Speaking to former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani on Wednesday’s CBS Early Show, co-host Harry Smith asked: "But standing in this building...feeling the enthusiasm, don't you think Republicans have something to worry about?" Giuliani, who has been attending the Democratic convention and will give the keynote address at the Republican convention next week, replied: "No, I think Republicans are very heartened by this convention. Everything seems to have not gone the way they have planned it."
Giuliani went to describe Bill Clinton’s recent anonymous comparison of Hillary and Obama, suggesting Obama was not ready to be president: "...the fact is yesterday, Bill Clinton set up this equation that only Bill Clinton could do, about candidate 'Y' and candidate 'X.' I don't know if you heard that. He said candidate 'Y' is somebody you agree with completely, but don't think is prepared to be president. And candidate 'X' is somebody you agree with half the time but is prepared. Who would you vote for?" Apparently, Smith had not heard about the comment as he reacted with a surprised: "Wow."
Later, Smith asked about Giuliani’s upcoming speech at the Republican convention and managed to remark on how much he liked one of Hillary Clinton’s one-liners from her Tuesday night speech: "Let me ask you this question because, as your convention comes up next week in the twin cities, and I have to say, Hillary Clinton had a very funny line about that. You can't tell them apart, George Bush and John McCain, twins just like the twin cities. What do you think your most important job is next week? Because this election is as close as can be in terms of the polls."
Earlier in the segment, Giuliani criticized Clinton’s speech: "I noted that she did not answer the major question that she's raised about Barack Obama. She's the one who said during the primary that he's not prepared to be President of the United States, as Joe Biden did, and nowhere in that speech did she answer that question about his character, his ability to lead." Smith had no comment on that observation, but instead went on to ask about Republicans being worried by Democratic enthusiasm.
Here is the full transcript of the segment:
7:08AM SEGMENT:
HARRY SMITH: Democrats aren't the only ones at the convention. Republicans are here, too, in force, watching intently. One of them is Rudy Giuliani. He's giving the keynote address at the Republican convention next week. He is with us, actually here in the Pepsi Center about, oh, maybe 40 rows away or so. Good morning, Mr. Mayor.
RUDY GIULIANI: Good morning. This is a strange place to be early in the morning, but-
SMITH: How does it -- how does it-
GIULIANI: -they were very nice to me last night when I showed up.
SMITH: Well, it's very interesting, because I saw Governor Romney, I spent a little time with him. I said you guys are like the merry pranksters. You guys are having more fun than legally possible.
GIULIANI: We are. I enjoyed Hillary's speech. I noted that she did not answer the major question that she's raised about Barack Obama. She's the one who said during the primary that he's not prepared to be President of the United States, as Joe Biden did, and nowhere in that speech did she answer that question about his character, his ability to lead. The things that are really at issue here. And-
SMITH: -here's the other thing though-
GIULIANI: -but she did make it clear that they agree as Democrats.
SMITH: But standing in this building-
GIULIANI: And you know, it's the-
SMITH: -feeling the enthusiasm, don't you think Republicans have something to worry about?
GIULIANI: No, I think Republicans are very heartened by this convention. Everything seems to have not gone the way they have planned it, and the fact is yesterday, Bill Clinton set up this equation that only Bill Clinton could do, about candidate 'Y' and candidate 'X.' I don't know if you heard that. He said candidate 'Y' is somebody you agree with completely, but don't think is prepared to be president. And candidate 'X' is somebody you agree with half the time but is prepared. Who would you vote for?
SMITH: Wow.
GIULIANI: It sounded to me like Hillary Clinton was talking about candidate 'Y' last night and never answered the question about is he prepared to be president. And until she does, you're going to have a lot of Hillary Clinton supporters that are either not going to vote, I talked to some of them here, or are going to vote for John McCain.
SMITH: Mayor is there -- is this -- I don't remember any precedent for this, where I've actually seen very, very high profile members of the opposition party literally in the same building during the convention. You're here. We're going to talk to you.
GIULIANI: Well, you know, I was there four years ago, the morning of John Kerry's speech. You know, the one where he reported for duty. I was on the floor of the Democratic convention then, too. So this is my second one. And Republicans came to -- I mean, Democrats came to our convention in New York. So this change in tradition goes back at least one campaign.
SMITH: Let me ask you this question because, as your convention comes up next week in the twin cities, and I have to say, Hillary Clinton had a very funny line about that. You can't tell them apart, George Bush and John McCain, twins just like the twin cities. What do you think your most important job is next week? Because this election is as close as can be in terms of the polls.
GIULIANI: My most important job is to talk to the Republican convention and the people from the heart. I mean, John has been a friend of mine for 20 years. He's been someone that I consider a hero. Even when I ran against John, I announced that if I wasn't running, I'd be supporting him. So my job is to explain to the American people why John McCain would be so much more effective a leader than Barack Obama, who has no experience.
