Ferguson chief: I'm not resigning

• NEW: Officials: There's a collective decision Ferguson will move on without Jackson


• NEW: Officials says chief's future is part of talks, including what severance he'd get


• Ferguson chief says he has "a lot of people behind me," wants to finish the job in city


• Jackson's department has been under fire since the shooting death of Michael Brown

Watch more from the chief's interview on "Anderson Cooper 360" at 8 p.m. ET, and "CNN Tonight" at 10 p.m. ET on Thursday.

Ferguson, Missouri (CNN) -- The Ferguson, Missouri, police chief insisted Thursday that he won't step down -- despite continued unrest months after one of his officer's fatally shot Michael Brown and high-level talks that could lead to his exit.

"I'm going to stay and see this through," Chief Thomas Jackson told CNN.

The firestorm around Jackson began August 9, when Officer Darren Wilson, who is white, shot Brown, an African-American teen. Wilson's defenders have said he acted in self-defense, while Brown's backers note the teenager wasn't armed and claim he had his hands up when the fatal bullets hit him.

Dorian Johnson: Sticking with my story

Police: We expect the best from Ferguson

Ferguson police chief: I am not leaving

Ferguson police chief denies resignation

The incident roused large and, at times, violent demonstrations in Ferguson. Jackson faced criticism over his department's handling of the Brown shooting and the subsequent protests.

Government officials say that Jackson's future is part of talks involving local, state and congressional officials. Part of that discussion centers on what severance package the chief might get, as well as who would manage the Ferguson police department instead of him.

Whether the chief wants it or not, the collective decision has been made that the Ferguson police will move ahead without him, according to the officials. All sides taking part in the talks had hoped Jackson would be able to step down on his own accord, instead of being forced out.

But Jackson gave no indication Thursday that he'll leave voluntarily, saying he plans to stay as long as the city manager and council support him.

"I certainly have the support of the police department and the community. I have a lot of support in the community," he said. "I think this is my job to complete, and I'm going to do it."

The situation in Ferguson remains unsettled. Wilson's fate is up in the air: He hasn't been charged, though a grand jury is hearing evidence and will determine whether to indict him. And activists haven't shown any sign they're ready to give up in pushing for Wilson's prosecution and other, broader changes in Ferguson.

Amid it all, Jackson says that "this happened on my watch, and I intend to see it through," he told CNN.

"I think I'm very capable of doing that, and I have a lot of people behind me that believe so as well."

Investigation

The Justice Department is investigating Ferguson police. Investigators are looking at the department's use of force over the years; analyzing stops, searches and arrests; and examining the treatment of people detained at the city jail, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder has said.

Holder has said the Justice Department's investigation includes the department's leadership.

Some officials have expressed a desire to dissolve the entire department and turn over law enforcement to St. Louis County police.

Complete coverage of Ferguson shooting and protests

"We're looking at a whole variety of things, including the leadership of that department, the practices that the department engages in, the nature of the interaction between the department and the community that it is supposed to serve," Holder said.

Holder has declined to comment on whether the police chief should be removed, but he has not been shy about expressing his views.

"It's pretty clear that the need for wholesale change is appropriate," he said this month.

Jackson has found fault with Holder's remarks.

"He's drawn a conclusion that wholesale change needs to be made," said Jackson. "We have a lot of good stuff going on, so I think he needs to be a little more specific."

The police chief also defended the handling of the sometimes violent protests in the wake of the shooting.

"There was firebombs thrown. There were shots fired, for several nights in a row, shots fired at police officers and vehicles. And through all of that, the tactics that were used resulted in no injuries to any protesters or police officers. So, that's actually something to be quite happy about," Jackson said.

Apology

Ferguson police chief speaks to CNN

Ferguson police chief apologizes

Ferguson police chief: I'm going to stay

More arrests and protests in Ferguson

Last month, Jackson released a video apology directed at Brown's parents and the peaceful demonstrators who took to Ferguson's streets to protest the teen's death. In particular, he apologized that his department left Brown's body in the street for four hours after the shooting, and for his department's failure to protect the demonstrators' right to assemble.

