Rudy Giuliani Sees Support Slip Among Republicans and New Yorkers

Rudy Giuliani, often called "America's Mayor" for his actions during the crisis on and immediately after September 11, has polled at, or near, the top of both Republican and nationwide polling for the upcoming 2008 presidential election. But a recent poll, released on Monday, shows that Giuliani might not even be the most popular mayor of New York City.

That honor, according to a Daily News poll of New York residents, shows billionaire Michael Bloomberg, 56 percent to 29 percent, in a head to head matchup, when asked which man had been the better New York City mayor. When asked which would be the better president, Bloomberg again let, albeit by a smaller 46-29 margin, over Giuliani.

Although Mayor Bloomberg has not officially announced any intention of running for president, there have been some signals he may be considering the possibility. In recent weeks, Bloomberg has filled his travel schedule with speeches across the country, as well as reviving a personal website which had been stagnant for quite some time.

Asked for their reasoning, Bloomberg's fans were adamant they were backing the better man. "I like that everything Bloomberg said he is going to do for the city, he did," said Sharran roberts. "There are more charter schools and I like that." Giuliani's well-documented personal problems may have had something to do with the polling, a point Roberts makes as well. "[Giuliani] did over is wife, he did over [New Yorkers] and he is not going to do it with the country," she said.

Bloomberg polled best with the most affluent segment of voters - those earning at least $100,000 annually - who selected Bloomberg over Giuliani by a margin of almost 2 to 1. His support with African American voters was just as great. In that segment, Giuliani was only able to garner 20 percent support, compared with 64 percent by the politician many have called "Mayor Mike."