December 15, 2007
Posted: December 15th, 2007 09:45 AM ET

Giuliani is set to deliver a major address in Florida Saturday morning.

WASHINGTON (CNN) – Republican presidential hopeful Rudy Giuliani will argue he is a tested and proven leader in a speech Saturday that seems designed to shift momentum toward his campaign with less than three weeks until the primary season begins.

"If you are looking for perfection, you are not going to find it," Giuliani will say during a campaign address in Tampa, Florida, according to prepared remarks provided by the campaign. "Not in me and not in any candidate.

"But if you are looking for a leader who has been tested in times of crisis, a leader who is ready to lead right now, a leader who has achieved results – results that some people thought were impossible – a leader who believes that there is no problem too serious for American solutions and a free, American spirit … I believe I am that leader," he will add.

In the wide-ranging address that follows the release of several polls in the last two weeks suggesting he has lost his once-comfortable lead nationally, the former New York City mayor will call for continued vigilance in the war on terror, attaining energy independence, and getting tough on illegal immigration.

While most of the presidential field is focused on the early-voting states of Iowa and New Hampshire, Giuliani is hoping a win in Florida - which votes January 29 - will provide the former New York mayor significant momentum heading into the February 5 Super Tuesday contests.

Most polls out of Florida indicate Giuliani holds a narrow lead in the Sunshine State over rivals Mitt Romney and Mike Huckabee.

– CNN Ticker Producer Alexander Mooney

Filed under: Rudy Giuliani


noone, fl   December 17th, 2007 11:14 am ET

I find it funny that the only posts I see for Rudy are negative. What happened to all the positive comments CNN? I'm sure your doing your best to delete any and all posts that even remotely go against the people your pulling for. Well every single person running for president SHOULD NOT WIN or have a chance. There is not a single one of them talking about anything helpful to America. Religion and abortion and health bills. I mean come on what is america coming to when these are the things they worry about?

Mike, Westport, CT   December 17th, 2007 9:57 am ET

Rudy, you forgot to mention the fact that between you and your potential first lady, there are six marriages.
Well, at least you marry some of your mistresses.

Heard, Orlando, FL   December 16th, 2007 9:17 pm ET

Get out of my state Gouliani!

John, NY, NY   December 16th, 2007 2:12 pm ET

Most non-NY'ers remember that 9-11 was, in fact, an election day. The primaries for mayor were taking place and in fact, had been under way for several hours when the attacks occured. Giulinai suspended the elections mid-vote. While it may seem to some like splitting hairs, one needs to remember that Giuliani's inclination is to suspent the electoral process and the rule of law when it suits him. Haven't we had enough of "deciders" that put their view of national security ahead of the Constitution?

Ajay Jain, Dallas, Texas   December 16th, 2007 2:03 pm ET

Rudy's gamble to avoid the early states has not paid off. He represents a spent force circling around a single issue that of Islamic terrorism to the expense of other important national issues.

Mrs. America   December 16th, 2007 8:57 am ET

All I can say is that the more popular Huckabee gets, the better Giuliani looks to me. On the other hand, maybe not. The Dems can put Huck out of business in a hurry. If their competition is Rudy, the Dems will really have to work for their win.

Alice Newman Center Harbor NH   December 16th, 2007 6:41 am ET

""But if you are looking for a leader who has been tested in times of crisis," ....

Yes, just ask the NY City Fire Fighters ... you may get a different opinion ...

erika morgan black dimond wa   December 15th, 2007 11:21 pm ET

In this photo he looks old and used.

mark wilkes barre pa   December 15th, 2007 8:08 pm ET

Now your thinking Rudy, Hope its not too late for you to convince us. I'm inclined to think it might be

Christopher   December 15th, 2007 7:50 pm ET

This guy really cracks me up. The notion that because you were able to get free air time due to 9-11, that you should become President??? GEESH!!! Frankly, out side of getting all that free air time, what did you really do? (Use political office to get rich, write books, etc) Git da FUGG outta here!!!

