September 3, 2008
Posted: 10:50 PM ET

From
CNN

Watch: Giuliani says Obama 'got it wrong' on Iraq.

ST. PAUL (CNN) – This speech is about mockery – and I wonder whether that’s appealing to voters. I really think this tone is going to turn a lot of voters off – it’s ugly, it’s bitter, it’s nasty. There is a bullying tone to this speech, and to Romney’s speech, and I just don’t think it works.

Watch: Giuliani says this is 'no time for on the job training'

Even less appealing: “When they gave up on Iraq, they gave up on America”? Now that’s insulting.

What they’re doing is re-running the 2004 campaign, which the Republicans won on the issue of terrorism. He’s saying the war on terror should be the supreme issue – but for most voters it’s the economy

Filed under: Republican National Convention • Rudy Giuliani


Adam   September 3rd, 2008 10:40 pm ET

UGLY, UGLY, UGLY. The only thing Guiliani did was unite that room. They all looked snide and snobbish laughing at some of his extremely offensive remarks. I am INSULTED, weve lost over 4000 men, women, sons, fathers, mothers and daughters in Iraq. Had GW not been so trigger happy a lot if not all of those people would still be alive and we would have our eye on the prize in Afghanistan.

Marvin   September 3rd, 2008 10:40 pm ET

Why is this surprising?

These people are absolutely repulsive, and it's going to be great to see the back of them.

Greg   September 3rd, 2008 10:40 pm ET

Rudy, the biggest profitier from 911. He pimped out the souls of all of our lost ones for his policital and financial gain. And he has the nerve to question someone else's love of America….this guy is a tool.

Hypocrisy is the name of the game   September 3rd, 2008 10:40 pm ET

I livedin NY when he was mayor and this man is the worst bigot and hypocrite that ever lived. John McCain is going to lose this election with these hotheads representing him. This year it is about families like myself who are living paycheck to paycheck to feed and clothe their families. He insulted me and my kind to the very core and to add insult to injury McCain chooses a female with very little appeal to issues that I care most about. The whole convention is negative and Obama is RIGHT they have nothing to offer my kind (women, mothers, students, wage earner, educator) all these descriptors fit nicely with the DEMOCRATS.

Thank you McCain for LOSING many voters.

Chris San Francisco, CA   September 3rd, 2008 10:40 pm ET

Excellent speech, especially the jabs at the Obama "community organizer" resume.

TJ-Texas   September 3rd, 2008 10:40 pm ET

WOW..I thought the way the GOP respond is very rude. Dem did not talk about them like that. I am shocked listening to the speeches…. I am shocked that McCain even choose her. Now I am happy she is a women, but to have a downsydrome child and a child thats pregnant at 17..When will she have time to help McCain? I am shocked he chose her! I am shock that everyone is praising her child for being pregnant. Thats like saying its okay to get pregnant at 17. Is it legal for her daughter to be pregnant by 18 year old? I am waiting for her to say something about her pregnant child……Wow, this GOP convention is boring….

Kristina, Seattle   September 3rd, 2008 10:39 pm ET

You hit the nail on the head, Bill. I am a Democrat who actually enjoyed listening to Huckabee's speech. But Giuliani was sounded so nasty, petty, bitter and hateful that I had to turn it off. What a washed-up nut job living in the past.

lance   September 3rd, 2008 10:39 pm ET

That was the worst most degrading speech I've ever heard on the national scene. I think that he even said that we as dems want terroist to reign. How gross is he!!! OBAMA!!!

jill   September 3rd, 2008 10:39 pm ET

when they choose to go into Iraq and stay there and spend billions of Dollars in a war that should never have happened.. They gave up on America..as they sat back and did nothing for the people of New Orlean, allow companies to close their doors in the US and go everseas, let top CEO companies make millions while people lose their jobs, Give tax breaks to big Oil companies with american footing the bill, and watch families after families lose their homes, Who gave up on who….We have not given up on America that is why we will fight to take Washington back.

