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

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.