Rudy: A tale of two Iowa cities
Posted: Thursday, October 18, 2007 12:18 PM by Mark Murray
From NBC/NJ's Matthew E. BergerIOWA CITY, IA -
Giuliani’s trip back to Iowa yesterday could almost be called a tale of two cities.
His first appearance in Des Moines showcased the resistance his campaign is facing in this state. Giuliani was not introduced by a state official or local supporter, as is usually the case, and had no significant backers to show off behind him. Instead, Texas GOP Gov.
Rick Perry introduced Giuliani, but had to introduce himself and explain his credentials. Giuliani did not get much of his usual applause or laughs, even when he attacked
Hillary Clinton, despite a crowd of mostly college students. His discussion of economic principles and the need for legal reform seemed to go over the audiences’ head.
But his evening appearance in Iowa City showed the potential that Giuliani has. Facing a roaring crowd 20 people deep, Giuliani scored big cheers and laughs from University of Iowa students, and even a protestor was quickly shouted down by supporters. Giuliani took note of the fact that he was the first Republican candidate to visit the school, and seemed to tailor his message more to his youthful audience, while still sticking to legal reform as his signature message of the week. He continued to tell the story of the $54 million dry cleaners lawsuit in Washington, D.C., but did so with more energy and better comedic timing.
The crowd seemed to hang on his every word, shouting back at him in agreement and booing the Democratic candidates whenever their names were mentioned. Afterward, he walked a long rope line, signing autographs and posing for pictures.
It's noteworthy that Giuliani’s first appearance in Iowa in two months was confined to three events on college campuses, featuring groups of students who may not be eligible to vote in the Iowa caucuses, and with no state officials at his side. "You can be crucial, students can be crucial to getting this done," he told the crowd. "We can really surprise people."
