Maggie Haberman and Michael Schmidt of the Times report that the president’s personal “lawyer” Rudolph the Brown-Cheeked Reindeer has made clear the recompense he’s expecting in exchange for the last shred of his purported dignity:
Giuliani is said to have discussed a possible pardon with Trump.
Rudolph W. Giuliani, President Trump’s lawyer who has led the most extensive efforts to damage his client’s political rivals and undermine the election results, discussed with the president as recently as last week the possibility of receiving a pre-emptive pardon before Mr. Trump leaves office, according to two people told of the discussion.
It was not clear who raised the topic. The men have also talked previously about a pardon for Mr. Giuliani, according to the people. Mr. Trump has not indicated what he will do, one of the people said.
Mr. Giuliani’s potential criminal exposure is unclear. He was under investigation as recently as last summer by federal prosecutors in Manhattan for his business dealings in Ukraine and his role in ousting the American ambassador there, a plot that was at the heart of the impeachment of Mr. Trump.
Despite the Times’ signature passive-voice deniable style of reporting, the story is as credible as, say, “Sun is said to have risen in possible eastern portion of sky.” Giuliani has done everything short of a live replay of his famous cameo in Borat 2 in support of the president’s quest to be crowned Not Loser, Really. Surely he can expect to be paid for his performance?
Ah, but the president’s loyalties can swing so widely, Mr. Mayor. Staying in Himself’s good graces is never guaranteed. Will you be a Flynn? Or a Kemp?
Tune in next month for the finale of MAGApprentice.
Update:
To be taken with a grain elevator of salt.