Jon Stewart on Rudy Giuliani's "Obama Doesn't Love America" Comment

I'm so gonna miss Jon Stewart, and can only hope they pick someone like John Fugelsang to take his place. . .

[Excerpt]

Stewart To Giuliani: You Know You're Not The Mayor Of 9-11, Right?

The Daily Show's Jon Stewart took a whack at Mr. A-Noun-Verb-and-9-11 this Monday and his ridiculous statement that he's since tripled down on that President Obama supposedly doesn't love America and gave him the treatment he deserves. . .

Read more at: Crooks and Liars

Giuliani (A Rocky Mountain Mike Song Parody)

While it's a real shame that somehow Rudy Giuliani has made himself relevant again, that unfortunate situation has been turned into another Rocky Mountain Mike song parody! And that's almost always a reason for celebration. Also, if you're my age, you get to revisit your fascination with Bobby Sherman. So, win-win! And Rudy can keep opening his dith-pickable pie hole, and maybe take down a Scott Walker or a Bobby Jindal in the process by their assent. Which is truly a good thing.

 

Lawrence O'Donnell Rewrites Rudy Giuliani's Take on National Security

There are certain people who should have no credible say on politics or national security. They include almost anyone from the George W. Bush administration, and Rudolph Giuliani. And yet, they keep popping up like bad pennies. Here's Rudy, lisping Sylvester the cat impersonator, traipsing through the Boston Marathon bombing area, trying to pretend like he's some kind of anti-terrorism expert. He failed. Rather spectacularly. He was lauded at the time, despite his failings. Will history correct the record? With the help of Lawrence O'Donnell, maybe we'll get it right.

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Romney & Giuliani in New York

What a pair. Image from source, Yahoo! News.

I'm still unclear on what is so wrong about President Obama "politicizing" his successful deadening of Osama Bin Laden a year ago. I was unaware that the killing of the United States' worst enemy was somehow sacrosanct to Republicans. They're trying hard to make this some sort of backlash issue. And they may succeed. They've got a high batting average for turning faux outrage into real political fallout. But it still doesn't make a lick of sense.

Particularly when Mitt Romney celebrated the anniversary with Rudy Giuliani. Yes, Mr. Noun-Verb-9/11 himself, the lord-god-king of politicizing the War on Terror™. 

[Excerpt]

Romney, Giuliani face heckler at New York City event


Mitt Romney marked the one-year anniversary of Osama bin Laden's death by joining former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani at a Manhattan firehouse that served as the city's first response center in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. . .

Read more at: Yahoo! News

Paul Krugman's 9/11 Reality Reminder

Below, I've reposted my remembrance of that very bad day we had ten years ago. And though I tried to strike an almost apolitical tone (and even in the updates, tried to be restrained), that isn't the way I feel about September 11. Not entirely. While I try to find and hold onto that "spirit of unity," and the "we are ALL Americans" sentiment, the truth is, 9/11 was used for some pretty crappy ends.

Below is a direct steal--I admit it--from fellow blogger Joe.My.God. I refer to his posts often, but rarely do I use one almost in its entirety. But I can't do it better, or more pointedly. And since his is essentially a pull-quote from Krugman, I doubt he'd mind the "theft."

[Excerpt]

Quote Of The Day - Paul Krugman

"What happened after 9/11 — and I think even people on the right know this, whether they admit it or not — was deeply shameful. The atrocity should have been a unifying event, but instead it became a wedge issue. Fake heroes like Bernie Kerik, Rudy Giuliani, and, yes, George W. Bush raced to cash in on the horror. And then the attack was used to justify an unrelated war the neocons wanted to fight, for all the wrong reasons. A lot of other people behaved badly. How many of our professional pundits — people who should have understood very well what was happening — took the easy way out, turning a blind eye to the corruption and lending their support to the hijacking of the atrocity? The memory of 9/11 has been irrevocably poisoned; it has become an occasion for shame. And in its heart, the nation knows it." - Nobel Prize-winning economist Paul Krugman, writing for the New York Times. . .

Source: Joe.My.God.