He acknowledged that the incident had sparked a larger conversation about societal issues, saying Ferguson and the surrounding areas have "much work to do."

"Overnight, I went from being a small-town police chief to being part of a conversation about racism, equality and the role of policing in that conversation. As chief of police, I want to be part of that conversation. I also want to be part of the solution," he said.

"For any mistakes I've made, I take full responsibility. It's an honor to serve the city of Ferguson and the people who live there. I look forward to working with you in the future to solve our problems, and once again, I deeply apologize to the Brown family," he said.

Later that day, he waded into a crowd at a protest and apologized again.

Some people seemed satisfied by his apologies, but not everyone was eager to hear from him.

One man shouted into a bullhorn, "If you are not resigning tonight, go home."

What's next?

Part of why he wants to stay, Jackson said, is because he finds it painful to watch what's happening in his community. He said he wants to help heal it.

Although the department has done a lot around the issue, police need to work harder on minority recruitment and retention, the chief said.

Ferguson is a predominantly black community with a mostly white police force. At the time of Brown's shooting, only three of the city's 53 officers were African-American.

Police can also put more of an emphasis on community-oriented policing and problem-solving, Jackson said.

Asked whether those sort of changes will be enough to restore calm, the chief replied: "What's enough is sort of dependent on what's the right thing to do, and that's what I'm focused on."

But he knows the issue is much bigger than one person.

"I'm just one of the players. This is going to take the entire community," Jackson said.

CNN's Jason Carroll reported in Ferguson. CNN's Faith Karimi and Dana Ford reported and wrote in Atlanta. CNN's Evan Perez and Greg Botelho contributed to this report.

New front line in immigration crisis

• Florida Straits are 90-mile-long stretch of open water between the Florida Keys, Cuba


• It's where many use makeshift rafts and boats in an attempt to reach America


• This year, Coast Guard has seen the highest number of migrants in five years

Miami (CNN) -- "No queremos ir pa' Cuba!"

We don't want to go to Cuba.

Those words were repeatedly sung by a young man in his mid-20s, who had just risked his life to escape the communist island. Instead, he found himself, along with nine other Cuban men, lying on the deck of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Margaret Norvell. The eyes of all 10 filled with desperation and sadness. They knew they were going back.

On this night, the Norvell received the men from another cutter, less than 10 miles off Key West, Florida. In the distance, they could see the lights of the land of freedom they hoped to reach. But, like many before them, they would be quickly processed and repatriated.

This is a different front line of the immigration crisis: the Florida Straits, a 90-mile-long stretch of open water between the Florida Keys and Cuba. On one side, the Bahamas. On the other, the Gulf of Mexico. And, in between, an alarming increase in the number of people -- mostly Cubans and Haitians -- using makeshift rafts and boats in an attempt to reach America.

In fiscal year 2014, which ended September 30, the U.S. Coast Guard 7th District, which patrols this area, saw the highest number of migrants in five years, with 10,126 people found on land and sea. That's over 3,000 more than the previous year.

"Most of it is economic. They're looking for a better way of life," said Lt. Kirk Fistick, commanding officer of the Norvell.

More attempts, new routes

For some of those caught and returned, it's just the latest chapter in their long journey to freedom. CNN learned one of the Cuban men on the Norvell was on his ninth attempt at crossing the Florida Straits. "There are people that have done this dozens of times," said Fistick.

And, since 2012, the Coast Guard says it has seen human smugglers use new routes to get migrants to America -- namely, by avoiding Florida altogether.

In Cuba's case, people on the island now have more freedom to visit other countries. So, an increasing number of Cubans are legally flying to smaller Caribbean islands near the U.S. Virgin Islands, then smugglers are bringing them over to the tiny American territory. "That's a very short maritime distance. And so, it's tough to combat that," said Capt. Mark Fedor, the chief of response for the Coast Guard 7th District.

For Haitians, the new routes are longer and more dangerous. "There are organized smugglers that will try to lure them from Haiti through the Dominican Republic, and then into Puerto Rico. That never happened really, before 2012. And now, that vector accounts for 40% of all the Haitians leaving Haiti," said Fedor.

