Rudy Giuliani Criticized for Plans to Speak at Ground Zero Sept. 11 Attack Anniversary

[WifeOHunkyJohn 2]

Rudy Giuliani Criticized for Plans to Speak at Ground Zero Sept. 11 Attack Anniversary

Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Associated Press

Republican presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani

NEW YORK — Rudy Giuliani will speak at the sixth anniversary remembrance of the World Trade Center attack, as he has every year, but some relatives of those who died said the solemn ceremony is no place for presidential politics.

The former mayor, whose handling of the disaster catapulted him to international fame, has participated in every ceremony since the attack. Relatives of some of the Sept. 11, 2001, victims said this year is different because he is a declared presidential candidate.

"He's cashing in on 9/11 like it's his own personal tragedy. It's a photo op on a campaign swing for him," said Jimmy Riches, a deputy fire chief whose son was among the 343 firefighters killed.

Sally Regenhard, whose firefighter son was also killed, said she was stunned that the city would ask a presidential candidate to speak there.

"They should have every other single presidential candidate then, because this is outrageous," Regenhard said. "This is going to be seen across the country as a blanket endorsement from us. It's totally inappropriate."

No declared presidential candidate has ever spoken before at the ground zero ceremony; indeed, candidates have typically suspended campaigning on Sept. 11.

Giuliani's senior political adviser, Tony Carbonetti, noted that the former mayor lost friends in the attack and said that his activities that day are not political.

"If you know Rudy Giuliani, he'd be down there paying his respects whether he was invited or not," Carbonetti said. "This is something that happened to him as a person, as a New Yorker, as a mayor and as an American. To say he's politicizing it — he never would do anything like that."

The centerpiece of the annual commemoration is the hours-long reading of the nearly 3,000 victims' names, which pauses for brief readings, musical selections and moments of silence to mark the times the two planes hit and the twin towers collapsed.

Organizers said Giuliani will not be a name reader; he and other elected officials are scheduled to read aloud passages from texts.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who will also speak at the ceremony, said Tuesday it was appropriate for Giuliani to attend because he was there on Sept. 11, 2001, and has participated in every anniversary since.

[almaty 19]

"He's cashing in on 9/11 like it's his own personal tragedy. It's a photo op on a campaign swing for him," said Jimmy Riches, a deputy fire chief whose son was among the 343 firefighters killed.

so true

[SteveLaura 0]

I dunno. If he's been there every year, I say let him go. If he does make a political speech, however, then I would lose respect for him. I assume he'll realise he's walking a tightrope and will not be quite so crass.

[almaty 19]

i think it will be political..as rudy is a politiican and it is hard for them not to grandstand when the country is watching...

[Fandango 1,439]

He's been there every year...he was the person who helped carry NY through the most awful thing in our history. Or if he NEVER participated, and then decided to pop up this year, I'd think there were ulterior motives. But no, that's not the case. Now, if he mentions politics, I'll tend to agree that it's disgraceful....but why on earth should he sit out what he's been part of for every year since?

[SteveLaura 0]

i think it will be political..as rudy is a politiican and it is hard for them not to grandstand when the country is watching...

If he does, he'll be a first class chop... um, chops... chip... dammit, what's the phrase?

[almaty 19]

i think it will be political..as rudy is a politiican and it is hard for them not to grandstand when the country is watching...

If he does, he'll be a first class chop... um, chops... chip... dammit, what's the phrase?

asshat

[SteveLaura 0]

i think it will be political..as rudy is a politiican and it is hard for them not to grandstand when the country is watching...

If he does, he'll be a first class chop... um, chops... chip... dammit, what's the phrase?

asshat

Bless you.

[Jasman0717 9]

I liked how Giuliani handled the 9-11 crisis and he as been involved with it ever since so don't have a problem with him continuing to be involved.

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

Giuliania has a bit of a privileged position here, having been associated with the disaster through his former position - though turning it into a "vote for me" opportunity (which he would have to be extraordinarily arrogant to do) seems unlikely.

Of course - speaking at the memorial is a little different to how the Bush administration tried to capitalise on 9/11 by using the plane crash footage in their campaign ads.

[no name 1]

Giuliania has a bit of a privileged position here, having been associated with the disaster through his former position - though turning it into a "vote for me" opportunity (which he would have to be extraordinarily arrogant to do) seems unlikely.

I agree. Rudy should be allowed to speak (non-politically of course).