Breaking News: Rudy Giuliani hints at dropping out

Rudy Giuliani appears to be pondering an end to his long pursuit of the Republican presidential nomination.

In a meeting in the back of his chartered plane en route to St. Petersburg, Fla., a short while ago, the onetime, longtime GOP front-runner told a small group of reporters, including The Times' Louise Roug: "The winner of Florida will win the nomination."

He then went on to predict he would win. And his spokeswoman, Maria Comella, said later he was speaking with confidence.

But that's an unusually categorical statement suggesting that only a total first-place upset by Giuliani, who trails both Mitt Romney and John McCain in all major polls for Florida's Republican primary tomorrow, will keep him in the competition, despite previous repeated vows to continue.

Giuliani's campaign, which led in national polls when it began and stayed there for many months, is showing signs of serious financial fatigue. This month his top staffers are foregoing their paychecks so the maximum amount of money can be invested to salvage his political fortunes in the Sunshine State, which was where Giuliani's late-state strategy was to kick into high gear.

So far, he's yet to finish first anywhere and ended up behind Rep. Ron Paul in Iowa and Nevada.

In his meeting with reporters today, Giuliani added that, no matter what happens Tuesday, he  definitely would  participate in the Republican debate co-sponsored by The Times on Wednesday at the Reagan Library.

--Andrew Malcolm

Photo credit: Don Emmert AFP/Getty Images

Comments

[Harold Goodman]

Goodbye Rudy and take Sean Hannity and Rush Limbaugh with you. It goes to show that they have their heads up their behinds and are not in tune with the American People.

[Dr Ward Ciac II]

Thank you Mr. Malcolm and LA Times. This is a game of last man standing. Once there were 11, now there are 5. Dr Ron Paul is in 4th place in the delegate count. He came in 2nd in Nevada, and 2nd or 1st in Louisiana.

Ten Most Corrupt National Politicians 2007
http://www.judicialwatch.org/
1. Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY)
5. Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani (R-NY)
6. Governor Mike Huckabee (R-AR)
8. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL

Dr Ron Paul's question to Senator John McCain vs. Miss Teen SC on Economics (two versions):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HcdLO3jKkPo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tu-tg1kQ8dk&feature=related

The 'conservative, family values' Juan McCain:
* wants amnesty for illegal aliens.
* was one of the "Keating Five," congressmen investigated on ethics charges for strenuously helping convicted racketeer Charles Keating after he gave them large campaign contributions and vacation trips.
* upon his return to the United States after serving in Vietnam, McCain was reunited with his wife Carol, who had suffered her own crippling, near-death ordeal during his captivity, due to an automobile accident in December 1969 that left her facing months of operations and physical therapy; by the time he saw her again she was four inches shorter, on crutches, and substantially heavier. He had an affair and divorced her for another several years later.

[cbk]

Who should Giuliani voters support? Since McCain said he may not appoint a conservative judge like Alito, would McCain end up putting another Souter on the bench? McCain’s Hispanic outreach director is none other than Dr. Juan Hernandez, an open-borders, put Mexico first fanatic, should Republicans really put a democrat on the ticket by voting for McCain? McCain also seems like a democrat with Kerry indicating he (Kerry) was approached by the McCain camp to put McCain on as the Vice President in 04. With the nomination narrowing down to the media favorite McCain and the conservative Romney, I plan on voting for the only Republican left, Romney.

[Joe]

The big question is who (if anyone) will he throw his support behind after dropping out? He would make for a very interesting VP canidate.

[Wolf Blitzer]

RON PAUL IS ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!! RON PAUL FOR PRESIDENT!!! AMAZING AMAZING AMAZING!!!

[Diane L.]

Rudy Who?????

[dadpasadena]

This portends a tremendous shift in the American consciousness. We've moved past 9/11 with the realities of the Bush Administration on the night of the State of the Union which, at this point, is tattered to say the least. The strategies of the Republicans have been scattered hither and yon. Hopefully, the era when despots in the White House no longer need be accountable is over. Guiliani was afraid of those questions that got too close to his associations within and without his political framework. He was looking too much like the Mafia he put in prison. Perhaps Democracy will survive the American politcal process after all.

[Paul Newcombe]

The question of the age in the 1930’s was not the economy, nor abortion, nor supreme court justices. It was Nazism and its potential to overturn the very fabric of society. We did not need a Neville Chamberlain then, we needed a Winston Churchill. The question of our age is likewise not the economy, abortion, or supreme court justices. The question of the next 20 years is Militant Islam, the global jihad, the potential loss of Europe to its Muslim cultural jihad, and the entrance of nuclear terrorism. Today, we need another Churchill, another Reagan, to answer the forces arrayed against our national security. Rudy is the only candidate who has come face-to-face with the jihad and its ruthlessness. He, I believe, is the only candidate who is truly determined to defeat Islamic jihadism. It is critical we have a president who is of this mindset if our children and grandchildren are to live in a world without fear. Rudy will not let us down.

[TJ]

There is a God.

[PRE]

Sheesh1 You Ron Paul people are still around? You're candidate has unequivocally proved that he has no business in this race. Money doesn't equal votes, but he will do the party a service if he sticks to using his money to promote small government and low taxes; and stays away from his wacky Blame America theories on Iraq.

[Jason]

Paul has also finished ahead of Giuliani in four of the six states so far; Iowa, Michigan, Nevada and South Carolina and he BARELY beat him in New Hampshire although he spent more than 2.5 million on advertizing and had more than 120 campaign events.

The truth is that no one voted for him, not that he hasn't been competing. The guy is a flop.

[Gerry Lincoln]

With any luck, all those sorry clowns will drop out and Dr. Ron Paul will win by default.

Let's see the media try to lock him out then!

[Kevin Houston]

If he is going to bow out, then what is the point of going to the debate (other than to waste everyone's time?)

Finally, can we agree, once and for all that Plain Old Telephone Surveys (POTS - especially POTS taken six months or more prior to the actual elections) are completely worthless and should not be used to dole out free media attention? If we could somehow go back in time and give Dr. Paul all the attention that was showered on Rudy Giuliani, Fred Thompson, etc. - I think Dr. Paul would be running away with this primary.

If the media (latimes included) would just report on all the candidates equally, instead of just the ones they (mistakenly) think "can win," I (for one) would be very appreciative.

Later.

[Jim]

Now Rudy will have time to read those books Ron Paul gave him about the concequences of our misguided foriegn policy and the "blowback" that results.

[Cleaner44]

I thought Rudy already did drop out. He really has not shown up in any of the states and is a fringe candidate. Cya Rudy.

[Jason]

So long Rudy. But in all fairness, that's what you get for laughing at the R3volution...

[MrUNPC]

The Democrat controlled liberal Media machine is doing all it can to choose IT’S “favorite” GOP candidate, which means ANYONE but Mitt Romney. First, they elevated Mike Huckabee from obscurity to frontrunner status in IA in a few short weeks with nothing but puff stories and absolutely NO scrutiny of his liberal voting record as AR Governor. So, much to the joy of the liberals, IA voters were convinced that Mr. Huckabee should be their choice, but NOT as President but rather as Pastor of the United States. Mike Huckabee is, by far, the weakest and least qualified GOP candidate and the easiest to beat and the Liberals WERE salivating at the prospect of his winning the nomination.

Once they finished using the Huckster they resurrected McCain from the dead, who is nothing more than a RINO (Republican In Name Only). He's been in the Senate forever and is an entrenced "good ol' boy". BTW, would someone explain why Bob Dole was labeled “too old” (73) when he ran against Clinton in 1996 and McCain’s age is NEVER mentioned?

