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Giuliani a tough conservative sell
 Rudy Giulianis star has hardly dimmed in the five years since terrorists attacked his city on Sept. 11, 2001, and he became a national hero the face of U.S. resolve at a time of tragedy. "If he can handle the scrutiny, and if events break his way, sure, he can win," said Fred Siegel, who wrote a Giuliani biography, "The Prince of the City." Hes a moderate Republican from New York City, on the wrong side of social issues in the eyes of hard-core conservatives who are a crucial voting bloc in the primaries. His mayoral tenure was marked by criticism of an overzealous police force. Hes linked to the citys scandal-plagued ex-police chief Bernard Kerik. His thicket of business interests could pose conflicts. Hes been divorced twice. His challengers - John McCain of Arizona and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney - no doubt will try to exploit his background and record. For now, both are trying to gauge how much of a threat he may be. "I believe theyll look at the picture as a whole," said Tony Carbonetti, Giulianis longtime political adviser. "This (New York) was an unmanageable city, and I think what people want today is a manager, someone to lead in difficult times and to lead in not-difficult times." Posted by: Fred 2007-02-06 |
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