Rudy Giuliani’s campaign kept a brave face Tuesday night, but the former New York mayor reportedly was preparing to end his bid for the Republican presidential nomination and throw his support to John McCain according to the Orlando Sentinel.
The Associated Press, quoting unnamed Republican officials, said Giuliani, who had gambled that a win in Florida would give him unbeatable momentum going into the Feb. 5 primaries, would endorse McCain today in California.
“The responsibility of leadership doesn’t end with a single campaign, it goes on and you continue to fight for it,” Giuliani told crestfallen supporters gathered at the Portofino Bay Hotel at the Universal Studios theme park.
Asked directly if he was dropping out of the race, Giuliani would confirm only that he was going to California, where GOP candidates are scheduled to debate tonight in Simi Valley.
Giuliani, who in the days after 9-11 seemed to symbolize national leadership, saw his once-commanding lead in national and Florida polls evaporate.
Even before the votes were counted, the idea of sweeping through Florida to a huge victory seemed to have faded Tuesday afternoon when Giuliani made an appearance at his campaign headquarters in Winter Park near University Boulevard and State Road 436. Although his volunteers and supporters were enthusiastic, there were only about 20 fans waving signs and welcoming the former New York mayor.
Giuliani watched the returns at the Portofino Bay Hotel before addressing supporters, many of whom refused to admit defeat.
“We’re optimistic. We’re keeping our fingers crossed,” said Valerie Caras, a campaign volunteer who is student at Dickinson College. The college senior from Wilmington, Del., said that her candidate should stay on the campaign trail regardless of the outcome in Florida.
Read it here: Giuliani ready to back McCain, report says