The McCain domestic record is a disaster. To say he fought spending, most particularly earmarks, is to nibble around the edges and miss the heart of the matter. For starters, consider:

McCain-Feingold — the most brazen frontal assault on political speech since Buckley v. Valeo.

McCain-Kennedy — the most far-reaching amnesty program in American history.

McCain-Lieberman — the most onerous and intrusive attack on American industry — through reporting, regulating, and taxing authority of greenhouse gases — in American history.

McCain-Kennedy-Edwards — the biggest boon to the trial bar since the tobacco settlement, under the rubric of a patients’ bill of rights.

McCain-Reimportantion of Drugs — a significant blow to pharmaceutical research and development, not to mention consumer safety (hey Rudy, pay attention, see link).

And McCain’s stated opposition to the Bush 2001 and 2003 tax cuts was largely based on socialist, class-warfare rhetoric — tax cuts for the rich, not for the middle class. The public record is full of these statements. Today, he recalls only his insistence on accompanying spending cuts.

As chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, McCain was consistently hostile to American enterprise, from media and pharmaceutical companies to technology and energy companies.

McCain also led the Gang of 14, which prevented the Republican leadership in the Senate from mounting a rule change that would have ended the systematic use (actual and threatened) of the filibuster to prevent majority approval of judicial nominees.

And then there’s the McCain defense record.
His supporters point to essentially one policy strength, McCain’s early support for a surge and counterinsurgency. It has now evolved into McCain taking credit for forcing the president to adopt General David Petreaus’s strategy. Where’s the evidence to support such a claim?
Moreover, Iraq is an important battle in our war against the Islamo-fascist threat. But the war is a global war, and it most certainly includes the continental United States, which, after all, was struck on 9/11. How does
McCain fare in that regard?

McCain-ACLU — the unprecedented granting of due-process rights to unlawful enemy combatants (terrorists). McCain has repeatedly called for the immediate closing of Guantanamo Bay and the introduction of al-Qaeda terrorists into our own prisons — despite the legal rights they would immediately gain and the burdens of managing such a dangerous population.

While McCain proudly and repeatedly points to his battles with Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, who had to rebuild the U.S. military and fight a complex war, where was McCain in the lead-up to the war — when the military was being dangerously downsized by the Clinton administration and McCain’s friend, former Secretary of Defense Bill Cohen? Where was McCain when the CIA was in desperate need of attention? Also, McCain was apparently in the dark about al-Qaeda like most of Washington, despite a decade of warnings.

Mitt Romney is by far the most qualified man in EITHER party and is a class act all the way. And yet since he became a GOP candidate for president, I have seen nothing but negative, trivial articles/stories about his Mormon religion, his money, his slick appearance, etc. fully intended to sway a naive electorate that pays far too little attention to the most important 4 year event in our country.

Mitt Romney is a TRUE family man and very successful at turning failed or failing enterprises around and Lord knows the United States of America needs turning around. It should be run as a business first, with a strong military to protect it from harm. All other social, giveaway programs should be scrutinized (and certainly would be under a Romney presidency) as to efficiency and even necessity. The fact that he was even elected Governor in a state (MA) controlled by 85% Democrat legislature was a feat in itself. In spite of it, he did a very admirable job as Governor, turning a large state deficit into a surplus. Of course, his many justified vetoes were constantly overturned by those liberal Democrats which made for a lot of frustration.

[JP]

One more neocon down, three to go.

Ron Paul for President!

[FZappa]

Rudy the warmonger is out.

Only three fake conservatives left to go before Ron Paul wins the nomination.

Huckabee: you're next. Super Tuesday.

[fisher]

Mr. Bloomberg's support goes beyond New York. Jon Fisher, a 35-year-old technology entrepreneur in Tiburon, Calif., said Mr. Bloomberg's background appeals to him. "Business experience, and specifically this kind of entrepreneurial business experience, is exactly the skill set we need in a president," said Mr. Fisher, who sold his most recent venture, Bharosa, to technology giant Oracle Corp. last year.

Mr. Fisher, a Democrat, is inviting others who have sold companies to Oracle to a meeting in Tiburon at the end of the month. The goal, Mr. Fisher said, is to recruit people willing to dedicate time and effort to a Bloomberg campaign. (Mr. Bloomberg would presumably fund his campaign himself, making fund-raising unnecessary.)

[Ronpaulfan]

Ron Paul has beaten the Ghoul in every state but New Hampshire which is under investigation with a recount.

Just thought you'd like to know.

[Robert Marley]

Slow news day at the LA Times, I guess??? What a deceptive and stupid story....How the heck does Rudy's comment that the winner of FLA will get the nomination = he is hinting at dropping out???? I also love the article's precise timeline for when Rudy allegedly made the comment as "a short while ago."

Why not let the voters of FLA decide who they want to win instead of you feeding us this garbage....I AM EXTRAORDINARILY DISGUSTED WITH THIS HIT-JOB PIECE BY THIS PAPER!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Joe Vedder]

Harold Goodman, Rush and Hannity are the two most listened to radio shows in America.. looks like you are the one out of tune with the American People.

[Benson]

I'm not saying he won't drop out (he probably will) but this:

"The winner of Florida will win the nomination."

Isn't really a "hint" at it. Giuliani has been saying A) He's going to win Florida, B) That win is going to win him the nomination.

That seems more of a combining of the two talking points than acknowledging he won't take first so there's no point to continuing.

[Edith Claire]

"So far, he's yet to finish first anywhere and ended up behind Rep. Ron Paul in Iowa and Nevada."

Giuliani finished behind Ron Paul in every state so far sans NH.

[wgadget]

Go, Ron Paul!

[Deanna]

You forgot Michigan. Rudy also placed behind Ron Paul in Michigan.

[JeffnDallas]

Ron Paul isn't looking so "fringe" these days, is he?

First there were 11, now there are five and sounds like soon to be four. Oh, and of those 4-5 remaining, who has the most cash on hand to spend on the upcoming campaign primaries other than write-my-own-check Mitt?

These men talk about how they can save our economy, yet most of THEM are running their campaigns in the red! And they want control over MORE money?! Mitt may write his own checks, but where is his "true" support and supporters? Ron gets money without even asking!

So WHO do you think is in a better position to address our financial situation of this bunch? Gee, I wonder...!

[Jeff Childress]

Ron Paul will NEVER get the nomination........EVER

[Jason Taylor]

Forget the polls. They haven't been right yet. Why couldn't one interpret Rudy's comments as "I will win in Florida and I will win the nomination." That's what he's been saying all along. How is this hinting of dropping out? You nut jobs that are trying to push McCain on us make me sick.

[Mary]

He will come in big this is old tactics to discourage people to vote for him don’t listing to this nonsense go out and vote Rudy

[bill straub]

Rudy was the man to beat Hillary and win the White House with fiscal conservatism. He is a good man but made a very poor decision to not go all out in New Hampshire....

[Kate]

On the other hand, you have a candidate like Romney who did not take the salary offered to him to save the Olympics or his salary as governor...hmmm...who would you rather have in the White House? Someone who HAS been bought and paid for or someone who REFUSES to be? Go Romney '08

http://boston.bizjournals.com/boston/stories/2002/12/30/daily21.html

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18935355/

[fanofwalt]

Did I read that right?

"No matter what happens Tuesday" -- I assume this includes the prospect of Rudy dropping out -- Giuliani would still participate in Wednesday's debate? Even if he's, um, no longer a candidate?

