Giuliani speaks on Regan story (kind of)

Posted: Wednesday, November 14, 2007 11:05 AM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: 2008, 2008 Giuliani

From NBC/National Journal's Matthew E. Berger

Giuliani just said this about the Regan-Kerik story at the Village Inn in Council Bluffs, IA: "I don't respond to the story at all. I don't know anything about it, and it sounds to me like kind of a gossip column story more than a real story."

On whether he knew of Regan-Kerik relationship: "Again, I think that's a gossip column story. The last thing in the world you want to do when you're running for president is respond to gossip column stories."

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Comments

"No no, I said I'm like Reagan, not Regan, don't you people listen..."

Shadow, Hamden, CT (Sent Wednesday, November 14, 2007 11:14 AM)

During Watergate, and scandals that followed, Guiliani's comments were called "a non-denial denial". Any hungry, young investigative journalists out there not focused solely on caucuses and primaries?

Gary, Franklin, WI (Sent Wednesday, November 14, 2007 11:26 AM)

"The last thing in the world you want to do when you're running for president is respond to gossip column stories."...or answer any questions that reflect on your verasity or qualifications for President...same old RepubliKlan B.S.

Bruce Wilson, San Francisco (Sent Wednesday, November 14, 2007 11:28 AM)

C'mon Rudy, she's sueing Rupert Murdoch for millions of bucks. Joan Rivers didn't make That up. Looks like there's gonna be a sequel to 'The Sopranos', and Iowa wants to know if there is.

Steve Turner Cedar Falls Iowa (Sent Wednesday, November 14, 2007 11:33 AM)

I'm sure Media Matters (founded by Hillary Clinton) is digging hard for the story.

jerry/corpus christi texas (Sent Wednesday, November 14, 2007 11:38 AM)

Imagine if Clinton gave the answer Tootsie gave. Imagine the fury from the media. C'mon, Toots just answer the questions.

Dickie Flatts, Charlotte, NC (Sent Wednesday, November 14, 2007 11:59 AM)

I ahhahahahah ummmmaaaaa Just answer the question its a simple question,did you know.

kenn (Sent Wednesday, November 14, 2007 12:48 PM)

More trouble for Tootsie Giuliani. From the NYC Patrolmen's Benevolent Association:

"Giuliani's `zeroes for heroes' contracts held police pay stagnant while all the other local departments in the metro area were getting modest but steady raises," (PBA President Patrick) Lynch's statement continued. "Today, there are simply not enough NYPD police officers to keep this city safe and it is his fault."

It was also chargedd that Giuliani has "no real credentials" when it comes to fighting terror.

"Giuliani has wrapped himself firmly in the cloak of 9/11 for his own political purposes," Lynch said. "But the real heroes of 9/11, those who helped to evacuate those towers and lived to tell the tale and all those who participated in the recovery and cleanup, know the truth. ... The New York City Patrolmen's Benevolent Association could never support Rudy Giuliani for any elected office."

Link: http://ny.metro.us/metro/local/article/C op_union_blasts_Rudy/10718.html

Dickie Flatts, Charlotte, NC (Sent Wednesday, November 14, 2007 12:55 PM)

Right out of the Bushie playbook to dismiss real, serious, and potentially damaging stories out of hand instead of addressing the issues. And Jerry, Media Matters wasn't founded by Hillary Clinton, nor funded by George Soros. More lies spread by people who are afraid of having their lies examined in the light of day (Limbaugh, Hannity, Beck, Savage, Ingraham...)

John B, Des Moines, IA (Sent Wednesday, November 14, 2007 12:59 PM)

Just answer the question Clare!

pat huntington ny (Sent Wednesday, November 14, 2007 1:11 PM)

Looking for a candidate with "real credentials"? Look no further:

http://www.dailyevergreen.com/story/24030

Finally, lies examined on a sunny day, and... no "non-denial denial" here:

http://www.antiwar.com/justin/?articleid=11905

Liu Bei (Sent Wednesday, November 14, 2007 1:25 PM)

"I'm sure Media Matters (founded by Hillary Clinton) is digging hard for the story."

As well she should, as well as every legitimate journalist out there who values the truth.

Rudy's giving the standard republican response to ANY charges: "I don't respond to unfounded, unproven allegations".....and once the charges are well proven, documented and brought: "The matter is over, let's move on"
It's worked for Bush for the last 7 years, why should any republican think he has to tell any truth about any corruption in their past now?

just the facts (Sent Wednesday, November 14, 2007 1:26 PM)

"The last thing in the world you want to do when you're running for president is respond to gossip column stories."

