Rudy Giuliani Watch: Trashing Rudy on Speaking Fees and Consulting

Former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, right, is seen with Sean Hannity while on the set of Hannity and Colmes on the Fox News Channel in New York on Monday, Feb. 5, 2007. Giuliani, the former New York City mayor whose popularity soared after his response to the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, moved closer Monday to a full-fledged campaign for the Republican presidential nomination.

USA Today: Rudy’s millions: Paper scrutinizes former NYC mayor’s speaking fees

Former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani “has leveraged his image as ‘America’s mayor’ to his decided financial advantage and in ways that belie his man-of-the-people persona,” according to the Chicago Tribune.

The paper says Giuliani (bio) earns $100,000 — plus expenses — for each speech. And he gives a lot of speeches. In 2002, the former mayor estimated his annual income from speaking engagements at $8 million. He earns millions more as a consultant, including at least $1 million from firms “tied to criminal or regulatory missteps,” according to the Tribune.

This piece written by Andrew Zajac of the Chicago Tribune’s Washington Bureau is crap. It implies by innuendo that Rudy Giuliani has illegally or somehow unethically profited in business. And that he has used the 9/11 terror attacks for his own personal enrichment.

And there is evidence, where?

Because Hizzoner commands a certain fee, contracts and fulfills his contractual obligations, he has done something wrong, unethical or illegal? It is unethical to fly in a private jet, when you pay for it yourself?

Because an Australian organization nets a small sum after expenses, that is Rudy’s fault?

Because courts set aside awards for fees for Giuliani’s consulting company, there is something wrong? Courts set aside and modify fee awards all of the time.

So, what is Zajac’s point?

Look at the Comments at the end of the USA Today article:

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Geeesh… Nice Gig if you can get it!And why two comments from an “anonymous” poster? Too scared to use your name? And why only Dem Examples – eh bub??? Did you look up Repubs too – like Newt Gingrich? Oh I guess Bill O’Really doesn’t really want to be “fair and balanced”!!This article is NOT ABOUT Republican abuse – it is about one man – “running for president” who just happens to be making a ton of money – exploiting 9/11!! That is the sad part! If he was donating X% to charity or a fund for the children of 9/11, etc. I don’t think I would be at all offended – but the simple fact here – and nOT a red-blue issue – is that he is making Beaucoup Bucks of the Nations Worst Tragedy and exploiting it! That is SAD!

Posted by: Charlie Chan Blue Dog | Feb 7, 2007 12:32:13 PM

sounds like he is smart to me. Nothing illegal about charging a fee for a speach that I am aware of.
I have more respect for him than anyone else running so far.

Posted by: truth b. told | Feb 7, 2007 12:27:20 PM

It’s the American way, I’d take 100K for speaking, unfortunately I’m only worth about $10 per speach and that’s to keep my mouth closed.Rudy, Bill, Al, Jimmy, George Bush I, and on and on and on… Go for it. I wouldn’t pay that much but obviously a lot of people will and do.”Only in America” – Don King

Posted by: GetReal, Prophet of Stockbridge | Feb 7, 2007 12:21:20 PM

This smells like a desperate attempt for an early derailing of the strongest presidential candidate. Smells like the opposition soiled themselves at the latest polls.No one currently running for president has a stronger executive resume than Rudy. That is why they fear him and have to look for some mud to throw.

Posted by: Dirty Harry | Feb 7, 2007 12:17:17 PM

On second thought, go ahead and smear him. Rudy is way to liberal for my tastes. I think liberals fear him most because he has the best chance of winning New York over Hillary.

Posted by: BRIT | Feb 7, 2007 12:15:18 PM

Bill Clinton. Jesse Jackson. Al Gore.

Posted by: So what | Feb 7, 2007 12:12:13 PM

Liberal smear alert! If that is what people are willing to pay Rudy to speak, that is what he is worth. Rudy should charge a whole lot more than that!

Posted by: BRIT | Feb 7, 2007 12:10:52 PM

So what. Why is it an issue that Rudy commands a price, sets stipulations and then honors the contracts he enters into? Why is that an issue?When Clinton charges the same amount, for the same thing, the Media crows how much in demand he is. When Rudy does it, the position becomes “He’s out of touch with the common person”…More Media bias and hypocrisy.

Posted by: CC in OH | Feb 7, 2007 12:07:29 PM

“Giuliani earned $200,000 for a speech at a fundraiser for an Australian hospital that netted the organizers only $15,000″If these suckers are willing to pay all this money, they deserve what they get.in regards to his ‘man of the people’ persona… wasn’t this guy always rich?

Posted by: | Feb 7, 2007 11:40:14 AM

Posted by: | Feb 7, 2007 11:37:49 AM

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The comments tell it all.

So, is the Clinton Cabal and the MSM starting to go after Rudy?

And you really thought that the 2008 Presidential campaign was going to be about issues facing the United States?

Sadly NOT.

Stay tuned……

Rudolph Giuliani, seen here at Ground Zero in October 2001, is a charismatic former New York mayor who was catapulted to hero status for his response to the September 11 attacks of 2001, earning the title “America’s Mayor.”

Previous:

Rudy Giuliani Watch: Distorting Rudy’s Position on Justice Ginsburg

Rudy Giuliani Watch: America’s Mayor Announces for President on Hannity and Colmes

Rudy Giuliani Watch: Rudy Video – Down South in South Carolina

Rudy Giuliani Watch: Rudy Down South in South Carolina

Rudy Giuliani Watch: A Real Good Chance

Rudy Giuliani Watch: Dean Says Rudy is Sunk in GOP

Rudy Giuliani Watch: Gallup Poll Part II

Rudy Giuliani Watch: Gallup Poll Part I
The Rudy Giuliani Files

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