collective release of, "okay, if he can begin to smile, maybe we can too." i thought that was an important moment. >> it was like a curtain going up on this newest phase of the rudy giuliani story. >> his response to the attacks had elevated him to an unprecedented place for any mayor. he was named time magazine's man of the year. he would walk into rooms and there would be standing ovations. >> if you don't stop applauding, i will start singing. [ laughter ] >> you walk into every room and you're the center of attention, and it comes to feel natural and something that you're due. >> bits of the old giuliani do crack through. he's still operating politically and trying to grab some more time in city hall for at least as long as he feels he needs to be there. >> the offer is there. if people want to accept it, they can. >> some people are wondering if maybe we could just keep mayor giuliani in office for another year to get us through this crisis. >> "the new york times" has indicated they don't think this is a great idea for democracy.