How does the Times, and the other co-sponsors of this debate, plan to respond to this? Would you and they actually allow a declared drop-out to usurp valuable speaking time from the still-running candidates? Should I also then expect to see Duncan Hunter, Dennis Kucinich, Fred Thompson, or other 2008 drop-outs on the debate stage?

If Rudy's no longer a declared candidate by Wednesday's debate, then by all means, devote the debate time -- equally -- to the remaining four GOP candidates. To do anything else would be a disservice to the viewers and the public at large.

[Lost in Irvine]

Juan McCain?

That is just sad.

Really sad.

[Taylor]

Rudy, McCain and Romney are good men, though it's most unfortunate to see McCain resort to dishonesty.

Even so, McCain has been a great Senator for the past 20+ years, and we Repubs are grateful for his heroic past and faithful service.

But let's not kid ourselves about McCain's prospects to win the White House folks. Today's polls are not tomorrow's polls — let alone what we will see come November.

Who is going to pull for McCain, huh? Conservatives don't like him (Limbaugh, etc.) You think the New York Times is going to rally Americans to vote for McCain? Not a chance!!!

Romney is energetic, super smart, and has the support of Limbaugh and nearly all other media conservatives. He truly has no other agenda than to help the country succeed, and none of the baggage McCain brings.

I pray/hope FL voters give Romney the edge!!!

[joe]

Julie-Annie also finished with half of the amount of votes that Paul got in South Carolina. So, he's actually finished behind Paul in Iowa, Nevada, South Carolina, Louisiana, and barely edged out Paul in New Hampshire -although New Hampshire is in the middle of a recount. So, who knows, he may have lost there as well. Just makes you wonder how much of the vote Duncan Hunter (who has been running neck & neck with Julie) would have gotten with all the wasted airtime that went to Julie... And, amazing what Paul has done with less airtime than Sam Brownback or Tom Tancredo -just amazing...

[Eric]

Giuliani should drop out and endorse Ron Paul.

[DougMN]

Howdy, Mr. Malcolm!! It wasn't only in Nevada and Iowa that Ron Paul beat Guiliani. Ron Paul beat Guiliani in
IOWA
NEVADA
MICHIGAN
SOUTH CAROLINA
LOUISIANA

Guiliani said, "Those Ron Paul people are everywhere; yeah, they're all over the country and very enthused."

Go, Ron Paul.

[Vivian]

Good riddance and don't let the door hit you in the ........ Please take your National ID card with you rudy.

[coy]

We sure can't afford a McPain 4 years.

[Art Wiggins]

Mr Malcolm,
Rudy has been beaten by Rep. Ron Paul more than twice!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_gKOCb4QBA

[Jorge I. Gomez]

This country needs Rudy Giuliani as Egypt needed another plague. Giuliani is just another Bush, but with a little bit more of intelligence. They both ride the 9/11 wave for such a long time that it has lost its appeal. Voters are not as afraid as before when Bush scared the hell of every american with his antics about Al Qaeda, Saddam Hussein, WMDs, we'll fight them there so we don't have to fight them here. But politics are a strange game where reality and what's best for the country become a low priority. Politics is just another word to protect the status quo and nothing else, otherwise, how can anybody explain why candidates who promised the most like Mike Gravel, Dennis Kucinich, Bill Richardson and Ron Paul barely register on the polls and then people compalin that Washington doesn't change o doesn't care, duh!!!!

[a-benz]

Goddbye! Don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out.

Ron Paul on economics;

1. Tax Reform: Reduce the tax burden and eliminate taxes that punish investment and savings, including job-killing corporate taxes.

2. Spending Reform: Eliminate wasteful spending. Reduce overseas commitments. Freeze all non-defense, non-entitlement spending at current levels.

3. Monetary Policy Reform: Expand openness with the Federal Reserve and require the Fed to televise its meetings. Return value to our money.

4. Regulatory Reform: Repeal Sarbanes/Oxley regulations that push companies to seek capital outside of US markets. Stop restricting community banks from fostering local economic growth.

Congressman Paul has written or co-sponsored numerous bills to enact the policies in his plan. In Congress, he has been a champion of lower taxes and limited government.

Congressman Paul is the ranking member on the House Financial Services Committee's Subcommittee on Domestic and International Monetary Policy, Trade, and Technology. In Congress, Dr. Paul has never voted for a tax increase or for an unbalanced budget

The comprehensive economic revitalization plan is available online at: http://www.RonPaul2008.com/Prosperity .

[Jack Wilson]

Rudy is the only Republican who could defeat either Hillary or HusseinObama. the litmus-test conservative Reps don't care -- they would rather have Hillary or the black Muslim. it's the old maxim, it has to get worse before it can get better. the problem is, what the 'worse' puts in place in terms of judges and legislation cannot be undone that easily. what's more, the religious conservatives don't have an electable candidate now or in the foreseeable future. the times have changed since Reagan -- who really wasn't a conservative with respect to government spending or government expansion. Republicans have lost focus and have no leader -- the Bushes have made sure of that, as Reagan did before them. Dole? McCain? they both compromised with Kennedy -- how principled can they be.

[Brian Elkins]

wow..looks like this is another pro-Ron Paul story. Rudy could win, there's a record number of advance ballots that have been requested in Florida and a majority of them are expected to go for Giuliani. I agree that if he does not win Florida its over. I just hope to God McCain (Bob Dole 2.0) doesn't win. lol We would get creamed!

[Valerie]

Well, I'm voting for Rudy in the Florida GOP primary on Tuesday and I'm happy with my choice. It's a shame he hasn't had the opportunity to really talk to Americans for longer than 60 seconds at a time, because his message and ideas are great... just not suited to the soundbite media.

Whomever wins the nomination, at least it won't be Huckabee!

[Kevin]

So who would rudy endorse if he leaves .......

[Randy]

Guliani still has a place at the Republican table just like McCain has a place at the Democrats table. But Romney will serve the people of the United States well and has my full confidence.

[Angelo Pittsburgh, PA]

Andrew Malcolm for White House press secretary 2008!

Straight talk.....FINALLY!

Thanks for de-coding Mr. Giuliani's remark; "The winner of Florida will win the nomination."

[Phil Hemingway III]

Giuliani finished behind Dr. Paul in EVERY CAUCUS AND PRIMARY that has been held so far. Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada, Michigan, South Carolina, and Louisiana... Paul beat Giuliani in all of them.

[CD]

This brings tears of triumphant joy to my eyes. Thanks Andrew.

[Doug D]

Giuliani also finished behind Ron Paul in Wyoming, Michigan, South Carolina, and Louisiana, not just Iowa and Nevada. The only state he finished ahead of Ron Paul was in New Hampshire, which Giuliani visited many more times.

[Dudleydoright]

Comparing McCain's economic knowledge with the miss teen America is clearly an insult to miss teen America. And she is MUCH cuter.

[Mike G]

It would have been more accurate to list the states that Rudy didn't finish behind Ron Paul in... Plus it would be a short list: South Carolina & New Hampshire.

[ghkgibson]

This headline is totally not supported by the body of the facts in the story! Giuliani doesn't mention dropping out, even tangentially, anywhere in what is quoted here. THIS IS WISHFUL THINKING BY A LIBERAL MEDIA THAT KNOWS RUDY CAN BEAT WHOMEVER THE DEMOCRAT NOMINEE WILL BE!

[RPhillips]

Dr. Ciac, Thanks for the list of corrupt politicians and reminding these readers of the facts about John McCain. He is the worst candidate in the republican stable right now. The party will deserve the drubbing sure to come next November if he is nominated.

