Giuliani back in spotlight — but what's the show?

NEW YORK (AP) — Whether he's planning another run for the White House or a bid for senator or governor, or he just misses the spotlight, Rudy Giuliani is suddenly back and talking about the topic that made him a national star — Sept. 11.

Over five days this week, the former New York mayor gave several national TV interviews and a news conference — the kind of blitz usually associated with a book tour or a campaign launch. And he definitely does not have a new book to sell.

He has demurred when asked about his future — saying at one point he hasn't "really focused on it yet" — while establishing himself as the leading critic of the Obama administration's plan to bring several 9/11 defendants to New York City for a civilian trial.

"There's no reason to put New York through this," he declared in one interview.

Republican consultants interpret Giuliani's week in the spotlight as a sign he is seriously considering a return to politics after being mostly absent from the national stage for the past year or so.

"He's getting back into fighting shape," said GOP strategist Scott Reed. "He had confidence, knowledge and looks like he's enjoying the debate in Washington and may want to become a formal part of it."

Many New York Republicans have urged Giuliani to run for governor next year, but some advisers said he is instead leaning toward a run for Senate.

Or the former mayor — head of Giuliani Partners LLP, which focuses on emergency preparedness, public safety and corporate governance — could simply choose to stay in the lucrative private sector, where he benefits greatly from his role as a nationally recognized expert on security.

His spokeswoman said he has not decided anything. But no matter what, Republican political strategists say he is in a good place to do whatever he wants.

"He's probably the most well-positioned senior politician in America right now," said GOP strategist Rich Galen. "A lot of people would work their whole lives to maneuver themselves to be considered a front-runner in one position, but he is a front-runner in three major positions."

Amid all the talk about post-9/11 security, a central theme of his 2008 presidential campaign, Giuliani has managed to drop a few clues about what he might do next.

"Given the decisions that the Obama administration is making, particularly in this area of terrorism, which concerns me probably more than any other, we're going to need some pretty strong alternatives in 2012," he said on CNN.