Lawrence O'Donnell Shreds Rudy Giuliani

Rarely do you see the brutal honesty displayed by Lawrence O'Donnell from Tuesday's Last Word. With the 10th anniversary of the attacks of September 11, 2001 coming up, there are a lot of memories being stirred up. There are also a lot of whitewashed stories being told, most recently by George W. Bush and his Vice President, Dick Cheney.  Oddly--though most of us can remember many details of our lives that day--Bush's and Cheney's stories don't quite match.

But those guys aren't the only ones known for the parts they played that day. Rudolph Giuliani, then the Mayor of New York City, made his name on 9/11. He parlayed it into a failed run for the Presidency in 2008, and a rumored possible attempt for 2012. And all along the way, he never lets us forget that he was the "Mayor of 9/11." But what did he really do to make that a good thing anyway? Listen to Lawrence, and find out.

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Rudy Giuliani Says GOP Should Stay Out of Our Bedrooms

Dammit, I couldn't help myself.
Image from Democratic Underground

Well, how about that? Yes, there were rumblings about Rudy Giuliani's gay-friendly past back in 2008 when he ran for president. But they never became central. Except for pictures of Rudy in drag, circulated by his (usually Republican) detractors, he pretty much got to avoid the whole sexuality bugaboo. So this year, when again Rudy is toying with running, a year when suddenly social issues are all the GOP rage, it's puzzling that Rudy would go pro-gay. Well, sort of.

He still says he's against gay marriage (sure you are, Rudy, just like Obama is, right?). But this is a place he didn't need to go. In fact, it's a place where any supporter of Michele Bachmann or Rick Santorum would not follow him. Maybe he's trying to set himself apart? Or maybe, he's acknowledging that he can't get on their crazy train?

[Excerpt]

Giuliani to GOP: ‘Get the heck out of people’s bedrooms’

Former Republican presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani thinks his party is making a serious mistake by mounting a national effort to oppose marriage equality.
“I think that marriage should be between a man and woman, but I think that the Republican Party would be well advised to get the heck out of people’s bedrooms and let these things get decided by states,” Giuliani told CNN’s Candy Crowley Sunday. . .

Read more at: Raw Story

Is Rudy Giuliani Going to Run?

"Tho what if I look like Nothferatu, and thound like Thylvethter
the cat! 9/11!!!" Image from source.

I just have to say that (September 11th) I never imagined that (9/11) Rudy Giuliani would even consider (ground zero) another shot at the presidency. There was a time (September the eleventh) when Rudy seemed like he might have a shot. But he flamed out so abruptly and so utterly in his 2008 attempt, what on earth makes him think something has changed? Are they going to prop up Fred Thompson, and give him a go too?  Ugh. No, Rudy isn't even attractive a candidate as ol' Law & Order. He looks like a cross between Gary Oldman as Dracula and C. Montgomery Burns as Dracula. Ugh. Spare us!

[Excerpt]

Rudy redux: What's behind the Giuliani-for-President rumors?

Rudy Giuliani really might jump into the race for the 2010 Republican presidential nomination. That’s according to his friend Peter King, a GOP congressman who represents chunks of Long Island. Representative King told reporters on Monday that Mr. Giuliani “is very close to saying he’s going to run. . .”

Read more at: Christian Science Monitor

Keith Olbermann's Quick Comments: Giuliani & Teabaggers

I'm really enjoying Countdown with Keith Olbermann's "Quick Comments" feature. It's quite an improvement from the "Next on Countdown" blurbs, that's for sure. Keep it up, Keith!

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Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Rudy Giuliani Lies About (Wait for It) 9/11

Image from Democratic Underground

IOKIYAR. Which means "it's OK if you're a Republican." It's something that is becoming clearer and clearer as it pertains to the GOP these days. Eight years ago, and for the rest of the Bush administration, any hint of criticism of the President's handling of "the war on terror" was seen as treasonous. Any perception of political opportunism on any aspect of terrorism was seen the same way.

But since the Christmas Day failed underpants bomber event, Republicans have been very quick to use it to their political advantage. They've criticized President Obama's reaction time (though in a similar situation, Bush took twice as long). They've criticized the method of dealing with the guy, and the venue in which he'll be tried (though Bush did much the same thing). They've said that the President doesn't use the words "terror" or "terrorism." But he does. In short, they've used just about every angle to politicize it, all the while employing either hypocrisy or lies. Typical.

