72 Comments
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Edde's avatar

"what today’s performance did was effectively kill any possibility that Trump is not completely in the tank for Putin in a deeply personal, heartfelt way. He’s all-in and no longer feels constrained to keep his feelings under wraps."

Any republican suggesting the opposite is either blind or accomplice to this Russian takeover of the US.

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Michael D. Sellers's avatar

But the ARE suggesting that Trump is just doing what's best for America, that he's a true patriot. Lindsey Graham "I've never been prouder of the President." It's Earth 1, Earth 2.

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John Robert's avatar

Lots of themare 𝘴𝘢𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘭𝘰𝘶𝘥 exactly the opposite. According to the AP, we have -

Lindsey Graham - "... never more proud" of Trump;

Little Marco - "Thank you ... for standing up for America.";

Speaker Johnson - "... an American President putting America First.";

Sen. Mike Lee (R, Utah) - "Thank you ... America First."

What on earth do these horses asses think is "putting America first" about

- a performance leading virtually every NATO leader to call Trump and Vance's performance shameful;

- destroying whatever remaining credibility we might have had for being a reliable partner in anything;

- ending for the foreseeable future any intelligence sharing from our Five Eyes partners.

Consider: Trump's tantrum, no doubt scripted well in advance, comes on top of all his other actions to dismantle our defenses against Russian, Chinese, Iranian, and al Queda/ISIS/HAMAS/homegrown islamist espionage, covert action, and terrorism.

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Linda Strong's avatar

These compromised commenters know that, if they want to have any influence over Trump, they must praise him and say nice things about him.

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RCThweatt's avatar

Pretty hard to sustain that now. What influence are they having?

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Linda Strong's avatar

It’s hard to know. Recall that, after Trump repeatedly called Zelensky a dictator, he seemed to backtrack, saying “Did I say that?” Then, after Vance cued up the acrimony in the public three person interview, Trump went full on Putin buddy. Apparently those praising Trump are still hoping to influence him or why would they bother to comment?

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John Robert's avatar

Yes, they sacrifice every bit of their integrity, dignity, and self-respect but get nothing, much less influence, in return except Elon's forbearance from spending a gazillion dollars for a primary campaign by some unknown moron from The Cult. I keep wishing Elon would do that anyway. It'd be better to have a Trump sock puppet in Congress than one of the unprincipled careerists now pretending to be legislators.

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Paul J Rossa's avatar

I have yet to see anyone note that Putin came to power in May 2000 and Trump's father died in June 2000. Mary Trump has noted that Trump always longed for approval and support from his father. I suspect that he transferred this emotional need to Putin (via intermediaries).

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Michael D. Sellers's avatar

Interesting theory. Has Mary Trump made that connection? Would be interesting to explore it.

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Paul J Rossa's avatar

I do not know that Mary Trump has addressed the question of why Trump acts and talks so differently about Putin. The thought first occurred to me when we saw him become weak-kneed in Putin's presence in 2018. It was beyond anything normal.

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Friedrike Merck's avatar

After reading some of Mary's books, and considering my own experience with covert and overt narcissists, it makes total sense that Putin filled some of the void in this truly unhinged, and desperate man.

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Linda Strong's avatar

Trump is changeable. At the moment that he made those statements he seemed to feel that it was himself and Putin against enemy forces. If there’s enough of a backlash Trump might try to slide away from that position, at least publicly. One key to Trump is that he always thinks that he’s the victim and that problems or setbacks are never his fault.

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Michael D. Sellers's avatar

I would agreethat with Trump nothing is permanent, nothing is fixed in stone.

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meD's avatar
Mar 1Edited

The Guardian has an article today stating that the US (Russian ally Trump, that is) “no longer considers Russia a cybersecurity threat”!

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/feb/28/trump-russia-hacking-cyber-security

It doesn’t really matter *why* Trump is working for Russia. But it must be stated more often that he obviously is.

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Michael D. Sellers's avatar

Yes I read that the Us officially made that determination. They are "flooding the zone" with so much crazy that it's impossible to keep up, and something like this, which should merit a lot of attention, gets missed. Thans for pointing it out.

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Robynne Limoges's avatar

The Guardian article has specific examples of pro-Putin policy changes. There can be no doubt.

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Jack Pearson's avatar

I suspect Trump will soon remove all US sanctions on Russia.

