Rudy Country?

"For us, not only is the weather great, but it's just such a different atmosphere," said Seaborn this week, surveying an impressive crowd that, despite ominous rain clouds and temperatures in the 40s (Southern Florida speak for "arctic chill"), gathered to watch Giuliani speak at Jacksonville's outdoor Veterans' Memorial.

Two audience members who had lost loved ones in Iraq joined the candidate in front of the Memorial wall. In what appeared to be a completely unscripted, unplanned moment, they told stories of how their relatives died fighting for their country.

A woman who lost her 22-year-old son in Iraq told the audience that those who don't support the war "don't get the picture. See, they can go home to their sons and daughters and hug them and kiss them and tell them, 'Don't support the war.' But see, I never got to tell [my son] how proud I am."

Giuliani followed up by saying, "The best way to win wars is through overwhelming strength, perseverance. And the best way to prevent wars is through overwhelming strength ...That's why increasing our military strength will be among my first priorities if you make me your president."

It was a poignant moment, for both the audience and Giuliani's staff. The kind of moment that Giuliani's staff hopes will keep them going before the rest of the GOP lands in Florida this weekend.

One thing the campaign is banking on is the fact that Florida voters don't have to wait until primary day to cast their ballots. Instead, Floridians can vote early, and Giuliani is hoping he can convince voters to get to the polls before they have time to test drive other candidates.

At a rally in New Smyrna Beach, Giuliani asked to see hands of audience members who had already voted. When only a few went up, Giuliani said, "I'll tell you what--before they even get here to campaign, how about you go out and vote for me?"

The audience laughed. What they didn't seem to recognize was that Giuliani was only half joking: No, really, he adds, "If I were living here, I'd just go out and vote now."

Later that evening, he told another audience, "You should go vote for me tomorrow."

"I already voted for you!" shouted one audience member. Just another reason for the Giuliani camp to love Florida.

© 2008