Washington (CNN) - Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani defended one embattled Republican Tuesday, but slammed another.
In an interview on CNN's The Situation Room, Giuliani said Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele should not resign, and explained why he endorsed Marco Rubio over Charlie Crist in the Florida Republican Senatorial primary.
"I believe Michael [Steele] should remain exactly where he is," Giuliani said as Steele continued to face criticism about his leadership of the RNC.
"Somebody made a very serious mistake – very embarrassing, terrible mistake," said Giuliani referring to embarrassing revelations that the RNC had picked up a nearly $2,000 tab at a bondage-themed West Hollywood nightclub for a group of young donors. "It's something Michael certainly didn't sanction, something Michael didn't want."
"I think Michael [Steele] has us on a good track. We've won three major elections in a row," Giuliani added, referring to Republican wins in governors races in Virginia and New Jersey and the Republican pick up of the Senate seat held by the late Massachusetts Sen. Edward Kennedy.
The former New York City mayor said he is backing Rubio over Crist, because "I think Marco Rubio best reflects smaller government, lower taxes and a very strong national defense."
"Charlie [Crist] supported the stimulus program which, all you had to do is look at what was in it, and you could see it was a payoff program – not a stimulus program," said Giuliani. The former New York City mayor claimed the economic stimulus package "was a pay-off to Democratic politicians and the Democratic unions."
Some Crist allies charge that Giuliani is now supporting Rubio – because Crist backed Sen. John McCain, R-Arizona, in the 2008 presidential election. But Giuliani denied there is any truth to that claim.
"It's my belief that Marco Rubio would best represent what I think the Republican Party should be doing, which is stopping the Obama administration from moving us too far in the direction of a...European social democracy," Giuliani said.
From CNN Politics
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Who cares? Rudy Giuliani has nothing to offer. I don't understand why he is considered headline-worthy. He was the mayor at a time when his city was the scene of a terrorist attack. That is his biggest accomplishment.
This ex-mayor of NY is another example of a sore LOSERRRRRRR'
Whyis this man news? Who cares what he says. This is the man who said that we were not attacked during the bush years. What was it again that he couldn't let go . . . . 9/11? Oh yeah, that's right!
Get lost Giuliani!
How many times do I have to tell you that?
Anyone defending Steele would have to be none other than Giuliani. HE is so dumb he will probablay vote for OBAMA next time thinking it's himself.
Every time I see Rudy's smirk I think: Why doesn't sometime sign this guy to play the Joker in the next Batman film?
Wow there is someone I would want supporting me – someome, who's opinion no one really cares about 911 – He was so brilliant that he thought the only primary he needed to win was Florida 911 So pot meet kettle two of a kind 911 except Steele doesn't use 911 in every other sentence. Rudy you are so insignificat!!!!!!
Oh look! Mr. 9/11 Strikes Yet Again!
Go away Rudy, you are a disrespectful slob. No one wants a multiple-divorced politician as president.
107th Mayor of New York City, In office, January 1, 1994 – December 31, 2001
And he's held no office prior or since. He ran a disaster of a presidential campaign. Why would anyone care who he back (He pick McCain and see how that help "The Maverick
Giuliani is such a lying, cheating, sleazy professional politician that it amazes me that anyone in the world would care what he had to say about anything.
The former New York City mayor said he is backing Rubio over Crist, because "I think Marco Rubio best reflects smaller government, lower taxes and a very strong national defense."
All Republicans want is smaller government, but spend like crazy on wars and party. Marco Rubio have a spending problem just like most REPUBLICANS DO! They only want small government so they can give more to the private sector.
why is he still getting airtime?
Can't find other political hacks?
He is a broken record who disagrees with himself.
It would look bad if the party that hate people of color firer the only person of color in their pary.
Okay, he stands by Steele after that kind of spending? Really? I wonder how that can be. It seems that Steele doesn't have control over his staff; nor does it seem that the staff understand what the rules are.
What a fool..............You are
So Giuliani is still upset and twisted over is loss in Florida Primary to McCain. Get over it you washed up politician. Crist doesn't need your help. .
Wow! Who let this clown loose. Ruby spent more $50 MILLION for one delegate vote. The Worst presidential bid ever!!!!!!
Marco Rubio just go the kiss of death!
Guliani probably met Steele at the strip club. Obviously Guliani is not a big family values type of guy anyway.
The taste of tea has the GOP eating their own kind.
Earth to Guilani, no one cares what you think! Another useless talking head for Fox news.