Joe Conason: A Dubious Kind Of Leadership (Giuliani)

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http://www.observer.com/20070416/20070416_Joe_Conason_opinions_conason.asp

A Dubious Kind of Leadership
By Joe Conason

Before Rudolph W. Giuliani started to run for President, he specialized in writing books and delivering inspirational lectures on the topic of “leadership,” which has become the theme for his campaign. He is now telling America that in a time of war and terror, he is the leader we need. And he seems to be saying that the determination and strength of “the leader” matter more than where the leader wants to take us or whether he knows where he is going.

If that sounds like the same primitive mind-set that created our current disaster, then consider yourself forewarned. Mr. Giuliani is a fervent admirer of George W. Bush, whose election he considers a result of “divine guidance,” and a dauntless supporter of the war in Iraq, which resulted from the kind of leadership he advocates. Despite that highly unpopular position, the former New York City Mayor leads the Republican Presidential field in many polls.

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What exactly does he mean? If he is suggesting that he is a leader who should be trusted to make critical judgments about national security and foreign policy, there is plenty of evidence to contradict him.

During the months and years leading up to 9/11—as reporters Wayne Barrett and Dan Collins proved in Grand Illusion: The Untold Story of Rudy Giuliani and 9/11, their superb book debunking much of the “America’s Mayor” mythology—he made several decisions as Mayor that would later prove disastrous.

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