Althouse: Giuliani, taking phone calls from his wife during speeches.

September 26, 2007

Giuliani, taking phone calls from his wife during speeches.

What a cornball stunt.

73 comments:

EnigmatiCore said...: True.

But he hasn't brought Sandy Berger into his campaign as a top advisor.

So he has that going for him.; 9/26/07, 7:04 AM
Bob said...: Not the sort of thing that will impress an NRA audience that you really care about their concerns.; 9/26/07, 7:07 AM
AllenS said...: I'd add "lameness" to the Labels:; 9/26/07, 7:12 AM
hdhouse said...: the only way you can pry that cell phone(y) away from Rudy is to take it from his cold grey hands...or words to that effect.; 9/26/07, 7:13 AM
Anonymous said...: Judi, Judi, Judi ... always in the limelight.; 9/26/07, 7:25 AM
MadisonMan said...: She must've known he was making the speech, and yet she calls? Has she any judgement other than bad?

What a strange relationship.; 9/26/07, 7:31 AM
Roost on the Moon said...: I saw the video of this a few days a ago, and I still don't understand what he was up to. Just assurance that he has a good relationship with his wife? Or is it a mild diss to the NRA?

The NRA won't support him in the primary season, and won't vote against him in the general. Nothing to lose, right? Shore up the 'security mom' vote?; 9/26/07, 7:34 AM
Roger J. said...: My cynical take on it was he got the call right after he was trying to finesse his gun control position to the membership--It seemed to me that it was an effort to break the members attention. Just when I think I can't get more cynical, I manage to break the old record again.; 9/26/07, 7:44 AM
Too many jims said...: MadisonMan said...
She must've known he was making the speech, and yet she calls? Has she any judgement other than bad?

I wouldn't put it on her (was she even on the phone?). He has done this same thing at campaign stops.

In the context of campaigning, it makes some sense to me if he said something like: "Excuse me, I want to take this call from Judith. She really wanted to be here."

In the context of the NRA speech, I am at a loss: "Just think of the language of it [the Second Amendment]. The language of it is 'The people shall be secure. . .' Let's see now, this is my wife calling I think. Hello Dear."; 9/26/07, 7:49 AM
MadisonMan said...: Mr. President, we need your answer now. Do we attack or not?

Ring ring

Excuse me a moment, my wife is calling.; 9/26/07, 8:03 AM
Peter Hoh said...: So, any of the Rudy! backers want to defend him on this?; 9/26/07, 8:13 AM
Cedarford said...: Rude and disrespectful. Yes Rudy has huge a female-male support gap, but I don't think he overcomes that by looking pussy-whipped. Or talking up Judy like she will be co-President.

America tends to dislike politicians that not only engage in nepotism, but showcase it as something salutory about themselves.; 9/26/07, 8:28 AM
Roger J. said...: Peter: still a Rudy supporter, but his behavior here is indefensible.; 9/26/07, 8:32 AM
Mark Daniels said...: Yesterday, Chris Matthews ran a video clip of another time this same thing happened, maybe one of the two previous instances to which the WaPo article alludes.

If this is a deliberate "cornball stunt" on Giuliani's part, it's a really dumb one.

At this point, the less that Giuliani reminds the public of Judith, let alone any aspect of his domestic life, the better off he'll be. There's a widespread belief that, like Newt Gingrich, he's been a bit cavalier when it comes to his personal life, callous, manipulative, and that, to use a line from an old James Taylor song, his "goodbyes have been somewhat unrefined." While Americans want their leaders to be tough, they don't want them to be heartless.

Giuliani's only hope of being the GOP nomination or of winning the general election next year is to polish his image as both a hard-driving leader and a 9/11 hero. It's these two images of Rudy that cause even conservative Republicans to give him the benefit of their doubts.

Dissing audiences by accepting phone calls during speeches is unacceptable to voters of any persuasion. It makes the candidate look flaky.

And flagging his wife, who is such a controversial figure among some, by taking her call from the rostrum during a speech, doesn't advance Giuliani's cause in the least.

Giuliani deserves credit for deciding to speak to the NRA gathering. It was a courageous thing to do.

But the Mayor had better resolve to turn off his phone for future events before he turns off all sorts of folks.

Mark Daniels; 9/26/07, 8:36 AM
Melinda said...: Kind of in the same category as when he had his son Andrew next to him making faces during his inaugural speech in 1994. I think that was supposed to show his "warm, family-guy side" too.

