Rudy blasts Hillary over Petraeus

Posted: Wednesday, September 12, 2007 5:12 PM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: Security

From NBC/NJ's Matthew Berger
Giuliani today blasted MoveOn.org and others for questioning Gen. Petraeus' report, and he specifically went after Clinton -- part of his strategy to appeal to primary voters as a 50-state general election candidate.

He singled out the New York senator, saying he didn't understand her assertion that accepting the general's report meant suspending disbelief. "I don't even know what it means," Giuliani said of her comments, after tasting ice cream at a candy shop outside Pittsburgh. "It sounds like we shouldn't believe him. I don't believe she has any right to question his integrity."

Giuliani said he did believe Petraeus, but even if he didn't, he believed the general was due more respect. However, h said he did not watch the hearings yesterday because of the 9/11 commemorations.

Giuliani also attacked Obama's remarks today on Iraq, questioning the policy of a timetable for ending a war. "When in the history of war had an army ever given its enemy a timetable of retreat?"

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Comments

How many times did Rudy cheat on his wives?

D. Vitter, La (Sent Wednesday, September 12, 2007 5:26 PM)

Rudy, I know when! It was under Bill Clinton when the Republicans cut funding for our troops! Oh wait, all the Republicans like to forget about that....

Matt, Michigan (Sent Wednesday, September 12, 2007 5:26 PM)

Rudy Giuliani, when in the history of war did a country ever invade another country and tear it to shreds for no reason? I can answer that. However, I don't think you'd like my answer. Remember September 11th Rudy? Remember how the world reached out to us?

What have we become?

We're not at war. President Bush and Congress are just playing political games to save their own asses.

Pat, Boston, MA (Sent Wednesday, September 12, 2007 5:27 PM)

RUDY IS AN IDIOT.THAT'S WHY I HOPE HE GETS THE NOMINATION. GO RUDY THE IDIOT!

Z (Sent Wednesday, September 12, 2007 5:32 PM)

RUDY..SPEAK TO THE HAND.

Mr. Craig..somewhere in the Minneapolis Airport (Sent Wednesday, September 12, 2007 5:34 PM)

So 1) we'll never leave Iraq or 2) we'll leave whole-cloth in the dead of night? Those are the 2 options left to Brilliant 9-11 President Mayor Rudy. What an idiot.

And by questioning Hillary's questioning of the General, Rudy is exhibiting the behavior he is chastizing Hillary for-- how positively Republican.

Gary, Des Moines, IA (Sent Wednesday, September 12, 2007 5:45 PM)

Rudy said: "I don't believe she has any right to question his integrity." We ALL have EVERY right to question his integrity. He works for the LIAR in chief...fool me once....

PJ (Sent Wednesday, September 12, 2007 5:49 PM)

Rudy who ? He dosen't have enough sense to pick up my garbage.

Gina Davis, New York, New York (Sent Wednesday, September 12, 2007 5:51 PM)

Too intellectual for Rudy? Because it is an appropriate comment - we all suspend disbelief when we watch fictional drama, for example. Or is Rudy really just portraying himself as a regular guy, like W does so often, and when someone tries to present an intelligent rational position, they retreat from an intellectual discussion on the issue then counter-attack with the "Aw shucks I'm just a country boy" BS.

Jim, Santa Cruz (Sent Wednesday, September 12, 2007 5:53 PM)

Rudy I will answer both your questions. First question what Hillary meant was generals have been lying for Bush ever since this war started. Remember when Bush was dodging flak after putting up the mission accomplished banner, the white house finally admitted they had made the banner but the ship had asked them to make it. Then the ships captain told his lie and said yes we asked them to make it.Next general Franks said the banner was his idea. It has been established that if you disagree with Bush you leave your stars on the table. Look at the generals who have retired early to get the muzzle off. I think when the democrats take over in 09 they should offer to reinstate those honorable jmen if they wish to be reinstated.

