New York (CNN) -- Rudy Giuliani committed a classic Washington gaffe on CNN's "State of the Union" this past Sunday -- he told the truth. When asked about his criticism of Mitt Romney back in 2008, Rudy explained that it was a campaign contrast influenced by ego, but admitted that at the time he was comparing "my far superior record to his otherwise-decent record." Surrogates aren't supposed to toot their own horn. They're supposed to loudly recite the party line. But Rudy is an independent-minded kind of guy and when asked a direct question, he answered. The reason that Rudy had a better record in office than Mitt is actually pretty simple -- he worked at it in New York City nonstop for eight years. In contrast, Mitt was MIA from Massachusetts much of the time when he was governor.
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Rudy Giuliani drew contrasts between his record and that of Mitt Romney
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John Avlon says Giuliani didn't help Romney but did tell the truth
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Avlon: Romney chose not to run for re-election, neglected Massachusetts
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He says former governor has abandoned his top achievement, the health care mandate
Massachusetts
Massachusetts
Mitt is running on executive experience, but it is as a businessman and turnaround artist -- not as chief executive of @placeholder, the only government leadership position he has ever held.
Rudy Giuliani
Rudy
Rudy
Rudy
Rudy Giuliani
Giuliani
It would have been far easier for @placeholder to reframe his position on abortion or adjust his rhetoric to the right on guns, gays or immigration.
Mitt Romney
Mitt
Mitt
Mitt Romney
Romney
Romney
That is, unfortunately for @placeholder, also a matter of record.