But failed presidential candidate Rudolph Giuliani has taken it to a whole 'nother level. He's jumped on the bizarre new GOP lie that there were no terrorist attacks on the US during Bush's tenure. This from the Mayor of 9/11 himself.

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Sunday Morning Blogging

Got up extra early today, 6:30 am! That's really something, given that last night was a thoroughly wine-soaked one. But once I woke up, I decided to have an extended day. But it might include a nap, later!

So, I'm watching Meet the Press per usual, and the topic of health care is front and center. But right up front, David Gregory interviewed David Axelrod who I can not stomach. I don't like any of these purely political spokespeople on either side of the aisle. The only worse one to listen to on the Democratic side is Terry McAuliffe. Smarmy, calculated, evasive. . .I just plain don't like it. Surely, there is a more direct and honest way to get President Obama's message out than creepy political hacks like Axelrod.

I'm eager for the country and the President to get past this health care debate, wherever it ends up. I'm sick to death of the topic, and bewildered at how poor people--many of them actually on a government health care plan already, are arguing on the side of insurance companies. Baffling.

Another thing irritating me about political chat shows right now is the sponsors. I pretty much zip through the commercials most Sundays, but I'm watching MTP pretty much in real time, so I'm seeing the commercials. And it's companies like Dow and Boeing. What the hell purpose does it serve to show TV viewers commercials for companies like that? It is my suspicion that they advertise on political shows to have some leverage on content. What other purpose does it serve? Sigh.

And now the issue of President Obama speaking to students. Rightly, Tom Brokaw is pointing out how silly the controversy is. Even Rudy Giuliani thinks it is unfortunate that this should be controversial. How about that, a surprise on a political program. And WOW! Tom Friedman calls it "flat out stupid!" Go Tom!

That all for now. Back later, unless I fall into a nap!

Sufferin' Succotash: Rudy Giuliani to Take O'Reilly Radio Gig?

Image from source, New York Post

Recently, Bill O'Reilly quit his radio show to (cough) spend more time with his FOX "News" show, The O'Reilly Factor. To replace him, it is rumored that former New York Mayor (and presidential primary flame-out) Rudolph Giuliani will take the gig. I'll admit, he does have a face for radio. But his Sylvester the Cat/Daffy Duck voice would make him insufferable (inthufferable?) to listen to, even if I agreed with him. Um, which I so don't.

[Excerpt]

RUDY TO RADIO?

Now, Page Six has learned the leading candidate to succeed him is Rudy Giuliani (above). Westwood One, which syndicates the O'Reilly show, is negotiating with the former mayor. Giuliani, who doesn't suffer fools gladly, famously ridiculed a ferret owner on the radio in 1999, calling him "deranged. . ."

Read more at: New York Post

Latest Republican Who Won't Go Away: Rudy Giuliani

Photo from source, Huffington Post

Acckkkk! I thought we were done with this guy! After a disastrous, soooo far from the early speculative mark Presidential run, now Rudy Giuliani wants to run for Governor of New York? Really? I live 2,500 miles away from New York, but even I remember that the people of New York City were not very fond of this guy before 9/11. And what did he really do on 9/11 that was so great? He was essentially a focal point, a visible face of authority while George W. Bush was still getting his shit together.

And, ugh what a face. In fact the reason I even noticed this story was the picture that went along with it. Rudy might have made an ugly woman in drag, but yeesh. . .sans makeup, this guy would frighten small children. OK, yeah, I'm no looker myself, but of the gaggle of cartoons that ran on the GOP side this year, Rudy--a combination Sylvester the cat, Mr. Burns, and a stock Scooby-Doo villain--was by far the creepiest.

[Excerpt]

Giuliani Considering Governor Of New York Run

Rudy Giuliani said Sunday he will consider running for governor of New York and isn't ruling out a second attempt at the U.S. presidency.

A one-time presidential front-runner and former mayor of New York City, Giuliani dropped out of the race for Republican nominee in January after losing the primary in Florida, where he had poured the bulk of his campaign resources. . .

Read more at: Huffington Post

Keith Olbermann's Campaign Comment: Guilt by Association

Any smack-down of Rudy Giuliani is worth watching. So watch!

Republican Convention Stars to Shine!

