Giuliani Abandons Bid, Endorses McCain

At Ronald Reagan Library, Former Mayor Calls McCain "An American Hero"

(CBS/AP)  Rudy Giuliani, who sought to make the leap from New York mayor to the White House, bowed out of the Republican presidential contest Wednesday and endorsed front-runner and longtime friend John McCain.

With McCain at his side, Giuliani called the Arizona Senator "the most qualified candidate to be the next commander in chief of the United States."

"This is a man prepared to be President of the United States at a time of great peril," Giuliani added.

McCain acknowledged his former rival as "my strong right arm and my partner."

"This man is a national hero and I'm honored by his friendship," he said.

The former New York City mayor went on to call for a "stronger and broader Republican Party."

"I'm hopeful we can secure his election very soon so we can unite our party and begin the process of uniting our nation," Giuliani said.

The announcement took place just after 6 p.m. ET at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in Simi Valley, Calif.

Giuliani vowed to campaign for McCain in whatever capacity he is asked.

"When I believe in a man like I do John McCain, this will become to me as important as my own election was," Giuliani said.

"I expect him to be fairly active for McCain," said Rep. Peter King, a New York Republican and adviser to Giuliani. "There is a real friendship and respect between the two," he said.

Once the Republican presidential front-runner, Giuliani suffered a debilitating defeat in Tuesday's Florida primary.

The former mayor finished a distant third to the winner, McCain, and close second-place finisher Mitt Romney.

Speaking to supporters Tuesday night, Giuliani delivered a valedictory speech that was clearly more farewell than fight-on.

"I'm proud that we chose to stay positive and to run a campaign of ideas in an era of personal attacks, negative ads and cynical spin," Giuliani said as supporters with tight smiles crowded behind him. "You don't always win, but you can always try to do it right, and you did."

Tuesday's result was a remarkable collapse for Giuliani. Last year, he occupied the top of national polls and seemed destined to turn conventional wisdom on end by running as a moderate Republican who supported abortion rights, gay rights and gun control.

The results seriously decimated Giuliani's unconventional strategy, which relied heavily on Florida to launch him into the coast-to-coast Feb. 5 nominating contests.

But Florida proved to be less than hospitable. His poll numbers dropped and key endorsements went to McCain.

While Giuliani had hoped that his presidential campaign would serve as an example of how an unorthodox strategy could propel a candidate to his party's nomination, it instead appears more likely to be remembered as a cautionary tale, reports CBSNews.com's Brian Montopoli.

While his rivals were making headlines for their early victories, the former New York City mayor faced a flood of negative stories about his personal life and judgment, many tied to third wife Judith Nathan and disgraced longtime ally Bernard Kerik.

"Giuliani got a significant amount of bad press for about a week and a half for personal issues while everybody else was getting good press from the early primaries," said Tallahassee-based political consultant Brett Doster. "The negative personal stories combined with the resurgence of John McCain - the only guy in the field who had more credibility on national security - began to suck all the oxygen away from Giuliani's part of the aquarium." (Read more on Giuliani's Disappointing Fade To Exit)

[brettrix]

as a conservative i have little choice left but to vote for Ron Paul - he certainly understands the economy - check out his revitalization plan -
www.ronpaul2008.com/prosperity

[denn034]

The first thing to come out of his mouth in this campaign that I actually liked.

[edweirdness]

Its sad that Rudy would through away his support on John McCain. Senator McCain, because of his irresponsible pandering on the illegal immigration issue is far too damaged for true conservatives to support. That Rudy would chose to "stick his thumb in our eye" by supporting this moron McCain is unforgivably arrogant. Many conservatives and independents confronted with the choice of either a pro-illegal Democrat or a pro-illegal McCain will opt to stay home on election day. It''s pathetic that we''ve allowed our system to become so debased that our only choices for President are these desperately self interested, power mad little egotists!

