It's been said that "anything we do is a hologram of everything we do," and political candidates are certainly no exception. It doesn't bode well that Republican presidential candidate Rudolph W. Giuliani's reactions to various assertions about him recently tend to bring out the lawyer in him. After all, he is one. That said, it's important that he raise his game.
Citing numerous statistical misrepresentations and errors in statements made publicly by Mr. Giuliani in recent weeks, reporter Michael Cooper of the New York Times today stays away from any assertion that the candidate has a penchant for lying about his record. At the same time, the candidate's campaign spokesman, Maria Comella, was quoted as saying that his overall statements are true.
Earlier this week, when faced with reports that while Mayor of New York City, he had hidden expenses for his security detail in strange budgetary hidey-holes, the candidate replied with "I know nothing about that."
Self-aware leadership does not mean shirking responsibility. He, or his campaign, could easily respond with a more conscious approach, such as:
"According to the research done by various new organizations, and the Annenberg center, it looks like Mr. Giuliani is guilty of exaggerating his statistical record in his exuberance to make points about his ability to lead. He now realizes his errors, and deeply regrets them. He vows to learn his lesson: either to get it right, or not try for total recall, and speak more thematically. Lesson learned."
and
"While the specific, detailed information regarding the New York City budget expense allocations were rarely at issue or an area of focus for the Mayor, Mr. Giuliani acknowledges that he was ultimately responsible for everything in the budget--the buck stopped with him, and he realizes that he is accountable for this situation. He will investigate further and report on what may have happened."
No charge, Mr. Giuliani!
