Riding tragedy to victory?

You have to be either seriously impressed or deeply disgusted (or possibly a little of both) about what Rudy Giuliani has done with his political career in the past six years.

His biggest claim to fame is that his city was attacked by terrorists and he didn't climb under his mayoral desk in fear that day. That day, he appeared a pillar of strength, even while his city was covered in soot and he could do nothing to stop the disaster. Unfortunately, his actual record in preparing New York City to deal with a terrorist attack is a far cry from that image.

Even after seeing the 1993 attack on the World Trade Center, Giuliani failed to speed through a plan that would have allowed different rescue departments (police, fire, etc) to communicate through one unified system. Instead, communication on Sept. 11, 2001, was an absolute nightmare. And it's only one example of how his claims as a terrorism fighter don't mesh with his actual record. (For a more detailed examination of his record, read this.)

That hasn't stopped Giuliani from making his "experience with terrorism" the focal point of his campaign. But when you think about it, it's like me saying my house was once burglarized, so I'm now qualified to be the head of the Tracy police's crime scene investigation unit.

How well has he connected himself — and his political future — to the Sept. 11 attacks and people's emotional reaction to that day? His supporters are organizing a "$9.11 for Rudy" campaign, in which donors will be asked to chip in 9 dollars and 11 cents.

How touching. I'm sure the victims' families are honored.