It is best to have an open dialogue with Putin’s Russia. We need a new direction in Syria. Women, children, and men are being gassed. If President Trump can work with Kim Jong un, he can work with Kim Jong un’s military adviser. President Trump and John Bolton dealing with President Putin and Foreign Minister Lavrov will get the attention of statesmen, scholars, and diablos.
Just in time for the Liar in Chief to get his marching orders for the 2018 elections from Putin. Have you ever seen Bolton smile like that? I guess he really likes to be around autocratic power.
1
Mr. Bolton: "I think this is a bad idea."
“Getting along with Russia, and with China, and with everybody, is a very good thing,” Mr. Trump told reporters in the Oval Office later Wednesday.
Unless of course that everybody includes Canada. Or Mexico. Or Germany. Or France. Or anyone else who has ever been remotely nice to us.
1
Europe needs to recognize the United States does not share its democratic values any longer and needs to form a European defense system urgently. A president of the US who has no problem with Russia meddling with other countries' elections, taking over the Crimea and threatening the Ukraine is by any definition a traitor to the Atlantic alliance. I hope Europeans will protest his visit. He really should not be allowed on European soil. Enemies of Europe usually are not! I recently recounted to young Germans I know that I had a dream where the Luftwaffe was parachuting arms to the American resistance fighting their fascist government! Oh, I can already hear the naive Americans say "how ridiculous! These things cannot happen here! Well think again!!
4
This is redundant. They are the same person.
1
Headline should read; Modern-day Axis Leaders Will Hold Summit on Undermining Democracy Around the Globe
2
Trump needs to check with boss periodically. Might need to receive new orders.
2
Who needs a back channel when you can meet face to face?
Wonder if they’ll watch some videos together.
1
Why bother w/ a summit meeting when they have "back channels" in place already? John Bolton is another embarrassment for US citizens. Trump deeply offends our good neighbors & longtime allies while he slobbers all over these dictators and killers......why bother w/ in person meetings.....Putin is a busy man and has other tasks at hand other then allowing Trump to be photographed w/ his Komander In Chief V. Putin. Another waste of time & taxpayer $. Will Putin be arrested as a criminal if/when he arrives on US shores?
So, is the Trump Moscow Tower their first joint announcement?
1
I am ashamed that David Dennison represents our country. Can anyone with any brains seriously believe that he is not a Russian agent?
4
This is who is nominating our next Supreme Court Justice: a Putin sympathizer.
2
It's confounding that we had to find out about the confirmation of the summit between Putin and Trump first from Putin's media sources. Trump's cozying up to Putin scares me to death!!! I simply cannot fathom why at least 40% of the public thinks it's just fine, no problem for Trump to suck up to Putin!
3
Alaska will be given back to the Russians and then Trump will say " What a good boy am I".
I am absolutely sickened by the fact that in all likelihood Putin has got something serious on Trump, ie quite possibly a sex tape. This seems to outrageous to be true but remember who we are dealing with here. Trump. If agent Chris Steeles intel is correct that means Vlad Putin is literally threatening Trump and forcing him to do whatever. So Trump, the President who is selecting Supreme Court justices is under Putins thumb. Why this doesn't make the daily news anymore is beyond me.
1
Trump is beholden to the Russian government. Maybe something not actually illegal. But perhaps embarrassing. Most likely a loan(s) given when American banks would not work with him. He is desperate to hide from the world that he is a failure as a businessman and needed bailing out. His only crime may be an inflated ego and a narcissism that is unusually extreme.
This ought to be good. Vladimir Putin and his wholly owned subsidiary, Donald Trump, who couldn't be doing more damage to America if he were on Putin's payroll. Which he probably is.
2
Will Trump look into Putin's eyes and see his kindly soul? Kindred spirits flocking together, each making much mischief in their own and overlapping ways. Even Voltaire's Candide could not find good in the likely outcomes of this cabal in the making.
There is something sickening about watching Bolton shake Putin's hand. Europe and NATO are our friends (and Canada and Mexico, too); Russia is not. RUssia has meddled in our elections and annexed land that does not belong to them. They kill their own people for politics and stifle a free press. Republicans used to believe in protecting America. Now they are just unthinking cowards.
2
Trump wants to hold a summit with a country that meddled with our elections in 2016? Are you kidding me?
3
Trump's calculation is to keep the spotlight on him.
The egocentric president needs to be the center of attention.
The prospect of agreement on as in previous talks with North Korea is ethereal that is nothing more than a smoke screen.
His base is so easily convinced while the free world waits in frustration and fear.
What happened to the good old days when the Republicans despised and mistrusted communist nations?
2
Donald J. Trump is under investigation for collaborating with the Russians to elect him. He refuses to acknowledge the Russian interference in our election. It's preposterous to deny the evidence in the public domain alone (never mind with Mueller) that beginning with the Republican convention, he and his associates (e.g., Manafort) conspired to sell our country out to V. Putin, presumably for political and/or financial gain - nothing else makes sense. And now we are seeing him probably selling out NATA to curry favor with Putin and Russia. Lord 'elp us all!
2
So are they getting their story straight from 2016 or starting on the 2020 campaign.
2
Gotta fix the 2018 election results, so of course they will meet before November.
1
Here we go again with a repeat of the G7. Trump gets all excited about his meeting with the tough guy dictator, and because he can't stand being part of a team, will give short shrift to Nato Allies. He'll also whine about protests in Britain and fawn all over Putin - our bizzarro alternate reality continues.
So Putin is acutely aware that despite what Trump wants, relations haven't warmed because of “internal political struggle[s] within the United States” i.e. establishment Republicans and Democrats acting as checks and balances. He's not going to resist not tipping the scales in the midterms to get rid of these 'roadblocks'.
"Getting along with everybody". That's an interesting remark in the context of his current foreign relations!
In Trumpland, it is only ever about "Getting along with dictators". So what's the grand plan or is this another empty PR exercise to massage his inflated ego? Putin will eat this neophyte up for breakfast and get all the concessions he wants.
Installing a hotelier in the WH is the stuff of Hollywood melodrama.
I am beginning to feel afraid, as Trump's immoral and irrational manipulations seem to be winning. This reminds me so much of the atmosphere of hopelessness that reigned during the inter-war period of the 20s and 30s. Not only has Trump succeeded in dividing the Free World, but I sense that he is now is leading us down the path to a major War. Sheer incompetence or treason, or both? This madman and his crazy followers must be stopped.
1
A meeting with Trump’s hero. Wow! And right in the middle of an on-going investigation(s) into Russian involvement in our US elections. How does that look to the our democracy and the whole wide world. Collusion! I’m sure this bro-mance meeting will take place right after Trump fires Mueller and pardons everyone involved including himself.
1
Perhaps president Trump sees an opportunity to personally petition Mr. Putin for loan forgiveness or some sort of debt restructuring.
This is Trump attending his annual job performance review with his boss.
1
Trump imagines himself a tough guy. He admires the false respect and adulation Kim Jong-Un, Vladimir Putin, Rodrigo Duterte, and Recep Erdogan get from "their" people. He wants the same false respect from his Generals, military, GOP, Fox News, Evangelicals, Government, and people. By appointing his people to run Government agencies and departments, courts, and taking away the "Bill of Rights" he can live his dream of President for Life declaring marshall law.
The place and timing is suspicious. Perhaps the Donald is arranging another Russian intervention into our elections to secure a continued Republican Congress?
