Giuliani: he is in the 2008 U.S. presidential race

By JoAnne Allen

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, acclaimed for his leadership after the Sept. 11 attacks, confirmed he is running for U.S. president in 2008, eliminating any lingering doubt about his candidacy.

"Yes, I'm running," Giuliani declared twice on Wednesday night on CNN's "Larry King Live" show.

Former New York city mayor Rudy Giuliani announces that he is a candidate for president of the United States as he is interviewed by talk show host Larry King (L) during a taping of the CNN program "Larry King Live" at the CNN studios in Los Angeles February 14, 2007. (REUTERS/Rose M. Prouser/CNN)
There have been doubts among Republicans about whether Giuliani was serious about a White House run in 2008.

National polls have shown Giuliani leads eight other Republicans, in part because of his steely and comforting leadership amid the chaos of the 2001 hijacked plane attacks that brought down New York's most visible landmark.

"I think I can make a difference. I believe that the country needs leadership," Giuliani said on CNN when asked what led him to purse the top political job in the United States.

Earlier this month, Giuliani filed a statement of candidacy with the Federal Election Commission establishing a committee to explore a presidential bid, but he stopped short of making a formal announcement.

Giuliani became one of the Republican Party's most popular figures after Sept. 11. However, he faces an uphill battle winning over conservatives who wield considerable influence in party primaries because of his stance on some social issues, including his support for gay rights and abortion rights.