[JD]

Rudy was only known as a crook to New Yorkers, before he jump into the fray. Now the whole country knows he's a crook. I use to think he was the greatest, now I wouldn't let him walk my dog around the block.

[Greg Neubeck]

In selecting your Presidential candidate, please reflect on the dire consequences of a docile retreat before a relatively small band of Islamic extremists; and, attempt to formulate your own opinion as to the most prudent course of action in the defense of our Nation. It might assist to consider the following scenario: the infiltration of a group of terrorists similar to the Atta cabal with a quantity of weaponized anthrax procured from a rogue state; the acquisition of a single crop-duster aircraft fitted with a dry-agent disseminator; and, the dispersal of that dangerous toxin over an American population center. The loss of American life would be catastrophic. -Or-, is it preferable to pre-empt such fanatics by destroying them on their home turf, such as Afghanistan and Iraq, before they secure the capacity to threaten our homeland? The latter is in fact a key element in current American strategy. Is it advisable to support any candidate who would reverse course and sacrifice the impressive gains against Islamofacists that young Americans have shed their precious blood to achieve? The fact that we have not experienced another 9/11 is not a by-chance occurrence. Further, it's critical to appreciate the pivotal role that our own border security plays in our "war against terrorism", keeping in mind that "Amnesty" is anathema to border security. A Nation without enforceable borders will not long survive as a Nation. Mitt Romney is exceedingly strong on each of these principles.

Greg Neubeck

[Josef in Washington]

I just want to say that I deeply admire Sir Rudy for what he did for New York City and America before, on and after 9/11. In fact, I'm proud to have given his campaign money on at least several occassions. His messaging of increasing freedom, decreasing taxes and maximum offense in the Islamic Terrorists' War On Us resonate with me.

If he drops out in the event Florida isn't pronounced FLO-RUDY-A tomorrow night is completely understandable, dignified and welcomed. I've understood for several weeks now it's Flo-rudy-a or bust.

[Sharkman]

Hey, why don't you report what he REALLY said instead of taking liberties?

"I think that the winner of Florida will win the nomination,’’ he said, “and we’re going to win Florida.’’

http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/01/28/aboard-air-giuliani/

[Nick]

Excuse me, but this isn't exactly a "hint" that he's dropping out. Nothing you've written here is anything new, and nothing here is inconsistent with anything Rudy has already said. Stop creating news where there is none....that's so annoying! How about just wait it out like the rest of us? If he wins, he wins. If not, then we'll know soon enough. Cool your jets.

[Michael]

Mr. Goodman,

What does Rudy have to do with Hannity or Limbaugh? Rudy made a tactical mistake. Hannity and Limbaugh are political commentators. Why not add Bill Buckley too? Your hate blinds you. Stick to the issues unless you want to continue your BDS.

[slinkybender]

Things have only been going down hill in New York since he left.

Vice dens everwhere!

[XPIOLT]

LOL, Who is FOX's new choice going to be? McCain the traitor most likely untill he quits too. Soon all there will be left is Dr. Ron Paul because Mitt's future is dire too especially if he keeps getting those mysterious whispers during debates. Ron Paul verses Barak O'Kennedy. lol Next year at this time President Paul is going to make some serious changes, real changes. Go Ron Paul!!

[Crockett]

Good ridance. Adios amoeba to the conservative wanna-be and RINO.

Giuliani isn't intersted in freedom, our Constitution, or Bill of Rights. He's for continuing down the same road that Bush led us, a road that will wind its way into some other foreign entanglement for our kids to become involved in, more foreign aid and dept, and more illegal immigration.

Thank God Ron Paul is contrary to the rest of the RINOS. I vote freedom over security and our state and national sovereignty over U.N dictates.
Tennessean for Ron Paul.

[Dave]

that is the most ridiculous headline and conclusion to make from Rudy's statement. Get a grip, now this is on Drudge and being spread and what Rudy was clearly saying is that he's going to win Florida and win the nomination. Liberal media!

[Zack]

Andrew,
Great article. Let's not forget - Ron Paul has beaten Giuliani in EVERY contest except NH, where Giuliani won by a single percentage point.

Take a look here on the NYT website.
http://politics.nytimes.com/election-guide/2008/results/votes/index.html

This does not include the Louisiana Caucus, which Ron Paul has been rumored to have won (the votes are still being counted).

Lets hope that the rest of the media takes your lead, and starts giving awesome Dr. Ron Paul some of the coverage that the loser Guiliani has been garnering.

[John Rojas]

I read the whole story and not once do I feel that Rudy is hinting about dropping out. This type of reporting is biased and should not be allowed. In my opinion, this rag of a newspaper should stay out of things it obviously has no idea about.

[Howard Hanna]

At what point in this article did Giuliani EVER hint at dropping out? Just the opposite. You reported that he was very confident that he would win. Crappy reporting. Irresponsible. Nice picture Andrew Malcolm. "Please don't squeeze the Charmin"

[Kevin L]

Give me a break, Dr. Ward. Judicial Watch is self-described as a "conservative" foundation. Of course it will list Hillary Clinton at the top of its corrupt politicians list. And its supposedly "nonpartisan" list of six Democrats and four Republicans only includes weak Republicans that few within the party like anyway (Larry Craig's closet homosexuality, Guiliani's liberal social views, Huckabee's fundamentalism, and Libby's coverup for Dick Cheney). The fact that Bush and Cheney aren't on the list after all the coverups and lying they've engaged in proves conclusively the sort of bias of your group's list.

[TPMalone]

Please drop out soon!
Your knowledge of economics, foreign policy and the Constitution are abhorrent.
You don't know. You just think you do. It showed.
I love how the MSM is still giving him more time on air that Dr. Paul.

[Bill]

NO WHERE HERE DOES HE SUGGEST "DROPPING OUT" Shame on the LA Times for so transparently trying to kill their least favorite candidate. What can I expect with a name like "Times"....

[US]

Sorry Harry, Rudy will be our next President.

[Bolto Cavolta]

If anything, McCain and Clinton are the ones citizens must avoid like acute lethal decease.

We can't possibly have a leader that all he seems to care is to mount infinite wars against extreme groups that could be in any country.

We can't possibly have a leader that past records already show unquestionable flaw in Clinton's integrity and passion for US.

DO NOT, DO NOT, even consider McCain and Clinton.

[CybScryb]

The only place Rudy had a chance to win was NY and perhaps FL. His brand of politics doesn't play well west of the Hudson. Running a campaign on fear in America was just plain silly. We've always wanted John Wayne for president, not Festus.

[raul mendez]

A real shame cause Rudy is a tremendous leader. America could use someone like Rudy.

[Michael]

Rudy doesn't hint anything!!!
He doesn't imply he will drop out!!

What a bogus Drudge headline!!!

[Chip M Anderson]

I cannot fathom how McCain has pulled off what he has thus far...he is not a true republican...which I can handle in a Senator and in a Congressman...local politics breeds all sorts of variances...but not in a national election...I find the love affair the main stream media has with Mr Mc interesting, and probably suggests they know he is the most beatable by with Obama or Hillary, and if for some chance he is elected (as the MSM sees it), he will govern from the left, except for the war. If Mc wins florida and then the convention, he will lose the base for sure...at least they will not be motivated for there will be little difference between Mc and the democrat nominee. And finally, on a short note, I am disappointed in evangelical Christians for there one-issue problem with Mitt romney (who is by far the best candidate and most qualified candidate on the Republican side). His so-called flips on one-issue topics (which aren't really flips) are far less worse then what we accepted from our "hereo" RWReagan. A vote for Mc is a vote for the main stream media's candidate of choice on the Repblican ticket...watch who your inviting to dinner...and then watch the silverware...