1
This is great! Trump meets Putin and gives everything American away as he did with Kim. I’m quite certain he will ask for significant revenue improvements from his properties in Russia. I’m also fairly certain he’ll get them.That is unless Putin wants to hold Trump ransom over Russia’s recorded sex tapes on Trump
Obviously, Trump is going to get his further marching orders out of the earshot of intelligence agencies inasmuch as that is possible. The supplicant - Trump - is traveling halfway around the world, allowing his sponsor - Putin - to stay virtually in his own time zone. Maybe we'll be treated to seeing Trump approach his master walking on his knees. He certainly will be doing so in a less physically obvious sense. Be sure to note the manner of the handshake in comparison to those Trump has had with our (former?) allies. One has to be willfully blind and ignorantly dull or forgetful to ignore or refuse to see the way that Trump's foreign policy decisions have been allied more to Putin's interests than America's or the West. Bill Maher has called Trump's ascension a "slow motion coup". It's no longer in slow motion.
1
“[The] most deadly adversaries of republican government might naturally have been expected to make their approaches from more than one quarter, but chiefly from the desire in foreign powers to gain an improper ascendant in our councils. How could they better gratify this, than by raising a creature of their own to the chief magistracy of the Union?
– Alexander Hamilton, The Federalist #68
1
I suppose they have to discuss strategy and back money channels before our upcoming election. It's surreal they would be meeting now, considering what Russia did in our last election...and Russia's continued cyber warfare, election interference and attacks on our democracy. Yet, Trump lavishes praise on the guy, even making Putin's ouster at the G7 a point of contention with our own allies. Everything we know strongly indicates that Trump is seriously compromised.
2
It will be a lovefest. Just what we need.
2
Trump is “friends” with Putin because he admires his power and wealth, and probably fears him because of loans from Russian oligarchs and certain films locked in Putin’s desk. Let Mueller tell us what he has while he’s there. 45 may not want to come home.
Trump’s future private meeting with Putin is another example of Trump’s hate of this country’s democratic system of governing.
The private meeting just confirms Trump’s affection and alligence to Putin as Putin continues to give Trump further instructions on how to destroy our fragile relations with our Western Allies, and his continuing assault of this country’s democratic processes.
All of this occurs with Trump’s blessings!
1
Curiously, Trump doesn’t seem to be interested in “getting along” with democratic nations who are US friends and allies. Is the Dictators Club so appealing?
1
We know Russian hackers made trial runs at the voter machines in 2016. We know the Russians were asked, by trump, to hack into the DNC, and they did.
Now trump wants a one on one meeting with Putin a few months before the critical mid-term election. Many states are still using those hack tested machines, which may have not been upgraded for cyber security.
Suspicious timing. Very. Suspicious. Timing.
Paranoia is becoming a logical reaction to white house news announcements.
Hopefully America will finally get to hear what Julian Assange already knows which is it wasn't the Russians who handed him DNC insider E mails it came from within the DNC party. Mr. Comey could have made a deal with Assange and got the information but did not want the information so they could play the Russian narrative some more.
Putin has Trump's number, to be sure. The big question is what Trump will summarily give away, and why.
1
In 1970 Mao’s China, prodded by President Nixon and brilliant Henry Kissinger ditched Russia, which eventually led to collapse of Soviet Union. A reverse play is perhaps feasible now.
Liberals and old fashioned cold war warriors had let down thoughtful President Obama on a similar Russian reset, not once but twice. This time liberals can only talk but can cause no harm.
The old quote about Mexico now applied to US/EU bilateral relations: Poor European Union. So close to Russia, so far from the US of Donald Trump.
2
Michael McFaul is right about Putin’s eagerness to score points with his domestic audience at home. Ending a successful World Cup tournament on July 15 while meeting Trump the same week will be a “giant victory” for the Russian strongman.
Putin expects Trump to behave himself and be submissive, because he has his American stooge on a tight leash. Unlike the G7 summit three weeks ago, this meeting could “produce concessions that do not serve American national interests.” But since when does Trump have his country’s best interests at heart?
Putin is keen to take the US on board to resolve the conflict in Syria. The longer he fights Assad’s war, the heavier the financial burden will be. His peace plan involving Iran and Turkey had a smooth start. Then came Mike Pompeo, who in May called for the withdrawal of Iran and Hezbollah from Syria. As Assad relies heavily on these forces to stay in power, this will complicate the multi-layered conflict there.
2
The Special counsel investigating Trump's ties with Russia and the latter's meddling in the US elections should note the fact that while Trump is always eager to meet the authoritarian rulers like Kim of North Korea and Putin of Russia with deferential enthusiasm, he is always contemptuous and casual about the traditional democratic allies like Trudeau of Canada, French President, or the Chancellor of Germany, Merkel. This clearly shows his preferences and political instincts that go against the very defining values of the US and its vital interests.
7
Richard Grenell, the US ambassador to Germany, has openly pledged his support for right-wing parties and political movements in Europe. John Bolton, as well as Donald Trump himself, have never made a secret of their contempt for the EU and were very happy to see Britain leaving.
Undermining the EU by supporting right-wing nationalist political forces in various European countries is a long-standing Russian policy.
In past years, many of us in Europe have been anxious about the reckless confrontational attitude of the US twoards Russia. So we should be happy. But now, it seems like a meeting of two partners with a common aim: the destruction of European unity.
8
Unlike the North Korean summit, this time the opposite protagonist is a seasoned leader, who shall listen only to voice of reason and power play.
If the summit indeed takes place, a real agreement that shall have a lasting impact on global economic order is quite likely.
1
Respectfully, baloney. Put in will play Trump the same way he was played in Singapore.
1
yes - enormous corruption
1
What is the real reason behind this proposed Summit? In the context of the recent meeting with North Korea, is it just another opportunity for more self promoting theatrics than anything substantive? Then again, there is the oil opportunity to be exploited, assuming companies like Exxon would want to take another risk in doing business in Russia. There are good reasons to be skeptical given the attitudes toward NATO, and the recent G6 fiasco.
5
It's all about oil and profits for someone. Not you or me.
Anxieties have increased among major European allies of the United States? There's more, much more. The meeting should increase anxieties of citizens of the U.S.
Trump owes Putin for catapulting him into the presidency. How many ways can Trump show his gratitude?
23
If past is prologue, Trump will treat our allies at the NATO meeting with contempt, and will treat Putin with a fawning respect at their meeting. How is it that Republicans refuse to see this for what it is?
How is it that party of Reagan, the party that stood up to the Russian Soviets and that made stalwart support of NATO and western alliances central to American foreign policy, is now a party that looks at its leader's traitorous capitulation to Russia with little more than a shrug?
50
It’s flabbergasting. In discussions with family and friends who are Trump supporters, as far as I can tell there is an “only Nixon goes to China” quality to their opinions on Trump and Russia, North Korea, etc. Since they believe he’s a strong defender of the nation, Trump can cavort with and say nice things about dictators and they just won’t believe anything traitorous or nefarious is afoot. Since Obama was, in their eyes, selling out the nation and very weak on defense, any similar behavior from him during his time in office was without question anti-American. They are just unable to see the hypocrisy in their attitudes.
1
He can go straight there after Brussels if he wants - we don’t want him here in the UK, so it’ll shorten his trip. Might be a plan worth considering...?
30
At what point does NATO and Europe just consider Trump an adversary?
43
An adversary who rescued them from two world wars both started by Germany and one that still pays the largest share by far of the NATO budget while other countries again Germany lag behind in keeping their commitments.
Prescient News Flash from the Putin-Trump Summit:
Putin says Russia not hack the November US Midterm Elections.
Trump says he believes him, so there is no need to spend any of the money Congress budgeted to stop Russian hacking. He will spend it on his Wall instead.
13
So glad to hear about the summit. I'm sure this will go well.....
3
Russia is a huge country, extending from the Baltic and Black Seas to the Pacific Ocean and having the greatest shoreline on the Arctic Sea of any nation. It is impressive and just by looking on a map it would seem to be potentially the most powerful country on Earth. But it's a failed state with a wreck of an economy, and a diminishing population. In reality it's remarkably weak and unable to take care of itself in comparison with any other developed and industrialized country.
