Offer accepted, RudeGuy. How about a 30-second spot about your show-off "perp-walk" of securities fraud defendants from the trading floor of their brokerage on charges that were later dismissed when you were USA in NYC?

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