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Washington, DC (CNN) - During the Watergate, the then president of the United States, Richard Nixon, was with a gang of political minions, including the White House secretary, HR Haldeman, and the secretary of Justice and pipe smoker John Mitchell, who ended up in jail.
"All the president's men" were immortalized in the classic film that presents the scandal starring Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman. While Trump faces his political trial, he has his own team of heavyweight Washington men struggling to keep his presidency alive. Here is a brief guide:
William Barr, Secretary of Justice
Since joining the administration in February, Bill Bar has served as a sort of high-level legal bodyguard for Trump. From protecting Trump from the consequences of the Mueller report to being detailed to deal with the Ukrainian government, Barr's behavior has raised concerns that the wall between the White House and the once independent Department of Justice is falling.
Instead of personal ambition, Barr seems motivated by his vision of an almighty presidency. There is a reason why the president loves him.
Mike Pompeo, Secretary of State
As a congressman, Pompeo tormented former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton for Benghazi. Now this poacher turned guardian of the game is trying to prevent Congress from demanding that the current administration be held accountable for retaining information.
Pompeo, who was in the highly analyzed July 25 call between Trump and the president of Ukraine, has perfected the art of keeping the president happy. His highest political goals mean he is also willing to please Trump's base.
READ : Pompeo: “I was on the phone call with Trump and the president of Ukraine”
Rudolph Giuliani, former mayor of New York
The hero of September 11 is supposedly Trump's personal lawyer. But his incessant cable news successes are not from any court manual. Rudy Giuliani crossed openly to Ukraine to investigate the son of former Vice President Joe Biden, and met with a Kiev government official in Spain. Critics wonder if his independent work on Ukraine has taken the president to a dangerous place.
Lindsey Graham, senator from South Carolina
Once a disciple of the late Senator John McCain (who despised Trump) Lindsey Graham is now the president's golf partner and his most vigorous defender. Twenty years ago, as a congressman, he helped execute the political trial of then President Bill Clinton, and his Trump defense has enemies that call him a hypocrite. But Graham knows that his role probably means he will get rid of a challenger next year in his home state that is fervently pro Trump.
OPINION : What would it really take for Trump to resign?
Mike Pence, Vice President
The Indian is the teacher of the obsequious tribute that loves Trump. The president sent Pence to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on September 1 (the vice said they discussed US aid but not Joe Biden). Pence, like Pompeo, dreams of superior things and covets Trump voters. But he is in an intriguing place: if for some reason the commander in chief has to leave, the great work will be his.
Political judgment
