Former Gov. George Pataki appeared on Montel Williams’ daytime talk show today, called "The American Dream…Shattered?"
While he didn’t announce his presidential plans, Pataki did share his opinions of the current candidates.
"Take a look at Edwards or Obama. What is their experience? When have they truly been tested? When have they been called upon to lead in times of crisis?" he asked. "John McCain has served this country, and served in Washington very well as a bipartisan, nonpartisan leader. Rudy Guiliani. He was tested on September 11. The country saw that he was able to rise to the occasion and bring people together."
"What we need in Washington now are leaders who have a proven record of being able to deal with challenges and crises and who can work across party lines," he added.
Melissa Mansfield
Williams responded that he was "still waiting for the right candidate to step up to the plate," while smiling at the former governor. Pataki and Williams met over the course of his administration to talk about medicinal marijuana, and beamed about pressuring the governor to run for president years ago.
Pataki, Williams and two political analysts talked about the war in Iraq, global warming and alternative energy. Pataki told the panel about the SUV he used as governor that was powered by ethanol, as an admiring Williams looked on.
"We will recruit you, we will be calling up your house, yelling and screaming and saying governor, step up to the place and show us what leadership is all about," Williams promised the retired governor.