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Rudy Giuliani has an annoying little habit. Take the time he was giving a nationally televised speech to the National Rifle Association and he stopped to answer a phone call–from his wife, Judith. The Wall Street Journal reports that it’s not the only time it’s happened:
The fact is that people inside the Giuliani campaign are appalled at the number of times their candidate has felt compelled to interrupt public appearances to take calls from his wife. The estimate from those in a position to know is that he has taken such calls more than 40 times in the middle of speeches, conferences and presentations to large donors. “If it’s a stunt, it’s not one coming from him,” says one Giuliani staffer. “It’s an ongoing problem that he won’t take advice on.”
And in trying to explain his odd behavior, Mr. Giuliani has only dug himself in deeper. On Friday he told David Brody of CBN News that since 9/11, when he and Mrs. Giuliani get on a plane, “most of the time . . . we talk to each other and just reaffirm the fact that we love each other.” He admitted he had taken calls from his wife “before in engagements, and I didn’t realize it would create any kind of controversy.” That’s hardly possible. Giuliani staffers say he has been warned over and over again that the phone calls are rude and inappropriate and have alienated everyone from local officials to top donors to close friends.
Giuliani’s behavior troubles me because it signifies a lack of respect and common courtesy to the very people he wants to vote for him. And it also raises the question: Who’s really running the campaign race–Rudy or Judith?
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Off the hook
This is a curious story in light of the news that Giuliani is leading the pack in donations now. I guess this rudeness isn’t off-putting enough to stem the flow of donations, at least for the time being.
This arrogance is part of what turns me off to Rudy. If it comes down to Rudy vs whichever Democrat, I go 3rd party.
Cell phone rudeness has gotten pretty ubiquitous. Particularly on large cities.
Kristin,
Perhaps you meant “raises the question?” “Begs the question” refers to a logical fallacy which I don’t think you meant here.
Seems to me that a leader who doesn’t know how to be polite and respectful towards others has no business being the one of the most powerful diplomats in the world. Why do people think cell phones grant them a legitimate excuse to be rude? Perhaps because Emily Post isn’t around to explain to them the application of manners to new technology.
WIGLAF:
I stand corrected.
Peter L says, “This arrogance is part of what turns me off to Rudy. If it comes down to Rudy vs whichever Democrat, I go 3rd party.
Yup.
If I were a betting man, I would bet it was a stunt. As such, it’s no different from other stunts that other politicians pull. Either it works or i doesn’t.
I second (third) Peter L and Cameron.
“Rudy Giuliani has an annoying little habit.”
I thought this was going to be about his penchant for cross-dressing
Seriously, I agree with Kyle. It’s a stunt intended to show he’s a family man, always in touch with his wonderful wife no matter what. Cheesy and transparent.
Hmm, I wonder if Rudy were President, would he take his wife’s calls in the middle of a cabinet meeting or while dealing with some important crisis?
This seems to raise legitimate questions about priorities rather than just respect.
It does smack of a stunt. If I’m expecting a phone call from my wife important enough to interrupt work, I’ll give my phone to a friend outside of what I’m doing and have him quietly beg me away if necessary.
Kristin nailed it - it is a matter of respect and decency to turn your cell phone to “silent” mode or off during a speech, a movie, a performance, church, etc. If it is a true emergency I’m sure that Judith has the phone numbers of his campaign aids, who could interrupt him if necessary.
Whether it’s a “stunt” or not is beside the point. It’s rude and inconsiderate in my book.
It’s a bizarre and disrespectful stunt. And given the circumstances by which he and Judith came to be, rather in your face to those of you who are concerned about traditional values.
Hey, how come no attempt at a cute “Rudey Rudy” headline? Don’t tell me you were intimidated by those recent commenters flaming the poor taste of WMB headline puns?
Sounds like Judy is more Rude-y here. Why’s she calling him in the middle of his important campaign gig’s anyway? Surely she must have his schedule?
Maybe he gets an incoming call and thinks “Wow, this really must be an emergency if she’s calling me now.”
I blame the wife. Always do.
I’ve pretty much just assumed that these calls from his wife are designed to endear him more to his audience.
“Awww! LOOooook! He takes a call from wifey, even in the middle of business! And they say Rudy’s not a family values guy?!”
Oh him and Judy just “reaffirm that we love each other.” Gag. Who’s he kidding?
Rude and inconsiderate - both of them. She ought to grow up.
The stunt makes you wonder. When I have speaking engagments my hubby knows what I’m doing and would never call. Is Judith so out of touch? Give me Hillary’s laugh any day over Rudy’s Rudey (that was brilliant Travis).
Arrogance, ignorance, or performance; I really don’t care why he does it, although I suspect it is the first or last, I just find it yet another reason among many not to vote for him.
They ought to put a feature on cell phones such that if someone leaves a voicemail flagged “urgent” you could get a different ring or vibrate mode to alert you to it. That would be handy.
Wouldn’t solve this problem, as it sounds like he’s doing it on purpose or being really dumb, but it would be a nice feature.
A couple years ago I was “on call” for my sister to have a baby. I had to go as soon as possible when she called me, so my suitcase was packed and ready, and in a couple of small groups I explained to people that I wouldn’t ordinarily leave my phone on, but my sister was the only one who had my cell number and she would only call it if she needed me to come.
I know someone who lost a promotion because his phone rang during the interview, and he took the call. I had business meetings with him in which his phone would ring, and he always took it, not seeming to realize the inappropriateness of taking a call and making the other person sit twiddling her thumbs until your call is over.
Maybe Judy is preggers? I don’t think Rudy is going to get the promotion either.
Actually, here’s a very funny one. Several months ago our associate pastor preached on a day when our senior pastor was actually in the service. And during the service, the pastor’s cell phone rang! Of course he turned bright red, but I did wonder who would call a pastor during the hour he’d normally be preaching!