New York wonders as Giuliani gains support

[Poiuyt]

New York wonders as Giuliani gains support

By Ellen Wulfhorst Fri Mar 9, 2:57 PM ET

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Voters are lining up behind Rudolph Giuliani, who became "America's mayor" on Sept 11, 2001. But many New Yorkers remember the mayor before that day with less affection.
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New Yorkers may have enjoyed Giuliani's success at taming the untamed city but are quick to recall the combative mayor who insulted constituents, bullied opponents and made crossing the street in the middle of the block a punishable offense.

That's not to mention his multiple marriages, a divorce so acrimonious a judge ordered Giuliani's mistress out of the mayor's mansion and a son so estranged he plans to play golf instead of campaign for his father.

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"He was mean-spirited, he was harsh, but I'm not sure that hurts him on the Republican national stage," said former city councilman Stephen DiBrienza, a Democrat who calls Giuliani the "most divisive elected official in modern history."

"One can only hope that the arrogance of power he displayed and the abuse of process his administration often engaged in will not be mistaken for leadership," said DiBrienza, who now lectures on government at Baruch College in New York.

snip -

But Giuliani's national success puzzles plenty of New Yorkers. A New York magazine cover featured Giuliani and the headline "Him?"

"He could not have been re-elected on 9/10 in New York City," Koch said. "I still believe he couldn't be re-elected in New York City even after 9/11."

more -

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070309/pl_nm/usa_politics_giuliani_dc;_ylt=Am8NEGRPTws6J6k5jvs4rZfMWM0F

[AX10]

1. Rudy's brash style of "do it my way or else" governing is...

all too similar to Bush's style. :scared:

Rudy has President will be a disaster.