Thursday, November 08, 2007

RUDY GIULIANI

I'm a Skeptic that Kerik Will Affect Giuliani Much

Bernie Kerik will probably be indicted tomorrow. Possible charges include tax fraud, corruption and conspiracy charges. A reader asks how this will affect Rudy Giuliani's bid.

I actually think the Bernie Kerik factor is "priced-in" to Giuliani's numbers. The moral and legal failings of Kerik have been out there since 2005, and in that time, Giuliani has become and has held his position as frontrunner in the GOP field.

When Kerik's bid to be Secretary of Homeland Security fell apart under scrutiny, there was a sense of, "boy, how did Giuliani have no idea his buddy had so many skeletons in his closet?" Having said that, the fact that Giuliani recommended him is more or less proof he had no idea Kerik had dirty hands; the idea that Giuliani would recommend someone who he knew had alleged mob ties to head Homeland Security is unimaginable.

Did Larry Craig affect Romney's numbers? Nope. Has anyone bothered to try to hold the Keating Five against McCain? The Washington Post put the long-ago drug ties of one of Thompson's close supporters on the front page, but it was barely a blip in the news cycle.

In the general election, could Hillary Clinton criticize Giuliani for corruption, dirty money and ties to shady characters? Sorry, I know I just made milk come out your nose.

UPDATE: Campaign Spot reader Drew writes in, "In the general election, could Giuliani criticize  Hillary Clinton for corruption, dirty money and ties to shady characters? Sorry, I know I just made milk come out YOUR nose."

11/08 11:02 AMShare