Mayor Guiliani: Valiant Leader
The life, times and achievements of one of New York's bravest mayors.
The life of Brooklyn-born Rudy Giuliani personifies the American dream. The son of immigrant Italian parents, he graduated magna cum laude from New York University School of Law in 1968. As Deputy Attorney-General, his prosecution of well-known figures, like Bert Podell, Ivan Boesky, Michael Milken and Paul Castellano gained him prominence. He also earned a reputation for some of his very public tactics. Still, there can be no question that Rudy Giuliani was a major force in the urban war against drug dealers, organized, disorganized and white-collar crime.
He served as mayor of New York City from January 1, 1994, to December 31, 2001, becoming the first Republican elected to that office since John Lindsay won re-election in 1969. He promised New Yorkers relief from the breakdown of social and political order that had infected New York City and he kept his word. He addressed head-on day to day issues of crime and taxes. Although considered by many to be an extremely divisive figure for most of his time in office, his shining hour came from his brave and decisive leadership in the wake of the September 11th attacks on the World Trade Center.
Giuliani has been married three times; his second divorce from Donna Hanover a very public affair. He is the father of three children and is thought to be a potential presidential candidate in 2008.
Read more about the life of this complex and fascinating American.
