By Dustin Rowles | Politics | January 11, 2017 |
By Dustin Rowles | Politics | January 11, 2017 |
Let’s take a quick time out from both the unsubstantiated claims and the verified claims about Donald Trump’s ties to Russia, and let’s just ask ourselves one question:
Why does Donald Trump show so much regard for Vladimir Putin?
There is literally no logical explanation for this. Russia is not a friend of ours. They aren’t now, and they never have been. Politically, it defies logic. Russia has been viewed unfavorably by the American public for decades, and that hadn’t changed before Trump entered the race for President. Is there a logical, rational policy reason for favoring Russia? The rulers in Russia do not share our same values. It is ruled over by an authoritarian government; the courts are not independent; the elections are corrupt; political opposition to Putin is not allowed; and journalists are routinely killed for speaking out against the government.
And yet, Trump shows high regard for Putin and Russia, an opinion that is at odds with those in his own political party and, indeed, many of his cabinet nominees. Even Rex Tillerson this morning said that Putin fails on human rights. European leaders are literally begging Trump to stand up to Putin. It would be so much easier politically for Trump to stand up to Russia. He would’ve had a much easier time winning the election. He’d have a much easier time governing.
And yet, when the American Intelligence community says that that Russian’s hacked the DNC, Trump refuses to believe them. When he is confronted with evidence, he remains skeptical. When the American media presents the public with the same information that he received last week during an intelligence briefing, Trump cites a Russian source to deny it.
Why is he sourcing Russian officials?
Russia just said the unverified report paid for by political opponents is "A COMPLETE AND TOTAL FABRICATION, UTTER NONSENSE." Very unfair!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 11, 2017
It makes no sense.
To put it all in context, here are all the statements Trump has made about Putin since the alleged blackmailing incident. If not blackmail, what could possibly explain these statements.
I am open to alternative theories.
Do you think Putin will be going to The Miss Universe Pageant in November in Moscow - if so, will he become my new best friend?
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 19, 2013
Great move on delay (by V. Putin) - I always knew he was very smart!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 30, 2016
Putin has become a big hero in Russia with an all time high popularity. Obama, on the other hand, has fallen to his lowest ever numbers. SAD
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 22, 2014
Wow, Putin is really taking advantage of President Obama. It is important that Obama responds with strength and determination-be smart-cool!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 18, 2014
The new joke in town is that Russia leaked the disastrous DNC e-mails, which should never have been written (stupid), because Putin likes me
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 25, 2016
America is at a great disadvantage. Putin is ex-KGB, Obama is a community organizer. Unfair.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 17, 2014
Putin is having such a good time. Our President is making him look like the genius of all geniuses. Do not fear,we are a NATION OF POTENTIAL
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 11, 2013
Putin has shown the world what happens when America has weak leaders. Peace Through Strength!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 28, 2014
Vladimir Putin said today about Hillary and Dems: "In my opinion, it is humiliating. One must be able to lose with dignity." So true!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 24, 2016
Putin is not feeling too nervous or scared. #DemDebate
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 14, 2015
Isn't it sad the way Putin is toying with Obama regarding Snowden. We look weak and pathetic. Could not happen with.a strong leader!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 2, 2013
Actually Putin doesn't want Alaska because the Environmental Protection Agency will make it impossible for him to drill for oil!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 4, 2014
President Obama just told President Putin how important the Russian air strikes against ISIS have been. I TOLD YOU SO!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 16, 2015
"@JayLefler: @realDonaldTrump Putin is much smarter than Obama. No surprise his tactics."
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 11, 2013
Can you imagine what Putin and all of our friends and enemies throughout the world are saying about the U.S. as they watch the Ferguson riot
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 25, 2014
Obama wanted Putin to reset. Instead, Putin laughed at him and reloaded.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 21, 2014
I believe Putin will continue to re-build the Russian Empire. He has zero respect for Obama or the U.S.!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 22, 2014
The amount of flattery is staggering.
Why would John McCain go to the FBI about unsubstantiated claims unless he, too, believed that Trump had been compromised? I’m at a loss for another explanation.