Doing more with less

When it comes to dealing with migrants, the Coast Guard is in a unique position. Part of the agency's mission is humanitarian. But, unlike the other military branches, the Coast Guard, which now resides within the Department of Homeland Security, also has federal law enforcement responsibilities.

In that capacity, it also serves as the lead agency in charge of stopping human and drug smugglers in open waters. And, along the Florida Straits, it's not an easy task.

"There are organized smugglers here, especially human traffickers -- the lowest of the low, when it comes to trafficking. It could be kids, women caught up in the sex trade. They're moving people any way they can to try to get them in the United States," Fedor said.

He said it can get frustrating to deal with these multiple missions, with such limited resources. In a recent summary released online, the Coast Guard's budget is expected to be about $6.7 billion for the 2015 fiscal year -- a fraction of what other military branches receive.

"We try to do the best we can to be creative, to be nimble and to try to be one step ahead of these smugglers. But it's a challenge, because they're thinking the same way. They're running a for-profit, multimillion-dollar business, so they have a lot of incentive to get their product to market, whether it's drugs or people."

'This is what we do'

Ronald Garcia, 33, is on the crew of the Norvell. The 13-year Coast Guard veteran is also the son of Cuban immigrants, who came to the United States in 1979. "They did everything they could to come and have children in the United States, and provide better opportunities for us. I'm able to live the American dream."

Garcia is one of two Cuban-Americans on the cutter. They both admit, at times, it's hard to separate their jobs from their personal connections to the plight of the migrants they find. "It's a very difficult thing to deal with. Personally, it's just difficult for me to see the situation they're in," said Garcia.

It's a reality that's not lost on his fellow crew members, including the commanding officer, Fistick. "We empathize with them and it's tough on the human spirit to do it. But, we're in the military. We follow orders. This is what we do."

Director defends catcall video

• NEW: Director Rob Bliss says the men in the video were just a small sample


• NEW: He denies any intent to show one race over another


• The video features mostly black and Latino men


• Woman in video says "men of all colors" have harassed her

(CNN) -- The director of a video showing a woman being catcalled on the streets of New York has weighed in on the seeming racial disparity of the men featured.

Rob Bliss, who posted the video on behalf of the anti-street-harassment group Hollaback!, told CNN that those shown were just a small sample.

"Looking at this as being some type of sample that is completely balanced, I think, is never going to be accurate," he said. "To do that, we would have had to shoot for days and days, and we didn't set out to make a long video."

Bliss, who was inspired by the experiences of his girlfriend, tracked volunteer Shoshana Roberts as she walked through the city over the course of 10 hours. The video shows her being greeted by mostly black and Latino men with calls like "Hey, baby," "Damn!" and "What's up, beautiful?" Some of the men even follow her.

In a Slate article headlined "The Problem With That Catcalling Video," writer Hanna Rosin notes that "The one dude who turns around and says, 'Nice,' is white, but the guys who do the most egregious things -- like the one who harangues her, 'Somebody's acknowledging you for being beautiful! You should say thank you more,' or the one who follows her down the street too closely for five whole minutes -- are not."

Bliss said that during the 10 hours captured on video, there were 108 instances of street harassment, of which he had 30 to 40 scenes with good enough quality for him to consider. He whittled that down to 20 scenes in the one minute and 57 second video. It's difficult to distinguish that about six of the men were white because the faces were blurred, Bliss said.

"We have 18 scenes where someone is visible and on camera, and two of the scenes ate up half of the run time" of the video, he said. "And yes, those two men were not white.

"We knew this wasn't going to be an accurate representation," Bliss added. "For example, there are no Asian men, but that doesn't mean that Asian men don't do this, too."

"First, we regret the unintended racial bias in the editing of the video that over represents men of color," Hollaback! said in a statement released Tuesday. "Although we appreciate Rob's support, we are committed to showing the complete picture. It is our hope and intention that this video will be the start of a series to demonstrate that the type of harassment we're concerned about is directed toward women of all races and ethnicities and conducted by an equally diverse population of men."