SMITH: Mr. Mayor, we thank you for your time this morning. Take care.
GIULIANI: I will. I'll be safe. You be safe, too.
SMITH: Take care, right.
—Kyle Drennen is a news analyst at the Media Research Center.




















Editor at Large
Comments Policy
Dear Harry,
August 27, 2008 - 11:31 ET by Dr_LibertyNo.
Sincerely, Republican*
* Actually, more like a libertarian-streaked conservative.
P.S.
August 27, 2008 - 11:32 ET by Dr_LibertyI'm actually too bitter and clingy (to my guns and Bible) to be worried about the Democrats' enthusiasm. Sorry.
<insert witty signature here>
Guns 'n Bibles
August 27, 2008 - 11:43 ET by Rackie"Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition."
Guns 'N Bibles
August 27, 2008 - 11:53 ET by Dr_LibertyI hear that Slash has found religion and this is the name of his new band.
<insert witty signature here>
Hey Harry, How about
August 27, 2008 - 11:40 ET by taterHey Harry,
How about should the Democrats be worried about Obama slipping in the polls during the convention and the focus seems to be on the Clintons right now?
www.theholyrosary.org
"There is no problem, I tell you, no matter how difficult it is, that we can not resolve by the prayer of the Holy Rosary." -Sister Lucia
Harry Smith - "I have to
August 27, 2008 - 11:43 ET by MassConservHarry Smith - "I have to say, Hillary Clinton had a very funny line about that. You can't tell them apart, George Bush and John McCain, twins just like the twin cities."
Really Harry, you need to get out more if you found that "very funny." Very lame would be more like it. Seriously, Hillary should fire the speech writer who came up with that "gem".
Sad, in a strangely satisfying kind of way.
Really. I've heard funnier,
August 27, 2008 - 11:53 ET by Chris NormanReally. I've heard funnier, more sophisticated humor on "Drake and Josh" and "The Wizards of Waverley Place"...
McNotObama '08
Ugh...
August 27, 2008 - 11:56 ET by Dr_LibertyYou must have a 8-10 year old in your household.
Everytime I see those shows, I want to pound my toes with a hammer to make the pain go away.
<insert witty signature here>
Nephew - babysitting at my
August 27, 2008 - 12:19 ET by Chris NormanNephew - babysitting at my brother's house. I've attempted to hang myself a few times. :)
McNotObama '08
""But standing in this
August 27, 2008 - 11:44 ET by Chris Norman""But standing in this building...feeling the enthusiasm, don't you think Republicans have something to worry about?"
As opposed to the past conventions, where there were fistfights, sobs of sorrow, and general booing of the nominee? This twit will spin anything for the Democrats.
McNotObama '08
Exactly Chris - the people at these conventions are all
August 27, 2008 - 12:19 ET by Dee Bunkparty loyalists and will cheer no matter who is on and what is said.
Dee, You got it. Makes one
August 27, 2008 - 12:22 ET by Chris NormanDee,
You got it. Makes one wonder if "Harry, the Passive/Agressive" will marvel at Republican enthusiasm on display next week. Actually, I know the answer to that...
McNotObama '08
Yeah Chris suddenly it will be "manufactured"
August 27, 2008 - 12:32 ET by Dee Bunkor something and we'll see much more coverage of the protests outside.
Enthusiasm? WHAT enthusiasm?
August 27, 2008 - 12:01 ET by goldenthroatSo far, this farce of a convention featuring "Gollum" Kucinich, Shmillary Clinton, Mrs. Obamessiah, Gov. Ted Stricknine and others from the left side of the aisle, has been a nothing short of a dud. There is probably more excitement at a worm wrestle!
Good heavens! Even most of the MSM is decrying the lack of substance being displayed by these morons. Where in the samhill is Mr. Baldy getting this goofy idea that there is actually "enthusiasm" in Denver?
Enthusiasm? Would someone please pass the NoDoz?
"I think we're all bozos on this bus!" - Firesign Theatre
Re: Enthusiasm? WHAT enthusiasm?
August 27, 2008 - 12:19 ET by JeffC...The MSM's comparison of their own enthusiasm during the DNC reminds me of the great line by Bob Costas:
"You're excited? Feel these nipples!"
(From "BASEketball")
Guns n' Bibles. . . . .
August 27, 2008 - 12:19 ET by ForeverOnTheRightJust found the name of my new conservative rock band, "Guns n' Bibles" We're bitter and cling to our religion and packing a firearm, and proud of it. Thanks Dr_Liberty
If only....
August 27, 2008 - 12:50 ET by RackieIf Moses had been a cowboy we'd all be packin' heat.
Talk softly and carry concealed.
Harry the Hack
August 27, 2008 - 12:22 ET by AgentAmericanAt his most pathetic...
Drill ANWAR