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

[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??

[FreedomGirl]

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 right on. His name is Ron Paul. Go ahead and call him names. It speaks more about the kind of person that you are than him. Everyone I talk to about Ron Paul gets excited that there is actually someone like him running for President. If he does not win, it does not matter. He is waking people up and getting people excited about their country. That is what a true leader should do.

On February 5th, I'm voting for Ron Paul. In November 2008, I'm voting for Ron Paul, whether he is on the ticket or not.

[Jeff M]

REPUBLICAN CIRCULAR FIRING SQUAD is fun to watch. Now they are left with the dregs - a crusty old man, a cheeseballl chameleon and a racist. The guy who was running for President of 911 was discovered to be the A-hole that he is. Thank goodness we'll have Barack or Hillary to pick up the pieces of the last 8 years. The GOP clowns will be left to spew their self loathing hate as rats leave the sinking ship of the PARTY OF FEAR.

[DAlnB]

Rudy will not win in Florida but I do not think that is his primary interest. He is using presidential campaign funds to gain favor with the people of Florida so he can run for governor in that state. New York does not want him, the United States does not want him, maybe he can convince Florida to take him. He openly invited illegal aliens to come to New York now he is taking a hard line stand against them. He and Hillary would make a great team but they may have a problem remembering who is who!

[John Bunion, Okeana, Oh. USA]

It's now time for the Republican rank and file to solidify their support behind Mitt Romney. He is our best hope of beating Hillary or Obamba in November. Mitt has just begun to fight. Wait until he breaks out the big guns. We need all the support we can get from conservatives first, and also from moderates within the party. See McCain for what he is, an old, liberal, Washington insider, who even enjoys fraternizing with the likes of the Clintons. He is also tight with Kerry and the Kennedy's. We as Republicans don't need to nominate another Democrat! We need fresh ideas, experience, and the drive to turn this battleship of state around. Mitt Romney can do it. He is our best hope of success. Even the media knows it, that's why they are so big on John....they know Hillary can beat 'em. It's time to rally round Romney!

[Thomas]

Goldwater conservatism is at the root of the Republican Party values. Guess who Goldwater Jr. endorsed - Ron Paul.

As much as I do support Ron Paul's views, Rudy was the only other candidate that did understand economics, as much as Dr Paul does. It would be sad to see him go away.

[Joe]

Perhaps Ron Paul should take a hint if Rudy drops out. I hope Giuliani endorses Romney if he loses and I think Jeb Bush might tonight or at some point. Romney is the only Republican left and McCain is very weak.

Romney trails Obama and Hillary in matchups, but that will change when only one GOP candidate is left. Sorry, but there is no way this country will vote a black guy with the middle name "Hussein" into office - if you disagree and you think he will or you think I am being a bigot, get a clue. Hillary remains the viable candidate, but the fallout from South Carolina and that maggot husband of hers, along with her unlikability and liberal leanings will make her a sitting duck in November. Plus, I am not sure enough women will vote for her and most men will not, especially minority men and women.