I don't remember one thing Rudy said in that speech, but everyone remembers the kid making faces.; 9/26/07, 9:10 AM
Mark Daniels said...: Melinda:
I was thinking of that just a few minutes ago. Go to YouTube and check out the great SNL sendup Chris Farley did of that little fiasco.

By the way, in the interest of full disclosure, I did accidentally leave my cell phone on during worship one Sunday. It rang during my sermon. I didn't answer it. But the silly thing did beep a few times after the person left their message. Distracting and unprofessional on my part, for sure.

Mark; 9/26/07, 9:19 AM
Peter Hoh said...: YouTube clip

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKS82xn0PNk; 9/26/07, 9:40 AM
Trooper York said...: If you keep making jokes like that, somebody is going to shoot you, father.”
(Mary Todd Lincoln); 9/26/07, 9:55 AM
Gary Carson said...: How can you not vote for a guy who loves his third wife?; 9/26/07, 10:19 AM
Trooper York said...: My wife's jealousy is getting ridiculous. The other day she looked at my calendar and wanted to know who May was.
Rodney Dangerfield; 9/26/07, 10:25 AM
Swifty Quick said...: So, any of the Rudy! backers want to defend him on this?

I'm not a "Rudy! backer" per se, but I'm not in any way opposed to him, and I will happily vote for him if he gets the nomination. I say that he really needs no defending. This was an attempt at humor that went lame on him and wasn't very funny. There's really nothing more there than that. He probably should and will drop that little gag from his repertoire. And I'm thinking that if that's the worst thing that the anti-Rudy contingent out there has on him, hey, he's a lock.; 9/26/07, 10:42 AM
Daryl said...: If this is a deliberate "cornball stunt" on Giuliani's part, it's a really dumb one.

There's no "if" about it. Before you give a speech, you turn off your phone. If some super-important event happens, your staffer can take the call and get you during the speech.

You don't check your cell phone to see who is calling DURING THE FRIGGIN' SPEECH, and you don't answer your phone DURING THE SPEECH. You just don't. It's bad manners.

It's 100% cornball, and he should not have done it a second time.; 9/26/07, 11:26 AM
ricpic said...: For Dems a Hillary vs. Rudy contest is win-win. Either way we get a big gov lib. Contrary to the opinion of the Althousian secular humanists on this site the rube Republican base will not come out to vote for Rudy just to stop Hillary. They'll sit on their hands rather than elect such an obvious RINO. Next time around, after the stench of Hillary has sickened all but the true believers, the Pubbies will either mount a genuine conservative candidate -- or be no more.; 9/26/07, 11:31 AM
Anonymous said...: Imo, conservatives letting Hillary win over "RINO" Rudy will be a big mistake. The Clintons will consolidate their power and gains so effectively and with a beholden, smitten media interfacing and explaining
for them that Americans will never know they’re disgusted with the corrupt, socialist-tranzi-self-serving regime that will be Hill and her party denizens, PC ideologues, and Soros international bizologues/ puppet masters.; 9/26/07, 11:54 AM
MadisonMan said...: jane, is that black helicopters I hear?

(What's tranzi, btw?); 9/26/07, 12:10 PM
Wade Garrett said...: Cornball is exactly the right word for this stunt, but what's sad is that such a ridiculous showing is necessary for him to 'prove' that he's a good family man.; 9/26/07, 12:11 PM
Trooper York said...: My wife met me at the door the other night in a sexy negligee. Unfortunately, she was just coming home.
Rodney Dangerfield; 9/26/07, 12:21 PM
Anonymous said...: MM,

It's a free-dressing internationalist first, American last.

I knew people in high position in Arkansas during the Clinton years and, acc to them, the way of bidness was more intriguing and intimidating than straight. What we know of the Clinton WH tenure is enough for some of us to get it. If you don't, you're spared all worry and responsibility, so am happy for you!; 9/26/07, 12:31 PM
Trooper York said...: My wife is always trying to get rid of me. The other day she told me to put the garbage out. I said to her I already did. She told me to go and keep an eye on it.
Rodney Dangerfield; 9/26/07, 12:50 PM
George M. Spencer said...: I was tired one night and I went to the bar to have a few drinks.

The bartender asked me, "What'll you have?"

I said, "Surprise me."

He showed me a naked picture of my wife.

Ah, Dangerfield. What a funny guy.; 9/26/07, 1:04 PM
Anonymous said...: EnigmatiCore said..."But he hasn't brought Sandy Berger into his campaign as a top advisor. So he has that going for him."

