The American Spectator

The New York Post is causing a stir with a report that Rudy Giuliani is gearing up for a possible presidential run in 2012. As somebody who was initially bullish on a Giuliani run the last time around, I’d have to say the idea of a second bid is ludicrous.

Despite his many challenges as a candidate, Giuliani entered the last race with several things going for him — he was still enjoying some of his post-9/11 rock star status, he was seen as a tough on national security candidate and he had strong fundraising potential. However, while he enjoyed a lead in most polling during 2007, eventually his liberal views on social issues, tales of his tumultuous personal life, and his lazy campaign caught up with him.

He would start a 2012 campaign with the same obstacles on social issues and with his personal life as he faced the last time around, but without several advantages he enjoyed last time. Whatever remained of his rock-star status as “America’s Mayor” in 2007, evaporated by the time he dropped his presidential bid. His opponents were able to effectively argue that his performance on 9/11 didn’t translate into actual foreign policy and national security experience. It’s one thing if he came close to winning the nomination, but his performance was an embarrassment — he spent $59 million to win one delegate. Not exactly the greatest track record to have when making a pitch to donors.

CBS News reports that the former New York City mayor “has learned from his mistakes, a source says, and will retool his strategy, beginning with a strong start in the early primary state of New Hampshire.” I think it’s about four years too late for that.

UPDATE: On Twitter, Jake Tapper cites a Nevada GOP official who notes that the state’s caucus was not binding in 2008, so in the end, Giuliani didn’t even have an actual delegate.