[walt1944-2009]

It has been learned that "9/11" Rudy Giuliani will drop out of the race for the Fascist Republican nomination for the office of Great Emperor, and that he will throw his support behind "Bagdad" John McCain for the post.

Of course, it is possible that this support could come with a "price"; that being, I support you, you pick me as your running mate! A McCain-Giuliani ticket would be looked upon by the Neocon Fascist Republicans as a "strong" anti-terrorist ticket, continuing the "legacy" of the Great Emperor Bush II and VP Darth Vader Cheney, while rational people would view it as a "dumb and dumber" ticket!

Be that as it may, "9/11" Rudy intends on spending his free time reading everything he can about the Middle East and "terrrrrorism" when the day comes that he will, once again, be called upon to save the country from the pesty terrorists, while the heads of government hide in their favorite bomb shelters!

SIG HEIL, BUSH!!!!

[dan9111]

This Giuliani character was at the hindend of the GOP. The guy is simply a murder-profiteer. Where is Ron Paul? CBS? What''s your excuse?

[dan9111]

RexProphet, one can bicker about this or that. I am no Christian! Yet the values many Christians equate themselves with are fine by me. Ron Paul is not flawless. Atheists should accept that. But surely by matters of true virtue, call them Christian or not, the Christian Ron Paul is well within range of true virtue. Yet it is not virtue or truth that matters any more. It is all about murder in every form, threats of murder to gather money, and what can be done to sustain it all.

[buddhabman]

Frankly it''s scary people even considered this guy. We have Bush so I guess I shouldn''t be surprised. Republicans call Democrats Chicken Littles yet they put up more war mongerors than anyone. I respect McCain becuase he is socialy moderate relative to the rest of the wingnuts. What scares me about him is that we will end up in a war with Russia with him butting heads with Putin.

The other thing is that McCain himself is ok, but it''s the rest of the Repugs that give me the shivers. We have seen their best governmental policy makers in the last 8 years, ROVE, NEOCONS, Republican control of Congress and look what kind of mess we are in.

McCain can''t pull in any better talent than they have now. Republican competence to Govern is just non-existent. McCain can''t fix that by himself, and they have no talent to draw from.

A vote for a Republican in 08 is a vote to continue the culture of incompetence and corruption. Yea ok bring up Rezko or Whitewater if you want. McCain ain''t squeaky clean even in his current campaign. You wingnuts can try to swiftboat us if you dare, we will play fire for fire this time.

[cdfoxtrot]

Best news all year. Now, if he would just go back to obscurity and leave us alone. I hope John McCain has the good sense to pass on having Guili have anything to do with his current or future efforts.

[cfin5]

Giuliani endorsing McAin''t the conservative says it all why I didn''t trust him. Ron Paul just keeps looking better and better. He''s the only one that can defeat Hillary or Obama.

[drnewknee]

It''s nearly time to play "Taps" for the old Republican party of conservatives.

[lone-star5]

McCain is not Abel. He is a liar. He just smiles and winks while he stabs his opponent in the back and then calls him the attacker. I can''t imagine that any GOP senators would want to work with him ''if'' he became President because of his temper and outbursts. He''ll get us into a bigger mess than we are already in with his ''straight'' talk. He doesn''t know that the shortest line between two points is a straight line. He thinks it''s a curve.

[micma-2009]

A vote for a Republican in 08 is a vote to continue the culture of incompetence and corruption. Yea ok bring up Rezko or Whitewater if you want. McCain ain''t squeaky clean even in his current campaign. You wingnuts can try to swiftboat us if you dare, we will play fire for fire this time.

Posted by buddhabman at 06:12 PM : Jan 30, 2008


Well said.

[micma-2009]

This is really going to **** off all of the Conservative talking heads. They''ve spent so much time swift-boating McCain and now he''s the clear front runner of their sad little party.