Walt   September 3rd, 2008 10:39 pm ET

I was thinking ugly too!!!!!!

jason, tx   September 3rd, 2008 10:39 pm ET

No kidding. Isn't the whole McCain campaign backfiring? HAHAHAHA I love it!

PJ   September 3rd, 2008 10:39 pm ET

Guiliani is an adulterer who kicked hiswife out of the Governor's masion and replaced her with his mistress while in office! McCain through his sick wife to the curb while "courting" current wife Cindy. The ink had not dried on the divorce papers at the time they John and Cindy said "I Do". Romney wasn't picked for VP because the same extreme twisted right base he is attempting to rev up would have went into cardiac arrest if a moron who is a morman was on the ticket. These adulters, cons, and liers are now rolling out the red carpet for this unqualified VP nominee by throwing trash to divert the truth. There is certainly no way these idiots will get the White House.

Charla in TX   September 3rd, 2008 10:39 pm ET

I have never…NEVER…in my life heard or seen such an awful and childish display…..both by Giuliani and by the crowd.

Disgusting and shameful. I would never….NEVER….vote republican now, even if Jesus himself came down and ran for president on that party's ticket. Shameful.

Muffie   September 3rd, 2008 10:39 pm ET

Thank you very much Mr. Schneider. Smart Citizens KNOW better. Where are the ISSUES??!! I really couldn't care less about Todd Palin being a champion snow machine racer!!

vote4obama   September 3rd, 2008 10:39 pm ET

Yes. So far the convention has been about how McCain is a great American, how Palin is a woman, attacking Obama, and stealing slogans/rhetoric from Obama when deemed pertinent. I know
Americans are smarter than all of THAT!

Jared   September 3rd, 2008 10:39 pm ET

Guiliani's speech just seemed like one big in-joke, with him and everyone else laughing at things that really make no sense to be laughing at. It's almost like they're laughing at themselves now.

John   September 3rd, 2008 10:39 pm ET

lol…he looked really foolish with all those lies

Cindy   September 3rd, 2008 10:39 pm ET

Guilani's speech was horrible, McCain has proved his senility to me by allowing this idiot to speak.

drltw   September 3rd, 2008 10:39 pm ET

I agree, the tone of the speech was nasty, bitter, ugly, and insulting. That's for the voters to decide.

In his speech, Giuliani accused Senator Joe Biden on flip-flopping on his position with Senator Barack Obama. Last l checked, wasn't Giuliani one of McCain's chief rivals and since he didn't get the nomination, didn't he (Giuliani) flip-flop on his position with John McCain!

Hypocrisy is the word that comes to mind…

will   September 3rd, 2008 10:39 pm ET

Giuliani, Mit, Huck, Mccain and Palin is a joke, I voted for Reagan even though I am a dem. I will not vote for Mcbush and Cheney Lite.

JT from TN   September 3rd, 2008 10:38 pm ET

Sounds like the democrats ain't the only mad people we got huh, guiliani?

Robin   September 3rd, 2008 10:38 pm ET

Not good at all, there was no message of change … just cut downs. I changed the channel.

R U for real?   September 3rd, 2008 10:38 pm ET

Is this the type of leadership America wants to listen to? Someone that gets up and insults a group of people by saying they are giving up on America.

I was a little uncomfortable listening to the slew of insults directed at Obama. wouldn't it make more sense to talk about his policies instaed of trying to tear him down as a person? And all this after complaining about the media vetting Palin.

I found the speech very mean spirited, and makes me think the GOP is filled with bigots.

frank Honolulu HI   September 3rd, 2008 10:38 pm ET

Giuliani is a loser. He uses the deaths of the 911 victims for his own political gain. How low is that? What kind of person is he? I hope he sees those victims in his afterlife and they corner him for his actions.
His whole aura is ugly.

Todd M   September 3rd, 2008 10:38 pm ET

Isn't he condiered one of the East Coast Elite?

By the way, didn't the Republicans put us in this mess in the first place? So they're saying that they are the party to reform and clean up their own mess? How well does that usually work out?

Oh yeah, I get it. John McCain was a POW. I'm not minimizing it, the Republicans are. How many more times do we need to hear it? So all soldiers are qualified to be President? How about policemen? How about firefighters? They give their lives each day too.