I would think it would be having a picture in circulation of you wearing a dress when your platform is how you are manly man who did manly things in a manly way on 9/11.

Lee in Ca (Sent Wednesday, November 14, 2007 1:27 PM)

"I'm sure Media Matters (founded by Hillary Clinton) is digging hard for the story."

How do you rightwingers live with yourselves? You not only lie you do it gleefully. It is like sport to you folks.

Your strategy is sad. I guess you figure you if say it enough a handful of folks will actually believe you. Sad.

Dickie Flatts, Charlotte, NC (Sent Wednesday, November 14, 2007 1:34 PM)

rudy the red nosed republican...he is a mean spirited, vindictive little man...he wants to nuke any nation who does not bow to the great white satan...he thinks waterboarding ought to just be another technique used down at your local police department...he cheated on his wife in the "peoples mansion"...he is lying about kerik....he is a flag waving non serving faux patriot in the finsest vein of the chickenhawk party...

Rick, WS, NC (Sent Wednesday, November 14, 2007 1:52 PM)

"Huh? Who's this guy Kerik?" (Tomorrow's quote from Rudy G).

R.Merrell (Sent Wednesday, November 14, 2007 1:54 PM)

Rudy's statement:

"The last thing in the world you want to do when you're running for president is respond to gossip column stories."

comes almost verbatum from an early M*A*S*H episode where Hawkeye and Trapper confront a General during a press conference concerning their units need for an incubator. When the reporters picked up on the issue the General stated something like:

"The last thing we wants to do in the middle of a press conference is answer a lot of questions."

That may not be a precise quote from the M*A*S*H episode, but it is close and the comparison is a bit strange. Who is prepping this guy? Oh yes, there is a writers strike . . .

Gary, Franklin, WI (Sent Wednesday, November 14, 2007 2:00 PM)

Ahhh yes, gotta' protect the false image of "Gigolo Rudy 'G'" at all costs.
He and Kerik are SCUMBAGS, and it doesn't end here.
His ex wife, The NYC Firemens' Union, and the Police Benevolent Association haven't even begun to speak up yet.
Add that to the 3 people associated with Giuliani who were indicted on Federal Charges just since June (Ravenal, Fabian, and now Kerik), and you got yourself the makings of the beginning of the end for "Rappin' Rudy 'G' The Gigolo of The G.O.P."

J. Merle Stanley, Westchester, NY (Sent Wednesday, November 14, 2007 2:10 PM)

The only mainstream media source I've seen cover the Regan-Kerik story has been Keith Olbermann. Chris Matthews, as always, was too busy bashing Hillary Clinton last night to make any comment on it whatsoever. The only time I've seen Matthews talk about Giuliani recently, he was gushing about how Rudy was a "leader" like Winston Churchill. Matthews got the right time frame but the wrong European country for the leader to which Rudy compares most closely. It was the one farther south in Italy during Churchill's time in office. As Jimmy Breslin observed, Rudy is a small man in search of a balcony.

It's painfully obvious that Matthews will spend his time for the next year fawning over Giuliani if he's the pub nominee for president and bashing whoever is the Dem nominee, just like he fawned over Bush and constantly bashed Gore in the 2000 election. Then somewhere between 2008 and 2012, Matthews will be complaining about whatever disastrous war Rudy starts with Iran like he now complains about Bush's Iraq misadventure.

Houston (Sent Wednesday, November 14, 2007 2:16 PM)

Republican 101: All Republicans smile while lying to the public. Next, look absolutely shocked any time facts are introduced. Never ever accept any responsibility for your actions. And at all costs deflect and blame liberals for everything. These skills are needed to use fear mongering to SCARE, SCARE, and SCARE some more your fellow americans. Republicans win when they scare americans into voting for them. Their platform is built and survives with fear. Republicans lie and use fear to retain power. They will say anything, do anything, and smear anybody for power. Republicans are all for democracy as long as they have all the power.

bobf (Sent Wednesday, November 14, 2007 3:08 PM)

"The last thing in the world you want to do when you're running for president is respond to gossip column stories."

No one asked him to respond to a gossip column. How about responding to real lawsuits in a real court of law then? Why is it so difficult for journalists to follow up a non-answer by refusing to accept it?

Clinton Fein, San Francisco, California (Sent Wednesday, November 14, 2007 3:11 PM)

Chris Matthews would make like Monica in a blue dress if Tootsie asked him nicely. Matthews adores Giuliani.

