Giuliani: Christie's Speech Set Up 'Philosophical Divide' Between Obama, Romney
TAMPA, Fla. (CBSNewYork) -- New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie's keynote speech at the Republican National Convention set up a "philosophical divide" between the Obama administration and Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani said Wednesday.
Appearing on "CBS This Morning," Giuliani said Christie's speech showed that "President Obama is not a courageous leader."
"Every keynote speech has a purpose," Giuliani said. "I think in Chris' case, what they wanted him to do is to set up the philosophical divide between the Obama administration and the Romney-Ryan ticket."
WATCH: Christie's RNC Keynote Address
He said the speech also highlighted the way Christie and other Republican governors -- such as John Kasich of Ohio, Scott Walker of Wisconsin, Bob McDonnell of Virginia and Rick Snyder of Michigan -- have been on the forefront of the conservative movement.
"All these guys have done exactly what Obama hasn't done," Giuliani said. "They've actually touched the third rail. They've been willing to say 'we've got to cut pensions, we've got to cut entitlements."
Taking the stage Tuesday night in Tampa, Christie criticized the nation's leaders as those who have "decided it is more important to be popular" than do "what's required."
Christie said the Romney-Ryan ticket will provide the leadership needed to help the country's economy grow.
"It's time to end this era of absentee leadership in the Oval Office and send real leaders to the White House," he said. "Mitt Romney will tell us the hard truths we need to hear to put us back on the path to growth and create good paying private-sector jobs again in America."
READ: Full Transcript Of Christie's Speech
He also touted Romney as a man who would "tell us the hard truths" to "make our country great again."
"America needs Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan and we need them right now," Christie said.
Speaking before Christie was Ann Romney, who sought to humanize her husband, saying he "will not let us down" if elected president.
"[L]et me say this to every American who is thinking about who should be our next president: No one will work harder, no one will care more, no one will move heaven and earth like Mitt Romney to make this country a better place to live."
Wednesday's speakers include Romney's running mate, Paul Ryan, as well as Sen. Rand Paul, Sen. John McCain and Condoleezza Rice, among others.
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