Rufus Gibbons, DC (Sent Wednesday, September 12, 2007 6:17 PM)

Rudy's right! Ms. Clinton and Senator Obama consciously chose to sacrifice the morale of our troops and the reputation of our military leaders to gain the endoresment of moveon.org. The question, of course is whether those who make choices like tis to become President could be trusted to support our military as president.

charles doherty. river forest, IL (Sent Wednesday, September 12, 2007 6:22 PM)

Amen, Rudy.

Jon, Phx, AZ (Sent Wednesday, September 12, 2007 6:27 PM)

I am astounded as should many Americans that the Democrats have aligned themselves with the same EXACT GOALS as Osama Bin Laden for IRAQ. Lets see what those goals are: Withdraw US troops from IRAQ, Surrender the fight in IRAQ, and leave IRAQ to the dogs (AL QAEDA). All three goals the Democrats and AL QAEDA share. UNREAL!!!!!!!!

John Orozco (Sent Wednesday, September 12, 2007 6:54 PM)

suspending disbelief. "I don't even know what it means," Giuliani said of her comments ---- Of course you don't Rudy. A walk through the depths of your understanding would scarcely wet one's feet.

Are you trying to play the "vote for me because I am as dumb as you are" card. It worked for Bush.

nuanced (Sent Wednesday, September 12, 2007 6:57 PM)

Making comments that would question a Generals integrity is not becomming of a prospective president--especially in public. It undermines our country's strength. Every person deserves to maintain respect and if you do not give respect to a subordinate they will only loose respect for you. Hillary definately hurt any chance for her to have our military have faith in her--however, yes respect in the military is commanded but true strength comes from complete respect and she will have none making those comments. As far as Obama's comment on advertising a time table for a pull-out he is just showing us all how very immature, naieve and irresponsible he would be leading our country.

Mark Wittmer, Alden, Minnesota (Sent Wednesday, September 12, 2007 7:01 PM)

As a representative of NY, she has every right to question a military commander who parrots the White House line, and who presents facts selectively and disingenuously. Indeed, it is her obligation to her office. It's not hard to understand a control freak like Giuliani being critical; like our arrogant President, he does not deal well with people challenging his pontifications and "authority". Rudy forgets he's running for elctive office, not dictator. Just one more petty Republican echo challenging the patriotism & integrity or anyone who dares challenge their orthodoxy and incompetence. What a schmuck

Dan W, San Diego, CA (Sent Wednesday, September 12, 2007 7:06 PM)

RUDY, HAS A LOT OF PEOPLE FOOLED THAT HE WAS INSTRUMENTAL IN BRINGING NEW YORKERS TOGETHER AFTER 911, BULL CRAP, HE WAS LOOKING FOR PHOTO OPS. ANYONE THATWOULD TREAT HIS FAMILY LIKE HE DID AND MARRY HIS COUSIN, SHOULD BE SEEN AND NOT HEARD. ANY CANIDATE BUT RUDI, GO FRED.

JESSE CLARK (Sent Wednesday, September 12, 2007 7:08 PM)

Rudy will be attacking everybody now that he is falling in the polls. He can only run on 9/11 so long!

CL in TN (Sent Wednesday, September 12, 2007 7:09 PM)

Let me explain it to you one more time Rudy. We won the war. We invaded Iraq and defeated their army, disbanded their army, removed and killed all of the government leaders, seized all of the government buildings and assets, seized all the WMDs, built and manned huge military bases. We are now occupiers of the country. Those occupied Iraqis resent it and are in armed resistance. They want us to leave. If we announce that we are leaving in a definite short timetable, why in the world would they jeapordize the withdrawal and risk their lives by attacking us. If we say we are staying indefinitely then they have no recourse but to fire away until we change our mind. People who say we are staying long term are the ones putting our troop in danger. The only thing we lose by leaving is the wet dream of benefitting from the spoils of war.

nuanced (Sent Wednesday, September 12, 2007 7:15 PM)

Don't worry Obama, hopefully you will get elected and you and your jihadist and demorat, America hating friends can sell out our country just like Klinton 1 did. We all pray to Allah for you.

Hillary C., Red China (Sent Wednesday, September 12, 2007 7:26 PM)

What a disgrace "ALL" clinton's are! I'd just love to see her ass running through that desert in Iraq witrh the "rag heads" chasing her & then listen to her response. If democrats could just "grasp" the fact that appeasement never works. And she is suppose to be "smart?" Please!!!

