Trump aides deliberately gave Giuliani wrong time for debate prep, new book claims
Rudy Giuliani’s advice to tackle then presidential candidate Joe Biden was ‘supremely unhelpful’, says the book
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Rudy Giuliani, former US president Donald Trump’s then-personal lawyer, was given the wrong time for a session to prepare Mr Trump for the first presidential debate before the 2020 national elections, reveal excerpts from a new book.
Mr Giuliani was given the wrong time because he clashed with former Republican New Jersey governor Chris Christie and Mr Trump’s senior counselor Kellyanne Conway, said the excerpts obtained by Business Insider.
The book, I Alone Can Fix It: Donald J. Trump’s Catastrophic Final Year, claims the clashes took place over diverging approaches to tackling current president Joe Biden in the debate.
The former New York mayor’s approach to the presidential debate did not go down well with others, according to the book.
Mr Christie had suggested Mr Trump only bring up Mr Biden’s son Hunter to throw him off course. Mr Giuliani, however, said Hunter Biden’s business dealings should be discussed in detail during the debate.
“Most of the other advisors found Giuliani’s advice to be ‘supremely unhelpful,’ as one characterised his coaching tips for the president,” said the excerpt from the book.
Mr Giuliani wanted to return to the next preparation session on September 28, a day before the scheduled debate that took place in Cleveland.
There was, however, “a plan in place to tinker with his wishes”, according to Business Insider, citing the book.
“Aides told Giuliani they would be gathering at 2:00 pm, though they were scheduled to start at noon,” the excerpt said.
“They had tricked Giuliani by giving him the wrong time,” it added.
Mr Giuliani was, thus, late for the session and reached only 30 minutes before it ended. The session had Mr Christie standing in for Mr Biden and Ms Conway for Fox News anchor Chris Wallace, who moderated the debate.
Mr Trump eventually did take Mr Giuliani’s advice and launched a scathing attack against the soon-to-be president’s son.
The debate was noted for its chaotic nature, with the then candidates insulting each other. Mr Trump repeatedly interrupted Mr Wallace and Mr Biden, who at one time lost patience and shot back at Mr Trump, with the now-famous line: “Will you shut up, man?”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments