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n this undated handout photo provided by ABC, Barbara Walters, right, poses with Judith Giuliani, left, and her husband, presidential hopeful and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani. during an interview in New York. Giuliani says if elected, he’d be open to his wife attending Cabinet meetings on issues in which she’s interested. He described his wife as a close adviser who has as much involvement in his campaign as she wants. The interview will air, Friday, March 30, 2007 on ABC News’ ’20/20′.

AP: Giuliani: Wife won’t be Cabinet member

Republican presidential contender Rudy Giuliani said Friday his wife will not be a member of his Cabinet or attend most high-level meetings as he sought to clarify his previous statements suggesting she would play a significant role in his administration.

Giuliani, in interview comments released Thursday, had said he’d be open to his wife attending Cabinet meetings on issues in which she’s interested. “If she wanted to. If they were relevant to something that she was interested in. I mean that would be something that I’d be very, very comfortable with,” Giuliani told Barbara Walters on ABC News’ “20/20.”

Late Friday, the Giuliani campaign issued a statement in which the former New York City mayor suggested that would not be the case.

Of course, no one really expected Rudy’s wife to be a policy wonk like Hillary Clinton during Bill’s presidency.

Rudy was simply deferring to his wife and being polite in a joint interview with Barbara Wa Wa.

But, was this a gaffe?

Somewhat…….

Here is the clarification:

“Judith and I got a good laugh after we heard that she would be a member of the Cabinet, especially after she made it clear in the interview with Barbara Walters that she is not particularly interested in politics or policy,” he said. “Like most couples, we rely on each other and support each other, but we have different interests. My interest is in politics and deciding policy. Judith is a nurse. Her interest is in educating people on how to stay healthy.”

“Obviously, she will not be a Cabinet member or attend most Cabinet meetings — if any. But she will pursue a campaign to educate Americans on preventing illness and promoting overall health.”

Obvious to Flap.

But, it is good and quick politics to issue the correction/clarification.

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The Rudy Giuliani Files

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Technorati Tags: RudyGiuliani

California Congressman George Radanovich Endorses Rudy Giuliani

The Rudy Giuliani Presidential Exploratory Committee announced today that Congressman George Radanovich is supporting Mayor Giuliani for President. Congressman Radanovich’s support is just the latest in a growing list of California endorsements which includes fellow Congressional members Mary Bono, David Dreier, Jerry Lewis, Devin Nunes, and Ed Royce.

“We need a proven leader with an optimistic vision who can unite our party and our country,” said Congressman George Radanovich. “Rudy Giuliani is an experienced, decisive leader who will use the same conservative principles that led to New York City’s revitalization to tackle the difficult issues our country faces today.”

“I welcome Congressman Radanovich’s support and look forward to working together to grow our California team,” Mayor Giuliani said.

Flap had the opportunity this afternoon to interview Representative Radanovich regarding the Giuliani campaign.

George P. Radanovich is a Republican member of the United States House of Representatives since 1995, representing the 19th District of California. The 19th District comprises all or part of the Fresno, Madera, Mariposa, Stanislaus, and Tuolumne Counties.

His Congressional website is here and campaign website is here.

Flap: Congressman where are you today?

GR: I am in the Valley in between Madera and Fresno, making the rounds (of his Congressional District).

Flap: Why Rudy Giuliani? Why have you endorsed him for President?

GR: This election will be about strong leadership while we are in this War on Terror. And this will require somebody who will be strong on leadership and be very decisive. And especially to be able to retain the White House for the Republican Party. And I think that Rudy does that job.

It is not so much for me (an election) on local issues but staying strong world-wide. We cannot afford to have just anybody who will not be strong and who thinks the Iraq War is a mistake. And, I think with his 9/11 background (Rudy) puts the best face on victory in the War on Terror.

Flap: So, you would say the War on Terror and the Iraq War – issues of War and Peace trump all of the others?

GR: I think they will be the biggest issues in this campaign. And I believe that over the next few months this President is going to start standing up to this Democratic Congress especially with these war votes coming up, and frankly the American people are going to start getting back (supporting) the President on this war and I want to carry this into the next presidency.

Flap: You mentioned earlier in your comments about electability and retaining the White House. How do you feel about Rudy’s electability versus Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama?

GR: I think for that reason Rudy’s strength on national issues will and (his) attitude of what we are trying to accomplish in the world he will show be much stronger than Hillary Clinton and frankly I just don’t see Obama getting the nomination.

Flap: Endorsements in GOP primaries are always risky. Certainly some Members of Congress do not put their necks out there and endorse in a partisan primary. Why have you decided to put your neck out and endorse Rudy over John McCain or Mitt Romney?