John Boston (Sent Wednesday, September 12, 2007 7:31 PM)

A question for Rudy - How come Hillary Clinton trounces you in every poll in the state of NY? Because the NY voters (including many Republicans) know the true you! - including your ex wives and children. A wanna be, who will say or do or not do anything that is politically expediant.

JDD (Sent Wednesday, September 12, 2007 7:33 PM)

I voted first for JFK. JFK told lies, but I didn't mind. LBJ was another one who probably outdid Bill at fooling around with women, but his lies at least got us some Civil Rights laws passed. Then, we get to Bill and Hilary, who are currently outdoing what someone called 'The Liar in Chief,' George W Bush. I think Bill and Hilary probably are the most prolific liars and Bill probably broke all records for chasing women. Nonetheless, he was a good president.

On the other hand, Hilary has some pretty dark secrets in her past, including the radical groups she belonged to that committed at least one murder (Oakland School Administrator).

Could someone please, please, please find a person of any party who can distinguish the truth from lies.We have one democrat and one republican so far that does not have these disturbing serial liar tendencies, and they are not anyone who has been in the White House in any capacity.

Hilary has NO moral standing that would excuse her for showing disrespect to a US Army commander. We can oppose the war without disrespecting the troops.

Thomas Austin (Sent Wednesday, September 12, 2007 7:37 PM)

"Rudy Giuliani, when in the history of war did a country ever invade another country and tear it to shreds for no reason?"

Right, because that's exactly how it happened... Just because you don't agree with the reasons doesn't mean there aren't any. I get a kick out of how the libs cry out with the same old emotionally charged and empty phrases like "he lied!" or the idea that we've all been tricked some how, when they've been tricked by thier own spinsters and propaghanda mills. Hating Bush is a pop culture phenomenon. We've all been worked up into a frenzy of irresponsible wordplay. I can't count how many times I've heard Bush compared to Hitler and his concentration camps. When talking about Bush, you can say anything you want, and are encouraged by many to make it as damaging and outlandish as possible. I mean, really, should I have to sit down and explain the differences between Hitler and Bush to people who are capable of legally driving a motor vehicle? When is it time for libs to take a deep breath and really listen to what they say? Scratch out "libs" and replace it with "us."

It seems like everybody is content to spit out the same old tired word games, and it's disgusting. Who benefits? Is it really worth your personal integrity to get your guy elected?

Justin, Merced, Ca (Sent Wednesday, September 12, 2007 8:02 PM)

nuanced says:
" The only thing we lose by leaving is the wet dream of benefitting from the spoils of war."

Or your community since you did not keep the fight over there.

Jay Head (Sent Wednesday, September 12, 2007 8:17 PM)

Hmm.... Rudy the crossdresser will be our next president. I think not!!!!

JeanneGA (Sent Wednesday, September 12, 2007 8:23 PM)

Go! Rudy, Mrs. Clinton is America's worst enemy, and with no morals whatever, she needs to be brought down.

Harold Cobbs, Placerville, CA (Sent Wednesday, September 12, 2007 8:32 PM)

Amazing how not a single comment appears to be pro-Rudy...I had to double check that article was appearing on MSNBC...where's the objectivity?

Dr. J, Staten Island, NY (Rudy country) (Sent Wednesday, September 12, 2007 8:35 PM)

I had intended to answer your second question tomorrow Rudy because you are having problems understanding, Rbut Pat from Boston has done it with much more eloquence than I could have.

Rufus Gibbons, DC (Sent Wednesday, September 12, 2007 8:36 PM)

Rudy just a jacka** talking out of his a**

sgt. (Sent Wednesday, September 12, 2007 8:55 PM)

Regarding our position on this Iraq war. What is wrong with this picture. Is everybody forgetting that these religious zealots, ie: jihadists/terrorists, were the ones that initiated the war on 9/11 and Bush was the president that decided to face them head on. Think back to all of the terrorists attacks we suffered before 9/11. Stop the whinning. it won't be over until Iraq can function on it's own.