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Michael D. Sellers's avatar

I wouldn't bet against that proposition.

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Andrew Hale's avatar

I have reservations on“liking“ your comment, but only because I feel it is unfortunately true. I can imagine everything now: even a Trump offer to rebuild Russian Oil infrastructure, perhaps even with a „deal“ to mine rare earths in occupied Ukrainian territory?? it would not surprise me at all!!

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Julie Babis's avatar

The writing was already on the wall, with the the US voting in the United Nations, against a motion declaring Russia’s war in Ukraine illegal. In doing so, the US aligned itself with Russia, Iran, a number of African nations involved in wars with their neighbours, and Israel. Ie the countries a previous US president dubbed “the axis of evil”.

This suggests that the level of influence that Russia has over the US goes beyond a president with a, searching for the right word here, crush? on Putin

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Michael D. Sellers's avatar

Definitely a man-crush. We are the newest member of the Axis if Evil, or as someone is now calling it, the Axis of Assholes. We fit right in.

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Craig Martin's avatar

It proves Trump is a Russian asset.

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TOBIAS DAVIDSON's avatar

This is madness! Trump needs to be arrested and put on trial now! Where is the military???

MAGA = NAZI

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RCThweatt's avatar

That would be a coup, of course, but the predicate for it, or a rebellion, does exist. Treason requires a declared state of war. We don't do that anymore, since the advent of nuclear weapons, which none of the framers, not even Franklin, could have imagined.

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TOBIAS DAVIDSON's avatar

We are in the middle of a coup now. Trump is a Russian asset!

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RCThweatt's avatar

Without question. He is as enthralled to Putin as the Ringwraiths to Sauron. He identifies with him, which Michael Sellers highlighted yesterday. And he has hated Zelenskyy since Zelenskyy resisted announcing an investigation into the Bidens, which led to the first impeachment. No one is more petty and vengeful.

Murphy made a point today I agree with. Making Russia, not Europe, a partner is intended to further the goal of transforming the US into a "kleptocratic oligarchy". ISTM, in fact, that if Russia has internal breakdown, whole RW project fails. That's getting close. If Europe stands fast, as they seem to be...

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Sergey Karneychik's avatar

Michael, great piece of analysis, once again 👏

If you look into Putin profile, you may notice one thing about Russian Dictator, he always stands by his loyal friends. This quality would be similar to Russian criminals, воры в законе, and their code of behaviour, among the rules would be help each other (in dire circumstances) in the inner circle, It may have attracted both Vladimir and Donald to each other. In the end Trump also acts as a mafia man.

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Bill Smith's avatar

Putin surely must know that Trump is too weak and stupid to have even a criminal’s honor. Poor Donald’s love is destined to remain unrequited.

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Sergey Karneychik's avatar

The secret twist here they both are weak, Putin surrounded himself with multi lines of defence and bodyguards and lives in the bunker. He accused NATO but instead attacked Ukraine because was afraid or NATO collective response. During Covid his security measures were ridiculous, he sat at the top of few meters long table to avoid opponents on another end breathing on him. In this regard Trump meets his match.

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Sergey Karneychik's avatar

You have my respect! ✊ I feel the same way about both of ‘em, compare to Zelensky who is not afraid of anything ( at least he won’t show his fear, he stood in his Kyiv office when Russian tanks were approaching and there were Russian spetznaz soldiers in Ukrainian uniforms nearby). These two little dick tators would shat themselves and/ or have a heart attack. I think Trump has some bravery in him (remember when he got his ear shot) while Vladimir has none whatsoever. Fuck them anyway.

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Bill Smith's avatar

Hah! That table was the one good thing about the pandemic; unforgettable! I agree completely (what terrible thing made those two people so broken?) but I’m not embarrassed to admit that I still hope Vlad breaks Donnie’s heart.

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Sergey Karneychik's avatar

He’s Vladimir, Vlad full name would be Vladislav 😊 po-russki, I like Vlad because it related to Count Dracula 🧛‍♂️

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Bill Smith's avatar

My mistake, and no offense intended; all I know about Russia is what Mike tells me and what was in Dostoyevsky’s books. The truth is that I don’t care who breaks Donnie’s heart as long as it’s painful and humiliating to him. I’m easy that way.