Dickie Flatts, Charlotte, NC (Sent Wednesday, November 14, 2007 3:17 PM)

"The only mainstream media source I've seen cover the Regan-Kerik story has been Keith Olbermann. Chris Matthews, as always, was too busy bashing Hillary Clinton last night to make any comment on it whatsoever."

But, but, Bill said "boys". Gender card!! Gender card!! Self-destruct!!

Detroit E (Sent Wednesday, November 14, 2007 3:32 PM)

Clinton Fein, San Francisco, California

"Why is so difficult for journalists to follow up a non-answer by refusing to accept it?"
---------------------------------------------------
I have wondered that so many, many times. If you listen carefully, you will find this happens quite often. Even in debates, candidate throw out a string of verbage without really giving an answer, yet the moderators or reporters go right on to the next question. Candidates are so used to not having to give specific answers, I think that's why when Tim Russert pressed Senator Clinton for a yes or no response in the Oct debate he was accused of picking on her.

Dot, Illinois (Sent Wednesday, November 14, 2007 3:37 PM)

Houston,

I agree with you about Chris Matthews. Chris Matthews has lowered the respect of journalism for me over the years. And he tries to have both sides (reps and dems) showing how balanced he is.

If you watch Hardball, most of the time it is slanted to what Matthews wants to hear. Last night when Joe Klein was saying something which was against Matthews views, his face frowned. But when Ed Rollins started talking, he had his smile back. In a debate, a moderator should be objective.

With all due respect First Read, Chris Matthews is not a good journalist. He is just a showbiz man doing anything to increase the ratings.

That is an honest heartfelt opinion shared by an American citizen. I hope you publish it.

AConcernedAmericanCitizen (Sent Wednesday, November 14, 2007 3:44 PM)

As matthews likes to say in his most common man speak he can muster for a millionare HHHEEEEH!!!!!!!! "IM agianst the war when we are losing and for the war when they tell us we are winning never really caring about the human tragidy just the story of the day"We are all neocons today remember thaT MATTEWS LINE FROM 2003.wELL HE STILL IS.

kenn (Sent Wednesday, November 14, 2007 4:01 PM)

jerry . . . you quite obviously have no idea what you're talking about, but glad to see ya here, man.

junebug (Sent Wednesday, November 14, 2007 4:03 PM)

I'm not condoning what may have occured at NewsCorp, if true. But C'mon, I'm sure the same thing occurs in meetings at MSNBC. Although you may have gotten so good at it, you don't need spoken word or emails. I'm sure you all know what stories to cover, and more importantly, what stories NOT to cover, that may damage your favorite Democrats. Such as suspect $2500 contributions by dishwashers to the Clinton campaign. Or Sandy Berger stuffing Secure 9/11 related docs into his socks.

Rob, Cedar Rapids, IOwa (Sent Wednesday, November 14, 2007 4:25 PM)

Keith Olbermann? C'mon. I'm embarrassed for MSNBC that he is even on. Keith obviously couldn't decide in college whether he wanted to be a sportscaster or a journalist. His whole career is about bashing on O'Reily. In fact, I see O'Reily's face on 'Countdown' more than on Fox. Olberman's is obviously basing his carrer on milking the success of O'Reily. I think Olberman has a 'man crush' on O'Riely and his dreams probably involve a loufa, a shower and O'Reily.

Keith also has so much 'vervent hate' for Bush that he drools and spits when he even mentions Bush.

Rob, Cedar Rapids, Iowa (Sent Wednesday, November 14, 2007 4:42 PM)

I do find it odd how narcissitic the news agencies are now. Attacking each other. Because the only one I see possibly damaged out of this is NewsCorp, or more importantly from MSNBC's perspective, is damage to a competitor in Fox News. "Ahhh, we can get Fox News. Great!" <Things that make you go, 'hmmm...'>

Rob, Cedar Rapids, Iowa (Sent Wednesday, November 14, 2007 4:56 PM)

ConcernedAmerican [[With all due respect First Read, Chris Matthews is not a good journalist. He is just a showbiz man doing anything to increase the ratings. ]]

But, but ... he covers lots of burning issues like, ferinstance, Hillary's "bizarre" behavior of applauding back when the audience applauds her during her campaign events. How could you NOT be glued to your TV when big scandals like that are being covered in depth from every angle by all the best pundits Chris can rustle up for his show?

I'm not really much of a Hillary fan, but when I see someone get constantly belittled day after day over trivial nonsense by a "journalist," it tends to make me feel sympathetic toward the victim, even if the victim is Hillary Clinton.

