Will Business Ties Hamper Giuliani Bid?

Former NYC Mayor's Corporate And Legal Dealings May Complicate His Presidential Aspirations

(AP)  "Yes, there are going to be people that say he represented energy companies and that's all he cares about, but I don't think they're right," said Phyllis Kelly, a Republican National Committeewoman from Iowa, where caucuses traditionally launch the nomination process.

"I don't know what all his businesses were, but I like people who know something about business, and I know Giuliani is an honorable person," she said.

Cohen argued Giuliani's businesses will not make him unique in 2008 because all the candidates will have to cozy up to industry to finance their campaigns.

"It's not just him, it's all of the candidates," Cohen said. "The real problem is that in order to run for president you need over $100 million and that can only come from powerful economic interests."

Then there's the personal baggage: the public disgrace of one of his closest former aides, Bernard Kerik, and the messy implosion of his last marriage.

Lately when it comes to the former mayor, even his baggage has baggage.

Giuliani made headlines last week when a copy of his nascent campaign's strategy made its way to the New York Daily News.

Aides claimed the 140-page document was pilfered from a piece of luggage when a staffer changed planes. The document itself offered no bombshells, but it acknowledged the obvious: a moderate Republican who has supported abortion rights, gay rights, and gun control may be a tough sell to GOP primary voters.

More than anything, the airing of the document put Giuliani's fledgling effort in a poor light at a time when they are trying to raise millions from major GOP donors, many of whom are already indicating early support for Sen. John McCain of Arizona.

Yet Giuliani may still hold a trump card against political sniping from inside or outside his party: The emotional chord he strikes in those who vividly remember his resolve on Sept. 11, 2001, and still see that moment as the defining mark of his abilities and character.

[mjv2944]

Sorry Rudy, you have a lot of attributes, but you are not electable, but then, neither is McCain.

[random_radar]

America is in love with war heros. Several presidents got there after being generals. In the war on terror, Giuliani is the closest thing we have to a war hero.

I personally won't vote for him, but I have to admit that the tides of history flow favorably for candidates who are perceived to have lead the charge in wartime. He should work the 9/11 angle into his campaign as much as modesty allows. Don't overdo it, but don't give it short shrift either.