Giuliani, the former Republican mayor of New York City, has stayed out of the debate, even as some Republicans have urged that he be named to take over the federal response.

Before a speech Tuesday night in Norfolk, Va., Giuliani told reporters that he was willing to help the recovery effort in some way, but discounted the notion he could be dropped into the multistate crisis and improve things.

The man dubbed "America's Mayor" for his leadership following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, said it was not helpful to question decision-makers while the rescue work is ongoing.

"I don't know that I'd want, at this point, to be a critic," Giuliani said in Wednesday's edition of the Virginian-Pilot.

Giuliani, who penned a book called "Leadership," said the facts don't yet show if the response was slow, or if any agencies or individuals are at fault.

"It's not the most constructive thing to do," he said, until "you get yourself out of the emergency."

The Rev. Harry Crandall, who attended the speech to the Norfolk Forum, said the mayor hinted he'd been more forceful in private conversations with officials.

"He said he didn't think it was right to speak out now, and that he had strong opinions and has expressed them to the right people," Crandall said Wednesday.

"I guess what struck me most is the kind of presence that he provided in New York City was the kind of presence that we have not seen displayed in this disaster," said Crandall.

Giuliani was universally praised following the destruction of the World Trade Center, and in 2004 campaigned strenuously for George Bush's re-election as a leader who can react forcefully in a crisis.

The response of local, state, and federal officials after Katrina is fueling a debate between Republicans and Democrats even as Congress tries to decide how many billions of dollars will be needed for recovery.

Clinton and others have called for an independent commission, and a reorganization of federal emergency response. Facing criticism even from within his own party, President Bush has vowed a full inquiry, but insists now is not the time to engage in a "blame game."

Clinton, the early front-runner in polls of Democrats who may run for the White House in 2008, said an independent commission styled after the one that investigated the Sept. 11 attacks would allow officials to continue their recovery efforts while finding answers on what went wrong.

She bristled at the suggestion by Republicans that she was trying to score political points during a national tragedy.

"It's time to actually show that this government can be competent," she said on NBC's "Today" show Wednesday. "Every time anyone raises any kind of legitimate criticism and asks questions, they're attacked. Let's stop it. This is not a game."

In 2000, Giuliani ran against Clinton for the U.S. Senate, but dropped out after he was diagnosed with prostate cancer.

In the days after the Sept. 11 attacks, Giuliani directed the recovery efforts while Clinton worked within Congress on a $20 billion aid package for the city.

Editor's note:
Ronald Reagan’s Motto: "It CAN Be Done" – get his Oval Office desk plate – Click Here Now
The Stunning Truth About Hillary in Ed Klein’s New Book – Check Out our FREE offer!
Stay informed after the power goes out. Get this self-powered radio FREE – Click Here!

Read more on this subject in related Hot Topics: