Washington, Aug 25 : Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani has voiced his sympathy for arch rival Senator Hillary Clinton, and said that the New York Senator would have been the obvious choice rather than Joe Biden as Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama’s running mate.

“The strong choice would have been Hillary Clinton, the obvious choice would have been Hillary Clinton rather than Joe Biden as the running mate for Barack Obama,” Giuliani said.

“It''s kind of a no-brainer that that''s your ticket,” the Daily News quoted Giuliani, as saying.

Biden is “a friend of mine and I have great respect for him,” Giuliani said, but Obama made a mistake with a vice presidential selection who “emphasizes all your weaknesses” in experience and foreign policy.

Giuliani was warming up in Sag Harbor, L. I., for his role as the primo attack dog in the GOP''s pack descending on Denver this week to trash the Demorats throughout their convention.

John McCain appeared to differ with his former rival for the GOP nomination. The Arizona senator told CBS the Biden choice was a "wise one," but McCain was taking Giuliani''s hint that disgruntled Clinton loyalists were up for grabs.

A new CNN poll last night said 27 percent of Hillary Clinton supporters now say they are backing McCain. (ANI)