[Brian]

Rudy Giuliani ended up behind Ron Paul in all the primary's. WHO IS RON PAUL?

[Larkin G. Mead]

Good riddance Rudy and I agree with another commenter! "Take loud-mouth Rush Limbaugh with you along with that little sawed off punk Irishman, Sean Hannity And, while you are on your way back to New York, will you kindly take that angy woman, Ann Coulter with you. Call "Club For Growth" and tell them that the old guard is dead and a new generation of Republicans are about to unfold; socially conservative and fiscally pragmatic. Limbaugh and the conservative talking heads have all but dismantled the old Reagan coalition by attacking Mike Huckabee and John McCain. Once Rudy and Mitt are gone from the field, we can begin to reassemble the Republican Party back to the party of Reagan.

[Mark]

Dear Rudy:

Nana nana nana nana hey hey hey goodbye.

[Kyle]

Thank God. He is a phony conservative and not suitable as the GOP nominee. I know that California knows about Ron Paul and I feel that he has a real chance to win Cali on Feb. 5th. Everyone that wants to know more about Ron Paul just go to: RONPAUL2008.COM

[TheBaconator]

Paul Newcombe, you are hilarious!
Sure, Rudy was eye to eye with the Jihadists, and what he saw was dollar signs. Rudy used the national spotlight to enrich himself and launch his presidential run. He is an absolute scum bag who exploited a national tragedy for his own personal gain.

[john]

if Americans will elect obama,mc cain or clinton they will show the world how dumb they are!
ron paul is the only human being on the stage ,the rest are just monkeys!

[Tim]

Rudy should be the GOP nominee. Look at the facts objectively. Here are 5 great reasons to vote for Rudy:
http://www.americanthinker.com/2008/01/rudy_giuliani_should_be_gop_no.html

[Jessica]

I wouldn't count Rudy out yet... and the fact that people can't think for themselves and vote for who they want not who the media wants is pathetic. Rudy IS the right guy for the job, he just had a strategy the media didn't like.

[John]

buh-bye Rudy, thanks for playing- then there were 4, Huck-a-puck is next.

[Pope Ratzo]

I'm willing to support making Benito Guiliani the emperor of 9/11 if he agrees to stay away. The sentiment that made him so popular very early in the race is connected to something very ugly in the American psyche and it says something good about Americans that he's now so unpopular. It might just mean that it takes more than wrapping yourself in a flag and chanting "9/11, 9/11" to lead a nation.

Also, I have a question for Andrew Malcolm:
Why does Laura Bush need a press secretary, anyway? You had that job, so maybe you can clarify this mystery a bit. A hairstylist, I can understand. An interior decorator, fine. But a press secretary? George Bush's WIFE needs a press secretary? I'm impressed that you could parlay that weak position into being a top blogger at the LA Times. It doesn't say much about the LA Times, but you deserve all the credit in the world.

[Robert Wood]

Giuliani deserves a great deal of credit for having cleaned New York up. He has a clear concept on the War started by the Islamofascist terrorists. And he is not likely to start making references to "President Putin of Germany," unlike the current "front-runner" for the Republican nomination. Also unlike McCain, he has not resorted to blatant lies about his opponents' positions in order to gain an advantage in the race. Conservatives will vote for Romney, but Giuliani should stay in the race in order to give moderate Republicans a choice.

[Cold Turkey]

Mr. UnPC -- that was quite a rant. I assume you're a Mitt supporter/campaigner.

--ct

[Wallace]

An idea: Ron Paul for mayor of New York!

Please, Ron Paul fans, you're embarrassing yourselves. If I hear one more person chirping for Ron Paul, I'm moving to France with Alec Baldwin. No, wait, he never moved, did he?

OK, revise: If I hear one more person chirping for Ron Paul, I'm moving to New York with Alec Baldwin.

[Joop Kaashoek]

It would be good riddance if he went, he has a very vindicative history and his nationalistic 'America first at all cost' would plunge America's standing in the world even lower, if that is possible.

[Edd]

I still believe that Hillary will win it to the White House! I liked Guliani but he does not have the machinery like HILLARY. HILLARY is the most experienced of all the candidates and she is ready on Day one! Go HILLARY!

[Darvin Dowdy]

a real shame. If only he could have let lose of his Bracewell/Giuliani security blanket. Baffling how a man w/his confidence and ability would let something like that pull him down.
Rudy, like all the other candidates, did not spend enough time in the south. Especially along the border states. Of course its not too late. But these GOP candidates have built such massive walls around themselves. No fresh ideas can get through to them. They stagnate and finally wither and their campaigns die. Like Tancredo, Hunter and FDT. Such a pity. Darvin Dowdy

[Chris Brown]

Dear Ron Paul fans,

Please stop writing thinking that your candidate has any shot. Simply because the man has beaten Giuliani in most states DOES NOT mean that he is ANYWHERE CLOSE to earning the party's nomination. Far from it, in fact. My preferred candidate dropped out (Fred Thompson) because he believed that he had done everything he could and that it was enough. His reasons for dropping out, as well as other candidates, might be nit-picky debatable, but there's one common theme:

REALITY

All these comments about a so-called "revolution" are just old hat. They were mildly entertaining months ago, but now I cannot honestly take them seriously. That is my personal belief, I know, but let's be reasonable. Ron Paul was, at best, a "fringe" candidate. The majority of his popularity is on the internet (I think that in my part of the city I've counted MAYBE 2 or 3 Ron Paul supportive signs).

Honestly, the facade needs to end now. Paul is done. He's like that house-guest that you have over that has really over-stayed their welcome but you're truly too polite to say "would you please leave now". I believe that Rudy is done after Florida and Huckabee and Paul are after Super Tuesday (even if Paul does not drop out, which for some reason I would not at all be surprised if that happens). This is a Romney and McCain race now, and we need to unite as a Republican Party and decide which of the two has the best chance of defeating the Democrats.

Just my two cents,
CB

P.S. "Giuliani should drop out and endorse Ron Paul." ABSOLUTELY LUDICROUS!!!

[rick]

Perfect........now he go back to war profiteering.....the scum bag

[Gullyborg]

Ron Paul is still down around 5%, even with several other candidates having dropped out. He has never picked up the support of any departing candidate. That proves he is the lunatic fringe. Having a few hundred die hard fanatics who spend all day using Google News Alerts to find stories on the election and plastering with pro-Paul comments is NOT a "movement." Raising a few million dollars is impressive, sure, but when compared to the hundreds of millions of dollars raised by democrats it is completely insignificant. It is especially insignificant when you realize the only reason Paul raises ANY money is that he is able to tap into the anti-war resentment of the far left netroots.

Who will Dr. Ron Paul's fans support when he loses this primary? Will they back the GOP winner? Or will they back the anti-war democrat? Will they sit out the election or vote third party because the GOP failed to nominate a "pure" candidate?

More to the point:

Right now, there appear to be two Republicans who actually have the support to win the nomination. Mitt Romney is ahead in delegates and votes received. John McCain is running strong in many states coming up. One of these two men will be the nominee.

Which one will Dr. Ron Paul back?

Giuliani, a good man who would make a good President, is right that the winner of Florida will probably be the nominee. It probably won't be him, though. Romney and McCain seem to be tied at about 30% each. Paul is in single digits, far behind Giuliani or Huckabee.

Time for the Paulbots to put their money and their enthusiasm to better use, by getting behind another candidate and actually having a say in who wins this primary.

[Thomas]

6 TRILLION REASONS WHY NOT TO VOTE REPUBLICAN

The amount of debt accumulated under the Bush Presidency.

