Giuliani's Relationship with the White House Strained after Kerik Nomination Collapse

Strategic Insights -

Rudolph W. Giuliani's Christmas dinner at the White House on Sunday night was marred by an apology for pushing Bernard B. Kerik as homeland security secretary, a move that led to Kerik's nomination collapse due to legal problems and tax issues. Giuliani expressed regret for his role in the nomination, stating that he should have been more involved in the process. The incident has put a strain on the complex relationship between Giuliani and President Bush, which has always been more than a simple friendship.

Key Takeaways:

  • Giuliani apologized for pushing Kerik's nomination, citing his confidence in Kerik and his own responsibility for not being more involved in the process.
  • The White House views Giuliani's actions as a betrayal of Bush's trust, with people close to the president describing him as "leery" of Giuliani's loyalty.
  • Giuliani's relationship with Bush has always been more complicated than a simple friendship, with the two men having a history of differences in their personal and professional lives.
  • Giuliani's willingness to publicly support Bush's campaign in 2000 was seen as a necessary step for the president's campaign, despite Giuliani's own struggles with his personal life.
  • The White House hopes to continue a mutually beneficial relationship with Giuliani, despite the current strain, and sees him as a "great supporter" of the president.
  • Giuliani's advisers believe that he would be good for a cabinet position as long as he didn't have to work with others, but the White House is unlikely to appoint him to a position in the administration due to his own agenda.
  • Giuliani expects to have Kerik back at work at Giuliani Partners soon, despite the controversy surrounding Kerik's nomination.

Statistics:

  • Giuliani and his wife were overnight guests at the president's 1,600-acre ranch in Texas during the campaign, an invitation reserved for prime ministers, heads of state, and close friends.
  • Giuliani was first credited with supporting Bush in the Republican primary in New York in March 2000, despite his close relationship with John McCain.
  • Giuliani's first significant time with Bush was on a trip to Austin, Texas, in the fall of 1999, which was seen as a crucial moment in their relationship.
  • The partnership between Giuliani and Kerik has been in place since 2001, and is expected to emerge largely unscathed from the recent controversy.
  • Giuliani has expressed regret over Kerik's nomination collapse, stating that "it is a personal embarrassment" and that "I don't like making mistakes".

Sources:

  • The New York Times:

+ "Giuliani's Relationship with White House Is Complicated and Sensitive" by Elisabeth Bumiller and James Risen, December 23, 2002.

+ "Giuliani Says He Regrets Nomination of Kerik" by Elisabeth Bumiller, December 23, 2002.