Be sure to tune in tonight to see Mathews continued nonstop coverage of why Hillary is evil and why Giuliani is a Fearless Leader just like Mussoli... uh, I mean just like Churchill.

Houston (Sent Wednesday, November 14, 2007 5:02 PM)

"Such as suspect $2500 contributions by dishwashers to the Clinton campaign. Or Sandy Berger stuffing Secure 9/11 related docs into his socks. "

Did you know Bush started an illegal war and is committing war crimes in your name?

Just thought I'd mention it since you're so concerned about criminal politicians (Sent Wednesday, November 14, 2007 5:15 PM)

I use to enjoy Hardball, now I only watch it when Matthews is not on.......he is sickening. It burns my butt when he asks a guest a question and before they can finish their point, he's finishing it with what he wants said.

Ed, Houma, La. (Sent Wednesday, November 14, 2007 7:44 PM)

Rob [[Keith also has so much 'vervent hate' for Bush that he drools and spits when he even mentions Bush.]]

A lot of Americans are spitting mad at Bush's incompetence, arrogance, and ignorance. But you can drool over G. Waterboard Bush's imaginary wonderfulness if you like. It's a free country (more or less).

Houston (Sent Wednesday, November 14, 2007 8:34 PM)

Chris Matthews doesn't question his guests to get information about a topic. He browbeats his guests with what his own agenda is. Hardball is becoming unwatchable. Matthews is rude to those guests who challenge his agenda. He is so totally threatened by the idea of a woman President, he gets hysterical.

I'm surprised that anyone that has a brain cell functioning would appear on that show.

Countdown is a breath of fresh air after the stodgy hatefest from Matthews.

ll Minneapolis, MN (Sent Wednesday, November 14, 2007 9:49 PM)

Chris Matthews and Sean Hannity finally have something in common? a complete and total lack of objectivity when reporting on anything Rudy or Hillary. I think something must have snapped when they first laid their eyes on Rudy in drag...hmmm?

Jerry

Nick L, Elizabethtown, KY (Sent Wednesday, November 14, 2007 10:29 PM)

I get up every morning at 5:45 to fix my coffee and set down to watch Morning Joe. Joe is amusing especially when he puts his size 15 foot in his mouth. Thank god for Mika an Willie they manage to keep things on point as Joe goes into his egotistical right wing blather. And at the end of the show when they all stand up to say bye-bye I know that had to be Joes idea he loves towering over people. I was appalled when Jack Jacobs was made to stand by him, Joe made that wonderful, intelligent retired military man look like mini-mi.

Paula Blankenship, Middletown,Ohio (Sent Wednesday, November 14, 2007 11:06 PM)

Let me get this straight: he's saying Regan and Kerik did NOT have a relationship, or that it's dubious? Not only is it not in dispute, but Regan, at least, asserts it. Is she "gossiping" about her own life? Giuliani is ridiculous.

jh, NYC (Sent Wednesday, November 14, 2007 11:07 PM)

Mr. Bush should be on trial for just being a crooked President and mught I ad hasn't been convicted of anything, I know his intelligent level is ground zero so wht does that say about our congress and senate !!!!

Ken Collins/ Wagoner, Oklahoma (Sent Thursday, November 15, 2007 7:20 AM)

Well, well, well.....looks like Gigolo Rudy 'G' put pressure on Time Warner to get FAUX News into the NY market even after a Judge said "no."
....and now FAUX News is pushing Giuliani hard for the Presidency. Tsk, Tsk, Tsk.
Rupert Murdoch also used that poor woman to push publicity for The O.J. book, and then threw her under the bus when public opinion went sour.
People like Giuliani, and Murdoch have no conscience, no soul. All they want is unbridled power and we must never give it to them!
....and Kerik just needs to go to jail.

J. Merle Stanley, Westchester, NY (Sent Thursday, November 15, 2007 9:24 AM)

It speaks to the state of Amerian Democracy that it is virtually impossible in politics to get to the position of Giuliani, Clinton etc with totally clean hands. Our system is corrupt and those that rise to the top usually have had to make some compromises and befriend people who in a perfect world they would otherwise not have to. I am not absolving Rudy, but its a hell of alot easier to try to stick this "mobbed up" kind of label on an Italian American than whitebread looking guys like Mitt Romney and John McCain. If we make our process about the one who is the least corrupted by the system than we will get a crappy leader. To this day, I wonder what the world might have been like had Gary Hart kept it in his pants and not been photographed with Donna Rice on the Monkey Business. None of them have clean hands and the ones who look the most trustworthy are often the least.

Christopher London (Sent Thursday, November 15, 2007 2:21 PM)

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