[pensacola88]

Rudi is out. He was one of the famous US Congressional "Witch Hunters" of the 80''s looking for a throat to cut to create a reputation for cleaning up congress. He almost took down US Rep. Charlie Wilson from Texas. While Charlie fought Russians, Rudi fought Charlie.

Rudi recommended Bernard Kerik to President Bush for the position of Director of Homeland Security. Kerik accepted and later withdrew when he discovered he was facing legal problems over immigration violations for his personal housekeeper and nanny. Rudi said he didn''t know Kerik had problems. Kerik was the NYC police chief. While Bush was fighting terrorists who attacked NYC and the Pentagon, the NYC Police Chief had trouble keeping out of trouble with the agency that he was nominated to run. Way to go Rudi!!

How did anyone actually think Rudi Gulliani was qualified to be President?

[kissamaarse]

McCain, the guy who wants to stay in Iraq 100 years. And start a war with Iran. No need to look to Jeb Bush to continue the Bush legacy when McCain is willing to change his name to "Bush" McCain.

[smirk5]

Why didn''t God tell Pat Robertson that Giuliani had no chance at getting the GOP nomination?

[battyellison]

McCain needs to retire and live life to the fullest. He''s a senile old war-monger that looks older and older as the campaign wears on now he has the RUDY who is a 9/11 war-monger as well if you watch John McCain in the debates all he wants people to really know is that he will keep the war going and possible "Bomb Iran" with Joe Lieberman leading that charge i hate to say this but Chuck Norris is right John McCain is to old and he shows it really well

[cfin5]

It''''s nearly time to play "Taps" for the old Republican party of conservatives.

Posted by drnewknee at 07:01 PM : Jan 30, 2008---------Don''t know you yet, but your right. That''s why I joined the "CONSTITUTION PARTY" (www.constitutionparty.com). It is the third largest and fastest growing political party in the nation. The only reason I''m still registered as a republiCAN''T is because of RON PAUL, proven "conservative" public servant of the Constitution.

[keithle1]

Listen closely. Can''t you hear the crying, wailing & gnashing of teeth of ALL the Rudy fans?

What happened to Edwards? I don''t see him above in the "Candidate Profiles & RSS Feeds." I see that great candidate & media darling Mike Gravel but no Edwards.

[ontheleft]

"McCain needs to retire and live life to the fullest."

No. He needs to stay in the race so he can lose it all for the Repugs. It was so funny to hear all the Repugs today who were stunned that McCain won.

Romney is a loser. He''s behind in all the polls I''ve looked at in the past week. Way behind in California. McCain has the momentum and there''s no stopping him now.

Go McCain!

[keithle1]

Such great choices the Republicans have... NOT.

[katg21]

Up against Hilliary.. she won easily!
Posted by zoe2006

Have they even debated?

[realtalk5950]

who will be the vice president for when McCain Keels over in office from being so old?

[kissamaarse]

That vice president would be Joe Lieberman, but the Democrats will win so don''t sweat it about "Bush" McCain, man of the 100 Year Iraq War, keeling over.

[katg21]

McCain is not Abel. He is a liar. Posted by lone-star5

LOL! I suppose you are supporting Hillary...a PROVEN liar.

[katg21]

A war veteran vs. a UNEXPERIENCED B!TCH... ha, ha, ha. We republicans look forward to that one.

[donbl1]

This will be our first real hero to be nominated for President since JFK....Ike before him....before him was Teddy Roosevelt.

Obama vs McCain that is the best match for America.

Both have strengths and, because of that, America wins.

[Krazcarl]

Saw him on TV when his capaighn was stuggling said they haven''t looked that far ahead {maybe} but I feel it would be someone to broaden his appeal the man that gave him an endorsement today is a likely possibility they could work together. He has a lot of respect John Lewis noe that would be a interesting ticket?

[mcvet]

Obama vs McCain that is the best match for America.

Both have strengths and, because of that, America wins.