Yeah, but he's still hanging with his BFF Kerik.; 9/26/07, 1:06 PM
Anonymous said...: jane,
Good Lord...UP THE MEDS.

You're beginning to sound like Sloan.; 9/26/07, 1:08 PM
Anonymous said...: This is the third time he's pulled the stunt.

I don't understand the point.; 9/26/07, 1:09 PM
Trooper York said...: With me, nothing goes right. My psychiatrist said my wife and I should have sex every night. Now, we'll never see each other!
Rodney Dangerfield; 9/26/07, 1:14 PM
KCFleming said...: I think Rudy is just doing a poor imitation of Bob Newhart. It makes more sense if you picture Rudy in a sweater and stuttering a bit.

I wonder if Rudy knows any dentists named Jerry that could swing by. But Judi can't hold a candle to Suzanne Pleshette.; 9/26/07, 1:19 PM
Anonymous said...: Dearest Lucky,

I'm one of the few people I know not on drugs of any kind- for the physical, mental/ psych, or for the never-grown-up illegal rec that spoiled and skanky middle classes indulge.

When Hill gets elected in '08, tho', i'll expect a government program showing how I'm entitled to "Free!" drugs from (my) tax monies, and maybe I'll swallow. With the corrupt Clintons in power, again, along with their amazing transformational Prog friends, I'll be desperate for some designer chems to forget and drop out.; 9/26/07, 1:31 PM
ricpic said...: Suzanne Pleshette. I was going to post that she was the quintessential MILF, but then I googled her and found that she had no children. Sad. Still, she was the quintessential WILF.; 9/26/07, 1:34 PM
Revenant said...: Yeah, Rudy definitely needs to quit doing that. If he's trying to play up the fact that yes, he really is attached to his wife (unlike the two previous ones he divorced) he needs to find a better way to do it. This way just looks rude... and strange, too.; 9/26/07, 1:35 PM
Trooper York said...: Dr. Robert Hartley: [final lines, Dick wakes up as Bob from "The Bob Newhart Show"] I just had had the strangest dream. I just dreamt that I was married to a beautiful blonde and we owned an inn that was going to be turned into a golf club.
Emily Hartley: [wakes up, turns the light on] That's it, no more shrimp before bed.
[turns light off]
Emily Hartley: [turns light back on, jealous] Beautiful blonde?
(Newhart 1982); 9/26/07, 1:45 PM
Trooper York said...: Rudy Giuliani: [final lines, Rudy wakes up as a presidential candidate] I just had had the strangest dream. I just dreamt that I was married to a beautiful blonde with huge knockers and I was actor on Law and Order and she was my campaign manager as well as an ultra hot sex kitten.
Judi Giuliani [wakes up, turns the light on] That's it, no more shrimp before bed.
[turns light off]
Judi Giuliani [turns light back on, jealous] Beautiful blonde?
(Rudi and Judi Show 2007); 9/26/07, 1:58 PM
AlphaLiberal said...: "cornball" is being charitable.

"Cringeworthy" is more like it. I can't stand to even watch those clips. And to think there are Repubs who react positively to that kind of crap.; 9/26/07, 2:09 PM
Trooper York said...: Elizabeth Edwards ([final lines, Elizabeth wakes up"] I just had had the strangest dream. I just dreamt that I was married to a rugged, ripped stud, who stood for all American values, who was all man, who was running for president with a great chance to win.
John Edwards [wakes up, turns the light on] That's it, no more shrimp before bed.
[turns light off]
John Edwards [turns light back on, jealous] Man?
(The New Adventures of the Grapes
of Wrath 2007); 9/26/07, 2:12 PM
Trooper York said...: Hillary Clinton [final lines, Hillary wakes up"] I just had had the strangest dream. I just dreamt that I was married to a beautiful blonde and we owned an inn that was going to be turned into a golf club.
Bill Clinton [wakes up, turns the light on] That's it, no more shrimp before bed.
[turns light off]
Bill Clinton [turns light back on, jealous] What was she wearing?
( Let’s Do it Again Tour 2007); 9/26/07, 2:14 PM
Anonymous said...: Rudy’s strange and quirky, what’s new about that? Won’t keep a lot of us from voting for him if he’s the GOP nominee. Whereas, the Dems are estranged from centrist to conservative US interests, domestic and foreign policy-wise. That’s key.

