In March a police officer shot to death an unarmed black man named Patrick Dorismond after he was solicited to buy drugs in a sting operation. To back up his cops, Giuliani ordered the release of Dorismond's criminal record, mostly minor offenses, including a 13-year-old juvenile case that had been sealed by the court.

"The media would not want a picture presented of an altar boy, when in fact maybe it isn't an altar boy," Giuliani said. Criticism rained down on the mayor for attacking the dead man's reputation.

And who can forget his bad judgment in announcing his plans to divorce Donna Hanover before he told her or their kids:

he told reporters that he was leaving his wife - without letting her know in advance that he was going to announce it. He also confirmed that he was involved with another woman, Judith Nathan, a divorced pharmaceutical sales manager with whom he had been appearing in public.

The marriage to Hanover had been rocky for several years after reports that Giuliani and a female aide were having an affair, which both denied.

Giuliani, who underwent radiation treatment for his cancer, then dropped out of the Senate race against Hillary Clinton. In October, he sued for divorce on grounds of "cruel and inhuman punishment." His wife later countersued, alleging "open and notorious adultery."

And is this how you want your next President to make hiring decisions?

In his book, Giuliani calls Kerik "an unconventional choice" made on the basis of "chemistry and feel."

Has he learned from his mistakes? Apparently not:

A man who has spent most of his adulthood in public life, Giuliani, now 63, has retained a tight team of loyalists, some dating to his boyhood.

I think Rudy's obstinate loyalty to those who ride on his bus will be his downfall. Bottom line on his legacy: I agree with his critics who say,

His heavy-handed style ignored minorities and civil liberties and tore the city's social fabric.

That he may be the Republican nominee in nothing short of frightening.