Rudy, Rob and 10,000 men

The New York Post reports that Rudy Giuliani may run for president again. It was startling last time how bad a presidential candidate the successful New York mayor turned out to be last time. Being tough and imperious can work when you have the authority of the mayor’s office at the right time and place. It played terribly on the presidential circuit.

The Post cites un-named sources. My favorite is the one who says Rudy might throw his name in to get considered for a cabinet post or vice-presidential nomination, because his business prospects have dimmed.

“Nobody is paying $100,000 to hear the same warmed-over 9/11 speech. His speaking fees have dropped as well as his consulting fees,” the source said.

On the other hand, a GOP field stocked with conservative candidates might make an appealing target for someone who can sell himself as a moderate.

A couple of updates on past stories….

Pennsylvania State Treasurer Rob McCord has asked for an injunction ordering the state Gaming Control Board to admit him to their executive sessions. McCord’s folks say the board has spent $100,000 on legal fees trying to keep him out, even though he’s an ex-officio member. You can see his filing here.

You can hear my interview with McCord about his battle with the board here.

Also remember the plan to recruit 10,000 black men to fight crime in Philadelphia? The call from then-police commissioner Sylvester Johnson, record mogul Kenny Gamble and others led to a stirring rally in the fall of 2007 and a decidedly smaller community patrol and mentoring program.

Our Susan Phillips got an e-mail recently indicating the effort is still alive.  When Susan asked for more information, she was told her address was accidentally included in an e-mail sent to past volunteers.

The organizer who responded said the group is planning  “a pretty comprehensive field initiative in the spring of 2011,” but isn’t ready to talk about details yet.