Critics questioned the disparity on social media. One tweeted, "To demonize men of color as the only perpetrators of aggression towards women is patently false and irresponsible. #Catcalling."

To demonize men of color as the only perpetrators of aggression towards women is patently false and irresponsible. #Catcalling

— Nestlé Snipes (@ChocnessMonsta) October 30, 2014

Another person tweeted, "I just got an attitude from an older white male ,I didn't say good morning. #Catcalling since everyone wants to make this a race issue."

I just got an attitude from an older white male ,I didn't say good morning. #Catcalling since everyone wants to make this a race issue

— Heyyymimi_ (@HeyyyMimi_) October 30, 2014

Rosin points out that Bliss, who heads the marketing company Rob Bliss Creative and told New Republic "I make viral videos for a living," has been accused of not being inclusive before.

In 2011, a blogger wrote about the Grand Rapids Lip Dub video project, which Bliss hosted. Directed on the streets of the Michigan city, it featured participants lip-syncing the words to Don McLean's "American Pie" and according to the Grand Rapids Press was one of several community events Bliss organized.

But a blogger identified as "kswheeler" wrote that the result didn't exactly reflect the racial makeup of Grand Rapids at the time: 57% white, 18.9% black, 13% Latino and 1.62% Asian-American.

"Otherwise, Grand Rapids looks like Oz," the blogger wrote. "And the people look like they've been reincarnated from those peppy family-style 1970s musical acts from Disney World or Knott's Berry Farm."

Bliss, 26, said the Grand Rapids video had an open call for participation.

As for his latest project, he said the focus on the race of the men has been a distraction and "very frustrating." In no way was he trying to portray one race as being more apt to harass women in the streets, he said.

"I simply wanted to capture street harassment in a very intimate, close-up way in the real world and have people talk about it," Bliss said. "I just wanted to lay it all bare."

Thursday morning on CNN's "New Day," Roberts discussed her experience with the catcalls, noting that because she was carrying two microphones while Bliss walked ahead of her with a backpack camera, "We had great audio."

As for the racial makeup of the men who attempt to interact with her, she said they were "men of all colors -- in my experience every day, men of all colors. It doesn't matter what size, shape, color."

CNN's Jamie Gumbrecht contributed to this story.

World Series legend is born

• No one could have predicted Madison Bumgarner would have enough to pitch five innings


• Jeremy Affeldt was just as good, tossing more scoreless innings


• Royals fans stay after game to show their pride


• One person shot in San Francisco, CNN affiliate reports

(CNN) -- So much for destiny.

The Royals seemingly had karma on their side and were ready to put a Hollywood ending on a memorable season, but the baseball gods had a different plan.

Giants go crazy after World Series win

For they had created a pitcher who had a performance that surely isn't that of a mortal.

The San Francisco Giants celebrate after Game 7 of the World Series against the Kansas City Royals, October 29, in Kansas City, Missouri. The Giants won 3-2 to win the series.

Kansas City Royals pitchers Danny Duffy and Aaron Crow embrace in the dugout after a 3-2 loss against the San Francisco Giants in Game 7 of the World Series on October 29, at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri.

San Francisco Giants manager Bruce Bochy celebrates with the World Series trophy after defeating the Kansas City Royals 3-2 in Game 7 of the World Series at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, on October 29.

San Francisco Giants players Buster Posey, left, and Madison Bumgarner celebrate after defeating the Kansas City Royals 3-2 to win Game 7 of the 2014 World Series at Kauffman Stadium on October 29 in Kansas City, Missouri. Bumgarner was the series MVP.

Members of the San Francisco Giants celebrate their 3-2 win over the Kansas City Royals in the 2014 World Series at Kauffman Stadium on October 29 in Kansas City, Missouri.

Madison Bumgarner of the San Francisco Giants pitches against the Kansas City Royals in the fifth inning during Game 7 of the 2014 World Series at Kauffman Stadium on October 29 in Kansas City, Missouri.

San Francisco Giants' Michael Morse reacts after hitting an RBI single during the fourth inning of Game 7 of baseball's World Series against the Kansas City Royals on October 29 in Kansas City, Missouri.

