[img_assist|nid=1604|title=Rudy Giuliani and Jim Petro at the Victory campaign's conference in Ohio|desc=Politicker Photo|link=none|align=left|width=420|height=213]LEWIS CENTER -- Rudy Giuliani blasted prominent conservative columnists who have criticized Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin as being unqualified and even worthy of being removed from the GOP ticket.

The former New York City mayor spoke at a press conference at the Ohio Victory campaign’s grassroots leadership conference Saturday. Giuliani was asked what he would say to columnists who’ve criticized John McCain’s selection of Palin, such as Kathleen Parker, George Will and David Frum.

“I think they look like a bunch of jerks after the debate the other night,” Giuliani said. “I think they should all say they made a mistake.”

Giuliani said Palin did a “terrific job” at the debate, overcoming the pressure put on her to perform well in front of 70 million people.

“I can’t remember a candidate who’s done a better job than her,” he said.

When Giuliani was presented with recent polls showing a minority of respondents believe Palin won the debate, he dismissed polls as stacked against Republicans.

“Republicans never win polls, they win elections,” he said.
Giuliani’s wrath was not saved for conservative columnists, but of course Barack Obama and Joe Biden, whom he called phonies over their promises of change.

“This is one of the more phony political slogans. Obama and Biden are about something-or-other but it has nothing to do with change. They’re basically about going back to the old politics,” Giuliani said, specifically the Democrats desire to raise taxes, negotiate with hostile foreign governments and make backroom deals.

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