Rudy in State of Denial on Meet the Press

WASHINGTON, December 9, 2007 - During his first appearance as a presidential candidate on NBC's Meet the Press this morning, Rudy Giuliani continued his refusal to fully disclose his business dealings and connections to shady figures.

Giuliani was confronted with the fact that despite claiming to have cut ties with Giuliani Partners LLP, he still is paid by the company which has clients who could seek to influence Rudy. He again refused to release a full list of all his business clients and he also failed to mention that his long- time close friend Peter Powers is now CEO of Giuliani Partners LLP. Additionally, Giuliani refused to release his tax returns and, on the question of financial disclosure, he simply said, "I'm not going to do more than what is absolutely required." [NBC Meet the Press, 12/9/07]

After admitting that recommending Bernard Kerik was a "mistake", Giuliani continued to give Kerik the benefit of the doubt during the interview. Even when questioned about Kerik's use of a love nest that was meant for resting Ground Zero rescue workers, Giuliani maintained that it is just "an allegation." And despite the ethical cloud over Kerik's head, Giuliani again asserted that his "public performance" was "excellent." [NBC Meet the Press, 12/9/07]

When asked about his blatant misuse of taxpayer-paid security for then- girlfriend Judy Nathan, Giuliani still maintained that it was appropriate. More astonishingly, Giuliani refused to address the fact that the New York Police Department provided Nathan security well before the affair became public. [New York Daily News, 12/7/07.

"Rudy Giuliani's refusal to be honest about his shady past is becoming a chronic habit," said DNC Spokesman Dag Vega. "Given his sharp drop in recent polls, it is surprising that Rudy again refuses to release his full list of shady business clients, defends Bernie Kerik, and cover-ups his blatant misuse of taxpayer-paid security. As voters learn about his penchant for covering-up scandals, they will continue to turn away from his candidacy."

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