REALCLEARINVESTIGATIONS: Giuliani-Style ‘Shadow’ Diplomacy: Par for the Course of U.S. History. “In fact, presidents since George Washington have turned to individuals without formal government positions to pursue foreign policy interests and objectives. Private citizens, often acting as special envoys, have helped negotiate issues ranging from trade to war. While critics deride such efforts as ‘back-door,’ ‘secret,’ or ‘shadow’ undertakings, many presidents have found it useful to dispatch people they trust, who can think and operate outside the constraints of official channels in handling delicate matters.”

Reporters might know this, if they weren’t 27 year olds who literally know nothing. And if they cared about the truth.