Rafael, Tucson, Arizona (Sent Wednesday, September 12, 2007 9:16 PM)

People quickly assume that the military will turn against Clinton because of her questioning of Petreaus. Don't be surprised to see generals and other retired military leaders lining up against Bush, Petreaus and the Iraq war. Clinton knows and has stated that our military has and continues to perform well. The problem is the Iraqi government does not. Her statement about suspending disbelief was about how well the surge can continue to work without political agreements between the Iraqi factions. Instead of Crocker testifying beside Petreaus, it should have been Condi Rice, she is in charge of diplomacy. They left her at home because Bush knows if she says the same things Crocker did, no one would believe her. His prayer is everything is on Petreaus' shoulders because people hate to see our military leaders criticized. Poor Petreaus is caught in an evil political trap by an administration that would rather say it was right, than do the right thing by our men and women in uniform. Please remember that most of these men and women are under 25 years old. They are wonderful KIDS who blindly follow their leaders without questioning authority. This is what young kids do, and why the administration is happy to have them taking bullets while they potificate about democracy in mesopotamia.

Dale, Birmingham, AL (Sent Wednesday, September 12, 2007 9:17 PM)

We will only approve comments that are directly related to the blog, use appropriate language and are not attacking the comments of others.

What do the first 10 comments have to do with the blog.... as editors, you gus are losers.

m brown long valley nj (Sent Wednesday, September 12, 2007 9:22 PM)

"Let me explain it to you one more time Rudy. We won the war. We invaded Iraq and defeated their army, disbanded their army, removed and killed all of the government leaders, seized all of the government buildings and assets, seized all the WMDs, built and manned huge military bases. We are now occupiers of the country. Those occupied Iraqis resent it and are in armed resistance. They want us to leave. If we announce that we are leaving in a definite short timetable, why in the world would they jeapordize the withdrawal and risk their lives by attacking us. If we say we are staying indefinitely then they have no recourse but to fire away until we change our mind. People who say we are staying long term are the ones putting our troop in danger. The only thing we lose by leaving is the wet dream of benefitting from the spoils of war." Thank you Nuanced, was just trying to find those very words.

WE WON THE WAR PEOPLE! This is not a war...we don't have anything to lose over there and anybody that tells you different is a liar!...let's come home!

Each and everyone of us has the right to question the integrity of these generals and our president...especially in the face of so many lies from this administration, anybody affiliated with it needs to be submitted to the utmost scrutiny.

Judy Oliver (Sent Wednesday, September 12, 2007 9:51 PM)

Its coming. hear it? the sound of the special grand jury investigating Hillarys fund raising. 40million dollars still unaccounted for in HSU's fund, where is it? exactly who owns this "charity" Hillary gives her money to? Hear that, the sounds of paper being burned, maybe it will show up on the White house dining room table like the other documents did years after they were asked for, and Hillarys response, I never noticed them there. Well here you go again Hillary you will have to quit remembering again.. Obama/ Edwards 08 to bring honesty back to American politics

Frank Furter, Democrats for Honest Change (Sent Wednesday, September 12, 2007 10:04 PM)

Nuanced sounds alot like a camel jockey version of Tokyo Rose. Anything to subvert our government and society. First off,I'm no Rudy fan, but he's better than any of those treasonous, sell-out America morons that the Democrats are forcing down our throats.
Wether it's scuz bucket Hilary, or any of the morons like Edwards,Obama or Gore, the sick beat goes on.
For the bird brains like nuanced and the other terrorist loving tools that posted earlier, I suggest you go back and review the tape of Bush's address to the nation on 9/20/2001. As both sides of Congress stood and cheered almost every sentence he spoke, he spelled out how the War On Terrorism would be a long,protracted affair that was, like previous wars, going to cost many lives. He said we would seek them out wherever they hide and plot against us, and we would destroy them. The Congress cheered wildly,eyes filled with tears. Everyone was on the same page...we were gonna go kick some heathen ass.
But how quickly the lives of those lost on 9/11
were forgotten. Six years latter we are still in a battle for our very survival as a free nation.Islamic radical terrorists need to be stomped out anywhere they can be found.Bending over, grabbing your ankles and asking al qaeda to be gentle with you is not going to get the job down. The scary thing is that the entire Democratic Party and their idiot mouthpieces seem to want just that.