GR: Well, now is the time to start and with the new primary (GOP Party) rules in California, the individual districts will be able to weigh in more. (California chooses its GOP Presidential delegates based on winning a plurality in each Congressional District). So, I have the ability to hopefully influence not only delegates in my district but also surrounding Democrat districts and so the districts play a little bit more of a role in the nomination process. Plus, it is happening alot sooner than we think with the primary – and so getting in now, although it might seem a little early but is something we need to do in a timely fashion. I would support the nominee whoever it was but I think in the long run Giuliani goes the distance and I think will win in the long run. You know, if John McCain were to get the nomination or Mitt Romney or anyone else, of course, they would have my support. Just in my view, he is showing the ability to go the distance and he has got in his persona and a good face to put before the world and (to show) that we are determined to win and have victory over terror.

Flap: Lat week I interviewed Michelle Steel from the California State Board of Equalization and I asked her this question: In light of the polls showing Rudy Giuliani with a commanding lead over the GOP field, is the Presidential campaign in California is done/over? Michelle Steel said yes. Congressman, what do you say?

GR: Politics can change in a day and I do not think it is in anyone’s court at all right now. There are alot of things that can happen. Newt and Fred Thompson might enter the race and you never know what might happen with Romney or McCain -so no it is not over. There is still alot more listening by the public to do. We are a long ways from having this thing in the bag.

Flap: The Mayor has been up in your area and has campaigned up in Fresno this last month. Do you know of any plans for him to return?

GR: I know when I talked to him personally he said and this is before we knew for sure that the California Primary was going to be in February that he was going to be pretty much living in California. So, my feeling is that he will be out here quite often.

Flap: Some members of the GOP say that Giuliani is a liberal and that he doesn’t reflect the views and values of mainstream Republicans. What do you say Congressman?

GR: Like I said before the issue with national leadership on the War on Terror and cutting spending in New York City and I don’t think anybody believes he will be a tax and spend liberal.

He has satisfied me on a number of the social issues.

1. He opposes Gay Marriage in any form.

2. On abortion, he is on the conservative side – front and center now and does not favor Partial Birth Abortion. And he supports Parental Notification.

So, these are the issues and the fact that he is a tax-cutter not a spender. I think he fills the bill in that way.

Thank you Congressman for the interview.

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani watches a mechanical milking system at the World Ag Expo, Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2007, in Tulare, Calif. Giuliani toured the expo as part of opening ceremonies.

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The Rudy Giuliani Files

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Reuters: Iran releases letter, video of captured Britons

Iran displayed three detained British naval personnel on television on Friday and released a letter from one saying she was being held because of “oppressive” British and U.S. behavior in
Iraq.

British Prime Minister Tony Blair said the footage of three of the 15 British captives enhanced people’s disgust at the treatment of the sailors and marines, and risked isolating Tehran further – but he urged calm and patience over the crisis.

“I am writing to you as a British service person who has been sent to Iraq, sacrificed due to the intervening policies of the Bush and Blair governments,” said the third letter from sailor Faye Turney, released by Iran’s embassy in London.

The letter from Sailor Faye Turney:

Obviously Iran is ignoring the 1949 Third Geneva Conventions and its Article XIII regarding humiliating and degrading prisoners of war.

And why are the Brits allowing Iran to humiliate them?

This is a replay of the fecklessness of the Jimmy Carter Iran Hostage crisis of 1979 when Iran held Americans for 444 days.

Will Britain let this play out or will their be a further provocation and/or response?

Flap will repeat his recommendations to Prime Minister Blair and President Bush:

1. Tell Iran they could keep the fifteen hostages all the time they want, even though they are violating the 1949 Third Geneva Convention Article XIII regarding humiliating and degrading prisoners of war and that those responsible in the Iranian government would be charged later with War Crimes.

2. If Iran persisted in holding the prisoners that within one week Iran might discover that their oil refining capability, nuclear facilities, and one gasoline refinery might not work nor exist.

3. If Iran continued to hold the prisoners, that within a week the United Kingdom and the United States would enforce a blockade of all gasoline into Iran.

4. But, of course, if Iran simply admits they made a mistake in their GPS coordinates and expeditiously returns the fifteen prisoners, Iran might return to a mechanized society under United Nations sanctions .

Tick Tock Tick Tock

Britain, the world is waiting.

Stay tuned…….

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Iran Watch: Britain Seeks Iran Condemnation from the United Nations

Iran Watch: Britain Must FIRST Admit “MISTAKE”

Iran Watch: Iran Parades Brit Hostages on TV

Iran Watch: Tony Blair Warns Iran

Iran Watch: Captured Brits – Show Trial or Bluff?

