

How Rudy Giuliani’s Ukraine Operation Backfired
Oct 3, 2019
Kenneth P. Vogel, a Washington correspondent for The New York Times, dives into the dramatic arc of Rudy Giuliani's role in the Ukraine operation. He unpacks how Giuliani transformed from 'America's Mayor' to a controversial figure amid conspiracy theories. The conversation reveals the fallout from election losses in Ukraine that forced both Giuliani and Trump to rethink their strategies. With a spotlight on the fraught relationship between Presidents Zelensky and Trump, Vogel illustrates the political maneuvering that culminated in an impeachment inquiry.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Giuliani's Rise and Fall
- Rudy Giuliani, former NYC mayor, gained recognition as "America's Mayor" after 9/11.
- His popularity led to a failed presidential bid in 2008, after which he began consulting, notably in Ukraine.
Giuliani's Appeal in Ukraine
- Ukraine attracts Western consultants due to its oligarch-driven economy and desire for U.S. support.
- Giuliani's reputation and perceived U.S. backing made him a valuable asset in Ukraine's fight against Russian influence.
Trump's Ukraine Obsession
- Trump's belief that Ukraine meddled in the 2016 election aligned with Giuliani's findings, making him the ideal investigator.
- Giuliani aimed to use this theory to discredit the Mueller investigation.