Trump however has had a lot of good experiences working with Russians in and out of that country, and given his poor business behaviors alienating so many other sources for finance, Russians are his best source for getting finances for his organization. So he needs to make sure that whatever he does as President does not spoil his personal business interests with Russia. That's why he's so eager to please Putin and to meet with him.
17
Russia literally is going to be the most powerful country on earth if and when global warming thaws the permafrost in Siberia and the Russian Far East. The most valuable resources on the planet are located beneath that permafrost. Russia is essentially sitting on a mountain of gold.
Even worse, that melting of the permafrost will open up millions of acres to agriculture, which will also potentially allow the Russians to control the world's food supply.
Russia is not a country to be underestimated. The Soviet Union lost 25 million dead in the second world war, 5-7 million to Stalin's purges, and another 5 million lost during the Russian civil war and famine and they still had a chance to defeat the United States.
Americans must get over this idea that Russia is a paper tiger. It is not the 1990s anymore and Boris Yeltsin is no longer in charge of that country. They are going to the be easily the strongest country in Europe within the decade.
1
Latitude determines growing seasons, so growing food in the far north will not increase much. Like the American Midwest, the giant grasslands which produce so much grain are threatened by water shortages if climate change continues in Russia. Oil does not produce consistent income like industrial products and that is why Russian oil cannot provide the resources needed to support a modern state. Russia needs industrial products to sell to achieve the income it needs. Until then it’s a petro-state with a boom and bust economy than gives it lots of cash and then lots of debt.
10
Russia's economy is the size of Italy's.
1
It is imperative that this time around other Americans are in the meeting room to hear exactly what the president says to Putin. I do not trust Trump's account of what he says if it is just the two men.
13
Is Trump taking Don Jr. and Jared with him? They need to get the story straight.
14
Contrast this with the tone at the G7. It's like divorcing a mensch to marry an axe murderer.
17
Trump can congratulate Vlad on winning the Cold War.
10
Trump's desire for a meeting with Putin is understandable. He wants to thank him for helping him win the election.
11
John Bolton: "I'd like to hear someone say this is a bad idea."
Steel Magnolia: "Happy to oblige: this isn't just a bad idea, it's a terrible one.
"U.S. intelligence agencies unanimously agree the Kremlin put its hand on the scales of the 2016 election, hacking election systems and trolling American voters. Meeting with Putin not only implicitly condones such assaults on our democracy it implicitly invites more.
"And even setting aside the question whether Trump promised Putin release of the Magnitsky sanctions in exchange for such help, Trump has demonstrated not only that his lips are loose when it comes to ultrasensitive intelligence, but that he is willing to give strongmen something for nothing--all to the detriment of our allies if not our country's own interests.
"And top that off with Trump's susceptibility to flattery and manipulation--both of which Vladimir Putin has honed to a fine science. Trump fell all over himself when called "yarkii"--the Russian word for "brilliant"--thinking he'd been called a genius when he'd actually been called brightly colored. Can you imagine what a master manipulator like Putin will get from our president when he actually sets his mind to it?
"So yes, sir, this meeting is a bad idea. I'm shocked a Russia hawk like you doesn't think so yourself."
10
Meanwhile, CNN reports that satellite images are showing North Korea to be hard at work on nuclearization. (Note: not denuclearization.) Fortunately, though, North Korea is no longer a nuclear threat—because Trump met with Kim Jong-un and had great chemistry with him.
36
What a sinister joke on all those who fought hard against the kgb’s tactics of changing the world into a kleptocracy...having trump as Putin’s asset is the worse case scenario in a long list of worse case scenarios!
15
Now just watch as he sells this country down the river.
29
What i really want to say can't be printed.
What has happened to the democracy my parents and 5 uncles fought for in WWII.
22
That's whose memory I feel so aggrieved for - the greatest generation, including my late parents
1
It'll be a good opportunity for Trump and his gang of treasonous misfits to help Putin finish his preparations for hacking the November mid-term elections.
19
This is what concerns me the most about this meeting. All Putin has to do is hand Trump a tiny little flash drive with a pre-prepared program that will allow the Russians full easy access to our voting systems. Trump slips it in his pocket. Hands it over to his minions when he returns. Done. DHS has no qualms, as they apparently don’t give a hoot and haven’t done anything to protect our system. It has been at the state level that most of the security work is being done, but it may not be enough.
Putin will get whatever he wants from Trump. Trump will get whatever Putin wants to give him. Trump will declare the summit meeting the second most successful achievement of his administration. Second only to taking babies from refugee mothers.
32
Putin has learned from Trump’s meeting with Kim and will give him exactly nothing... except possibly support in Trump’s next election campaign!
We are doomed.
32
Money Laundering. Seriously.
18
Probably a planning session for the mid-term elections.
11
Will they hold a photo-op with both horse riding bare chested?
8
I am so sick of Trump and his oligarch cronies that I want to see this summit fail, even though I have been hoping for years now that the US and Russia could come to some kind of agreement in order to stave off world war III.
1
Why is this news??? What more does Trump need to do to show that he is a Russian asset?
He is executing the Putin agenda. His campaign was led by Putin.
Maybe all that people are waiting for, are his recorded conversations with Putin? His conversations with other Russian Oligarch's? What?
Trump is a micro manager. Does any right thinking person, think for one minute that all the colluding and meetings with Russia were not ATTENDED and overseen by Trump???
Spare us the doe eyed ignorance.
36
Bolton to Putin: "Hail Hydra."
3
This whole thing is like a waking nightmare. My prediction is that if Putin manages to help Trump keep the house and senate, I think the Muller investigation is over as Trump now has the numbers in the supreme court to give him full liscence to pardon himself. He then will pull the same "no war games" pledge as he did for North Korea, or he will flat out leave NATO.
5
I read through the comments. They left me with the distinct impression that Putin was right, "I think that this is largely a result of the acute internal political struggle within the United States,” Mr. Putin said.
There is a need for reflection. The Democratic Establishment is making itself ridiculous. Independents will notice, and that will be damaging to Democrats.
1
No Mark. That would be the Republicans. I don't consider myself left or right but what I have observed during the past several years regarding discord the Republicans own. I don't like the terms liberal or conservative. We are all an American family that will disagree and that is normal. In the end we have to reach a compromise as in a marriage and move forward.
16
The legal position on Crimea is unrealistic, a concession on this stand if Russia concurs on a rule based order and safeguard Ukraine is an outcome that is certain to defuse tensions in Europe.
If such a reset is achieved, cooperation to beat back all religious militants in Syria, be they Sunni or Iran backed Shia, would attenuate strife there and may even make resolution feasible.
Russia and India have super strong relationship for decades. Unless Russia has normal trade with Europe and US, outcome of any potential trade war with China is uncertain. Since, Russia would remain aligned to China and India constrained to take a neutral stance.
Russia issue if resolved successfully shall have very long term impact; no point being myopic per personality considerations.
Bolton is being cordial with Putin in order to remain in Trump’s good graces. I very much doubt that Trump would listen to Bolton expressing reservations about Russia. He does not care what Russia does as long as Trump, his family, and personal organizations remain welcome in that country.
7
I am Canadian and welcome the meeting between Putin and Trump. Our Foreign Affairs Minister (Secretary of State) Chrystia Freeland may be the foremost (political) expert on Putin in the world.
The NYT review of her book and excerpt
Sale of of the Century (Russia's Wild Ride from Communism to Capitalism)
is followed by her book titled
Plutocrats: The Rise of the New Global Super Rich and the Fall of Everyone Else would disqualify her from any office in Washington Democrat or Republican.