Iran Watch: Iran May Charge British Sailors

Iran Watch: Iran to Try Brits for Spying?

Iran Watch: British Troops Transported To Tehran

Iran Watch: Are Seized British Troops Hostages?

Iran Nuclear Watch: Ahmadinejad Cancels United Nations Appearance

Iran Watch: Iran Seizes British Sailors in Iraq Waters

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Technorati Tags: Iran, Iraq, Britain, UnitedKingdom, YahyaRahimSafavi, TonyBlair, ManouchehrMottaki

Day By Day by Chris Muir

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The Day By Day Archive

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****Update****

Blair: Britain Won’t Negotiate With Iran

Prime Minister Tony Blair said Thursday that Britain would not negotiate over British sailors and marines held hostage by Iran. In an interview with ITV News, Blair again called for the unconditional return of the 15 Royal Navy personnel who were seized by Iranian authorities last week.

Britain’s Sky News meanwhile said Iran had released another letter by captured sailor Faye Turney, this time calling for the withdrawal of troops from Iraq.

“The important thing for us is to get them back safe and sound, but we can’t enter into some basis of bargaining,” Blair said. “What you have to do when you are engaged with people like the Iranian regime, you have to keep explaining to them, very patiently, what it is necessary to do and at the same time make them fully aware there are further measures that will be taken if they’re not prepared to be reasonable.

“What you can’t do is end up negotiating over hostages; end up saying there’s some quid pro quo or tit for tat; that’s not acceptable,” he said.

Ok, now what?

The United Nations won’t act quickly or at all.

Who will blink first?

Map locating the area in the Gulf where Britain says its 15 sailors were captured by Iran last week. Britain has taken its escalating crisis with Iran over 15 captured sailors to the UN Security Council, as Tehran said it would not release the only woman among the detainees.

USA Today: Iran halts female sailor’s release as Britain seeks U.N. condemnation

Britain said Thursday that it would seek United Nations condemnation of Iran for taking its 15 Royal Navy crewmembers last week, as the dispute over the fate of the crew grew.

Iran, however, said Britain had mishandled the situation and said it would not release Britain’s lone female crewmember as it said it would because it was increasing international pressure.
Iran’s chief negotiator, Ali Larijani, chastised Britain for having “an incorrect attitude” and warned that release of any of the captives may not be imminent.

Iran’s Mehr News Agency reported that the promised release of sailor Faye Turney would be suspended. And Larijani, head of Iran’s supreme national security council, hinted on Iranian state radio that the crew could be put on trial, saying, “This case may face a legal path.”

And does Britain really think they will get any relief in the United Nations Security Council? Britain and the rest of the EU have been feckless with regards to Iran’s nuclear program so why should Iran change its behavior in this case?

Of course, you know what Flap recommends to UK PM Tony Blair.

Stay tuned………

An Iranian hardline student holds an anti-British placard outside Iran’s Foreign Ministry in Tehran.

Previous:

Iran Watch: Britain Must FIRST Admit “MISTAKE”

Iran Watch: Iran Parades Brit Hostages on TV

Iran Watch: Tony Blair Warns Iran

Iran Watch: Captured Brits – Show Trial or Bluff?

Iran Watch: Iran May Charge British Sailors

Iran Watch: Iran to Try Brits for Spying?

Iran Watch: British Troops Transported To Tehran

Iran Watch: Are Seized British Troops Hostages?

Iran Nuclear Watch: Ahmadinejad Cancels United Nations Appearance

Iran Watch: Iran Seizes British Sailors in Iraq Waters

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Technorati Tags: Iran, Iraq, Britain, UnitedKingdom, YahyaRahimSafavi, TonyBlair, ManouchehrMottaki

PPIC Statewide Survey: Californians and Their Government, March 2007

On the Republican side, Rudy Giulliani (33%) leads in the presidential primary race, followed by John McCain (19%), Newt Gingrich (14%), and Mitt Romney (7%). Guiliani has similar support among men and women, and conservatives and others. Gingrich has more support among conservatives and men, while McCain has similar support among men and women, but less support among conservatives than others. In a national survey, Giuliani led McCain by 40 percent to 20 percent, according to the March TIME poll.

To Summarize:

Rudy – 33%

McCain – 19%

Gingrich -14%

Romney – 7%

Mayor Giuliani continues a commanding lead in California.

Note equal numbers of men and women favor his candidacy.

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Day By Day by Chris Muir

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The Day By Day Archive

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