Who’s kidding whom here? If Hillary is elected Prez, do we actually think she won’t take Bill’s phonecalls and direction night and day but not be so upfront about it?; 9/26/07, 2:17 PM
Brian Doyle said...: For Dems a Hillary vs. Rudy contest is win-win.

[Dabs eyes] Thanks. I haven't laughed like that in a long time.

I hope you're right about the rube base, though. Remember, there's nothing wrong with standing true to your conservative ideals and voting for Sam Brownback.

BTW, I think this is an easy way for Ann to try to make it look like she actually criticizes Republicans, and Giuliani in particular (who I guarantee you she will vote for, given the opportunity). But you get no points if even the WSJ's hideous op-ed page goes after him for it. As if saying Rudy is right on the issues but he's a weirdo is some sort of on-the-one-hand, on-the-other-hand analysis.; 9/26/07, 2:24 PM
Trooper York said...: Mitt Romney [final lines, Mitt wakes up"] I just had had the strangest dream. I just dreamt that I was married to a beautiful blonde and we owned an inn that was going to be turned into a golf club and we were going to make a load of money.
Ann Romney [wakes up, turns the light on] That's it, no more shrimp before bed.
[turns light off]
Ann Romney [turns light back on, jealous] What do you mean you had a dream? That’s your life stupid. Go back to sleep or I’ll have Roman reassign me.
(Homeward Bound IV The top of the Station Wagon 2007); 9/26/07, 2:31 PM
Trooper York said...: Hey Doyle, Lets go Mets.; 9/26/07, 2:34 PM
Brian Doyle said...: Whereas, the Dems are estranged from centrist to conservative US interests, domestic and foreign policy-wise.

Sure, if you just assume those interests are identical to your own and disregard what actual Americans have to say about them.

And the point, Jane, is that the phone call was taken during a speech, which is both rude and an embarrassing attempt to make his family life look non-shattered.

But don't let that suppress your instinctive reflex towards the "Clinton did it (or, failing that, would do it) too" defense. It's always money.; 9/26/07, 2:35 PM
Brian Doyle said...: Two games up with five to play isn't that bad, trooper. Besides, lots of baseball teams aren't even in contention for the playoffs. See, unlike soft, entitled Yankee fans, we actually appreciate what we have. Which incidentally includes a division lead. Where's yours?

Would it be nice if they would stop getting rolled by the Nationals? Sure, but as long as Philly stops winning it's no harm no foul.; 9/26/07, 2:41 PM
Anonymous said...: "And the point, Jane, is that the phone call was taken during a speech, which is both rude and an embarrassing attempt to make his family life look non-shattered."

Well, OMG, Doyle, you're right. The Clinton-let's-be-serviced-by-a-young intern-in-the-Oval Office-to pretend-we're-sexy/bad-John F. Kennedy-and-then-lie-about-it-to-the-American-people-and-to-a-court is not the least bit RUDE or a shabby attempt to screw "family life."

A phonecall during a speech- MAJOR faux pas and sin.; 9/26/07, 2:42 PM
Brian Doyle said...: Hey your beef is with Paul Gigot and Ann. I wasn't aware of it until they started all the fuss.; 9/26/07, 2:46 PM
Ralph L said...: Bill Clinton [turns light back on, jealous] What wasn't she wearing?

Fixed it for you. He ain't gay.; 9/26/07, 2:46 PM
Ralph L said...: Romney has a pretty good joke (for a handsome Mormon) in his stump speech:
"Ann, did you ever in your wildest dreams think that I'd be running for President one day?"
"Mitt, you were never in my wildest dreams."; 9/26/07, 2:53 PM
Brian Doyle said...: Also Jane I think there's a support group for survivors of Bill Clinton's infidelity. You might want to give them a call.; 9/26/07, 2:54 PM
Anonymous said...: Absolutely, Doyle. Cheater Clinton and his stand-by-your-man-it's-all-a-vast-right-wing-conspiracy-lie wife have the correct perspective.

Rudy taking a call during a minor speech takes the cake, don't it?; 9/26/07, 3:04 PM
blake said...: Hmmph.

That's Paula Poundstone's bit.; 9/26/07, 3:11 PM
Anonymous said...: Left out stuff. Please revise to "Cheater Clinton and his stand-by-your-man-it's-all-a-vast-right-wing-conspiracy-lie-wife-who's-running-for-President-to-lead-this-nation" have the correct perspective.; 9/26/07, 3:11 PM
KCFleming said...: Re: "I think there's a support group for survivors of Bill Clinton's infidelity."

