Is Rudy Giuliani okay?

By Editorial Board

August 24 at 5:26 PM

WE ARE a little worried about Rudy Giuliani, the Republican former mayor of New York. Is “America’s mayor” okay? ... During his 15-minute speech at the GOP convention last month in Cleveland, it was notable that when he said Donald Trump loves “all people, from the top to the bottom,” Mr. Giuliani animatedly gestured toward his knees as he said “top,” and above his head as he said “bottom.” Also, why did he say that he and his wife, Judith, have been friends with Mr. Trump for 30 years, though he met his wife in 1999, only 17 years ago?

Also — we’re noting this purely out of concern — during his speech he often licked his lips, indicating dry mouth, which, according to the Mayo Clinic, can be a symptom of nerve damage, stroke or Alzheimer’s disease. At the end of his address, beads of sweat were visible on his pate — did that not suggest heart disease?

Mr. Giuliani is just 72, but he seemed slightly stooped as he walked to the lectern, where his wide stance made us wonder if he’s unsteady on his feet. Then there was his slurred diction, as when he referred to “jushtified” police shootings and Syrian “refyoongees.” More evidence of a stroke?

Yes, all of the above is ludicrous — as ludicrous as Mr. Giuliani’s own loathsome smears and innuendo about Hillary Clinton’s health, which follow Mr. Trump’s. In recent days, indulging a grudge he has evidently held for years, he has urged people to watch Internet videos that purport to prove Ms. Clinton is ill. He doubled down after that, saying the Democratic presidential nominee appeared “tired” and “sick.”