Fundraising ploy backfires

The Sept. 11 attacks provide the rationale for Rudy Giuliani's presidential candidacy, allowing him to argue that his differences with the Republican base on key social issues are overshadowed by the terrorism threat -- and his credentials to combat it.  But for one day, at least, the Sept. 11 link is causing him some embarrassment.

Supporters in Palo Alto, Calif., trying to drum up interest for a Wednesday night fundraiser decided to set a specific figure for donors: $9.11.

Giuliani's campaign, not surprisingly, is chagrined.  Spokeswoman Maria Comella called the gimmick "an unfortunate choice."  She also noted that it was devised by "two volunteers who acted independently of, and without the knowledge of, the campaign."

Be that as it may, Democrat Chris Dodd's presidential campaign wasted little time reacting with a statement that expressed not only outrage but called attention to the ongoing umbrage Giuliani has taken to the much-discussed ad that questioned the integrity of Gen. David Petraeus, the commander of U.S. troops in Iraq.

"Exploiting the Sept. 11 attacks for fundraising purposes is absolutely unconscionable, shameless and sickening," the Dodd release says. "Mr. Giuliani was quick to express much vitriol for the independent ad created by MoveOn.org last week; we would hope he would express the same kind of outrage and indignation about this group that he is the beneficiary of.

"Furthermore, Mr. Giuliani should reject and/or return any money raised and ask that their activities on his behalf stop immediately."

One thing you can count on in politics -- hyperbole builds upon hyperbole.

-- Don Frederick