The Twelve Steps as defined by Clintonoholics Anonymous
1. We admitted we were powerless over Bill —that our lives had become unmanageable.
2. Came to believe that a Power greater than Bill could restore us to sanity. Hillary.
3. Made a decision to turn our will and paychecks over the Democratic Party.
4. Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves, but discarded it whenever expedient.
5. Admitted nothing.
6. Were entirely ready to have Hillary remove all our defects of character.
7. Humbly asked Hillary to remove our shortcomings.
8. Made a list of all persons Bill had harmed, and became willing to destroy them all.
9. Made many excuses.
10. Looked away when he posed with PYTs.
11. Change the subject when Bill's infidelities are discussed.
12. But still get bent out of shape if anyone from the right does what Bill did.

Amen.; 9/26/07, 3:12 PM
Trooper York said...: Doyle, let's see who makes it to the playoff's baby. I've been a Yankee fan since the '60's and lived with the Horace Clarke years...so I know from losing my ass off....but I think your collar is just a little tight night...but good luck and see you in the series. A subway series will be a lot of fun.; 9/26/07, 3:13 PM
Trooper York said...: I thought Paula Poundstone's gig was molesting her adopted childern, and that Michael Jackson was doing it now in Vegas.; 9/26/07, 3:17 PM
Brian Doyle said...: If it weren't for Monica Lewinsky, what would wingnuts compare everything to?; 9/26/07, 3:30 PM
Trooper York said...: Mary Jo Kopechne; 9/26/07, 3:32 PM
Trooper York said...: You got to admit, it's definitely an improvement, they got someone who could hold their breath.; 9/26/07, 3:34 PM
KCFleming said...: Trooper!!!
Now that's funny.; 9/26/07, 3:42 PM
Anonymous said...: Uh, I don't get it? :); 9/26/07, 3:46 PM
Eli Blake said...: I bet Donna Hanover doesn't have his cell phone number.

Wonder if he'd take a call from his best friend Alan Placa during a speech?; 9/26/07, 4:03 PM
Maxine Weiss said...: "Ladies: call your husbands!"

Years ago when I sold stereo equipment at the electronics store....and a single woman would come in, unescorted, I'd roll my eyes....knowing full well she had no clue about stereophonics, hi-fidelity, analogs, or anything else to do with sound.

Same thing with single ladies who gingerly, go to buy a car....alone...without their husbands. Totally out of their depth!

Of course they get taken advantage of.

Clearly, Giuliani was worried about his wife going out, all alone, unescorted.

Isn't it nice to know her husband is just a phone call away.... should she have a question about retail purchasing, or some other area beyond her expertise !; 9/26/07, 5:18 PM
Anonymous said...: I really resent your characterization of stereo and car buying women, Maxine. I bought my last car on my own and w/o any hesitation on the basis of frivolities. It only had to be October, deep cerulean blue.; 9/26/07, 6:21 PM
Maxine Weiss said...: Jane, don't go into convulsions. All I'm saying is that some women are out of their depth....in certain areas of life.

That's why God created Husbands. And clearly, Giuliani is that kind of husband, available to his wife, should she have a question about stereo equipment, car parts, tool and die....or any other place where women aren't usually found.

Just like, if I saw a man in the Lingerie Dept. I might wonder what he's doing there, and where on earth is his wife !; 9/26/07, 7:04 PM
Anonymous said...: Perhaps Judy was calling Rudy! with a little vagina monologue to encourage his early return home that evening.; 9/26/07, 8:56 PM
MadisonMan said...: Things that are rude: Talking about another couple's sex life. Taking a phone call when you're in front of a group of people; 9/26/07, 10:10 PM
Too many jims said...: Possible script for Rudi's next phone call:
"Hello. pause, then whispering I told you never to call me here; don't you know where I am? Well look, baby, I can't talk to you now. . . . Of course Bucky would rather be there with you. Of course it isn't only physical. I deeply respect you as a human being. . . . Listen, you go back to sleep. Bucky'll be back there just as soon as he can. Alright. Listen, sug', don't forget to say your prayers."; 9/26/07, 10:56 PM
Peter Hoh said...: Maxine, you think Rudy is worried that Judi's running around unescorted? I think it's more likely that Judi worries about Rudy running around.

And Jane, you might not want to make a big deal about Bill's infidelities while cheering for Rudy.; 9/27/07, 12:08 AM