So a lot of people - some on this board - said that Trump's warm relations with Putin during the campaign were great and they questioned why liberals and moderates were opposed to opening up a better relationship with Russia. Then Trump became president and despite unleashing vitriolic tweet after vitriolic tweet against every slight, he kept up positive comments about Putin and warmly talked about and to him.
Then it became clear Russia meddled in our elections. And Putin was destabilizing places around Europe. And he assassinated people on the soil of allies, and likely even the US. He was reelected in a sham election and talked about creating new weapons of destruction prompting talk of a new arms race. He meddled in allies' elections. He imprisoned political opponents and media and other 'freedom' fighters disappeared or were murdered.
And yet Trump continued to speak of him more affectionately than he did of our allies (e.g. UK). He called and congratulated Putin when his own advisors were screaming (metaphorically) to not do it. He quietly imposed limp sanctions only when forced by Congress or allies, but didn't put forward his usual bluster of tough talk, instead speaking of Putin as an old friend.
What the hell? Some experts speculate Trump is acting like Putin has something on him. Others have said it's merely Trump's love of despots and dictators (e.g. congratulating Turkey and China for anti-democratic moves). Something is definitely up, though. Trump loves to act tough and look like the Big Man Gun Slinger, yet he rolls over and hopes Putin will pat his belly. I really don't get it.
Then it became clear Russia meddled in our elections. And Putin was destabilizing places around Europe. And he assassinated people on the soil of allies, and likely even the US. He was reelected in a sham election and talked about creating new weapons of destruction prompting talk of a new arms race. He meddled in allies' elections. He imprisoned political opponents and media and other 'freedom' fighters disappeared or were murdered.
And yet Trump continued to speak of him more affectionately than he did of our allies (e.g. UK). He called and congratulated Putin when his own advisors were screaming (metaphorically) to not do it. He quietly imposed limp sanctions only when forced by Congress or allies, but didn't put forward his usual bluster of tough talk, instead speaking of Putin as an old friend.
What the hell? Some experts speculate Trump is acting like Putin has something on him. Others have said it's merely Trump's love of despots and dictators (e.g. congratulating Turkey and China for anti-democratic moves). Something is definitely up, though. Trump loves to act tough and look like the Big Man Gun Slinger, yet he rolls over and hopes Putin will pat his belly. I really don't get it.
