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.