Clinton balanced the budget for 4 years straight and actually began to apy down the national debt. Republicans attacked Democrats with Tax & Spend soundbites. Republicans don't tax, but spend, spend, spend.

Cut the baloney, no more republican politics. Conservative implies Status Quo. Are you happy with the status quo? Everincreasing Health Care & Energy costs? Where's Bush Manhaten Project to remove our dependency on foreign oil? Never happen under Petroleum politics. Vote for Change, Vote for Obama, a new day will come to America. Instead of having a society based on ME, ME, ME which Republican politics symbolizes; let's think beyond ourselves and vote for the party which reminds us that there are 300 million of us from diverse backgrounds and it takes 300 million of us to make a country; vote for the party of WE THE PEOPLE, NOT THE PARTY OF ME, Keep your hands off mine, people. I've never seen more hypocritical people than those that support Republican positions. Against Abortion but won't support kids whom are in poverty and in bad schools and lacking health care.

Time for change.

[Greg]

MrUNPC--dude, I didn't brainwash the Republicans in NH or SC for voting for McCain--he's actually the guy we *least* want to run against, simply because he is occasionally moderate on a couple of issues.
How little do you have to think of your own party to think so many people of them are so easily misled?

As for the people freaking out and saying "How dare you, L.A. Times?!" um, Giuliani's a very distant third right now in the polls in Florida, so if he says "The winner of Florida will win the nomination," and then fails to win Florida… he can't very well continue, right? It's a perfectly logical assessment.

"We did not need a Neville Chamberlain then, we needed a Winston Churchill."--Actually, WE (the American people) needed a Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and we got one. I'm sure you're aware, too, that Chamberlain was a conservative, and that Churchill only ascended in Britain with liberal votes.

[Eric]

Rudy will kill the porn industry by the way... He'd lose a lot of votes if more folks knew that ;-)

[Eric]

Where are all the Ron Paul supporters??? I speak with hundreds of people a day, and everyone thinks he's a tad out there... okay, way out there. No one I know or have met supports him, so is it just the same dozen people online supporting him???

Damn shame, cause' I think Rudy would be solid as president. Giuliani still has a chance, but if he goes, then Romney IS the man. Sorry bout' that, Huckabee and Paul...

[GOV WATCH_DOG]

Hey GIULIANI,

I Think there looking for some DICTATORS that maintain the OFFENSIVE like you... OPENINGS in SUDAN, KENYA, CAMBODIA, PAKISTAN, INDONESIA, etc...

APPLY NOW and leave this Country for the FREE with COMPLETE LIBERTY

BTW,

Take McCAIN, BUSH, CHENNEY, GONZALEZ, PELOSI, FEINSTEIN, LIEBERMAN, HUCKABEE, REID, and the rest of the CORRUPT CESS POOL of CRAP IN WASHINGTON DC!

[SheilaNoya]

Looks like the Republicans are stuck with war mongering, amnesty loving McCain as their nominee now. Oh well, at least he hates those crazy evangelicals (even though he's temporarily sucking up to them). Of course, some people are STILL naive enough to think the GOP would actually give Ron Paul the nomination and that provides a few laughs too. At least you can't say this horse race is boring!

[PRE]

Rudy has already said that he would be supporting McCain if he wasn't running himself. McCain is a great conservative with a conservative voting record, rather than a flip-flopper whose record totally denies his rhetoric.

[uw]

Good riddance. And please take the other evil minion of the wealthy ruling class with you- Mitt Romney.

And to you folks ranting about "immigration" this and "immigration that: you're being used by The Right for your vote. Just like you were in 2004 with the "gay marriage referendum". Just another bogus "issue" concocted by right wing strategists to get the middle class into the voting booths to vote for Republicans. You're all being played again.

And to you anti-aborion imbeciles: same thing. You have all been used.

[Aang]

This Proves that the Liberal Media Hates Rudy!

Go Rudy!

[Brian]

"Ron Paul will NEVER get the nomination........EVER"

Jeff Childress, that's not the point. Us Ron Paul supporters honestly don't care if he doesn't. The fact that someone has finally spoken for us, those who cared about limited government, free markets, and stop meddling around the world, is an award in itself. Paul may not be nominated (but keep in mind he's lasted longer than Fred Thompson, Tancredo, Hunter, Brownback, Gilmore, Tommy Thompson, Dodd, Biden, Richardson) but he has already made his impact felt, and he'll be revered in the future just as Reagan is now.

[Brad L. Hotz]

Rudy would be such a better President then McLiberal or Runny. New York was vastly improved under his leadership, and Rudy is very articulate and Presidential. So sad... Guess we have to cross our fingers that Obama won't let us down...

[cd]

Rudy Giuliani is a joke. He has been revealed as the big spending, liberal candidate that he is. Soon Romney will be exposed for the same thing. It is laughable that "Republicans" want to get rid of Ron Paul when he is the only candidate that supports the party's ACTUAL platform. Sean Hannity and Rush are chodes that are big government RINOs.

[JM]

Rudy was NEVER a frontrunner. The small handful of people who own all media wanted him to win. Luckily American voters know better!

[mike]

Ron Paul, the brightest of the bunch is blowing the whistle on the military industrial complex/war machine, the corruption and the greed of big business that truly runs the country. He's the ONLY real representative of change left! www.ronpaulforpresident2008.com

[Patric]

Rudy was on a radio show awhile ago talking to a Ron Paul supporter. He told the gentleman that he needed serious medical attention with a therapist for supporting Ron Paul. Bet he was just jealous that he didn't have anyone like that supporting him. The way I see it, you need serious medical attention if you support anyone other than Ron Paul. All the other ones are kooks, he's the only honest one up there with a plan to fix this mess we're in. All the other ones are just going for the power grab. Bastards. Vote Ron Paul and save our nation.

[LA Joker]

Didn't he beat Giuliani 5 out of 6 times or more?

[John]

Ron Paul who?????

[Ken]

The only reason Rudy is vowing to stay in the race long enough to be in the debate on Wednesday is to give enough excuse for the debate to exclude Ron Paul, even though Rudy is behind Ron Paul right now. Ron Paul should be in that debate and Rudy should not be.

[Timmy J]

psssst! Ron Paul is lame! Pass it on!

Before anyone gets too invested in Mike Bloomberg
saving the day, be aware that he is vulnerable to
the results of investigations of not only his
involvement in the recent senatorial election in
Connecticut (where he stole the election from Ned
Lamont) but also of his involvement in the financial
exploitation of middle-class students at Johns Hopkins
University. The college finance scandal will be a
major issue in the presidential election.

[Lou]

Ladies and Gentlemen:

On today's menu you have two choices: Bad and Worse, not necessarilly in that order. It's not so much as voting who you want to get in as it is voting to keep someone out.
Hillary has zero managment experience, never had to meet a payroll and acts like the shrew she is. Hell, she couldn't control her philandering husband and then failed to dump him after the "stains" of a
"non sexual nature" showed up on Monicas dress.
McCain is part of the old school Washinton politbureau. Too old, too liberal and certainly not a Republican. I'd need to see who his running mate might be because he won't live long enough to complete his term in office. The only one of the bunch, including both parties who has had any management experience is Romney, like itor not. He did OK in Mass. a Democratic venue. He's self made as far as $ go. All the rest are clones of Dennis Kacunich.

