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

[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.