California Gold   September 3rd, 2008 10:38 pm ET

Both Romney and Guiliani are irrelevant and impertinent. Completely out-of-touch with most American voters. Sadly they both delight in mocking and accusing others as unAmerican and guilty of near treason (without one scintilla of proof to substantiate). Both are bullies. Both are out of office. Can't imagine why.

Paul   September 3rd, 2008 10:38 pm ET

Giuliani seems to base his speech on "if I say it, it must be true"

To quote a well known politician:

"If you call a tail a leg, how many legs has a dog? Five? No, calling a tail a leg don't make it a leg. "

- Abraham Lincoln

Ruth   September 3rd, 2008 10:38 pm ET

Rudy Guiliani and his mockey sounded pathetic. Turned me off completely. Barack has scared them into these. All they can do is mock and belittle him. Go Barack!!!!

sm in TX   September 3rd, 2008 10:38 pm ET

they LAUGHED at Obama being a community organizer

what a bunch of ugly, evil people

i can't believe that John McCain has let this happen

Mr. X   September 3rd, 2008 10:37 pm ET

Any one notice he called Palin a governer…than a senator…than a governer…and ended with a senator. He doesn't even know who she is…it's kinda sickening watching this. Makes me fear for this country tell you the truth

Mike from CA   September 3rd, 2008 10:37 pm ET

Republican and conservative is the DIRTY word not liberal. Most of the good that has come about in our history is the work of progressive, liberal thinking not the bankrupt and disgusting policies of the current Republican Party.

Enrique   September 3rd, 2008 10:37 pm ET

Rudy is an absolute joke. Like McCain and Palin, Giuliani just doesn't get it. It's the economy idiots!!

Greg FL.   September 3rd, 2008 10:37 pm ET

911 POW Sexist POW 911 POW Sexist Terrorist 911 POW Sexist POW 911

independent   September 3rd, 2008 10:37 pm ET

Republicans are trashes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! No respect for the citizens of the USA>

voter   September 3rd, 2008 10:37 pm ET

it won't work. voters are tired of the republican negativity, spin and attack. People want change. someone who will stop villifing those who don't agree with them. the bullying is over.

joy   September 3rd, 2008 10:37 pm ET

Hey Guliani –

Where is Osama Bin Ladin?

No Hillary = No Obama   September 3rd, 2008 10:37 pm ET

Sour grapes, CNN. He did what he had to do and now we can see history in the making – a Republican woman accepting the nomination for VP — thanks John McCan for making history! And boo to Obama for turning his back on 18 million Hillary supporters. Obama could have made history too – but he took the easy way out.

Sarah Palin = Phyllis Schlafley (do a Google)   September 3rd, 2008 10:37 pm ET

I don't give a fig if Palin's boy is in Iraq.

Of course he is! All politicians have kids in the military, if they know what's good for them.

I want to know what Sarah plans to do to END THE WARS!

Dave   September 3rd, 2008 10:37 pm ET

Anyone who believes what Guiliani says, please have enough intelligence to find out the FACTS related to each point he made against Obama.

max   September 3rd, 2008 10:37 pm ET

senile old war-mongering misogynist millionaires are somehow indicative of Americans ??? neocons are some type of hypocrites

Chuck   September 3rd, 2008 10:37 pm ET

Are you kiddiing? That was a great speech and he all the right notes. Just because he didn't bow down to the ordained one, you think this was bad. Please. He broke it all down for us. BHO is not good for America. McCain and Palin are. WAKE UP PEOPLE! Quit hating, no more haterade! You had your time last week. This week is ours and we are hitting the top notes baby!

Reese from NC   September 3rd, 2008 10:37 pm ET

McWar and his cronies at their best.

Jeanette   September 3rd, 2008 10:37 pm ET

How many times did Rudy and the rest of the gang use 911…?

So much hate, anger, and bitterness coming from the republicans.
They sound desperate and pathethic and a little scary.

