Posted on 11/09/2007 1:04:56 PM PST by calcowgirl
EXCERPT:
CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — Bernard Kerik did an irresponsible job training police in Iraq, presidential contender John McCain said Friday, adding to criticism of Kerik as Rudy Giuliani's former police commissioner surrendered to face charges in New York.
McCain cited Kerik's relationship with his Republican presidential foe as a reason to doubt Giuliani's judgment.
Giuliani's longtime associate, business partner and friend surrendered Friday to face federal corruption charges in New York, where he had been police commissioner when Giuliani was mayor. Kerik was also a failed nominee to head the Homeland Security Department, a post Giuliani recommended him for.
McCain, a Republican senator from Arizona, pointed to Kerik's performance in Iraq, along with complaints about how Giuliani treated first-responders after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, as reasons why the former mayor's presidential campaign should deserve greater scrutiny from voters.
"I don't know Mr. Kerik. I do know that I went to Baghdad shortly after the initial victory and met in Baghdad with (Ambassador Paul) Bremer and (Lt. Gen. Ricardo) Sanchez. And Kerik was there. Kerik was supposed to be there to help train the police force. He stayed two months and one day left, just up and left," McCain told reporters traveling on his campaign bus.
"That's why I never would've supported him to be the head of homeland security because of his irresponsible act when he was over in Baghdad to try and help train the police. One of the reasons why we had so much trouble with the initial training of the police was because he came, didn't do anything and then went out to the airport and left."
(snip)
McCain campaigned on Friday with Tom Ridge, the former governor of Pennsylvania and the nation's first secretary of homeland security under President Bush.
"It was clear the mayor and I had a different view what the department does and the kind of leadership it needed," Ridge told reporters. "His judgment would've been different than mine."
He said the situation reflected a fundamental misunderstanding by Giuliani of how the U.S. government works.
"We're not talking about some urban city patronage job," Ridge told The Associated Press. "That's not what a Cabinet secretary's about."
McCain said Giuliani's overall experience hasn't prepared him for the White House or to direct national security policy.
"It's a fundamental lack of experience. ... I mean it's great to have led a major city. I mean, his post-crisis handling was fine. But that certainly doesn't mean you're qualified to lead."
Other reports say he was supposed to be there 6 months or more. Why the abrupt departure?
Swell bunch of pals this guy has, huh...? ;)
uh...Keating Five anyone?
Kerik is hitting up cronies for his legal expenses. The Bernard Kerik Legal Defense Trust web site asks friends and supporters to kick in cash to cover his legal expenses as he faces new federal charges. ...includes a description of Kerik's legal woes, including his 2006 guilty plea in The Bronx over renovations at his Riverdale co-op and the subsequent investigation by the office of U.S. Attorney Michael Garcia.
Two pages on the site are devoted to Kerik's long résumé of public service, including a stint as Iraq's interim minister of the interior.
So we can safely conclude some of the trillions of US tax dollars going into Iraq musta made its way into Kerik's pocket.
I wonder if the US Attorney looked into that?
Too Bad Feingold reflects on you McCain!
I still can’t figure how he skated on that one.
The "overwhelming story of Bernie Kerik" is a "wonderful story of success, and it's one that New Yorkers can be very very proud of because he's one of us."--Rudy Giuliani, who recommended Kerik to the White House, commenting on Kerik's nomination to head Homeland Security, New York Post, Dec 4, 2004"I am heartbroken, for Bernie, for the President. . . . He was about as qualified as you can be for this job. This doesn't take away from Bernie's heroism, this doesn't take away from his decency."--Rudy Giuliani commenting on Kerik's withdrawal from nomination to head Homeland Security, New York Daily News, Dec 12, 2004"Well, I think that's something I'll explore, you know, privately with Bernie"--Giuliani indicating he would talk to Kerik about his best man and brother working for an allegedly mob-connected company, New York Daily News, Dec 13, 2004
As does everyone around the Clinton’s. Pressure needs to be put on Hillary to open all her records so the people of this country know everything about her before allowing her to occupy the Presidents office.
Why doesn’t he just hire the lawfirm of Giuliani, Dewey, Cheatham and Howe?
Oh that's gonna leave a mark.
For anyone who has misplaced trust in another..., this is sad but true! Regardless of the competence displayed..., in the task appointed to..., the "overall judgement" taints any and all who were associated!
Been there..., done that..., paid for it!
Heheh-——scam-a-rama——Giuliani, Dewey, Cheatham and Howe.
Yeah, but did you do it over and over again like Rudi? He has a list of folks he placed into positions of trust who have been indicted. I doubt you have that kind of history.
NY Daily News. August 29, 2004Bwahahahahahahahahaaaaaa!!!!New Jersey Democrats such as Sen. Jon Corzine have been quietly concerned that Kerik might consider a run for office, and the sex scandal involving Gov. Jim McGreevey has revived some of those concerns.
Kerik told the Daily News he's keeping his options open.
"A number of people have approached me about the gubernatorial spot in New Jersey. I think New Jersey needs substantial change in politics. There has to be a fresh face. There has to be change," Kerik said.
Doubtless as the logical follow-up to James McGreevey. ;)
Giuliani, Kaching, Cheatham and Moore.
Fortunately..., NO!
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