The World Cup Is Here—Is America Ready? Andrew Giuliani Makes A Bold Prediction

**Michael Smerconish** (0:00)
Energy, it's more than a utility. It's what powers all life's moments and possibilities for generations to come. It's what helps build brighter futures for all. So no matter how the world and its energy needs change, Southern Company's commitment to meeting those needs stays the same. They're continuously looking forward, forecasting how to support communities and deliver clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy. And that means together, we're ready for what's next. Learn more at southerncompany.com.
Southern Company, building the future of energy.

**SPEAKER_2** (0:33)
Tired of the same old game night? Switch things up with Chumba Casino! Play over 200 free online social casino games, from classic slots in Blackjack, to exclusive in-house favorites you won't find anywhere else. However long you got, you can play your way, anytime, anywhere. Make your next chill night a little more fun with Chumba Casino! No purchase necessary. VGW Group Voight were prohibited by law. See terms and conditions for details. 21 plus.
Ditch the clowns on the left.

**SPEAKER_3** (1:05)
And the jokers on the right.

**Phil** (1:07)
And join Michael Smerconish right here, in the middle.

**SPEAKER_3** (1:10)
This is The Smerconish Podcast for Independent Minds.

**Michael Smerconish** (1:15)
Hey gang, finally it is World Cup time in America. Andrew Giuliani is the Executive Director of the White House FIFA World Cup Task Force. He joins me now. Andrew, you've got to shorten that title. How about Soccer Czar?

**Andrew Giuliani** (1:30)
That works out well for me. Yeah, I know. You know, in DC, they always like those long titles over here. So Soccer Czar, I think, is probably more appropriate.

**Michael Smerconish** (1:38)
First things first, how is dad's health?

**Andrew Giuliani** (1:41)
He's doing great. Thank you so much for asking. You know, a little over a month ago, he was anointed. And then he ended up going to Italy and Greece for a stretch, which is really, really amazing. But thank you very much for asking. Thanks to the world for all the prayers. I gotta tell you, I still have a thousand some odd unread text messages here from all the incredible well wishes, but I appreciate it.

**Michael Smerconish** (2:03)
Well, I bring it up because I wish him Godspeed, but also because I heard the story that you rushed to his bedside and when he came to, he said, get back to work. Is that true?

**Andrew Giuliani** (2:13)
That is absolutely true. I told him it was a Sunday night. I got there. He got, he was sedated. He woke up Monday after about an hour or so of being up. He looked at me and he was like, what the hell are you doing here? You need to get yourself back to DC.
And I told him, hey, if you get yourself out of the ICU, we're going to get back to DC tomorrow here.

**Michael Smerconish** (2:34)
So finally, I bring you greetings from Lieutenant Don Costello, my brother-in-law who served in your dad's protective detail. And for 30 years has told me of the relationship that he so enjoys with you and how he watched you grow and so forth. I'd be derelict if I didn't say hello from him.

**Andrew Giuliani** (2:52)
And you know, this is full circle here because Don was on, my father and the family's detail during the 1994 World Cup when all that came to the United States and I remember the Italy-Ireland games, Italy going to the semi-finals, the great Roberto Baggio and what that is. Don is absolutely one of the best. We call him Lou obviously, but Don is one of my favorite people in the world and he certainly speaks extremely highly of you too.

**Michael Smerconish** (3:16)
It's funny that you bring up 94 because in Bush 41, I worked for Jack Kemp. Jack Kemp, the former NFL quarterback, Jack Kemp, the Buffalo Bill, Bob Dole's running mate, HUD secretary, which is when I worked for him. But Andrew, check this out. 1986, on the floor of the house, they are contemplating a resolution to endorse bringing the World Cup to the United States.
Kemp says, football is democratic capitalism, soccer is European socialism. I think it's important for all those young men out there who someday hope to play real football, where you throw it, kick it, and run with it, and put it in your hands. My, how far we've come in the last 40, 50 years.

**Andrew Giuliani** (4:02)
You know, who am I to argue with the great Jack Kemp over here? I remember actually watching a World Series game when he was Bob Dole's running mate sitting next to him here in New York back in 1996
But it really is amazing to see the growth of soccer here in the United States of America. Look, nothing in the United States tops American football. But I do think the comparison worldwide is pretty amazing when you look and see 130 million people watched the Super Bowl this last February and 1.6 billion watched the last World Cup final. We're expecting over 2 billion people to watch this World Cup.