Freeland sits at the right hand of our Prime MInister and oversees our Nafta talks. We are not perfect but we understand complexity and instead of Mike Pompeo we are represented by real experts who know and speak Russian as well as many other languages and spend their lives understanding nuance and complexity. Our foreign ministry officials are apolitical and know what they are talking about. Your executive, legislative and judiciary are toxic to a successful future. Stupidity is its own reward.
19
Geeze, they’re not even trying to hide it at this point.
21
What do they need a summit for? I'm sure these two talk on the phone on a daily basis
9
I expect Trump will agree to hold the meeting in Crimea.
6
Summit?........... Putin calls it an employee evaluation.
36
I can't wait to hear the details of the meeting.
I guess I will have to tune in to RTV to hear them.
What a joke on the American public.
8
And, not a very funny one at that.
1
Is this so Trump can ask for help with the midterm elections?
9
trump is being recalled for new instructions.
16
What's the big deal? I meet with my personal financial advisor on a quarterly basis?
8
Chaperones, lots of them, please.
2
This isn't a summit, this is an asset meeting with his handler.
14
@John Bolton: this is a bad idea. This is a really bad idea.
2
Let's hope Trump defects.
22
I’m already feeling a little sick looking at that picture of Putin and Bolton. And if President Trump comes out of this meeting all kissy-face with Putin after doing everything he could to trash all of our country’s most loyal friends I’m going to throw up. But that scenario would produce at least one good outcome. We could then save a few bucks and call off the Russian investigation—because we would then know that Putin and the Russians absolutely own our President.
5
Great choice of friends...
5
Looks like Trump team is making sure that the Putin team is on to the midterm elections. The timing is so blatant it gives a lot of creditility to the Vanity fair article.
9
Summit? No, this will be a downright ecstatic celebration for and between putin and his Orange Savings Account.
The shirtless judoka has mastered political jujutsu as well. He has the US in a stranglehold and "covfefe" on strings. Thanks to GOP domination, Congress has done exactly nothing to counter creepy Facebook for it's NOT-A-BREACH data wholesale to C'Analytica, let alone bigoted Twitter for enabling our miniputin. And now, well, everything the Supreme Court and its Thief Justice Gorsuch has done today.
He'll be gulping vodkas, and the dotard will wolf down TWO dozen "Diet" Cokes while enjoying some "10s" like a teetotal fratboy.
Melanie will be none the wiser. She really won't care. Will U?
7
Our trader in chief will meet to service Putin while the GOP watches and accessorizes the debasement of our nation. When do we get some good news?
7
Putin just want to check in on his agent in North America to make sure he’s adhering to proper Kremlin guidelines for a Western kleptocracy.
3
Donnie has to meet his controller sometime, doesn't he.
2
Quite frankly, I find it disgusting and disconcerting that we have a President who wants to cozy up to this thug, to use Sen. McCain's apt description. I am reminded of the old song and substitute Putin's pet for teacher's pet.
3
Time for Trump to pay his repect to his master.
6
Trump has alienated, NATO members, all of our allies, and trade partners, but he wants better relations with Russia? If it looks like a colluder, walks like a colluder, talks like a colluder, it's a colluder.
11
Can you just imagine the Republican reaction if President Hillary Clinton was planning a summer Summit with Putin???
30
Must be the Trumpster's short on cash...
16
No, pooty has new conditions for the traitor; he keeps ratcheting up the deal, threatening the release of "that tape", should his boy try his usual tactic of backing out of agreements. That won't work with pooty.
5
Bolton in that photo grinning like a bobbysoxer meeting Elvis in 1959.
15
Yes. Mueller, if you're listening: send our military to the White House and handcuff & arrest Trump. then throw him in maximum security prison for treason against the USA and collaboration with the enemy.
Unprecedented, however, the best move we could make at this point! #TrumpIsUnAmerican
20
There's a president here who has committed crimes against humanity; taking nursing babies away from their mothers at the border will cause trauma impacting the rest of their lives. Over 2000 children have been taken from their parents!
Seriously, take Trump to the Hague and have the World Court hold a trial to stop his cruel madness!
1
Collaborated with Russians while using his sons, family and friends prior to and during the election for his election win. Kicked US reporters out of his Trump/Russians meeting where he disclosed US secrets. Held mugs with top Russian collaborators at the WH. Now, after many love fest communications and public support of Putin, Putin says it's payback time or I will destroy you with my video tapes and recorded sessions of you
The most brazen & treasonous move for getting him elected to the US Presidency is now happening. Trump now plots with Putin in person & in public against the American people and our Country.
A very sad time for the United States of America! #TrumpIsUnAmerican
24
Putin owns Trump's presidency. So his stooge has to be at his beck and call. Trump called Putin in March to congratulate him on his re-election and invited him to the White House. This invitation was only disclosed by the Kremlin - Trump didn't mention it, because he feared criticism amid Robert Mueller's ongoing investigations into possilbe collusion between him and his acolytes with Russia.
When he at the G7 summit in Canada 20 days ago called for Russia to be re-admitted to the group, Putin immediately seized on the occasion to remind Trump of his invitation - it shows how desperate he is to come in from the cold.
Bolton is just a Trump lackey and puts his Russophobia aside, executing Trump's order.
20
I sometimes think there may be a god never so much as when I confront Donald J. Trump in the pages of Alice's Adventures Through the Looking Glass in the person of Humpty when I use use a word it means what I want it to mean Trump.
Today is one one of those days when I can't help but be reminded
Humpty Dumpty sat on a Wall
Humpty Dumpty had a great fall-
I am afraid all the King's horses and all the King's men will never be able to put your country together again.
16
First, 45 will make a complete disruptive scene at the NATO
meeting further alienating our allies, then he will run into the waiting arms of Putin. Where they will make a "transactional" deal on fixing 2018 midterm elections and get further instructions on North Korea. The only way to keep this on the up and up is for the two of them to never be alone.
19
Don’t let the two Presidents get out of a meeting with verbiage like world peace. Trump should discuss three issues:
1- halting the training and arm supply of Iran and its allies, Syria, Hezbollah and others.
2- halting the delivery of fissiles and nuclear technology to North Korea.
3- halting cyber attacks.
And give us the results.
8
Keep your friends close, but keep your enemies even closer.
A most befitting observation.
4
Summary of summit, day after, in a tweet:
He said nice things about me. He has a great sense of humor. He agreed the dossier is fake news. He hinted that he has Hillary's 30,000 e-mails. He says they didn't poison their ex-spies or defectors and I agree with him. The Ukrainians shot down that jetliner, many people are saying. I told him how great a Trump Hotel would look in Red Square. He is going to look into it. Americans can sleep better tonight, he is on our side.
31
i have a meeting with my boss coming up as well.
42
Why are we pandering to the Russians, one of our greatest enemies, and why we being so obsequious? The only subject should be Russian election inferference, but we know that won't be discussed, as Putin helped Trump gain power in the first place with insidious fake news. Someday we'll find the truth behind the mysterious Trump-Putin love fest.
14
Trump's ego was satisfied at the meeting with Kim Jong-un. The world was watching, so many lights and cameras!
Problem is Trump's ego demands more. His narcissism will never be sated.
Trump needs more lights and cameras with the world watching.
As he fawns over Putin with praise worthy of the gods, Trump will bow and scrape to his benefactor.
We should demand that Trump not be allowed to talk to Putin alone but Bolton is such a toady ("So good to be back in Moscow") I guess that protection is out the window.
Putin already has met with President Xi of China, they've got this all primed. Donald is running over to have lots of pictures taken Oh Boy!! while Putin plans ahead.
8
For Trump to have a "summit" with the country that hacked into our last election and that helped him getting elected, is abominable. I don't need to wait for proof from Mueller that Trump is a Russian sympathizer, he proves it every day.
24
An acute internal political struggle? Putin must mean democracy. I guess Americans just aren't accustomed to congratulating sham elections yet.
