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Giuliani Says Kerik Indictment Is 'Very Sad… Very Serious'

November 09, 2007 9:46 PM

ABC News' Jan Simmonds Reports: Rudy Giuliani, R-N.Y., apologized again for not doing a "better job in vetting" Bernard Kerik and called the charges brought against the former New York City Police commissioner today as both "very sad" and "very serious."

Speaking to reporters after visiting with locals at a Crazy Pita franchise in Henderson, Nev., Giuliani said, "I regret the fact that I did not do a better job in vetting him and I've apologized to the president for that. I've taken responsibility for it. It is my responsibility; I should have done a better job."

The former New York City mayor went on to lament about his former police commissioner, almost sounding as if he was reading his eulogy.

"It's a sad day because Bernie Kerik was a hero to police officers -- decorated for his heroism as a New York City police officer," he said. "He was very effective, by all external measures, in the corrections department. Led a real reduction of crime in New York and was heroic in dealing with Sept. 11."

As for Kerik's legal troubles, Giuliani said they "have to be dealt with within the federal justice system, which I have enormous respect for. After all, that's the office that I was the leader of and I have great respect for that office."

Asked what he would say to Kerik if he had the opportunity, the former mayor replied that whatever he would say he "sure as heck wouldn't say it publicly."

The national Republican frontrunner was also asked to respond to comments made by John McCain, R-Ariz., earlier in the day in which he questioned Giuliani's judgment.

"I'd be very surprised if John did that (made those comments). John is a good friend, I probably have about 20 quotes from John since the time this all became public," said Giuliani. "All of these things were out there since December of 2004 and since then John has described me as a hero."

In New Hampshire today, McCain questioned Giuliani's judgment for backing Kerik to become Secretary of Homeland Security, after what McCain called Kerik's "irresponsible action" in failing to help train Iraqi police forces and sudden departure from Iraq.

"John prides himself on being a straight shooter and nothing has changed," Giuliani added. "And John has made all these comments since these things came out and I really doubt he has changed his mind about that. I'd be really surprised if he did."

November 9, 2007 | Permalink | User Comments (2)

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Posted by: Concerned_Desi_of_America | Nov 10, 2007 2:54:35 AM

Posted by: BobT | Nov 12, 2007 2:03:07 PM

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