Martin Eisenstadt’s Blog

Wow. I suppose we all saw it coming on some level. But it just feels like a punch in the gut. The Florida polls weren’t looking great, and from Rudy’s speech we knew the end was near. But I think all of us footsoldiers and supporters hoped in our hearts he would make one last stand on Super Tuesday. It was a valiant effort, and the Mayor went out with his pride and his dignity. Better to throw his support to McCain now, than see Romney take California from a split opposition. Next, I suppose, will come the recriminations and autopsies of the campaign. A lot of those decisions that seemed so smart so many weeks ago will get a second look. What went wrong???

I’ve been here a week. Hot as hell, and only half as stressful. I’ve noticed the hotel rooms and the rental cars are both getting smaller as the campaign moves forward. When Jimmy, the volunteer tells me not to bother saving diner receipts, I know Rudy’s in trouble. Speaking of which, this kid Jimmy Havermayer’s a real find.  (maybe it’s Havenmeyer — not too sure).  A real dyed in the wool midwestern College Republican.  Says he’s old buddies with Dan Mayers back in the Giuliani office.  Anyhoo, the kid’s organized a great agenda for me, given the limited resources for the both of us.  If he ever comes to DC, I’ll bet he could give Eli a run for his money…  Now, then, if we could only find the Denny’s in Tallahassee, we’d be set.

Am I the only the one who caught the inestimable Ms. Marnie Vander Helsing on Hardball last night?  Gleefully predicting that Giuliani was on the verge of dropping out, and virtually daring him to come in less than first in Florida and stay in.  Ridiculous!  I think her Herbal Essence conditioner has seeped past her silky locks into those liberal grey cells of hers if she thinks for a second that America’s Mayor is going to call it quits after Florida.  No way.  Rudy’s in it to win it.  Mark my words, Marnie, my dear.

You’ve got to be kidding. But there goes Mitt!

I’m flying to Florida today, but last night did a phone-in with a small radio station in New Hampshire. With all the attention on Iowa in the last two weeks, the NH’ers are getting a bit restless. And again I’m asked where Rudy is. I’m wondering about the Florida strategy. I understand South Carolina, but abdicating New Hampshire? I’m just a policy wonk at heart, so I’ll trust in Rudy’s strategy team.