GOP for OBAMA   September 3rd, 2008 10:36 pm ET

Giuliani’s ugly approach disgusts me.

Then, the white old men in the audience laughing at the most inappropriate times.

Sorry….back to the coverage….I see a lady on stage looking like a deer in headlights.

Annie R.   September 3rd, 2008 10:36 pm ET

What was I thinking? This is very hard to watch. The GOP wants to continue American divisiveness at a time when we need to be banding together. Is their only platform to show hatred and contempt for everyone and everything different than them. We're in trouble.

bill m   September 3rd, 2008 10:36 pm ET

Rudy's Speech in paraphrase:
"9/11, Osama Bin Laden, Liberals, Terrorist, 9/11, Bombs, Islam, Jihad, Russia, Progression, North Korea,, Liberals, Osama Bin Laden, 9/11, Putin, War, 9/11, ! Beware!!!!"

Vote McCain or Evil will come.

O'Biden '08

Patricia in SF   September 3rd, 2008 10:36 pm ET

It'll go over like a lead balloon. The polls already show (and the GOP flaks are already saying on hot mics)–it's over.

common sense   September 3rd, 2008 10:36 pm ET

Is it ugly when it comes from republican lips only?

CT in DC   September 3rd, 2008 10:36 pm ET

I didnt know the republicans were this manipulative and nasty. As an optimisitc person and one that has faith and confindence of works, this speech is terrible. Unfortunately, it was full of untruths.. especially the statements that Obama didint know rather to check yes or no and only present.. I mean how can you let that lie come out of your mouth so easily.

In his eyes.. as he said. Even if Palin had ONE day of mayoral experience she would have more experience than Obama and Biden.. really? are you serious. please tell me you're not!

Hillary Supporter   September 3rd, 2008 10:36 pm ET

They have nothing to say on the economy so they will just scare you instead.

Q Glenn   September 3rd, 2008 10:36 pm ET

As neither a black guy nor a white guy (I will let you all guess the rest)… I watched the camera pan through the audience and is it just me or does this crowd look like a klan rally of about 18,000?

Repubs, stop making empty false statements and lame attacks…. You're desperate! A black man is going to win, get over it and let's really show why America is great. Diversity is not a bad thing!

THE TRUTH   September 3rd, 2008 10:36 pm ET

Rudy Giuliani, is a piece of trash. Look at all the women he have been with and his life. He is a joke.

Stacy from Beautiful Loudoun, VA   September 3rd, 2008 10:35 pm ET

Well, I tried to listen to his speech. Anger just got the best of me.

POW   September 3rd, 2008 10:35 pm ET

wait john mccain is a war hero…i never knew that

Robert   September 3rd, 2008 10:35 pm ET

Wow, Guliani was off his rocker. The Republicans just look angry. I can't believe how gross that was. I think they are tone deaf on the national mood.

Independents are going to leave this party in droves.

He not only likely upstaged Palin, he looked hateful.

C- Gram   September 3rd, 2008 10:35 pm ET

mean nasty made fun of senator obamas work helping laid off workers and their families.. just plain mean.it will turn americans off.

Ed, Santa Fe, NM   September 3rd, 2008 10:35 pm ET

Old Palin was knocked up too

Marie-Lynn   September 3rd, 2008 10:35 pm ET

A snake just a snake that the way I see him. Hypocrite and disgusting

Deb   September 3rd, 2008 10:35 pm ET

and the Dems did not mock the GOP, Bush, McCain, Palin???

Obama is RIPE for mocking–celebrity senator with no accomplishments, indeed.

Sarah   September 3rd, 2008 10:35 pm ET

Bill Schneider really hates GOP.

Chuck   September 3rd, 2008 10:35 pm ET

Rudy Rocks!!! It's the pathetic "wimp" approach of Obama/Biden toward the security of this country that will backfire.

Lame Repubs..   September 3rd, 2008 10:34 pm ET

That was the worst thing I have ever heard.. These Repubs don't talk about the issues confronting our nation.. They just tear people down?? Today I've become a TRUE BLUE DEMOCRAT.. Sick of them now..