[Jason]

Frankly I think politics in general is pathetic right now. The leading Democrats can't stop pointing fingers & making accusations & John Edwards seems to be the "nice guy finishing last", which is really a shame because I think he CAN connect with the middle class & low income segments of the population. I know as a person with a disability, I'm impressed with his ideas on helping the disabled community. His was also the ONLY campaign out of the top 5 from BOTH parties that responded directly to my inquiry of his views on disability rights & issues. As far as the finger pointing & all that crap, seems the Republicans are turning to such tactics too now. It's really pathetic that the emphasis gets taken off what REALLY counts....THE ISSUES. People & (ESPECIALLY) the media, say McCain is too much a soldier, Romney flip-flops or is too corporate (I tend to think that moreso than I think negatively of McCain) & Huckabee turns too many off because of his beliefs. Maybe it would be nice to have someone with some good values & morals in the White House for once. Sure beats Billary having an affair in the White House, that OUR tax money pays for, then denying it! I grew up in a Republican household but now I'd say I'm a liberal-conservative. Yes I believe in the sanctity of life but I also believe it should be left up to the individual. Yes I believe marriage should be between a man & a woman but I think we all have a right to love and/or live with who we want. Why else would we be granted such freedoms in the Constitution? And why the need for an amendment? Yes I believe we should be able to own guns, but not without some checks & balances (case in point...Va. Tech...my alma mater). I think BOTH parties have it wrong. It's not so much a matter of my party is better than yours but who can bring everyone together & what can they do to bring everyone together to create the most good & best changes for our country & our (legal) citizens. None of us would ever want to be forced to practice one religion or be denied our beliefs. Whether you are a spiritual person or person of faith or not, I think we can agree we DO have the freedom to choose if and/or how we believe or worship or don't worship as well as the freedom to do or not do MOST of what we do in our every day lives. So why should politics be any different? And why is it that the Democrats say they're right & the Republicans are wrong or vice versa? BOTH sides have some good ideas & valid points. Only when the politicians & public realize that & people start to come together to work on improving things will they TRULY improve.

[hector]

someone here mentioned that Rudy should throw his support behind one of the other republicans so Rudy would be condidered for VP. What support? 4% does not buy the VP joker. Rudy was a scam from the beginning, he is taking all his contributions home.

[Tim]

Whether you are a Rudy supporter or not you should be frightened by this article. It states, "Breaking News: Rudy Giuliani hints at dropping out." Where does Rudy mention anything about dropping out? They are trying to spin it to what they want. Beware of the media complex!

[Mike]

For all you people who support the Libertarian cause, I suggest you read some history. In particular, the history of London in the 1850's when "libertarian values" were the order of the day. Serious outbreaks of cholera and other diseases happened because those that could afford it built a crude sewer system while, just a few blocks away, those who could not went without. Their waste was cleared out of cess pools and carted away outside the city. Then the less well off began to get sick but the libertairians had no sympathy because, they said, these people were dirty, low paid and didn't organize. Then suddenly the libertarians began to get sick. It seemed it was their sewer system which was leaking into the universal water supply, known as the Broad Street Pump, and spreading the diseases.

You have to have a social structure to protect all the people. That means taxes to pay for sewer repairs. Road repairs. Schools. Hospital care for those who cannot afford medical treatment. Ron Paul has as much chance of getting elected to the Presidency as Mickey Mouse. Granted, he' not as dumb or as dangerous as the one we have in the White House right now but he's not a good replacement either. Still, it's pointless to even get into the subject. Ron Paul isn't going to get elected so if you support him get over it. Neither will Obama get elected. Once we get into areas where there are concentrations blacks, like Los Angeles, but they are not the majority like South Carolina, Obama will bite the dust as Whites and Latino's come out to oppose him in force. The majority of white voters do not want to see Obama in the White House and neither do the Latino's. What a horror story to imagine Jesse Jackson on Obama's left and Al Sharpton on his right standing in the Oval Office. BTW, noticed how those two have gone quiet in all of this? They been told to lie low until it's over whereas, usually, they have their faces right up against the tv cameras.

Should Obama get elected, they will appear and start demanding and blackmailing. Everything from reparation for slasvery (what a joke that is) and free everything for the poor downtrodden minorities. Especially expensive demands will come from Jesse Jackson so he can get his fingers into the cash register. However, should Obama get elected, watch your tax dollars get thrown into a bottomless pit called Africa. Obama's roots are in Kenya. At the moment that place is a horror story. If it had happened on Obama's watch, we would now be sending US troops, money and material by the plane load into that area. Not good. The next President will probably be McCain or Clinton. Romney is a member of a cult so he can forget being elected. Rudy Guiliani is a flake. Huckabee is a bible thumping nutcase. John Edwards would be a good bet but he's a trial lawyer which is a bad image and he's going to run out of the only thing which matters in US politics. Money.

[rick]

Ronny paul, the dennis kucinich of the right. Both are nuts and both ar losers ho will never sit in the oval office. Ronny paul is a loser.

[Rudy Giuliani]

Rudy placed behind Ron Paul in South Carolina also... Don't forget that.

[Brady]

I'd like to see Rudy exit as much as anyone, but isn't this blog taking a tremendous leap? Rudy says: The winner of Florida will win the nomination. The headline here says: Rudy hints at dropping out.
That is a major stretch. This kind of junk is why the media is considered so suspect.

[Jonathan]

All Rudy said was that whoever got Fl would win the nomination

That's not a hint................................the truth is...its reporter like you who have made a once great paper a flop.

[Jena]

Excuse me? McCain has a conservative voting record? Which record would that be??? Does anybody check in to their candidates anymore or do they just rely on Faux News? Sheesh.

[Pete]

Ron Paul is doing exceptionally well considering that Rudy had 20X the media mentions in the 4th quarter, and Paul's scraps were typically negative or at least chanted the "he can't win" mantra.

This isn't a football game or American Idol, my fellow Americans, and I hope every Republican at least takes the time to visit Paul's campaign website and read through his platform and his reasoning behind it.

Or, for a quick lesson, see 'FIAT EMPIRE' (Google video) and see how we're being screwed six ways to Sunday by our betters.

I always enjoy your blogs, Andrew. Thank you.

[Ron Paul Republican]

Ron Paul is the only Republican who can win against Hillary! He can outflank her on the Left because he had the wisdom to vote against the war in Iraq and he can outflank her on the Right because he is a true fiscal conservative.

Ron Paul believes in the "Constitution" which is incredibly rare in American government these days.

Ron Paul has never voted to raise taxes
He has never voted for an unbalanced budget
He hasn’t voted to raise congressional pay
He hasn’t voted to increase the power of the executive branch
He voted against regulating the Internet
He doesn’t participate in the lucrative congressional pension program

Ron Paul has a plan to eliminate the IRS:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWfIhFhelm8

Ronald Reagan said "Ron Paul is one of the outstanding leaders fighting for a stronger national defense. As a former Air Force officer, he knows well the needs of our armed forces, and he always puts them first." Dr. Ron Paul has the most contributions from U.S. military personnel and veterans above all other candidates. So support the troops and vote Ron Paul!

Ronald Reagan and Ron Paul: A Comparison
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmsP95Bl9pM

John McCain has said that Ron Paul is the most honest man in Congress and Pat Buchanan recently stated that Ron Paul has the best voting record in Congress.

Ron Paul tops other candidates
- 4th quarter fundraising (at least for republicans)
- Fundraising records (6 million in one day)
- Volunteers (over 100,000 registered)
- GOP Straw poll wins
- Debate wins
- YouTube videos
- Online poll wins
- Web traffic (Google, etc.)
- Rally attendances
- etc.

It’s time to consider Ron Paul...

[Chris A.]

It's all about the media, They will be the downfall of this great country and world.