Richard Head California, MD (Sent Wednesday, September 12, 2007 10:41 PM)

I am not a Rudy fan, but I will say this. You people seem to be commenting on something you have little knowledge of. The fact of the matter is, when this war started the vast majority of Americans (senators, congressman, and most of all YOU ALL) were behind this effort. Now, I am a United States Marine and I have done my time in Iraq and I will deffinetly be going back. I can tell you what the air smells like and I can tell you what the voices of the people sound like over there when they say thank you for what we have done. Ofcourse ya'll wouldn't know that because ya'll haven't been there and ya'll get your "facts" from tainted sources. Heres a news flash for you folks. Politicians are all a little less than honest. They all have an agenda. Back to my point. George Bush is OUR leader and WE were behind him when this started. I have friends that are dead and many americans can relate to that. You all take your life here for granted. To pull out will accomplish nothing. To stay and win will give it cause. I can say that, maybe you don't agree but what the hell. Politicians will always follow the popular belief of the people. Look at your senators. They are blind with fear like a dog with it's tail tucked between it's legs. All because of you. The blood of your americans and the Iraqi people is not on the hands of one person. But everyone of us. We are all americans and we should be together in this. Right now one of my brothers is lying on the ground dying on a dirty street 7,000 miles away while you all sit in the comfort of your home and crtiticize. Fore shame.

Jeff, Camp Pendleton, California (Sent Thursday, September 13, 2007 12:22 AM)

We are fighting Al Queda in Iraq so we won't have to fight them here? Can someone please tell me where Afghanistan is? I thought it was over there?

Good post Nuanced. But I believe we did'nt sieze any WMD's. Putting one's foot in the shoes of others though, I would have to say I would be doing the same thing if that happened here. Remember the Red Dawn/Wolverines Movie with Patrick Swayze? Good movie.

Boy, it sures seems OBL sure got the republicans goat with his recent video ranting. He only said the things he said to piss the republicans off so they would think the central war is in Iraq. Why would anyone believe what this murderous thug would say anyway. If GW would have honored his words to this nation just after 911 of getting him Dead or Alive, none of us would have to be listening to OBL's crap, not even the republicans.

Joe Houston,TX (Sent Thursday, September 13, 2007 12:36 AM)

Ha Ha Ha
I find it funny that the above comments are just a tad left-leaning.
I love it, you are so scared!
She has NO chance against Rudy.
You guys need to get behind Obama if you want to even make it a race. At least he does not come off as evil and has a personality. Your little Democratic party is getting up and grand-standing on the wrong platform.
If I where Petraeus I'd tell Hilly, "O.K., We leave next week. You get to go over to Iraq and announce it in Baghdad city square. You tell them "Goodbye, good luck. Bush brought us here, we are sorry. I take full credit for our leaving now."
Watch what happens. The country implodes, Iran rolls in, Kurds massacred, mass eradication of any and all who did not perform their Islamic duty to kill our men and women in uniform. Those that helped to try and bring peace and safety by helping us, will not live to see our next election.

u.willc (Sent Thursday, September 13, 2007 12:46 AM)

During the past couple of days, many Congressional members interrogating General Petraeus used phrases such as “I’m not sure the American people are going to buy into that.”, “now it’s time for the senate and the American people to evaluate what has been achieved”, “there’s been little improvement” “the government is dysfunctional” Referring to the lack of progress in Iraq. “We (referring to General Petraeus) failed on our own standard we set up last January and that’s why a lot of us (Congress) are frustrated, where do we go from here?”

Here’s a [simple] question Congress...why aren’t you just as concerned what Americans think when we repeatedly tell you we do not want open borders nor, do we do want amnesty for “illegal” aliens? Congress, you haven’t been able to curb “illegal” immigration into this country for the past 20, 30, 40 years The U.S. currently has around 20-million “illegal aliens” and they are still entering by the thousands daily/weekly. Let’s see you meet your own bench-mark to build the 800-mile border-fence which you approved and President Bush signed into law a year ago. In summary Congress, you are no more functional than the Iraqi government is when it comes to meeting bench-marks. Why do you do it Congress...embarrass yourself on national television.

