THE HILL
 

Giuliani says Obama has put U.S. 'on defense' in terror war

By Sam Youngman - 11/18/09 11:51 AM ET

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani blasted the Obama administration's decision to try alleged terrorists in Manhattan, questioning the president's resolve to continue the war on terror.

On a conference call with reporters Wednesday, Giuliani derided the administration's decision to try Sept. 11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and others in federal court, saying "it sends a signal to the terrorists that we're not taking this as seriously as we were before."

Giuliani praised former President George W. Bush for making it clear to would-be terrorists that the U.S. was going on offense. But the former mayor said Obama has made it equally clear that the country is "back on defense."

The former mayor and 2008 Republican presidential candidate also questioned why the administration would give terrorists additional reasons to target New York City though he did say it is "the best prepared city in the world."

Giuliani made a personal plea on behalf of New Yorkers who lived through the terrorist attacks, asking that they not be subjected to hearing alleged terrorists defending themselves over what will likely be a protracted legal process.

"There's no reason to put those people through that," Giuliani said of New Yorkers.

White House officials and the Democratic National Committee (DNC) have slammed Giuliani's criticisms, noting that during the Bush administration the former mayor lauded the prosecution of terrorists in civilian courts.

"We’re saddened – but not surprised – to see the Republican National Committee and Rudy Giuliani once again rooting for failure – this time for the failure of this country’s law enforcement officers and its judicial system – and yet again choosing their best political interests over that of the American people," the DNC said.

When asked about his past comments, Giuliani accused a reporter of parroting "the administration's talking points," and argued that the military commissions he supports were not available or operable in the past. 

Source:
http://thehill.com/homenews/administration/68363-giulani-says-obama-has-put-us-on-defense-in-terror-war

Comments (5)

Barry ad Holder have moved the U.S.'s war on terror back years and have given a clear opening to terrorists. Barry is a coward.BY Andrew on 11/18/2009 at 12:33
Ok, this much is clear: Giuliani got the GOP talking points. I guess Mayor Bloomberg was not on the email distribution list. If this weern't so serious, it would be laughable.BY Mike P. on 11/18/2009 at 13:42
It seems to me that Giuliani is parroting his criticism of this Administration which continues since day one. Attorney General Eric Holder is not ignorant of the issues and certainly is an American with confidence in our Constitution and the Rule of Law. Giuliani needs to support the President and stop creating ficticious "supposings", perpetuating lies and fear mongering. I am a New Yorker and trust this President and his Attorney General.BY Anne Borreggine on 11/18/2009 at 13:57
Anne — Good luck with that.BY Grace on 11/18/2009 at 23:11
Anne, The Constitution and the Rule of Law have not been applied by this administration nor the last administration. Both administrations have been using executive priviledge and signing statements over and bypassing the Constitutional Rule of Law. Of course Obamas policies have just continued to carry on from the Bush administration. No Change, just the same rule of the jungle.BY Sarah on 11/19/2009 at 09:48

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