In Wall Street Journal Piece, Giuliani Backtracks On His Obama Comments, But Doesn't Apologize

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Penning an op-ed for The Wall Street Journal, former Mayor Rudy Giuliani sought to clarify the controversial comments he made last week when he questioned President Barack Obama's patriotism.

Giuliani doesn't apologize in the piece, which was posted online Sunday night, but he does backtrack some.

"I didn't intend to question President Obama's motives or the content of his heart," he wrote. "My intended focus really was the effect his words and his actions have on the morale of the country, and how that effect may damage his performance.

The former mayor wrote that he believes Obama has criticized the U.S. more than past presidents and those efforts can hamstring the nation's success.

"Over my years as mayor of New York City and as a federal prosecutor, I earned a certain reputation for being blunt," Giuliani writes. " ... But whether you agree or not with what I said last week, I hope the intention behind those words can be the basis for a real conversation about national leadership and the importance of confidence and optimism in framing America's way forward. I hope also that our president will start acting and speaking in a way that draws sharp, clear distinctions between us and those who threaten our way of life."

At an event in New York last week, Giuliani said, "I know this is a horrible thing to say, but I do not believe that the president loves America."

Most people whom 1010 WINS' Glenn Schuck spoke with in Midtown on Monday said they think Giuliani put his foot in his mouth.

Marshall said Giuliani should have apologized in the op-ed piece and thinks the former mayor is trying to remain in the spotlight.

"He's just reaching for something that's not there for him," he said.

"Rudy, shut up," Marshall added. "Don't say anything."

But Giuliani also still has his supporters. Bill Hopkins said he agrees with Giuliani's remarks about the president, but added that "he could have maybe softened up (his words) a little bit."

"I guess kind of par for the course for Rudy," Hopkins said. "I mean, he usually does speak right from the hip. But still and all, I have to agree with what he had to say."

Guiliani's remarks drew widespread criticism from both Democrats and Republicans.

Current New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio called it a "cheap political trick for Giuliani to question the president's love of country."

White House spokesman Josh Earnest said he felt "sorry for Rudy Giuliani."

"It is sad to see when somebody who has attained a certain level of public stature and even admiration tarnishes that legacy so thoroughly," Earnest said.

Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky -- a potential presidential candidate in 2016 -- also said it was unfair to question Obama's love for his country.

"I've challenged (Obama's) policies," Paul said. "It's a mistake to question people's motives."

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• Barack Obama