San Francisco Giants third baseman Pablo Sandoval celebrates after scoring in the fourth inning against the Kansas City Royals during Game 7 of the 2014 World Series at Kauffman Stadium on October 29 in Kansas City, Missouri.

Kansas City Royals second baseman Omar Infante tries to make a play in the fourth inning against the San Francisco Giants during Game 7 of the 2014 World Series at Kauffman Stadium on October 29 in Kansas City, Missouri.

Kansas City Royals' Alex Gordon is out at second as Brandon Crawford of the San Francisco Giants turns a double play on a ball hit by Salvador Perez during the fourth inning of Game 7 of the World Series on October 29, in Kansas City, Missouri.

San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Tim Hudson, left, walks off the mound after being relieved during the second inning of Game 7 of the World Series on October 29 in Kansas City, Missouri.

Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez grimaces after being hit by a pitch in the second inning of Game 7 of the 2014 World Series at Kauffman Stadium on October 29 in Kansas City, Missouri.

Kansas City Royals third baseman Alex Gordon hits an RBI double in the second inning against the San Francisco Giants during Game 7 of the 2014 World Series at Kauffman Stadium on October 29 in Kansas City, Missouri.

San Francisco Giants catcher Buster Posey breaks his bat in the first inning of Game 7 of the 2014 World Series at Kauffman Stadium on October 29 in Kansas City, Missouri.

Jeremy Guthrie of the Kansas City Royals pitches against the San Francisco Giants in the first inning during Game 7 of the 2014 World Series at Kauffman Stadium on October 29 in Kansas City, Missouri.

Tim Hudson of the San Francisco Giants pitches in the first inning against the Kansas City Royals during Game 7 of the 2014 World Series at Kauffman Stadium on October 29 in Kansas City, Missouri.

Fans wave towels before Game 7 of baseball's World Series between the Kansas City Royals and the San Francisco Giants on October 29 in Kansas City, Missouri.

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World Series: Game 7

Led by Most Valuable Player Madison Bumgarner, the San Francisco Giants won an exciting and intriguing World Series Game 7 by a 3-2 score.

In the second World Series matchup of wildcard teams, it wasn't to be for the young Royals, who even got the tying run to third base in the ninth inning.

But the Giants had Bumgarner, and no one was going to score against him.

Madison the Magnificent

Early on, the Royals had to think things were going perfectly. They knocked out Giants starter Tim Hudson in a hurry, and it looked like San Fran skipper Bruce Bochy was going to have to make repeated calls to his bullpen.

They were keeping the game close, even though they trailed by a run.

I've seen a lot of great pitching performances. What Madison Bumgarner did over the last 72 hours is unlike anything I've seen. Incredible.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) October 30, 2014

Sure, the Giants had Bumgarner, their ace, available, but he just threw a complete game three days ago. Even if he came in, it seemed impossible he'd throw more than a couple innings.

He threw an inconceivable five. You know the last time that's been done before Wednesday. Probably never.

"I wasn't thinking about finishing the game or how many innings I was going to go or pitch count," Bumgarner said. "I was just wanting to get outs."

Bumgarner finished the World Series with two wins, one incredible save and an ERA of 0.43.

Asked if he was fatigued after such a magnificent performance, the 25-year-old star admitted, yeah, he was.

"I can't lie to you any more; I'm a little tired now," he said with a chuckle.

90 feet from extra innings

With Bumgarner locked in and two out in the ninth, San Francisco fans couldn't be blamed if they were celebrating. But K.C. still had a little life.

After all, these are the Royals who appeared doomed in the American League Wild Card game, only to rally for a win.

Kansas City's Alex Gordon was the last hope, and he laced a liner to left center. Hearts in Kansas City sank as it appeared Gregor Blanco might catch it.

Their hearts raced as the ball fell and skipped by the outfielder and rolled to the wall. Gordon headed toward third as Juan Perez fumbled the ball. Could it be? Would Gordon turn for home and score the most improbable of runs?

