Yesterday former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani — a political figure blogger Allahpundit accurately describes as a liberal New York Republican — threw his support behind Donald Trump in the race for the White House. In an interview with the New York Post, Giuliani stated, “I support Trump. I’m gonna vote for Trump.” He added, “The man that I know is not the man you see on television. He’s a gentleman, he’s a good father.”

Given their long history, the announcement isn’t all that surprising, but it doesn’t help ensure New York votes for Trump in the upcoming primary. Strategically, this is part of the 9/11 card for Trump, who continues to slam rival Ted Cruz for his “New York values” comment. (Speaking of values and, er, close friendships, remember that time Giuliani dressed in drag and was fondled by Trump?)

Allahpundit say, “Trump, Giuliani, and Chris Christie are birds of a feather in that they’re all centrists by disposition but authoritarian by temperament. That authoritarianism has given them credibility among two types of righties, those who are ‘culturally conservative’ and don’t care much about small-government dogma and those who ​do​ care about dogma but are willing to trade some ideological cred for effective law-and-order governance.” In 2008, Giuliani unsuccessfully ran for the White House. Two presidential election cycles later, his ideological doppelgänger is the current frontrunner. Take from that what you will.