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Canadian Otolaryngologist's avatar

So, what are the American people going to do about this?

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Canadian Otolaryngologist's avatar

The place where they say ‘eh ( and sorry), is not safe with Trump in power. I ask again. What are the American people going to do about this because, make no mistake, the average American citizen is not safe either.

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Michael D. Sellers's avatar

A big part of the problem is a "presumption of continuity" -- many just see ths is part of the normal back and forth between political parties, and not as an assault on the system. Or if they do acknowledge the assault, the falsely belief the system is strong and will hold. A kind of complacency exists. Trying to shake people out of that complacency is difficult -- we sound lie "the sky is falling the sky is falling" and they tune it out. I'm not sure at what point a tipping point is reached where Americans across the board feel threatened....and when that point does come, I hope it's not too late.

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RCThweatt's avatar

To be uncharitable, I (of a Southern family) will phrase it like this: when Bubba gets the call to pick up Ma at the closing nursing home. Bet Bubba will get scary nasty really fast. His Congressman is in for a shock.

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Mar 1
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Michael D. Sellers's avatar

I've spent 25 years living abroad and am starting to have visions of a splendid retirement in Kenya--my wife is Kenyan and we lived very happily there for a couple of years. The Philippines (where I lived for 10 years) is very comfortable for Americans and they have good retirement visas; expenses are low (especially if you get away from Manila) and everyone speaks English. Just sayin'.....

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Marcella Raymond's avatar

Aww. Poor Putin. Such a victim

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Mary Beth Kyer's avatar

I’m watching the Manchurian candidate right now. The old 1965 version with frank Sinatra. Very interesting.

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JaySo's avatar

No doubt Putin has an agenda and Trump is his vehicle. I think Trump blew it with his tantrum. There will be no “Land for Peace” or natural resource DEAL from Ukraine. The war Putin created and drives is running Russia into the ground. The Russian people will not put up with life during wartime much longer.

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Michael D. Sellers's avatar

I think they will probably get back to the mineral deal, but we may lose Zelensky in the process. Although maybe he will stick it out and maybe the Europeans will step up to fill the void left by America's defection to Russia. We'll see.

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Robynne Limoges's avatar

I so hope Zelenskyy will never sign any rare earth minerals agreement with Trump. It would have put his country in even greater jeopardy, because Trump would never abide by the agreement nor would he fulfil his commitments.

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Robynne Limoges's avatar

Do not give up so easily, Mr Sellers. Europe nearly bled out during two fascist over-runs. I think they now realize the US has gone forever to stand with Putin, brandishing threats wildly, all in honor of Putin. It is my belief Europe and democratic allies are going to Act Now, because they remember how fast liberty disappeared. Courage can be learned in a minute.

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JaySo's avatar

I hope the “Mineral Resources of Ukraine” more likely will go to European Union/NATO, not the US. I think Putin is furious with Trump for blowing any deals or ceasefire agreements.

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Robert Jaffee's avatar

“Does this passion for Putin prove that Trumpm is some kind of controlled Russian asset? No. He’s acting more lie a “fanboy” than a recruited agent, who would be expected to show some discipline. But regardless of what kind of label is hung on the relationshp, what today’s performance did was effectively kill any possibility that Trump is not completely in the tank for Putin in a deeply personal, heartfelt way. He’s all-in and no longer feels constrained to keep his feelings under wraps.”

Agreed! Although with Trump, he believes he can convince his “rubes” of anything; and so far he’s been proven right, so…..

That said, why is the entire republican leadership folding faster than a Texas Hold-em player with a 2-7 off suit for cup hands? Just asking for a friend?…:)

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Michael D. Sellers's avatar

It's hard to conclude they are anything but spineless since it's clear that many are not "true believers" in Trump's craziness.

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Robert Jaffee's avatar

True, but the republicans do have principles when it comes to Russia, and even had an affinity with Ukraine, as long as a month ago. Rubio was Graham were especially vocal in their support. These republicans even passed a $60 billion aid package, a month before the election, with the same republican house, and especially bipartisan support in the senate. Additionally, consider the UN votes where we literally voted with the axis of evil, and it truly is unnerving. Yet here we are!

Furthermore, wouldn’t you think there is some force above Trump pulling some strings? Who do these members of Congress ultimately report to? It’s not their constituents; it’s their largest financial supporters.

