CBS reporter: Giuliani values 'loyalty over everything' This week, a federal grand jury voted to indict Former New York City police Commissioner Bernard Kerik, the corrupt protege of Presidential Candidate Rudy Giuliani, on charges stemming from tax evasion and corruption allegations. While it was believed that Giuliani did not know of Kerik's legal woes before they grew close, Andrew Kirtzman, a journalist for CBS 2 in NYC and a long-time Giuliani reporter, tells a different story.
"It turns out that Giuliani was briefed about Kerik's relationship with this allegedly mobbed-up company even before Giuliani named him police commissioner, long before Giuliani recommended Kerik to be Homeland Security Chief," he told John Roberts on CNN's American Morning. "So, it raises a lot of questions. Giuliani has a lot of questions to answer on the campaign trail about his judgment."
The journalist made clear the value Giuliani ascribes to allegiance, perhaps at the expense of pragmatism or honesty. "I've been covering Giuliani as long as anyone and I can't guarantee to you, sitting here this morning, that he wouldn't make the same mistake again if he became president because Giuliani values loyalty over everything."
Kirtzman also sees a commonality between Giuliani and President Bush, who stood by embattled confidants Donald Rumsfeld and Alberto Gonzalez long after others defected. "Giuliani and Bush have that trait in common. I think it's something to look for," he said.
The following video is from CNN's American Morning, broadcast on November 9, 2007.
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