Giuliani Looks to Restart Campaign

Dev. 14, 2007— -- Saturday morning at the Tampa Convention Center, Rudy Giuliani will attempt a sort of rebranding of his campaign with the theme "Tested. Ready. Now."

The idea is to emphasize his leadership skills and regain some of the momentum the former New York City mayor lost as his national poll numbers slipped -- though he remains in the lead -- and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee's campaign ascended.

"America needs a leader," the author of the book titled "Leadership" will say, according to excerpts of his prepared remarks provided by the campaign. "I am running for president of the United States because I believe that I can lead America into a new era with bold leadership, optimism, determination and distinctly American solutions."

That the speech will be delivered in the Sunshine State -- which is holding its primary Jan. 29 -- is not a coincidence. Giuliani's campaign has long banked on winning in Florida, where he leads in current polls, and then cleaning up in the sort of national primary Feb. 5, "Super Duper Tuesday," when more than 20 states are holding contests.

Rather than completely change his more liberal views on subjects such as abortion and illegal immigration, Giuliani will put forward the idea that he is a man who will get things done on other issues.

In a rhetorical device, he will talk about the American people saying "'Get it done.' And we will,'" Giuliani will say, whether the subject is "victory in Iraq and Afghanistan," American children living free from the fear of Islamic terrorism, fiscal discipline, energy independence, secure borders, or "legal immigration reconnected with Americanization."

"What America needs in 2008 is a proven leader who will get things done," he will say.

Giuliani campaign manager Mike DuHaime describes the speech as "a natural turning point for the campaign. We've been spending a lot of time raising money and building a foundation in the states. Now's the time for the mayor to make a turn toward more intense campaigning. We felt it was time for his closing argument, his pitch, his vision for America, what it will be like during his presidency."