MSNBC: Rudy 'urban legend' Giuliani vs NYC firefighters

"The image Rudy Giuliani would like voters to have is of Giuliani vs. the terrorists, but ... for tonight anyway the story is Giuliani vs. the firefighters."

So opened Wednesday night's broadcast of MSNBC's Countdown, reporting on a scathing video released by New York City firefighters attacking what they call the "urban legend" Giuliani has built around himself in the wake of the 2001 World Trade Center attacks.

Washington Post writer Chris Cillizza, appearing on the program, noted that Giuliani responded very quickly to the attack from the International Association of Firefighters because he cannot politically afford to have his 9/11 mystique tainted.

"The question is twofold," Cillizza said. "One, how much does this video catch on? And two, do people believe the messenger? Do they believe Rudy Giuliani, or do they believe the IAFF? And does this tarnish what is the central tenant of Rudy Giuliani's campaign for president."

The following video is from MSNBC's Countdown, broadcast on July 11.