I am also absolutely amazed at the Democrat (not Democratic) party these last 45 years. The party has given us Kennedy /Johnson (thanks for Vietnam), Carter (thanks for Iran) and then Clinton (thanks for not having the guts to defend the country from al Qaeda). Have you noticed how it always takes a Republican to clean up the messes around the world? Isn’t it obvious why the majority of professors in the university system are all libs? They’re there to change the history books and mold the mush minds of the young. If Obama is elected we can say good-bye to the American Flag. “The Flag is a symbol of patriotisms”. “And I don’t want to be a part of that kind of patriotism”. Hell, he won’t even put his hand on his heart during the National Anthem. I hope Obama gets the nomination. True Americans will come out of the woodwork to vote him down. I could put my dog up against him. President Milton the Dog (R). Has a good ring to it…. Just think, another ten years or so and all the crazy “60’s” lib. freaks will be out of politics or hopefully spending eternity in damnation. Where they belong.

[Mike]

Good bye Rudy. Good bye Ron Paul...who never EVER had a chance and is not a conservative, he's a libertarian...which is almost as bad as a liberal. It's down to Romney and McCain...cuz the Huckster can't win either. If the Republican party has any sense at all it will choose Romney over McCain.

[Richard B]

Folks who actually invest a few minutes investigating the writings and speeches of the candidates, rather than mindlessly swallowing the media swill that is being spoon-fed to them, are the ones who are most likely to support Dr. Ron Paul's traditional Republican platform of limited, constitutional government.

If you disagree with a candidate on the issues, fine (This presumes you have honestly invested the time to independently research the candidate). If you are against a candidate because "he has no chance of winning", then you are a mindless sheep who should be ashamed to be an American, and should abstain from voting or uttering political "opinions".

I happen to be one of the few Americans who can actually locate the Middle East on a map, and knows more than a little about history, politics, and economics. Most Americans know more about fake celebrities like Paris Hilton than they know about the Constitution. It is truly sickening.

To all you Ron Paul nay-sayers: Do yourself a favor and spend 30 minutes to read the Constitution (it is remarkably short and easy to read). None of the other candidates do more than pay lip-service to this brilliant document that is the law of the land.

If you still want to vote for a "winner", then vote for Hillary and you can brag that you are on the winning team.

For all you Californians out there, remember when Republicans voted for Arnold because they were afraid that McClintock could not win against Bustamente? Thanks a lot! I voted for McClintock, and am proud of my vote. I won't say "I told you so", but do you really think Arnold has been any better than Davis, or better than Cruz would have been?

[alex]

Ron Paul fans, does 5th place really sound that much better than 6th. Come on, you act like being ahead of Rudy is the same as winning. Yeah, you're still here but so is the herpes on you lip from the last conspiracy convention.

If Ron Paul is so great why wasn't he getting his agenda done while he was in Congress. The economy is bad but I don't see him introducing any bills to fix the situation.

He says he's against the war, but can't end it. If he is soooo brillant why can't he develop a coalition to end it.

This guy is just like everyone else. The only difference is the people that support him are conspiracy nuts and drug addicts.

And you know what, my guy may lose tomorrow or he may win, but I will relish the day that the Ron Paul campaign is finally over. Not because of some global union or some other insane idea, but because no one wants nuts like you in power.

Remember....its the craziest ones that are the loudest.

[Ray]

A McCain victory in the republican primary is a win for democrats many conservatives will stay home. Hilliary/Obama will destroy the country with economic policies that will punish people that work hard for a living because according to them they are privledged and should have their money taken from them. We will give terrorists rights. We will propogate the myth of global warnming. We will conintue down the slippery slope of characher decay started by the cheater in chief Bill Clinton. It will take a conservative like Reagan to clean up the mess and minimize the government. Wait till people have to go to a DMV like place to see a doctor and taxes go through the roof. People will then realize the grave mistake they have made.

[P Murphy]

Paul Newcombe.

Have you heard of the great depression? And one of the worst presidents of all time, that socialist FDR? how can your comments be taken seriously when you start off on such a weak footing?

btw, athiestic communism caused much more lasting harm to the world than hitler ever dreamed of. regardless, that lowlife, rudy, will soon be forgotten. good riddence.

regards,

PTM

[Beckster]

Right now, Newt Gingrich without spending so much as 1 cent, could announce his candidacy and win the Republican primary. I would give my left nut to see Newt in a debate w/ Hillary or Osama.

Is this what we'll have left to choose from? Mitt (money can buy anything) Romney, John ( I was a POW) McCain, Mike (I lost 100 lbs) Huckabee, and Ron (I am scared of my own shadow) Paul. Man it stinks to be a conservative right now.

Come on Newt, give us some hope. You ain't perfect but your party and this country needs you.

[John S]

Hey you crazy republicans! It's gonna be gramps McCain for your side, like it or not. He's got California locked, and if he takes FLA tomorrow, there's no stopping him. I know you don't like McCain, but it doesn't seem like your fundies could handle the whole Romney magic underwear thing. Or maybe he reminds them of the guy on "Big Love". Anyway, he was the only other guy with a shot, and looks like he ain't gonna make it.

On my side it's gonna be the queen of the dark side, HRC. Obama's got the force, but the dark side is very powerful and poor Barack hasn't been hanging around with Yoda for long enough.

So there you have it. The old fart and the beotch in November. Enjoy!

[Peter]

Ron Paul beat Rudy in EVERY primary.

[Darren]

Harold Goodman = Liberal trash destroying our nation.

[Dominick A. DiTaranto]

THANK GOD....He really had no business to be running in the first place. As far as him going to the upcoming debate, he probably wants to get a few more girly giggles in, at the guy who beats him in all the post debate polls, and pretty much all of the primaries so far. Now to get rid of the rest of the fear driven war mongers. I still find it amazing that McCain has the support that the "media" says he does, He will bring Hell two steps closer to our doorsteps, and keep all the illegals here for us to pay for. Romney wants the prestige of the presidency, and will take all of the middle class and drive them to the poorhouse. It seems to me the only real choice is Ron Paul. If he would only get his name out to more people, then he would win hands down. There are still too many people who either haven't heard of him, or have been brainwashed by the media and thinks he's a loon. But as witnessed by myself, when I talk to my friends, or just people that I meet, and ask them to "Google" Ron Paul, they all (almost all) fall in love with his ideas. But the ones that say they can't support him are in the clutches of the media, because they like who he is but think he has no chance. Anyway, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Rudy comes in third or fourth, and it would be really great if he came in behind Ron Paul again!! Bye Bye you cross dressing freak.

[Bill Hadley]

Who is the ONLY candidate to be talking economics before the latest Wall St. gyrations began? Dr Paul
He is like the stern father the Republican party won't listen to when told to put away the charge card, quit spending and making enemies.

This Floridian wouldn't show up in a poll of "likely republican voters", as I have been registered as a Libertarian or an independent for over 20 years.
I changed back to Republican in December, just to vote for Ron Paul.
Got my fiscal conservative dad to vote him too. Take that, RNC. My dad has given soft money for years. Not anymore!

[Parke]

'Freedom is about authority.' Rudy G.

Doesnt look like many people agree with ya buddy.

[JD]

So Rudy saying that the winner of Florida will win the nomination, and that he expects to win Florida = him saying he's dropping out??

A lot of people commenting on this site resort to name-calling. My mother taught me that bullying and name-calling is a sign of insecurity and lack of education.

I've researched Rudy and he does not defend and uphold the constitution so I can not vote for him with a clear conscience. I've spent countless hours doing research, studying the constitution, and educating myself on the proper role of government. I found only one candidate who is