Image from source, Huffington Post

Gaahhh! I know that everybody reads The Huffington Post, and that my little blog is unlikely to shine any more attention on it. But the head of the HuffPo page almost made me gasp. Good work! These are their stars, and they look more like a horror movie. All they have to do is add Fred Thompson to complete the "wrinkled old white guys who are evil and look like movie monsters" image.

I'm telling you, if they pull this off, and Republicans stay in power, there really is no hope. I don't know if it would be Barack Obama's fault, the Democratic Party's fault, or the American electorate's fault. But tell me, if we noisy liberals can't keep this train from pulling into the station, what chance would we ever have?

[Excerpt]

GOP UNVEILS ITS CONVENTION STARS

Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani will give the keynote address at the Republican National Convention next month and Democrat-turned-independent Sen. Joe Lieberman also will take center stage at the GOP gathering. . .

Read more at: Huffington Post

Rudy Giuliani Still Talking About 9/11

Presidential also-ran Rudy Giuliani has been described by Joe Biden thusly: "There's only three things he mentions in a sentence -- a noun, a verb, and 9/11. There's nothing else! "

As my grandmother used to say, "he ain't just a whoofin'!" Check out this recent appearance on MSNBC's Morning Joe.

Hillary Clinton on Saturday Night Live

A funny thing happened on Saturday Night Live last night. . .no, I mean really, a funny thing happened! And more surprisingly, it stayed funny pretty much all the way through. Starting with another good Clinton/Obama debate parody, Hillary Clinton herself appeared with her impersonator, Amy Poehler, and acquitted herself nicely, I must say. It was not the spectacular cold opening Al Gore had a few years ago, but she did a good job.



Ellen Page (Juno) as the host was not the best part of the program. She couldn't help looking very young no matter which costume they put her in. And her attempt to play "ghetto" with Kenan Thompson (who was hilarious) was painful. But the show was much better this week.

When the season started, after having an entire summer off, and a rich political newsscape to draw on, the humor was sadly lacking. After a handful of episodes, the show had a long hiatus due to the writers' strike, and came back only stronger, but largely on the strength of its host that week, alum Tina Fey. This week, they proved that they could bring the funny, even with a less than stellar host. And Rudy Giuliani. . .

[Excerpt]

Live, From New York...It's Hillary Clinton!

Saturday Night Live opened tonight with a fake presidential debate hosted by mock Brian Williams and Tim Russert. Williams and Russert were bored by healthcare and were overly nice to Obama, while Amy Poehler, as Hillary Clinton, played mildly indignant. After the debate, instead of the opening credits, there was an "Editorial Response." The real Senator Clinton, seated at a desk and wearing the same brown tweed as Poehler's Clinton, said how she loved the skit and was happy to be back in New York, if only for a few hours. Then Amy Poehler, still in character as the senator, joined Clinton at the desk. . .

Read more at: Huffington Post

Giuliani to Endorse McCain

Photo from KEYE TV

Last night we had guests over, and so were focused on other things than politics. But we had MSNBC on in the background because of the Florida primary results. Along the way (with the sound on mute), it became clear that Rudolph Giuliani was set to endorse John McCain for President. Which obviously means he's bowing out. And we found that surprising, as we were half-heartedly listening to his speech this evening, where it did not seem that he was leaving the race.

Maybe we weren't paying close enough attention. . .

[Excerpt]

Romney concedes Florida to McCain; Giuliani handed decisive defeat

With more than 50% of Florida's GOP vote counted, all major cable news networks have called the Florida primary for Arizona Senator John McCain over former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, who offered his concession to the senator before 9:30 PM. The race also presented a final repudiation of the "victory through Florida" strategy of former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who was in a distant third place, consistent with poll predictions, but was not yet ready to bow out of the race. . .

Read more at: Raw Story

Rudy Giuliani's Presidential Aspirations Gone Kaput

Buh-bye, Rudy. You would have been fun to run against, but it just ain't gonna happen. . .

[Excerpt]

For Giuliani, A Disappointing Fade To Exit

Rudy 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. Instead, it appears more likely to be remembered as a cautionary tale. . .

Read more at: CBS

FOX "News" Loves Rudy Giuliani

Or at least they did. What are they going to do if the rumors turn out to be true, and he drops out by week's end? Do they have a catchy nickname for Willard or Grampa McCain?