Mr. Ushakov deserves credit too. He's up there with Huckabee Sanders. Let's take it apart.
“From our side, we declared clearly that the Russian government did not meddle in U.S. processes, does not meddle and moreover did not meddle in the 2016 elections,”
1) The Russian government did not meddle in US processes.
That could either mean the Russian government wasn't directly involved. The interference was committed by private agents working in the Russian interest. Alternatively, Ushakov is referring to more direct interference like ballot tampering when defining "US processes."
2) Does not meddle.
The word choice changes tenses confusing the meaning. Will, not, does not, and did not are three very different statements.
3) "From our side, we declared clearly ... "
The entire comment is qualified ... twice. We declared these statements as truth from our side. That's not the same thing as telling the truth. Ushakov isn't even trying to say he's telling the truth. He's making a statement to make it sound like he's telling the truth without actually saying the statement is true. "We declared"
4) Ushakov could be lying straight to our face anyway. It doesn't seem to bother the Trump administration. Why should the Russians care?
10
"Russian-American relations are not in the best shape, ... and I think that this is largely a result of the acute internal political struggle within the United States.” Yes, an internal political struggle between those, like our President, who admire murderous, dictatorial thugs like Putin and want to be like them, and those that understand that America exists only because of the hundreds of thousands of Americans who gave their lives opposing them.
17
This meeting makes Trump a traitor. Where is Congress? Where is our military? Why hasn't he been arrested and removed from office? He is not supposed to make nice with our enemies, especially Putin, who is very anti-democracy. Russia is under sanctions.
16
If one needs circumstantial support and story-arc for the "Manchurian Candidate", look closely at the relationship between Trump-Putin and Trump-Western Alliance.
It is clear obvious that Trump has no problem fragmenting relations with "allies" and kissing the Russian dictator's 'ask' for annexing Crimea.
The rumours are likely true. Trump was hard-up for cash when his casino business was in a tail-spin. He told Richard Branson that he called upon the financial community in NYC to help fund his losing operations. They refused. Branson commented on a brunch meeting with Trump, 'the man said he would exact revenge on those who refused to help him'.
Decades later, before Trump was candidate for POTUS, Eric Trump bragged about Russian 'easy money' that finaces Trum's international operations (2013 reported comment).
It adds up. The Russians saved Trump. Trump wrist-slaps Putin with sanctions that do not seriously impact Russian oligarchs: why would they care if they couldn't travel to the U.S.? The Russian elites can buy anything they want: 'their money dosen't smell'.
Trump treats Putin better than he treated Justin Trudeau. Remember the Canadians? They broke the rules of diplomacy to save 6 American consultae leaders from harms way during the Iran revolution (1979).
Perhaps Trump is honest. Who can forget that historic opinion that Trump uttered before winning the Presidency: "I can shoot a man on 5th Avenue and I wouldn't lose a vot.
Your POTUS is a criminal.
18
The master calls his protege in for some training, grooming and feedback.
9
I guess it’s time to get more marching orders from the boss.
“What part of American democracy do we need to dismantle now, Vlad?”
My moneys on free media, but due process of law might be priority #1 too
8
what else can trump give to putin? be afraid. be very afraid.
13
This should read "Trump goes to the alter of his Lord and Master.
7
Vladimir needs to meet with his chief US asset in the White House.
6
Putin's water boy coming to Moscow on command.
8
Russians have recently launched a new invasion: https://arcdigital.media/russias-troll-factory-just-launched-a-new-websi...
"The project, called “USA Really. Wake Up Americans,” was first announced in April by RIA FAN (riafan.ru), a St. Petersburg-based media empire that is known to be an offshoot of the Internet Research Agency. In a joint press release/job announcement that appeared in both Russian and English, RIA FAN called on English-speaking journalists and authors to apply for the new venture, which was described as an “information agency” that would combat “growing political censorship imposed by the United States” by “promoting information and problems that are hushed up by major American publications controlled by the US political elite.”"
Trump has no idea he's being used, or that Putin wouldn't pass the time of day with him if he weren't so useful.
11
So Putin thinks that Russian/American relations are at a new low because of an internal political struggle in the United States.Nice try at passing the buck.The relationship is at a new low because you and your criminal hackers interfered with our election,Mr.Putin.We are also suspicious that you have information which compromises Mr.Trump- we would like to know what.Also, Mr Putin, relations with Russia would be much better if you did not assassinate reporters and dissidents.We are not fond of your totalitarian views , Mr.Putin.That is why Russian/American relations are bad.
14
At that meeting, Trump is expected to offer Putin the vacant seat on the U.S. Supreme Court.
33
Russian language classes will be overflowing.
5
I bet you Trump relaxes sanctions. A debt repaid.
7
It has been reported that the meeting will be private.
That there will be no other US government attendees to monitor, document and report what is discussed.
So Republicans in Congress are more scared of Trump's voters than they are by the US being taken over by Russia.
Isn't anyone going to do anything???
6
Is he inviting them to hack our 2018 election?
16
Trump has to go kiss the ring.
23
I think Putin should come to the U.S. Americans who cherish liberal democracy would like to confront that little man.
Come to Seattle.
13
I'm laughing so hard. Come to Seattle and have coffee with Kshama Sawant:))
She doesn’t speak for the majority here. She’s a provocateur, similar to Trump in that respect.
Let's hope Putin and Trump will meet at a Motel Six this time.
Just for laughs.
7
Yippee, Trumpsie can now give away the farm to his pal Vlad! Then brag about it to his base.
8
What the hell: they're the only two people who can stand to be around either of them independently, and they have a great deal in common, starting with each of them being justifiably paranoid, cutthroat, soulless, greedy, and driven to have two classes of people worldwide: The Served, and the servers.
7
Trump is such a blundering dumkopf - (unintentional humor) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9s6vK9Pcxs - with no self-knowledge, and Putin such a wily fox. Putin, since before the fall of the Soviet Union, through his help to Yeltsin, and onwards, has built himself into the wealthiest man in the world.
Corruption is the name of the game.
10
The Trump Administration and Crime Family understand corruption.
3
No Trump can turn over national secrets directly to Putin without having to use awkward back channels. Diplomacy will be facilitated.
8
A summit for what, exactly? Is Trump going to make new alliances with dictators...while thrashing friends and allies..for holding the rule of law? We are aware, by now, that Trump is a frustrated despot himself, as he has been having trouble in muzzling this pesky beacon that keeps us informed of his iniquities, the free press. Why in the world would the legislative body of this democracy, as a separate power, surrender it's obligation to defend the nation from all enemies, foreign and domestic, when Trump goes on trampling the constitution, a sneaky attack of it's values? It looks as though pernicious Putin has got Trump in his pocket. And laughing all the way.
10
Trump could be setting the stage for the downfall of our democracy ...seeking advice from Putin.
13
He has done that already. He's obviously in the tank for Putin.
Follow the money.
20
Downfall of Democracy started when McConnell stole President Obama's Supreme Court nominee (Garland)
1
If Russia is not a threat to Europe, why is Trump asking NATO allies to increase their defense spending relative to GDP? The US has taken upon itself to have a global military role; indeed, it is the only country to do so - for now. Is the demand that NATO increase its military spending linked to the fact that the US cannot afford to maintain its current role unaided?
Russia is the major power in Eastern Europe, but it has a relatively weak position, except for nuclear weapons, compared to China. A "reset" could lead to the reversal of the Nixon strategy that attempted to separate China from the USSR by separating Russia from China.
Putin knows Russia will never again have the clout it did under the Czars, nor as the USSR. Perhaps Trump will understand that the US holds the trump cards when he "deals" with Putin. China fears a Russia-US detente. It might be the only fear China has at this time, given Xi's attitude of triumphalism.