Farrell, Houston, Tx   December 15th, 2007 6:40 pm ET

Guiliani says "but if you are looking for a leader who has been tested in time of crisis"(911), "a leader who is ready to lead right now"(911), and etc. which is all about 911. He still doesn't understand that Americans refuse to elect him on the blood of their loved ones. If he had been responsible for stopping 911 he'd get my vote but after a disaster has occurred that's not a making of a HERO.

scott, lithonia, georgia   December 15th, 2007 6:39 pm ET

Rudi the red faced mayor needs tri-focals.

Sue, Greensboro, NC   December 15th, 2007 6:39 pm ET

This man is the most repulsive politician to ever set his feet on American soil.

Chris   December 15th, 2007 6:03 pm ET

Guli-9/11-Iran-Central Park-The car is in Valet-Britney Spears! What the hell are you doing in here?

http://www.golden-lamp.com

J. Dean, Juno Beach, FLORIDA   December 15th, 2007 5:22 pm ET

It seems Rudy Giuliani still dreams about Presidency... In Florida we consider Giuliani "an illigal immigrant". Catholics and Italians don't like Giuliani because he is not a good husband and a good father. Latinos cosider him another misguided disaster George Bush. Watch out for Giuliani"s "American Solution": That means attacking a sovereign country... Venezuela, here comes Giuliani. Giuliani must repent for the rest of his life for what he did to his family. We, Republicans of the Sunshine State, do not like sinner like Giuliani. Better, Giuliani stay in N.Y. because Bernard needs your help man. After all, whose money are you wasting Mr. Giuliani ?
A Floridian and a Republican.

hey allons,tn   December 15th, 2007 5:16 pm ET

hey rudy giuliani you look good as new york mayor until one talks to the fire fighters CLINTON 08

lanray   December 15th, 2007 5:00 pm ET

Same old Rudy - blah, blah, blah! When is this man going to realize that not even his kids like him. I cringe to think that this arrogant, hypocritical ex-mayor thinks he is the one to be our president. Scary!

James springfield mo   December 15th, 2007 4:38 pm ET

#1 steal money for affairs#2work with questionable arab groups.#3 lie to the american people.

Lee M, Egg Harbor NJ   December 15th, 2007 3:45 pm ET

What no mention of 9-11??? How he single-handedly saved new York, saved America? LOL!

The more people outside of the New York area look (those inside or near already know), the more they will see a fraud. He just happened to be mayor that day and did nothing special. Otherwise, he would be easily forgotten by New Yorkers and not even heard of outside.

This election will come down to Mitt Romney and his money and influence and Huckabee, who reflects the values of the evangelical base that has given the Republican Party it's victories over the last 30 years.

Shawnie - Grants Pass, OR   December 15th, 2007 3:26 pm ET

Too little, too late.

Walt, Belton, TX   December 15th, 2007 3:18 pm ET

GIULIANI'S VISION – Isn't that an oxymoron?

Steve, Portland, OR   December 15th, 2007 2:14 pm ET

Perfection? You've got to be kiddin. Your a real legend in your own mind alright.

Raymond, El Paso TX   December 15th, 2007 1:48 pm ET

Vision? Without your glasses?

Jose Card   December 15th, 2007 1:07 pm ET

Giuliani will make a great V.P. for McCain.

Daniel, NY   December 15th, 2007 12:41 pm ET

The latest poll of Florida was actually out yesterday and it shows Mike Huckabee and Mitt Romney in front of Giuliani, underscoring that FL is no longer Rudy's firewall at all. Link

Independent in IA   December 15th, 2007 12:29 pm ET

Not a chance in Hades.

Linda Carpenter, Phoenix, Arizona   December 15th, 2007 12:19 pm ET

Rudy Giuliani ws not a hero on 9/11 but his mistakes and money pandering made him part of the problem. He put his command headquarters in the World Trade Center, against all advice , becasue the owner of the unit gave him $100,000 for his campaign. Is the the so called 'herpo that America wants to lead it out of the mess that Cheney and Bush created so they can war profiteer> Oh, yea, Giuliani is a war profiteer , made millions off of 9/11 and is NOT supported by the NY city firefighters, which should be a red flag for anyone thinking they might vote for him. He is more dangerous than the current chicken hawks who love war! God Bless America and no Rudy for any office!

Tim, Minnesota   December 15th, 2007 11:59 am ET

2 words: Bernie Kerik

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