Giuliani, Rudy (1944—)

In the aftermath of the attacks of September 11, 2001, Rudolph Giuliani was labeled “America's Mayor.” His courage and compassion during the extreme circumstances of the tragedy reconfigured his public image.

Giuliani received a law degree from the New York University School of Law and spent much of his early career as a prosecutor. He is credited with a number of successful prosecutions of organized crime on the East Coast. He also served as associate attorney general under Ronald Reagan.

As mayor of New York, Giuliani served two terms, from 1994 to 2001. His terms as mayor were praised for his successful reduction of crime in New York City. He also spearheaded a visible Times Square renovation/revitalization that improved the city's appearance and safety. During his time as major, Giuliani honed his media skills by initiating a call-in radio program and appearing regularly on late night talk and comedy shows, including Saturday Night Live.

Giuliani has been widely credited with helping to hold the city together in the immediate aftermath of the 9/11 collapse of the World Trade Center. His leadership has been called courageous and inspirational, and it was the major reason for his designation as Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2001.

Before his term as major of New York was scheduled to end in 2001, Giuliani considered entering the race for the U.S. Senate in New York, upon the retirement of Senator Patrick Moynihan. However, due to prostate cancer and other personal considerations, Giuliani withdrew from that race before the Republican primary in 2000.

After his term as mayor ended in 2001, with a 76% public approval rating, Giuliani continued his commitment to restoration of the World Trade Center site and worked on task forces and organizations to combat future terrorism attacks and facilitate greater preparedness. He was a keynote speaker at the 2004 Republican National Convention and an active supporter of President George W. Bush's reelection.

In 2007, Rudy Giuliani declared his intention to run for the Republican presidential nomination in 2008. His exploratory campaign efforts seem promising, and many polls place him at the top of Republican choices.