After all, Trump was pretty much DOA, especially in the documents case, when he suddenly gets a reprieve from SCOTUS, and a non existent immunity clause carved out in the constitution? The Court is corrupt, but are they truly this supportive of Trump, or is there a hidden agenda behind this all? And why would they create a clause that “no one,” or any group, actually thought even remotely plausible; before Trump comes along?

Moreover, Trump, as the transactional president, has made it known to many important industry groups that he’s open for business; energy, technology, etc...

His pitch; save him, fund his presidential election, and these groups can write their own ticket. So besides the Silicon Valley guys like Musk, Thiel, and several others, it still leaves you asking who has the power to pressure SCOTUS, in such a fashion?

That said, the usual suspects come to mind: The Federalist Society, Heritage and The Fellowship; all three wielding undue influence in Washington, especially with the religious court or justices, and members of Congress.

So who’s the money behind these groups? They didn’t achieve power in a vacuum? I just find this too convenient for it all to just fall into Trump’s lap, so fortuitously.

Furthermore, we experienced a tsunami from every direction. The court, social engineering and AI algorithms used on social media. Billionaires, and the legacy press collapsing as far as two years out of the election; “sane washing” Trump, while manipulating their editorial content, as well as manipulating the headlines to be less critical of Trump, and more critical of Biden, and eventually Harris.

And Let’s face it, without sounding like a paranoid conspiracy theorist; which I assure you, I am not, much of this, still does not add up. Or at the very least, has inquisitive minds asking: WTF????…:)

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JD Rossi's avatar

We can all see the evidence in front of us. Trump is working with Russia in some way or fashion. Nothing else logically explains why Trunp is now befriending the US to Russia. He gaslights us by saying he just wants peace, but that’s not his primary motive. The primary motive is likely treacherous and unless we put a stop to all this crazy shit soon, something pretty horrific is going to happen.

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Michael D. Sellers's avatar

I think his primary motive is that he wants to prove "i ended the war, only I could do it" and the terms don't matter -- complete capituation by Ukraine is fine with him if that's what it takes for him to claim he did it. I don't think he really thinks about it any more deeply than that.

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Nina Kamberos's avatar

I believe he is protesting too much, because this humiliation and betrayal of Zelenskyy stems from a longstanding alliance with Putin. He is paying up. He protests too much to absolve himself from treason.

All I have are impressions, some readings, and inner feelings, but I believe this to be true.

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Michael D. Sellers's avatar

I think you're pretty much on target with your impressions. With Trump everything is emotional and at this point he is just emotionally in solidarity with Putin. I think he wants to be "like Putin". -- strong, masculine, a transformative figure. None of the "evil" that hangs on Putin like a stench bothers hi at all.

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Robynne Limoges's avatar

The trouble is that one never finishes paying a blackmailer.

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CoCo's avatar

How many ways do we need to understand Trump indeed is a Russian ass et! He is beholden to Putin! He is a traitor, felon, liar, rapist, interrupter, bully100power, sociopath, authoritarian dictator! Putin is doing a happy dance daily folks! Everyone of US citizens needs to do a war dance daily on Trump and his soul less cult cronies! Dark money

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Johnny Ringo's avatar

It reveals that there might be a pee-pee tape after all...

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Phillip Noonan's avatar

Many people are saying that the sex tape was a classic KGB red herring. Putin and his former KGB buddies were skilled in the art of planting convincing but ultimately discreditable evidence that would taint any other kompromat that came to light. They’re saying the real kompromat that Putin has is that Trump’s birth certificate is forged and he was born in East Germany because his father wanted one child to be born in the Fatherland. Many people also say that this information, along with Abwehr records indicating Trump Sr. worked for Germany during the war, was uncovered by the Stasi and passed directly to Putin when he was stationed in E. Germany. This is why Trump does whatever Putin wants.

Is it a fake birth certificate? Did his father work for the Nazis? You tell me. Some people say that was not his birth certificate. Maybe it was, maybe it wasn’t. Some people say his father was a spy for the Nazis. Maybe he was, maybe he wasn’t. I’m saying I don’t know. Nobody knows. I hope someone does a thorough investigation of the Nazi relatives in Trumps family tree, his father’s wartime activities and Trump’s real birth place .

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Michael D. Sellers's avatar

I'll do what I can to run this down.

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