MIAMI -- Republican presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani was out early for a rally in Little Havana on Friday morning, hoping to shore up support for his candidacy, which polls show is lagging behind Sen. John McCain and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, Local 10's Rad Berky reported.

Giuliani -- who participated in a debate with his fellow party members the night before at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton -- shook hands with a group of school children before going inside the Little Havana Activities Center, where he told a group of predominantly senior Cuban-Americans that he identifies with their immigrant experience.

"I believe, more than anybody else running for president, that as much as you can as an outsider, I share your experience," Giuliani said.

Giuliani stuck mostly to the subject of Cuba, saying as president he would keep up the pressure on Fidel Castro's regime, even if Castro is replaced by his brother, Raul.

"I understand that and will not be fooled by that," Giuliani said.

Friday's New York Times endorsed McCain and accused Giuliani of exploiting the tragedy of Sept. 11 for his own political gains.

The former New York City mayor has virtually ignored earlier caucuses and primaries, instead focusing the bulk of his attention and money on Florida. Pundits claim if he doesn't win in Florida's presidential primary Tuesday, it could have a profound effect on his political future.