Growing Up Giuliani

Growing Up Giuliani, Newsweek cover story:

The proximity of good and bad, even in Giuliani's own family, seems to have given rise to his inflexible public code but more relaxed personal one—a bifurcation that will only become more important in the next 10 weeks or so, as generally conservative Republican primary voters decide whether to trust this unconventional figure with their nomination. (When asked about the reporting in this story, Giuliani deputy communications director Maria Comella declined to comment.)

His dad Harold mugs the milkman and other tales:

When Rudy was 7, Harold moved his family from Brooklyn to Garden City, a middle-class, virtually all-white suburb on Long Island. Harold later told one of Rudy's teachers that he wanted to get his son "away from some relatives that he didn't particularly care for, and so Rudy could have a solid bringing up without any temptations to break the law."

Worth reading. Is Rudy too mercurial to be president? Was he both too ruthless and too compassionate in his push to power in NYC? Or does he have the right kind of character we need in a crisis, as we saw on Sept. 11th? We still need some answers, though, from the candidate.

UPDATE: The libertarian vote, up for grabs this year, is uneasy about Giuliani. Reason magazine: The Liberal Candidate: Is Rudy Giuliani a new Barry Goldwater or a new Bobby Kennedy?

UPDATE: In case you missed this last week, Dan Proft highlights Rudy on school choice:

That instant came when Giuliani was asked what he would do to bring public school teachers that he had angered in New York City and those who have been alienated by No Child Left Behind back into the fold for the GOP.

Giuliani answered, "...what we need is choice."

The Fox News panelist interrupted, asking skeptically, "That's going to bring back public school teachers?"

In a moment of clarity bordering on the epiphanic, Giuliani offered, "Well, I love teachers...but I actually care about the kids more."

Giuliani's push back was brilliant in its simplicity. We are turning out generations of stunted intellects unable to think critically because failing urban school systems are run for the convenience and benefit of adults rather than for the interests of the students relegated to these educational Edsels.

Full commentary here. (Good poke at Oprah by Dan.) And former Illinois governor Jim Edgar endorsed Rudy last week. Dan Curry links to video of Rudy in Chicago.

UPDATE: The fight intensifies in New Hampshire, with Giuliani and Romney trading jabs. WaPo:

Romney dramatically escalated the attacks Sunday with a salvo at Giuliani, who had earlier criticized him over a judicial appointee who had overruled a lower court and ordered the release of a convicted killer, who has since been charged with another killing. Romney has called on the judge to resign. With his wife, Ann, and other members of his family at his side, he said it is essential for Republicans to pick a nominee "who can distinguish himself on family values" from the Democratic front-runner, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (N.Y.).

He then proceeded to link Giuliani to Clinton on abortion, gay rights and immigration, and ended with tough words for the former mayor's support for former New York police commissioner Bernard B. Kerik to be secretary of homeland security. Kerik, a longtime friend and confidant of Giuliani's, was recently indicted on multiple corruption charges.

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