Rudy, Rudy !!!!!

No, I'm not talking about the sappy movie about a too small, too slow walk-on to Notre Dame's football team that generated a screenplay and a hobbit-starring movie, but rather the potential presidential aspirations of the former mayor of New York, Rudy Giuliani. He is considered a potential candidate for the Republican presidential nomination, albeit one with plenty of warts. Here's some of my random thoughts:

If megalomania as an important qualification for president, Rudy is without peer (and mind you that's no small win when you consider the egos of the folks that run for president). That said, he is not without some credibility as a leader.

His most notable claim to fame is his admirable actions during and following the attacks of 9/11. Moreover, his efforts to improve the quality of life within New York City, while often controversial, are appropriately credited with returning much of NYC to its past glory including iconic areas like Time Square. At the same time, it's worthy to note that prior to the 9/11 attacks, Rudy's approval ratings were at a nadir. His arrogance and mean-spiritedness exhausted the body politic.

He sought unsuccessfully to extend his mayoral term following the 9/11 attacks.

Before becoming Mayor of NYC, he was a prominent, publicity seeking U.S. District Attorney in NYC, leading at least for press purposes, a number of prosecutions of New York crime bosses.

Since 9/11 he's made a fortune parlaying his high profile consulting and as a speaker.

He has enjoyed decidedly less success in the areas of personal relationships. While currently married, he is the veteran of two failed marriages.

He is a polarizing character to say the least. Former associates alternatively love or hate him

His handpicked choice for New York City Police Commissioner, Bernie Kerik, later imploded after being selected to succeed Tom Ridge as Director of Homeland Security. President Bush ignored standard vetting protocol and incautiously named Kerik as Ridge's successor based solely on Rudy's endorsement. The press did the vetting for the President and less than a week later "Lawbreakin'" Bernie requesting his nomination be withdrawn (note that Bernie Kerik is definitely worthy of a post of his own). Rudy has been persona non grata with the Bush White House ever since.

I don't think his chances in '08 are very good. My view is that he has a "puncher's chance." Should the country sustain a significant terrorist attack between now and 4/08, I think he becomes the odds on favorite to not only get nominated by the Republicans (the real battle), but he wins the Presidency in a walk.