Posted on 03/11/2007 10:35:36 AM PDT by NormsRevenge
RENO, Nev. - Republican presidential hopeful Rudy Giuliani defended Newt Gingrich, who has admitted having an extramarital affair as he pursued President Clinton's impeachment after the Monica Lewinsky affair.
Giuliani, speaking to reporters during a campaign stop late Saturday afternoon in Reno, said the episode shows no one is perfect and the former House speaker can learn from it.
"I think the American people realize, and I'm speaking for myself now, we've made a lot of mistakes, and hopefully we've done some good things in our lives and it's probably always been that way," he said.
"The American people have to judge who is the most effective leader. They will not find a perfect person, and that's probably good because we all have imperfections. Sometimes when you go through things like that in your life, you can become a better person," he said.
Giuliani, who has been married three times and has chilly relations with his children, visited Reno for a private, $1,000-per-person fund-raiser.
While he called Gingrich "one of the smartest people in American politics," the former New York City mayor said it was premature to say whether he would consider him as a running mate.
Many polls identify Giuliani as the front-runner in the Republican presidential primary. Gingrich is considered a possible GOP presidential contender, although he has not announced any intention to run.
About a dozen anti-war protesters waved placards near the house where the evening fund-raiser was held. They criticized Giuliani's support of both the war in Iraq, and the expansion of police powers under the USA Patriot Act and other legislation.
"As a presidential candidate and a firm supporter of (President) Bush's policies, we want to let the public know that his views are not those of the majority of Americans," said Lisa Stiller of the Reno Anti-War Coalition.
Giuliani said he respected the opinion of protesters, but disagreed with their views.
"We'll be more at risk to terrorists" if the job isn't finished in Iraq, he said. "We have to have perseverance and we have to stay on the offensive. If we don't, we'll go back to the pre-9-11 days."
Republican strategists said the fund-raiser at the Reno home of developer and casino owner Roger Norman was expected to net more than $200,000 for Giuliani.
His visit comes three days after Nevada Republicans approved a presidential caucus for next Feb. 7, six weeks earlier than previously scheduled.
The move is an attempt to keep pace with Nevada Democrats, whose caucus was moved up to Jan. 19, the second in the nation behind Iowa.
"I think it'll make Nevada very relevant" in the presidential selection process, Giuliani said.
At Costco, Giuliani signed autographs and posed for photographs with customers and employees. He also bought the book "Nixon and Mao," several pairs of socks and several movie DVDs, including "My Fair Lady," and "Yankee Doodle Dandy."
"I love old movies," he said. "They have much better prices here than back home."
posted earlier from a No content post site, full article posted here.
Giuliani Defends Gingrich in Reno (Possible Gingrich Running Mate????)
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1798992/posts
What? Rudy shops at Costco and not Wal-Mart? Yet another reason I can't vote for him. ;)
If this Gingrich thing gets some traction, count on many Republicans rolling over for RINO Rudy. I'm unconvinced that Newt (who creeps me out) would have enough sway as VP to rein in Rudy.
It could be worse, but not by much. Why do Republicans insist on shooting themselves in the foot?
How about when you put OTHER PEOPLE through "things like that," especially when those people are sick spouses and vulnerable children? Does that somehow make you "a better person," Mr. Mayor? This sounds like Vicky Gene Robinson talking about family values. In other words, it's all about me!
These guys make me sick. Redemption does not mean no consequences.
In my opinion, if they have truly repented they would realize that public office is something they should forfeit because of their prior behavior.
They should go to today's equivalent of a nunnery.
It's kind of like a reverse Munchausen by Proxy.
I am sure the road to becoming a better person, by Rudys measure was an exciting and enjoyable experience...these two need to bow out of public life...
If we judged a person's morals and based that person's chance to be a president because of his moral's infringement, then we would have a difficult time to find ANYONE to be a president.
The only Saints in world inhabit FR. %^0
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