Personally, I couldn't stand the little fascist while he was Mayor. But you're right about one thing: It was Bill Bratton and Jack Maple who solved the crime problem, largely through the introduction of COMPSTAT.

I have no love for any of the Democratic candidates, either, but I have to say this. If, God Forbid, it came down to a choice between Hillary the Hag and Benito Giuliani, I'd have to hold my nose and, very reluctantly, vote for the Lesbian. Not that I like Hillary. I can't stand her. But I hate Giuliani more.

But I don't think that will happen. The last time two New Yorkers ran against each other was Teddy Roosevelt vs. Judge Alton Parker in 1904. I really don't see it happening again.

EDIT TO ADD: Rudy in Drag is a dead ringer for my friend's mom. Even she said so. The first time he did it, on SNL, I was at his house. His mom came home with a copy of the NY Post and said "Look, I made the paper." Freaky.