Rudy Giuliani: I'm not running for president

“America’s Mayor” won’t be “America’s President” any time soon.

Former Mayor Rudy Giuliani announced Tuesday that he will not seek the Republican nomination for the presidency in 2012.

At a meeting of Long Island business executives, Giuliani said it was too late for him to declare his candidacy.

“If it’s too late for [New Jersey Gov.] Chris Christie, it’s too late for me.
“At this point, you need to be realistic about the chances of being nominated,” he added.

Christie announced last week that he would not run despite being urged to enter the race by top GOP donors.

Giuliani, a social moderate, added that he believed Republican voters are looking for someone with more conservative credentials than his. He did say, however, that he would consider a vice-presidential nomination “if someone was crazy enough to ask me.”

The former mayor proved to be a formidable fundraiser when he ran for president in 2008. But after finishing third in the Florida primary — a race in which Giuliani focused much of his efforts — he ended his campaign.

Some of his former staffers are now working for Texas Gov. Rick Perry, while the big donors have thrown their support behind Perry or former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney.

Giuliani, 67, would not say whether he will endorse a candidate in the race, but added that Perry has “the heart” of the GOP electorate while Romney has “the head.” 

(with Reuters)