San Francisco manager Bruce Bochy said he was just thinking: "Let's get the ball in because Gordon can run."

Perez was able to pick up the ball and get it back to the infield in time to keep Gordon from scoring. Then Bumgarner closed out the game, enticing Salvador Perez to pop out.

"To end up losing the ball game by 90 feet, it's tough," Royals manager Ned Yost said. "The hard part about this is, you work all year (beginning in February) to climb to the top of the mountain and then -- boom -- you fall back, and you gotta start right back at the bottom next year."

Just wait til next year

Royals fans have waited three decades (it seems even longer) but despite a tough loss, they were still proud of their lads.

"The @Royals may have lost, but this team and that city is all winner. Thanks for a GREAT post season. Congrats Giants and GO @KCChiefs!!!!" "Modern Family" actor Eric Stonestreet tweeted.

The @Royals may have lost, but this team and that city is all winner. Thanks for a GREAT post season. Congrats Giants and GO @KCChiefs!!!!

— Eric Stonestreet (@ericstonestreet) October 30, 2014

"Never been prouder of @Royals on a great season and an absolutely unforgettable, drama-filled playoff run. Well done, fellas," White House press secretary Josh Earnest wrote.

Never been prouder of @Royals on a great season and an absolutely unforgettable, drama-filled playoff run. Well done, fellas.

— Josh Earnest (@PressSec) October 30, 2014

"I love my @Royals!!! Thanks for the best Series I've seen in 29 yrs! Congrats San Francisco Giants," added comedian Rob Riggle.

I love my @Royals!!! Thanks for the best Series I've seen in 29 yrs! Congrats San Francisco Giants.

— Rob Riggle (@RobRiggle) October 30, 2014

Fans at Kauffman Stadium stayed after the end and even broke into a loud "Let's go Royals" chant.

Affeldt bridges the gap

Years from now, when Jeremy Affeldt shows off his World Series rings, people will ask him about watching Madison Bumgarner pitch.

Just told Affeldt about the scoring change, that he received the win. He immediately told his wife, they cried and embraced.

— Andrew Baggarly (@CSNBaggs) October 30, 2014

They'll have long forgotten, if they ever knew, that Affeldt had a lower ERA in the 2014 postseason then even the Giants star.

No one scored on Affeldt. No one.

In Game 7, before Bumgarner stole the headlines, Affeldt blanked the Royals for 2 1/3 innings. It earned him the win (Originally the win was given to Bumgarner but the decision was changed later).

Affeldt has now pitched in 22 consecutive playoff games without surrendering a run. Only the legendary Mariano Rivera has done better.

"Affeldt, he is incredible," Bochy said. "He's played a critical role in these three championships."

Party time

San Francisco fans are used to watching their team win the World Series on the road. Each of their clinching wins has been a road game.

#SF waits with giant anticipation for return of World Champ #SFGiants to celebrate as one City with parade down Market Street on Friday!

— Edwin Lee (@mayoredlee) October 30, 2014

According to CNN affiliate KRON, fans took to the streets in the Mission District and near Civic Center Plaza, where there had been a public watch party. And one person was shot in the arm, police told the station.

The suspect wasn't caught, police spokesman Gordon Shyy told KRON. Only a few people had been arrested, he added.

Mayor Edwin Lee took to Twitter to announce the victory parade would be held Friday.

Convicted mayor wants 'final rodeo'

• Buddy Cianci is running for mayor of Providence for the third time


• Cianci resigned the post twice before over felony convictions


• Cianci to CNN: "I've made mistakes in my life obviously, I've paid the price."


• President Obama campaigns for Cianci's opponent Friday

Providence, Rhode Island (CNN) -- Tuesday's election in the littlest of states is causing the biggest of stirs.

When President Barack Obama hits the campaign trail here Friday to lend his star power to Jorge Elorza, the first-time candidate running in the city's deadlocked mayoral race, he won't be the most famous politician in the Ocean State that day.

That distinction belongs to the politician running against Elorza, the larger than life man who's never lost a political race, the man who served as Providence's mayor twice before -- and who was forced to resign each time in disgrace: Buddy Cianci.

