Giuliani seeks support from firefighters
Giuliani campaigned in South Carolina Friday.
(CNN) – Republican presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani fended off criticism from one firefighters’ group Friday while trying to win the support of others in the key state of South Carolina.
Giuliani, who was mayor of New York during the September 11, 2001, terrorists attacks, addressed the South Carolina State Firefighters Association convention in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. He discussed the impact of nine Charleston firefighters killed in a furniture store fire June 18, comparing it New York City’s loss on 9/11.
But at the same time, Giuliani faced more questions after the speech about a video released by the International Association of Firefighters, claiming Giulaini as mayor was unprepared for the tragedy. Giuliani said he hadn’t seen the video that was released last week yet. He defended his record, saying "I understand sometimes people's anger about that, tremendous frustration about that and sometimes there are political motives. People can make their own judgment about it. There is enough on the public record so I'm very comfortable and people can make their own judgment.”
Giuliani spoke to the gathering behind a podium shaped like the front of a fire engine. Praising them as “resilient” and brave, Giuliani said the role of firefighters has grown more important around the nation since September 11th. He said their job “is even more critical. They’re the first soldiers. They’re the first line of defense in the Islamic war against us.”
- CNN Political Desk Managing Editor Steve Brusk
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Haha, good luck with that, Giulani.
Hah. Islamic war? Are all muslims against us now?
Ron Paul 2008!!!!!!!!!
This was a really smart move on Rudy's part. Afterwards he got 200 firefighters from SC to sign up to support his campaign. Goes to show that the bad press he got from that firefighter union has no real meaning and was just a lame political stunt. Good for you, Rudy!
The last time I checked, we were fighting a war against Islamic extremists, not simply the religion of Islam.
Playing 'devils advoate'I have to admit, I think the best thing the Republicans have going for them is Ron Paul. Listening to the GOP debates, Paul makes more sense than any of the other contenders, and he's against the Iraq War. But because Paul is so litte known as compared to Giulaini, I don't think he has much of a chance. Having said that, you guys might as well admit it, like it or not, but Giulaini will be your GOP Presidential nominee....
The brotherhood of fire fighters is still woefully not interconnected, those 200 and any others joining them, need to checkup on Gulliani's record with the NYCFD, to find out just who they are endorsing. The basic ignorance within all segments of our society about nearly anything real is truly appalling. My European relatives read at least three opposing newspapers a day and 15 on the weekend, as their civic duty, you would never hear anyone toning out news because it is depressing. No one can change what they refuse to acknowledge; and in a democracy, each individual has a responsibility to remain personally informed; and demand a realistic picture of what is going on, including exposure of lies, propaganda and falsehoods.
Rudy did an event with the NYCFD a couple of weeks ago. Since they invited him, it did not seem like they had a problem with him.
Let us not forget that the video in question about Rudy's record went through a national union. The video was not voted on by dues paying members, the content was chosen by the union leadership, and the president use to be on Kerry's 04 presidential campaign. The video was also financed by a political action committee. So, some special interest groups financed this video that used grieving firefighters to pursue a political agenda. Yes, you are right Erika, keeping informed does help a lot.
This coming from a man, that because of his actions NOT to get better radio's before 911 caused the deaths of all the firemen. He knew well in advance that these radio's did not work but he chose to ignore this fact. Now the people he hurt, he wants help from?
"Its lamentalbe that opinion has virtually replaced scholarly observation." CG
“There is enough on the public record so I’m very comfortable and people can make their own judgment.”
Guess what Judy the public has judged you and it’s not looking good when “none of the above” beats you in the polls! Deceit, corruption and arrogance make up your resume.
“WE THE PEOPLE”
At one time in this country, a confession of an extramarital affair would have thrown you out of any kind of public service. Now that Giuliani has confessed, he feels clean to run for public office. Where is our country and values going to?
The "International Association of Firefighters" is a leftist union that has never backed a Republican candidate for president. They do not represent firefighters or their values. Their opposition should be used as a badge of honor.
I think it's interesting how the left wing liberals did not seem to mention the terrorists of 9-11 in their finger pointing video for any deaths on that tragic day. The worst argument on the propaganda video released was Guiliani's choice of location for a command center. Those buildings were deemed indestructable by everyone, including liberals. 9-11 was the worst day in American history and we were damn lucky to have someone as strong as Guiliani in charge that day. Guiliani is going to be a great president!
Well at least he wasn't trying to read 'My pet goat' or hiding in Omaha during 9/11. OK, he's plenty good enough to be the GOP standard bearer!
Shawn, I think many people understand that terrorists were behind the 9-11 attacks. So there's no reason for "left-wing liberals" to mention the perpetrators again in their "finger-pointing" video. I consider myself a moderate Republican, and I don't feel that someone's leadership or character can be measured by the events of one day. Guiliani is merely a manipulator, a fear-mongerer, trying to capitalize on a national tragedy. Nothing more.
I think most people already know that terrorists were behind the 9-11 attacks. So there's no reason for "left-wing liberals" to mention that again in their video. I also don't feel that a Guiliani's strength of character or leadership should be measured by the events of one day, and certainly not when he's trying to capitalize on a national tragedy. He's simply a manipulator–nothing more than a fear-mongerer, a demagogue trying to rile up people's emotions in his effort to become the POTUS. I consider myself a moderate Republican...and I don't feel that Guiliani the man for the job. There's many more candidates that could do a better job leading the United States.