It is China that constitutes the main economic and geopolitical strategic threat to the US today. China considers the US and Russia as increasingly marginal to the pretensions of the Middle Kingdom to world domination. Be clear on this, if China is not contained the 21st Century will belong to China.
2
This proposed meeting's timing is not only dubious but also quite frightening. Their dislike for the NATO member nations is just one of the many things that Trump and Putin have in common. Their comradery brings three questions to mind...
Number One... who dislikes NATO more? Putin or Trump
Number Two... Who does the member nations of NATO distrust more? Putin or Trump
Number Three is multiple choice... Which of these scenarios is most likely to occur?
"A" NATO without the USA as a member.
"B" A new Group of Six which would be Canada, France, Germany, Great Briton, Italy, and Japan, plus the EU.
"C" A new Global Threat, known as "The Axis of Evil" that includes North Korea, Russia, and the USA.
"D" All of the above.
15
While they are at it, why not expand the meeting to include the world's other dictators who can give Mr. Trump tips on how to further undermine democracy.
41
Trump gets a tutorial!
7
If there ever was a time for the Mueller Investigation to announce the indictments of Trump cronies who have conspired with the Russians to affect the 2016 elections, this is it!!!
35
Just a tiny bit of legal stuff for you (it seems you need it):
an indictment is just a formal allegation of wrongdoing; it is not even a trial, let alone a guilty verdict, or a sentence which can be appealed and overturned.
1
He knows he's under investigation, so this will probably be the only way to communicate where every intelligence agency isn't listening in on the conversation. Of course, that doesn't mean Putin isn't going to record it to blackmail trump later.
19
Hurry, Mr. Mueller, please hurry.
20
"Peace in our time" Neville Chamberlain upon return from Meeting with Hitler, after signing the Munch Agreement, September 1938.
"There is no longer a nuclear threat from North Korea." "American's can sleep well tonight." Donald Trump after meeting with Kim and signing the Singapore Agreement.
We know what happened after Munich.
There has not been one substantive indication that Singapore is any more likely to be honored by Kim than Munich was by Hitler.
And now Trump seeks a tummy rub from Putin and nothing more. I doubt if that is how Putin is looking at it. After all he is as authoritarian as either Hitler or Kim, just more subtle about it...so far. And Trump is a wannabe Putin.
One agreement that looks and smells like Munch is bad enough. Two at the same time? That's what Hitler did it with England and Russia.
Just what we need: Smoke and Mirrors.
So long NATO, so long S. Korea, So long America as we know it. They are all just the pawns in the world chess game of competing narcissists fro control of the world.
12
The new Republican party can rest well at night: they are in the hands of two strong leaders. Come November, the two are hoping for a three bagger, a troika if you will. Where are Paul, Michael, and Michael when you need them? Call it a sacrifice fly.
5
Europe... are you there yet? Is it time to realize that for the next two and maybe six years, the U.S. has lost itself in a Trumpian funhouse mirror reality show?
Visualize a world without the U.S. Now do something, instead of looking backwards to never never land and wringing your hands.
9
He's gotta check in with his Boss.
14
Who would have ever thought the President of the USA would become BFFs with dictators and henchmen and cut our friends and allies off at the knees.
This is a very ugly picture of our country and it disgusts me that it is happening.
41
So is Trump going to chide Putin for Russia supporting Syria and the bombing and chemical attacks on civilians?
Oh, right ... the best meeting ever. Maybe. Maybe nothing.
But it sure impresses his followers.
4
A must-see documentary:
America's Greatest Threat: Vladimir Putin (2018) on History Channel
2
This makes sense Trump needs to get a new set of orders
9
Jared wasn’t able to set up the secret back channel to Moscow during the election, so they have to be a little more obvious now.
1
Kim Jong Un got everything he wanted from this incompetent president, so why shouldn't Putin have his turn? What's a few Baltic nations between friends?
13
Has anyone asked the question, why?
6
One question: why?
6
Will putin and trump sleep in separate beds?
20
Even without Putin having something about Trump, the latter has obviously made his mind about putting an end to a world order organized around multilaterism and the transatlantic alliance. The goal is somewhat simple: the US must deal with its strongest economical opponents while making new seemingly strong political allies ready to push the same agenda.
Dealing with China will be easier with a dislocated EU unable to face the very same problems. Vladimir Putin loves what's happening in Europe, the Donald does love that too.
Rough, cynical pragmatism on both sides. And sure the guys like each other.
3
The Republican Party is rubber stamping everything Trump does including this so-called summit with Russia. Who would have thought the Republican Party would have become Russian sympathizers. Shame.
Russia and Saudi Arabia need oil at over $100/ppb in order to subsidize their economies at a level sufficient to pay for their debt.
Iran needs oil revenue too, though, so the conundrum is that each OPEC nation producing at its quota v. the natural gas market will set a lower price. War would change this by restricting the price by other means - shutting down the Gulf of Hormuz.
Israel's Netanyahu's hatred of Iran segues with this, which is why Saudi Arabia of late has smiled on solutions that align with Israel, not Palestine, Lebanon, or Iran.
4
@jwp-nyc "Russia and Saudi Arabia need oil at over $100/ppb in order to subsidize their economies at a level sufficient to pay for their debt."
For reference:
Russian foreign debt: $524 Billion
US foreign debt: $17 Trillion
In the past 5 years oil has been below $80 and Russian economy has weathered this relatively well.
1
I see I hit a nerve. Russia was ranked 12th in GDP in 2016 and would be 44th or so without oil and gas. The U.S. was ranked 1st or second if Russia hadn't succeeded with Brexit. Let's put it this way, California is way bigger than Russia's economy.
See Bloomberg Jan. 2018:
"After suffering its longest economic contraction this century, Russia may just have had the shortest recovery.
JPMorgan Chase & Co. says the world’s biggest energy exporter probably capped last year with two consecutive quarters of contraction -- or a technical recession -- a surprise cooldown that ranged from struggling consumer spending to a flop in industrial output.
Gross domestic product is still growing relative to a year earlier, with the central bank putting expansion at 1.7 percent to 2.2 percent in 2017 and predicting it will continue at a similar pace in 2018. No official GDP data is yet available past the third quarter.
1
On April 25, 2017 Shaun Walker of the Guardian posted an insightful (Putin, though would consider it 'inciteful') article from Moscow on how 10% of Russia is rated the most unequal of the world's major economies. Worsening this is the fact that many of Russia's richest 10% with liquid assets tend to live abroad and according to the Panama Papers, evidently locate their assets accordingly. As a consequence, Russians loyalist to Putin frequently live with one foot out the door.
(Cit. Unequal Russia: is anger stirring in the global capital of inequality.)
I note that "X-Rusky" posts his opinion from British Vancouver. This would be consistent with the general pattern.
We can't get rid of our Traitor Trump (little Putin's Puppet) too soon as we are headed into Russia's dystopian territory.
This Put-in presidents event will be another reality TV show state-sponsored media episode or two. It will get high ratings.
Another Trump rally. And it will be a win for Putin. Very big win. The photo ops will rival the video and tweet gold that Kim Jong Un got.
The hardline co-dependants will meet. Expect daily drama with "mission accomplished", scripted video and music propaganda and will be widely broadcast through all the Koch, Meredith, and Murdoch tabloid extremist media empires.
They will enjoy media backlash as long as they dominate the news feeds. It's another distraction from the Nov 2018 election. I will ask the media to put this crazy insane meeting below the fold and to spotlight the next elections contenders.
Please focus on the people we can hope to elect.
5
"Always two there must be, a master and an apprentice."
10
I wish we could read what each is thinking, including Lavrov in the background.
1
My comment previously that the expulsion of diplomats was merely a show by the Dictators (one real, one wannabe) is supported by this planned meeting.
Tantrump voters were conned, in the same way that the voters have been conned by both Democrats and Republicans in their prosecution of their wars for profit to the rich. Neither side wants to think for themselves, but perhaps least of all the Tantrump voters, who have been conned by a carnival barker conman.