D&D   September 3rd, 2008 10:34 pm ET

Giuliana's speech was SO BORING that I had to watch Venus vs Serena playing…much more entertaining!

FactCheck   September 3rd, 2008 10:34 pm ET

What about Rudi is NOT ugly?

Zuq   September 3rd, 2008 10:34 pm ET

What a racist Jewliani is? Did he say that Islam = terrorist? Wow, that's racist. Jewliani and Lieberman are not for this country. I think both of their speeches said it all. War, war, war.. Lies Lies Lies. You're all a bunch of phonies!

Yvonne   September 3rd, 2008 10:34 pm ET

Rudy is nasty and mocking but I think it's ineffective. He sounds silly and five years behind the times.

CM   September 3rd, 2008 10:34 pm ET

Keep on going guys. It keeps up Obama's 'post convention' bump.

McCain might be the only candidate to actually help his opponent out with his convention.

changing times   September 3rd, 2008 10:34 pm ET

I agree it was ugly and it has really brought me down. I'm glad I don't support this party. It's awful!

Jim, IN   September 3rd, 2008 10:33 pm ET

I was watching gulianis speech and i was getting the same vibe as was suggested in this post. He was so darn cynical that maybe it got that room excited, but he just seemed mean and bare knuckled politics at home.

steve   September 3rd, 2008 10:33 pm ET

That was the most disgusting, vile speech I have ever heard in my life. Good luck courting swing voters with such an offensive speech. I see now why you lost in the primary.

hick   September 3rd, 2008 10:33 pm ET

he's a SOB!!!!!!!!SHE ACCEPTED! ITS ON!!!RADICAL RIGHT CALLING DEMS AND LIBERALS UN-PATRIOTIC. THEY ARE FASCISTS!

Aaron from Cincy   September 3rd, 2008 10:33 pm ET

I'm truly upset by the GOP. I am angered by the half-truths and often, the no truth at all. I am angered by their attacking the media for simply raising legitimate questions about Palin. I am very angry that they try to make people think Obama and the democrats are friends to the terrorists. It is disgusting. The GOP can bring up all of Palin's personal life when it benefits them, but as soon as someone brings up something negative from her life, they call it sexism and ganging up on her. It's not even funny anymore. How anyone can truly 100 percent love the McCain-Palin ticket and the garbage this campaign spews on a nightly basis is unimaginable to me. The GOP should be ashamed, not because their policies are wrong, but because they blatantly distort the truth and try hypocritically to go family of their opponent. It's time for this shameful party to be put in their place.

Hannah Storm   September 3rd, 2008 10:33 pm ET

Rudy's speech was horrible but I never expected it to be good…..THANK YOU RUDY for turning people off to the Repub. Party

How can Palin accept the nomination before being nominated????

Indy who just went DEM   September 3rd, 2008 10:33 pm ET

I honestly can say I am sickened by the republican party. When did being a community organizer become a joke!

You have lost me in every election. Anyone with any honer or respect would never make a joke out of people who go to a community in need and help!

I will not vote for McCain or anyone who stands with the idea that being a community organizer is a joke!

Mindy Baker   September 3rd, 2008 10:33 pm ET

Since I am from New York, and was in New York during 9/11, Mayor Guliani's speech has brought me to tears, BUT NOT for what you may think. I have been brought to tears because I am just that offended. Please tell me that people know it was BIN LADEN who attacked us and he is in AFGHANISTAN. Iraq had nothing to do with it. HOW DARE HE use our attack as propaganda for his smear campaign. HOW DARE HE!

Don   September 3rd, 2008 10:33 pm ET

Truly offensive.

richard j h   September 3rd, 2008 10:32 pm ET

mockery or truth?

DA   September 3rd, 2008 10:32 pm ET

I have to say the one thing Rudy red meat speech has done tonight is fired up a political party but, it's not the one he was speaking to tonight. The Democrats will wipe the floor with them. It will be such a nice day not to hvae to deal with these folks who talk and don't do nothing. The GOP will do anything to win the office. The dog and pony show is nothing but a lot of hot air. This party should be disband!!!

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