Gov. David Paterson may have lost his standing in the polls, but he has not lost his sense of humor. He appeared with a very pregnant assemblywoman recently, and when someone yelled out "Boy or girl?" Paterson fired back: "Democrat."

David Paterson could use a few good Democrats. Some loyal ones. Most seemed to have deserted a sinking ship, and some have blown a few holes in the hull on the way out.

It reminds me of Truman's old warning about Washington: "If you want a friend in this town, get a dog."

Despite the fact that nearly everyone believes he's finished, Paterson seems intent on holding on. But is his heart in it? If he plans to stay in the race, Paterson better get tougher than the tough guys who have plotted his ruin.

For starters: those good friends in the White House. Paterson should declare war, and take no prisoners. (And don't send your wife to do your dirty work.)

When I saw he was appearing on "Meet the Press," I thought Paterson was going to begin his counter-attack for real. But instead he once again repeated his ridiculous stance that nobody in the White House gave an "authorized" indication that he should get out of the race

Authorized? Did he expect to get a letter from the President Obama himself, stamped by a notary public?

Paterson seems content to ignore, or at least pretend to ignore, the obvious: that indeed somebody at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue really doesn't like him.

It reminds me of the old joke: A boxer getting pummeled in the ring heads to his corner. His coach insists: "He hasn't laid glove on you." The boxer yells back: "Well, keep an eye on the ref 'cause someone's giving me a hell of a beating."

Paterson needs to attack. One operative said to me: "He should have said 'Butt out, Mr. President. Don't worry about my approval rating. Keep an eye on yours; because I think it's going my way. And by the way, you're doing a heck of a job with that health care.'"

All right, maybe that's a bit harsh, but that's the idea. The White House needs to be put on the defensive, and Paterson needs to go on the offensive. He did take a few shots at Andrew Cuomo, saying people "connected to" the attorney general were responsible for leaks to the media. But just two days later, Paterson backpedaled, and said he didn't think anyone from the office was responsible.

Cuomo, for his part, must feel his path to the governorship is now clear. But not so fast. Even if Paterson can't win, he might try muddying up Cuomo before he goes. And with his work on the budget deficit, he has a few more months to bolster his image.

Rudy Giuliani has no problems going on the attack. And he too is making the media circuit. When we saw him a few weeks ago at the United Nations, he seemed ready for a fight, sarcastically answering questions about Paterson's plight. "I haven't heard from the White House about whether I should run or not," Giuliani said with tongue in cheek.

The former mayor seems to be ready for a run. And he's always been comfortable taking his shots. Many feel he will be scared off by Andrew Cuomo, but I'm not so sure. Never mind the fact that Republicans are greatly outnumbered by Democrats in New York State. That hasn't really hurt somebody named Bloomberg in New York City, who is doing fine as a Republican, or Democrat, or independent, or whatever he is!

Paterson's low poll numbers do give him one advantage: he has nothing to lose.

If, despite the enormous odds, he really wants to hang on, it is time for him to take off the gloves. His opponents already have.

Dick Brennan is WNYW's chief political correspondent. The Queens Courier published a version of this commentary.