What a show is human behavior! We will see in 2020 what kind of President the low-information US voters want.
Think for yourself?
4
Fact: Our intelligence agencies unanimously agreed that Russia interfered with our 2016 election to help Trump win.
Fact:People working on the Trump campaign have repeatedly denied having contacts with Russians until it was discovered that they did indeed have such contacts.
Fact:Trump signed a letter of intent to build a Trump tower in Moscow during the campaign, but the deal didn't materialize. He said nothing about this-it was discovered by the press.
Fact: Russia wanted sanctions imposed on them removed, and that was part of the quid pro quo with Vladimir Putin. Putin also wanted Trump to weaken our relationship with our NATO allies, and Trump has been more than happy to do so.
Fact: Trump has done NOTHING to protect the United States from another attack by Russia on our upcoming elections.
Fact: Trump keeps meeting with his buddy Vladimir Putin without any note takers or witnesses (except translators.)
I seriously wonder whether the entire Republican party is worried that Putin has kompromat on them, because they refuse to do anything about this serious national security problem.
21
I've been saying this since the general election in 2016: Putin is Trump's puppetmaster by virtue of both kompromat and financial patronage. His goal is to fracture NATO. As Trump consolidates power, thoroughly brainwashing his base so that they believe anything he says, Putin will prepare to invade the Baltic states. As the T-14s roll over the borders to Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia, Trump will declare it in the national interest NOT to honor the mutual defense article of the NATO charter, and his base (and Fox News) will support him (he doesn't care about anyone else's opinion). Et voila!
8
I dearly hope this does not happen, and would have thought it unimaginable a few years ago, but now here we are, and it seems possible. I would believe Germany, France and the rest of NATO would act, even if Trump did not. At least his boorish behavior toward them could free them of feeling too beholden to his will.
4
Time for Europe, especially Germany, to re-arm. This is so sad!
1
Ya gotta give it to Putin. The Dark Lord.
I grew up during the time when we had nuclear weapons pointed at each other ready to completely destroy each other. Talking is a good thing. NATO after the fall of the Berlin wall serves the US no purpose. If in fact NATO is concerned as the writer reports, then they should have paid their fare share of their defense for tbe last 70 years.
1
Eu is worried, NATO is worried, all our allies in South America and Canada are worried. The only person who doesn't seem worried about Trump is Putin. Something is terribly wrong with America's place in the world today. If they hold a press conference together I'll be very interested in seeing if Putin's lips move while Trump is talking.
1
While Trump does not hesitate to criticize and demonize our previous presidents and leaders of nations who have been our allies for generations, he is willing to show respect and support for Putin, who suppressed a democratic election to become a virtual dictator of Russia. Why is this happening? Because the ruling party in our country is willing to give Trump and his far right cabinet a completely free hand in the leadership of our nation morally and politically as long as the GOP remains in control of the government, including the Supreme Court. Well, the whistle needs to be blown soon, because if Trump and the Republicans remain in control much longer, we the people, will suffer the loss of our constitutional democracy!
5
Wonder what the fabulous dealmaker will give away to this adversary?
Suspend NATO military exercises?
Withdraw US forces from Europe?
Exacerbate a debilitating trade war with European democracies?
There is a rich target list for Trump. Can't wait.
3
That the two most powerful nations in the world will get together and talk to one another is nothing but a good thing.
4
Except that they hacked our election to help Trump win, remember?
15
Not when the person talking for our side has demonstrated that he gives away the farm for nothing in return
2
Why would Americans, particularly Republicans, support such a meeting and furthering our relationship with Russia? Why, the promise of money, of course! Follow the money:
“We discussed, among other matters, the work of American companies in the Russian market, including Exxon Mobil, Schlumberger, Halliburton, Honeywell and others,” Mr. Novak said. “We discussed possibly expanding cooperation.”
3
Trump really cares or fears Putin in any case Trump Moscow Hotel is in the works once he is out of office. Trump owes him for all his help beside he prefers dictators to democratic elected leaders , he wants to be one too.
1
There are a few matters that are important: (1) Iran, Russia's southern neighbor; (2) China, Russia's eastern neighbor; (3) Ukraine, Russia's western neighbor; (4) Turkey, Russia's southwestern neighbor; (5) Syria, Russia's Mediterranean port; (6) Russia's intermediate range missiles; (7) Russia's schizophrenic relationship with Israel; and, (8) Russia's goal of destroying NATO. Of course, one has to be educated to deal with these matters effectively, but who needs briefing? Or a coherent policy? The simplistic Trump attitude will be, "They're your neighbors, not mine, and I'm trying to reduce government expenditures, so you deal with them." NATO will already be toast when Trump leaves that meeting early to go fawn over Putin. Expect another declaration of buddies and victory, with the predictable swoon over a really strong and smart dictator whose people love him, followed by surrender and retreat. Maybe these meetings are Trumps effort at education - if he spends time with the Kim's and Putin's of the world, he'll learn how to be a strong dictator, get rid of the press, reduce and take over the courts, turn the Congress into his rubber stamp servant, and have a parade like the world has never seen.
5
I am far from an expert on US-Russia relations, but even I know this is not a good thing.
Putin is clever; Trump is eager to please and to hobnob with men that he greatly admires for their less than Democratic styles and their control over 'their people.'
If only Trump were smart enough to know his own intellectual limits. But his boundless ego is too hungry for attention and instant gratification.
4
Shouldn't Trump send over some flowers and a nice card first? Otherwise, it could get awkward, these two love-birds circling each other, each of them hoping the other makes the first move.
Putin will probably ask for the Baltic Nations, and Trump will claim victory because Putin smiled at him.
3
Another move towards the Stalinist form of economic power Trump is asserting by consolidating the oil industry and subverting the free market in regards to solar, wind and other alternatives to an oil economy. Don't forget in the vacuum of power when the former Soviet Union dissolved the state run industrial complex fell to the former KGB- Putin being #1.
The Russian Oligarchs are creating a new world order in front of our eyes and we can't stop it. OMGGOPWTF. Trump was deeply in debt when he came into office, the Kushner's as well. His self serving dynasty building is destroying America.
1
Unions smashed. Children abused. Bigotry enshrined. Infrastructure neglected. Russia and North Korea praised.
The campaign ads write themselves. Sane candidates just need to replay the news clips and say "I'm Jane Lastname and I approve this message" at the end. Not even overlay "Really?" over them. Just replay them.
The complain that Democrats need a platform of their own to counter the trainwreck was tepidly understandable in 2016. It's downright laughable now. Just play those clips, attend the debates, and You Too Can Be [office here]. Seriously.
2
Will we be informed about the merger or the spinoff?
See: Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact
3
Trump isn't even trying to hide his desire to scrap NATO, become allies with Russia, and adopt Putin's autocratic brand of government. We stand to be subjugated by one of our oldest rivals and not a bullet was fired.
Who will stand for the US now? Our president is an agent for a foreign adversary and his party is cowering in fear at their lack of connection with its base voters. Who remembers the Cold War? Putin lives it every day. Who can stop this slow surrender and revive our pride in our imperfect union?
16
We lost it all a while back. Our government is a fascist dictatorship. Putin is very influential. But the American people do nothing so who am I to complain?
1
Will our democratic and/or intelligence institutions – Congress, the FBI, the CIA, the NSA, etc – ever voice their concerns that our President might be a puppet to the most dangerous man in the world? This isn't some left-wing conspiracy. There's actually evidence to suggest exactly this, but the GOP is ignoring it in order to pass tax cuts and nominate federal judges.
3
Right on!
This on the heels of the labor defeat.
Soon we will be aligned with other dictatorships who will likemindedly incorporate a world wide incarcerated workforce.