Posted by donbl1 at 08:18 PM : Jan 30, 2008
+ report abuse

McCain is simply what is left... NONE of them were worth anything and who in their right mind votes for a Republican this time. They can''t govern and McCain sold his soul to the devil to get here. Failure is failure and McCain is part of that failure.

[donbl1]

Trap, maybe he is working both sides: Democratic nominee or the Republican VP. I do not think he would be happy with being Hillary''s VP.

If he was McCain''s,,,,,, well,,,,,,,,,

[donbl1]

MCVet, you are sounding nervous.

[mcvet]

LOL! I suppose you are supporting Hillary...a PROVEN liar.


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Posted by katg21 at 07:56 PM : Jan 30, 2008
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ROFLMAO I love you Nazi''s! ROFLMAO You give us the WORST president in our history who has RECORDED way over 200 lies in a two year period... lies that started a WAR and YOU fascist call someone else a Liar! ROFLMAO Please stop embarrassing yourselves. They haven''t a prayer and McCain is just getting his shot because the fascist can''t come up with anyone else. Sieg Heil Bush!!

[truthspeake2]

No republican will win, or steal again, the highest office in this land for at least another 8 years...period!

America has had enough.

[mcvet]

MCVet, you are sounding nervous.


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Posted by donbl1 at 08:22 PM : Jan 30, 2008
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How so? I''m simply telling it like it is. LOL McCain, If somehow he can manage to get elected is NOT someone any democrat or progressive can''t live with. He''s compromised many times with us and with so many fascist "retiring" the congress and senate will be firmly in our hands... Face it McCain is the ONLY option and his election would serve to terminate Fascism for a couple of decades at least.

[mcvet]

A war veteran vs. a UNEXPERIENCED B!TCH... ha, ha, ha. We republicans look forward to that one.


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Posted by katg21 at 08:00 PM : Jan 30, 2008
+ report abuse

ROFLMAO Right! Is that the reason the fascist and religious Nazi''s are supporting McCain? ROFLMAO You freaks can''t beat the Clintons and you know it! ROFLMAO Sieg Heil Bush!!

[mcvet]

No republican will win, or steal again, the highest office in this land for at least another 8 years...period!

America has had enough.


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Posted by truthspeake2 at 08:25 PM : Jan 30, 2008
+ report abuse

I know it but it''s fun to toy with these folks!! LOL Hell they can''t even raise enough money to run their primary''s.

[donbl1]

MCVet, McCain is probably more middle of the road than any of the other Republican contestants.

His bilateral support in Congress comes from doing the right thing many times. Remember in 2004-2006 when he joined forces with other Republicans and Democrats to stop the fillibusters? Good American.

McCain vs Obama gives us the best choices for the future.

[mcvet]

MCVet, McCain is probably more middle of the road than any of the other Republican contestants.

His bilateral support in Congress comes from doing the right thing many times. Remember in 2004-2006 when he joined forces with other Republicans and Democrats to stop the fillibusters? Good American.

McCain vs Obama gives us the best choices for the future.


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Posted by donbl1 at 08:28 PM : Jan 30, 2008
+ report abuse

We are certainly NOT like you fascist and won''t sling mud at him or his military record.. We will simply point out his support for the Useless war started on lies and he''s party''s failure. America is looking for a new course and McCain has locked himself into the tired fascist line... that will bring him down. That and the pictures of him bootlicking Falwell and Robertson.

[truthspeake2]

Hey McVet,

Even the Fox News Channel and their talking heads will become obsolete. Bill O''Reilly and Rush Limpdrugs will both go the way of the dinosaur...LOL

[donbl1]

MCVet, you got too much anger. You work for the post office?

[truthspeake2]

LOL! The White House is a republican stronghold and they have a option to buy on it.. Why do you think they call it the WHITE House? They have occupied it for the majority of the last 50 years. As a matter of fact, the only democrat that has been reelected since FDR was Clinton. The only republican that hasn''''t been reelected was Bush SR and Ford, who didn''''t run again.

