Giuliani Endorses McCain

Republican Rudy Giuliani gave in to the predictable inevitability of his flagging popularity and bowed out of the presidential race. He also endorsed John McCain, who is currently in the leading position. Giuliani's move came after the disappointing third place he won at the recently held Florida primary; McCain, incidentally, emerged victorious. Giuliani's endorsement has strengthened his association with McCain—who often ran his campaign on similar issues related to national security.

The former New York mayor extolled McCain, with whom he shares a close friendship, and termed him an 'American hero'. "John McCain is the most qualified candidate to be the next commander in chief of the United States," he said. Giuliani had earlier said that McCain would be his choice for president, if he was not a running contender himself. Ostensibly referring to Romney, who has often criticized him for shifting positions, he also stated, "If I'd endorsed anyone else, you would say I was flip flopping."

McCain, who stood beside Giuliani, responded by terming his friend and colleague as "my strong right arm and my partner". He said, "This man is a national hero and I'm honored by his friendship."

Giuliani, who had enjoyed a reigning position on popularity polls last year, was seen as a likely Republican nominee. However, his status started plummeting at the start of the year. The debacle at the Florida primary may have been the final straw that helped him decide to quit.

Earlier, addressing voters following his win at Florida, McCain had expressed a warm camaraderie with Giuliani, saying, "I want to thank my dear friend, my dear friend Rudy Giuliani, who invested his heart and soul in this primary and who conducted himself with all the qualities of the exceptional American leader he truly is." He said, "Thank you, Rudy, for all you have added to this race and for being an inspiration to me and millions of Americans."

The former mayor won much praise for his role in handling New York during the September 11 crisis. Popularly dubbed as the 'Mayor of America', Giuliani was banking on his 9/11 credentials to help him win the presidential race.

However, there were incongruities surrounding his candidature. As a republican, Giuliani held views that were almost moderate or liberal. Referring to his office as mayor of New York, Giuliani said that he created the most conservative government in one of the most liberal of cities in America.

Before joining politics Giuliani, was a reputed federal prosecutor who won fame for his role in legal proceedings against gang bosses and corrupt political figures. He won as mayor in 1993, after losing once in 1989. However, failure in winning any primaries, combined with a drop in popularity forced him to gracefully bow out of the race.

With Florida, the first part of the presidential elections campaign consisting of single-state contests is now over. Twenty-one states are expected to have their primaries and caucuses on Super Tuesday, February 5, 2008.