Republican presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani, in an indirect swipe
at President Bush, said Thursday the overwhelming attitude that the
U.S. is headed in the wrong direction reflects a lack of leadership.
The nation's bleak mood was evident in the most recent Associated
Press-Ipsos poll in which only 21 percent said they believe things in
the U.S. are heading in the right direction, the worst mark since the
AP-Ipsos poll began in December 2003.
Speaking at a Flag Day rally in Wilmington, Del., Giuliani told more
than 200 supporters: "What we're lacking is strong, aggressive, bold
leadership like we had with Ronald Reagan."
The same AP-Ipsos poll found public approval with the job Bush is doing at 32 percent, matching an all-time low.
The former New York mayor said he's running for president to keep
the United States on offensive against terrorist and to challenge big
government.
Before the rally, Guiliani attended a $1,000-a-plate fundraising breakfast that drew about 120 people.
He was joined at the rally by former FBI director Louis Freeh.
Freeh, who lives in Wilmington, Del., serves as senior homeland
security adviser for Guiliani campaign and heads the candidate's
Delaware campaign.
Giuliani was making his second campaign appearance in Delaware this
year. While the state has only three electoral votes, Guiliani said it
could play a crucial role in the presidential race.
"When you look at 2000 and 2004, one state makes a difference," he
told reporters after the rally. "You never know which one it's going to
be."