"You're not going to get a Pulitzer Prize or an Emmy by saying 'Buddy Cianci is a convicted felon.' Cianci told CNN at his Providence headquarters this week. "Everybody knows that."

He added: "I'm probably the most vetted candidate in America right now. They know everything about me."

Cianci, a back-slapping machine politician reminiscent of a bygone era, served as the city's mayor from 1975 to 1984 and then again from 1991 to 2002, epochs recalled locally as Buddy I and Buddy II.

Buddy I came crashing down after Cianci was convicted of using a fire log and a lit cigarette to assault a man he accused of having an affair with his wife. Buddy II ended after Cianci was convicted on federal corruption charges. At the end of his 2002 trial, the judge rebuked Cianci before sentencing him to federal prison for five years.

"In this mayor's two administrations, there has been more corruption in the city of Providence than in the history of this state," said Judge Ernest Torres.

Cianci isn't shying away from his past.

"I've made mistakes in my life obviously, I've paid the price," he told CNN. "We all stumble, I stumbled. That doesn't prevent me from running for office...I've done my time, and I think I'm a contributing member to this society and this city."

While Cianci's stumbles didn't prevent him from running for office, his 37-year-old opponent hopes that they'll prevent him from capturing it. "We have a storied history of corruption here in our city," Elorza said at a recent press conference. "And those incidents of corruption are very well-documented in Mr. Cianci's administration."

Three former U.S. attorneys -- among them current U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse -- doubled down on those sentiments, urging voters to reject Cianci at a press conference they convened October 14. "I would very much doubt that the return of this particular shadow would do our applications any good," said Whitehouse, referring to federal grant applications.

But for Buddy, it's a familiar refrain. In fact, it's Cianci's past -- warts and all -- that lay at the heart of the campaign message driving the 73-year-old's "final rodeo" -- the quest for a Buddy III.

"They can talk all they want about me and my background," he said. "The question is: if you went into a hospital and you had to have open heart surgery, would you want the intern to do it or would you want the experienced doctor even though the doctor might have had a couple of problems in his life?

Everyone in Providence it seems has an opinion about Cianci, and they typically fall into one of three categories.

There are those that love him, such as Sandra Perrone. "I think of him as a Robin Hood." she told CNN. "I just think he should be given another chance."

There are those that don't. "Buddy Cianci is someone who's very flashy," said Joshua Shockly. "I think it's all show with him, there's not any substance behind what he does."

Even Ashoka Mukpo, the NBC cameraman recovering after being stricken with Ebola weighed on Twitter this week. "Meanwhile, back in my hometown of Providence, twice-convicted felon Buddy Cianci looks to become mayor AGAIN," he wrote.

Then there are the conflicted.

Cianci "is someone who is incredibly charming, actually very intelligent, very funny, (and) very glib," said Kent Mallard. "But somebody who I would never vote for for mayor."

"I think Buddy Cianci loves this city and that he did some good things for this city," added Shockly. "I just don't think this city needs somebody like him at this point in time where Providence and Rhode Island in general needs to take a step forward out of a past which has really kept us kind of behind everyone else."

That even Cianci's detractors concede that there is much to like and admire about the man reveals the underlying conflict facing voters in the city of nearly 180,000 as they head to the polls on Tuesday: Do they go with the candidate with a shadowy past but who nevertheless worked tirelessly to bring a once blighted, ne'er do well city out from those very shadows? Or do they go with the less experienced and younger Elorza, a candidate who Obama -- a politician who knows a little something about being young and inexperienced and running for office -- says will "will bring honest leadership to Providence?"

"A lot of positive things happened while (Buddy) was in office but a lot of negative things happened," said resident Dennis Emsley. "I mean, he's a celebrity, he has a certain cache, but there are other candidates that are more connected to what's going on in the city today and that are going to be more able to lead the city into the future and I don't think that'd be Buddy Cianci."

As for any other celebrity -- presidential or otherwise -- campaigning against a Buddy III, Cianci says his opponent can have them.

"You know what they all have in common? None of them live in the city of Providence."