Johnny Fox Denver, CO (Sent Thursday, September 13, 2007 12:49 AM)

The General is far more of an intellectual, military strategist, non-partisan, patriot, honorable individual than Hillary could EVER hope to be. Her questioning of him was of the utmost DISrespect, and uncalled for. It's not the questions, it's how they were asked, and the nasty name-calling done by our holier-than-thou elected officials. Of course, none of the narrow minded partisan nasty liberals on here could EVER possibly see that. Give the man some credit. At least he's respectful of honorable individuals, unlike that nasty, two-faced b**** Hillary.

Skyler, Englewood, CO (Sent Thursday, September 13, 2007 1:05 AM)

Hillary had to toe the Moveon.org line on this one. She is really flip flopping on Iraq. "Yes I voted for the war before I voted against it". This is the kind of President we need? The female version of John Kerry?

jerry/corpus christi texas (Sent Thursday, September 13, 2007 1:28 AM)

Enough you Liberal weenies, Dems requested the President change course, the President complied, General Petruis VOTED unanimously to lead this endeavor. Before the surge even began Harry(defeatist) Reid states its failed. When even the MOST LIBERAL paper in the World, NY Times indicates we might win Dems ignore this. I'm sick of the defeatist Democrats and their attacks on our military. Murtha for example indicating our troops were murderers(yet no charges filed), the Flip flopper Kerry stating our troops are conducting raids in the middle of the night and intimidating Iraqi families. Pelosi and Kucinach being used by Al Jezera for propaganda. Kucinich going on Syrian TV and stating Bush led an illegal invasion(yea with the vote of both houses. Dem = defeatist

David Burrows (Sent Thursday, September 13, 2007 3:09 AM)

Rudy,Obama and Hilary are making a simple decision into a more complex one than I believe it is.The truth is stop attacking one another and figure out the best strategy for Irag. the simple question is What will we as the american people gain from all of this?Only after someone answers that simple question will anyone make any sense to me.

Jamal K. (Sent Thursday, September 13, 2007 4:07 AM)

All our information we receive is based on half-truths and spin,how can we choose our leaders? The partisan bickering between our parties has our country at a stand-still.When was the last peice of legislation passed to benefit the people,not the politicians and lobbiests?Our country can't get together on anything; including Iraq.We've been a democracy for over 200 years.We've had our cival war,maybe it's time for Iraq to have theirs.Either fix Iraq or get the hell out.

lumpy,white hall.il (Sent Thursday, September 13, 2007 7:51 AM)

Shrill Hill is the latest version of the infamous Chamberlain with added flavor of an unabashed crook, opportunist, and egomaniac.

Rod Hamm, Evanston, IL (Sent Thursday, September 13, 2007 7:52 AM)

What would Rudy know about integrity?

H P Boston (Sent Thursday, September 13, 2007 8:12 AM)

Oh here we go.....another republiCANT (not-so)-tough-guy who never spent a day in the military, telling those of us who did, how we need to be patriotic and protect America.
Please, Gigolo Rudy 'G'....do yourself and the country a favor, give it up now.

J. Merle Stanley, Westchester, NY (Sent Thursday, September 13, 2007 8:43 AM)

Relax. Relax. Give it a few days. She'll change.

BobbyG, Philadelphia, PA (Sent Thursday, September 13, 2007 9:04 AM)

nuanced / you're correct nuanced. but you will notice from some of the posts here the administrations spin machine is working in regards to erroneously linking iraq with al-qaeda, and fox news I noticed continues to link 9/11 with iraq, people need to wake up and see iraq for the farce it's always been, but for some reason people need to justify iraq with complete disregard to the all to ugly facts surrounding it, iraq makes this country look like some fascist beast hell bent on world domination, and rudy acts like someone that wants to carry on that legacy, the u.s. best choose it's next leader wisely

MK,MO (Sent Thursday, September 13, 2007 9:10 AM)

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