Posted by trapbreak at 08:32 PM : Jan 30, 2008

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That may just be a great historical fact, but the party is over...read my lips! Your world is about to get so much smaller and this country can''t afford any more corruption, false family values, non-inclusion, false wars, government no-bid contracts, stealing of elections, more privacy deprivation, high-energy costs, no accountability for anything, depriving vets of mental and health care, corporate tax giveaways, moving jobs overseas, real estate/housing debacles, etc., etc....did I forget anything anybody???

[truthspeake2]

Okay, if you say so, but we will revisit this conversation again in late November.

[mcvet]

Only that this economy was in great shape until the midterm elections when the democrats too charge of congress. Just like with Reagan.

Don''''t worry, McCain will get us back on track, and the election will return the majority to the GOP.


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Posted by trapbreak at 08:45 PM : Jan 30, 2008
+ report abuse

ROFLMAO Right! ROFLMAO You fascist are soooooooo funny! Bush was handed a good economy, BALANCED BUDGET and a SURPLUS! ROFLMAO Now we have RECORD debt, a War based on LIES, Afganistan in shambles, the real enemy completely rebuilt and in a safe haven created by Bush, we have scandal after scandal... MY GOD you have to be some sort of wacko to even post that tired old fascist line. Next you''ll be telling us the borrow and spend and the trickle down was Democrats!! ROFLMAO Maybe you should attend your nazi youth more often.. this won''t fly! Sieg Heil Bush!!

[cfin5]

Hey guys, McCain is a GLOBALIST just like President Bush. Yes he suffered as a POW in an unconstitutional war and I''m glad he made it back home. But I see that merit of his as no justification to take away our rights especially after he takes an oath to uphold, protect and defend the Constitution,.....and then breaks it by trashing the 9th. Amendment to destroy the 1st. Amendment. Your only as good as your last job, not your first.

[mcvet]

Okay, if you say so, but we will revisit this conversation again in late November.


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Posted by truthspeake2 at 08:48 PM : Jan 30, 2008
+ report abuse

You know very little of history that is obvious. America has always gone through these Fascist periods. The last one was the McCarthy era and you shouldn''t compare the present day Republican Party, that is recognized the world over as fascist, with real republican''s. When you freaks can claim a majority like the Democrats have had in the past and can point to a Standard of living that has actually gone UP instead of steadly down, then maybe it will mean something. It was Democrats who lead this nation from the Great Depression all the way up to Raygun. When we went away from the model that created the greatest economic power on earth is when we became a debitor nation. It''s not a matter of IF but when we again have to turn to democrats... otherwise our standard of living will sink to third world status.

[mcvet]

MCVet - McCain lost big to Bush...now McCain is Bushes lap dog...McCain said he has no idea about economics...Hilliary is going to go after the jugular with that one...How can you possibly be president, if you have no idea about economics...he also doesn''''t think before he speaks. Anyone wanting the Republican corruption and war mongering to end with VOTE DEMOCRAT!!


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Posted by zoe2006 at 08:32 PM : Jan 30, 2008
+ report abuse

I agree 100%. When McCain goes out there selling the same tired old lines.. cut taxes and cut spending she will simply ask him were he''s going to cut. They can''t balance a budget and they can''t govern.

[antizion]

Once again america chooses between the pervert scum bags blackmailed by the Israelis.

Elections are a joke in america, just like our zionist puppet government. Germany all over again.

[truthspeake2]

MCVET,

I do know my history and that''s exactly what''s wrong with this country right now, so called history and experience and we can''t take anymore of going down that same road. We The People don''t own it anymore.

[truthspeake2]

MCVET,

I do know my history and that''s exactly what''s wrong with this country right now, so called history and experience and we can''t take anymore of going down that same road. We The People don''t own it anymore.

[stevex47]

For me, it''s fairly easy. With all due respect, the last 8 years sucked big time. No way I''m stayin'' this course.

The 8 before that werea whole lot better in my opinion.