Mitt Romney for President My Man Mitt: IAFF Releases Rudy Video

Go here to watch the IAFF's (International Association of Fire Fighters) new video release.

This may greatly undermine Rudy's 9/11 hero image. Only time will what sort of impact this will have.

Below is a single quote from the above (rudy-urbanlegend) site:

"Rudy has used the horrible events of September 11 to create a persona that is an elaborate fabrication," says IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger. "He is nothing more than a shameless self-promoter."

I have always thought Rudy was a wonderful leader on 9/11 and throughout that traumatic period. Now, I don't believe we owe him the presidency, but he's always been a good guy in my mind. These guys in the video, obviously, have a different opinion on all that.

That's why this video has such great potential to harm his candidacy. These fire fighters and others know details none of us do. Some may disagree with the viewpoints expressed on this video and other media. Yet, these fire fighters want to share their story.

Update #1: I understand the IAFF has a history of supporting Democrats. In fact, they supported Kerry a few years ago. Naturally, I don't support much of what they do as a semi-political organization. I'm only interested in their perspectives on Rudy Giuliani as hero of 9/11. Yeah, they have additional reasons to see Rudy fail. I am interested in hearing what might be additional insight into how he ran NYC before 9/11.

Update #2: go here to read "Firemen douse Rudy’s image as 9/11 hero: Union bid to halt White House run." Below is one quote from the story:

Douglas Brinkley, a biographer of Kerry, said: “Pitting the two heroes of 9/11 - Giuliani and the firefighters - against each other will be the Swift Boat campaign all over again. Giuliani has marketed himself brilliantly as the leader of 9/11 but this will damage him. Most Americans respect the firemen more than they respect him.”


	5 Comments: The video didn't show any opposing views, but it did show the one view from a very strong and convincing perspective. I never have liked how he is using 9/11 as his springboard platform and now it is coming back to haunt him. He needs to address this. By Unknown, at July 13, 2007 at 6:54 AM This is just a typical smear job on Rudy. Most of these guys are liberal union types. Rudy should be attacked on other areas. This is not a legitimate one. By Anonymous, at July 13, 2007 at 7:18 AM This ad campaign in unfortunate. While much of the commentary convincingly tears down Rudy's image, I don't think these ads will be as effective as the swifboats. First, unlike Kerry w/the Swiftboats, Rudy is willing to attack back against these guys. Second, the IAFF has a history of partisan politics through a number of previous presidential campaigns. I'm a huge Romney supporter and hope Rudy's popularity drops out from under him. This, however, is not the right way. By Anonymous, at July 13, 2007 at 11:15 AM There is a big difference between what the Swiftboat vets did with their advertisements and what the fire fighters union is trying to do with theirs: the first group was telling the truth. With regard to the fire fighters union's video, even the NYT is saying the video is inaccurate and misleading. By David Walser, at July 13, 2007 at 1:09 PM Didn't IAFF endorse Rudy for Mayor? If true, then just yelling "partisans!" probably would be less than effective. By Anonymous, at July 14, 2007 at 8:43 AM Post a Comment