Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani remained coy while addressing his 2012 intentions during an appearance at the National Press Club Tuesday, but firmly defended his reputation as a moderate Conservative.
“I may be described as a moderate Republican, but I would just ask people to read the New York Times editorials about me and see how moderate I really was,” Giuliani joked, adding that he showed fiscal restraint during his tenure as mayor and earned the admiration of conservative columnist George Will for his economic, crime and security policies.
Acknowledging the current emphasis the GOP field is placing on social issues, Giuliani added that it would be difficult for him to secure his party’s nod.
“I’m simply not that conservative on social issues,” Giuliani said. “I’m not willing to change just to become President.”
However, the former Mayor noted that he would stand a decent chance to win the general election if nominated.
When asked if he could end up endorsing Texas Governor Rick Perry, who backed Giuliani’s usuccessful bid for the White House in the 2008 campaign, Giuliani praised Perry’s stewardship of his state, but said that he was not yet sure if the Governor was the right candidate.
Giuliani was invited to the Press Club to share his thoughts on the upcoming 10 year anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, which occurred in New York while he was in office. Giuliani said that he has put off announcing his 2012 decision until after the date passes.