No more pesky human rights or worker's rights to foul up the bosses production. No more clumsy Social Security or "choose your own doctor", the cops will make the decision whether you go to the bathroom or not complete with a Space Force equal but separate from the Air Force.
See the future. It is not yours, it belongs to them.
Yes, this is our reality. No whistleblowers, it is up to the kangaroo courts to lock YOU up and put you to work.
3
There will be no documentation or recording of this meeting. It is obvious Trump will debrief Putin on his NATO meeting, it is overt collusion with the enemy. So NATO, I suggest you give Trump fake plans of your defense of Russian aggression.
5
Obvious and in your face. Why is this meeting high priority? Likely to make sure that Russia will not leak any damaging information on Trump in a "closed door" meeting with no interpreters and aides.
5
The meeting is a perfect example of a swirling vortex. By By team USA.
1
The ‘Dog and Pony show’ continues! Maybe they’ll sell commemorative tee shirts. Clearly, the Trump/Putin bromance is bad for post-Cold War tensions. It’s harder to sell weapons if everyone is getting along. The Western European “low countries” need not fear as long as they continue to buy US weaponry. It all stays balanced and the manufacturers stay flush! Actually, historically, Russia/USSR has made more invitations to peace with the West than vice versa. Trump never utters the word “peace” (unless it’s spelled with an “I”.). Also, Trump only threatens countries or individuals who are much less wealthy or powerful. If you are one of the “big boys” there’s nothing to fear from this guy. Trump’s handlers fear he be off the leach (i.e. offering to cut military exercises with South Korea in exchange for a photo op!) If Mr. Trump wants to ‘Georgie Porgy’ his way into a peace prize by appearing to play nice, then what’s your problem? Your problem is that whatever he says never means anything. Who knows, maybe those tee shirts will be worth something someday!
Mr. Bolton said: “I’d like to hear someone say this is a bad idea.”
It's a bad idea because it fuels the narrative that trump was putin's choice.
3
Dear Trump Supporters:
Do you think this meeting between an American president and a ruthless foreign leader who murders critics is appropriate and if so, why? Keep in mind that said president has spoken warmly of this dictator, who may or may not have meddled in our electoral process, while simultaneously bashing our longstanding allies and alienating much of the civilized world.
If this is all okay with you, consider this: if Hillary Clinton were in office and were praising Vladimir Putin, whom you believed had meddled in the electoral process to such a degree that the election was decided in her favor, was insulting and bashing our allies, and then decided to meet Putin, would you think it was all perfectly fine? Or would you be screaming at the top of your lungs about how inappropriate she was and how unfit for the presidency, and how she was courting danger and disgrace by embracing Putin, a walking affront to democracy and human decency if ever there was one?
This "east coast liberal elite" eagerly awaits your response to these pressing questions on presidential patriotism and love of country.
Regards,
Lindsay K.
13
the third country that the meeting will take place should be Turkey, so all three autocrats of our age will be together for a family photo.
5
The Russian minister of energy is quoted in the article as saying: “We discussed possibly expanding cooperation.”
What cooperation?
Oh, you mean when the Russians cooperated with the RNC to rig the election so that Vladimir's stooge, Donald J., would get elected. Now I understand.
Now that he's elected, The Donald will travel overseas to meet with, and pay homage to, his benefactor.
Vladimir, no doubt, will be asking The Donald what the Russians can do to help with the upcoming mid-term elections.
3
we know who's going to be getting rich...
more shocking to me...
how is it OK for Trump to meet with Putin WHILE the investigation into collusion is still going on?
5
With a handshake and a smile, the Baltic States, Russian sanctions, and NATO will just be memories.
Is the re-sale of Alaska to Russia next?
5
Yes, Bolton, this is a bad idea. I don't trust Putin or Trump to have any other interests besides their own skin.
3
Trump doesn't understand that Putin can just email the software updates for our (Republican-owned) electronic voting machines. No need to travel to Moscow to pick up a flash drive...
5
Trump's number one issue of this summit should be calling out Russia for its sabotage of our elections -- past and present. Of course, Trump will be there to pick up tips from Putin on how to suppress journalists, ingratiate himself with oligarchs and undermine NATO.
2
Wow. Time for a performance review already?
Donald Trump is the most significant example of non-violent regime change in modern history. Brilliantly exercising technological leverage, with just a little boost from money laundering proceeds, Russian oligarchs flipped the American Republican Party. We have a Russia-dependent, ignoramus in the White House and a system so broken that neither the legislative nor judicial branches are capable of fulfilling their constitutional duties on a consistent basis.
In the long run, the most significant beneficiary of this debacle will be China, which will eat Russia's lunch with the muscle-bound, ineffectual United States just an appetizer.
2
How in the world is this benefiting the people of the United States??
What message is this supposed to be sending our allies?
Does trump just want to thank him in person?
9
Glad to see a straight news story for a change instead of opinion laced with a few facts. But I see your leftist followers jumping up and down with their comments. I think meeting with heads of state, no matter how they got to where they are, is a good thing. Keep your friends close -- your enemies closer!
2
But he isn't keeping his friends close...
3
“O villain, villain, smiling, damnèd villain!
My tables—meet it is I set it down
That one may smile, and smile, and be a villain—“ W. Shakespeare, Hamlet
"The meeting will take place in a “third country,”..
My bet, Saudi Arabia. Sword dancing, lavish praised upon the two by a beacon of human rights abuses. Doesn't get much worse than this.
Don't forget to vote this November.
4
What’s the point of thus summit? Is Trump going to confront Putin about his anti-American aggressions, including meddling in our elections? Or is this just an opportunity for the puppet master to update his programming?
1
It is not like he had a choice. Putin is getting frustrated because Congress has prevented Trump from delivering the goods. Now he's had enough. He's telling Trump to stand up to Congress or certain tapes will be mailed to the NYT headquarters.
Things are finally happening. A summit with the great dictator of North Korea took place where Trump, displaying his remarkable negotiation skills, persuaded Kim that the joint military exercises of the US and South Korea really are very offensive and need to be canceled. And now there is a summit with Putin. We can expect great things from this summit, the best things, better than ever before, really all the previous presidents were weak and incompetent - MAGA!
Must be an interesting experience for Bolton!
Just doing his 'job'.
Will the US be represented at the NATO summit in July?
Of course, Trump admires and respects Putin more than our allies in Europe.
Presumably meeting to discuss how to rig the fall elections?
4
Or tell Putin what was discussed behind closed doors at the NATO meeting?
Word is that the battery needs changing on the 'keepsake' bracelet that Vlad gave Trump at their last meeting.
2
Bolton want someone to say it's a bad idea? It's a bad idea. A really bad idea. I guess Trump has to thank Putin in person for getting him elected
6
Putin states:
'"...I’ve already said this repeatedly in public and am saying this to you now: I think that this is largely a result of the acute internal political struggle within the United States.'”
...a political struggle to which Russia is a major contributing factor. In his statement, Putin reveals himself still to be involved in U.S. politics. The success that Russia had in influencing the 2016 election may have given Putin confidence in articulating this statement.
To Bolton who states:
“I’d like to hear someone say this is a bad idea.”
Okay, Johnny, it's a bad idea. You have two fascists who can't tell the truth meeting together. Any conclusion they reach is untrustworthy. To offer more detail, this isn't Reagan and Gorbachev. Trump is manifestly in sympathy with the Russians. You are implying that you are too, in sympathy.
Again, as with North Korea, the Russians have everything to gain from this meeting and the U.S. has *nothing* to gain. And now that Trump is in office, probably the Russians have no need to manipulate elections here, unless Trump hints to Putin at illegally turning congressional elections... or Putin suggests it to him and Trump bites.
3
My advice to the Allies and all their anxieties, is to ignore the bigoted leader from DC and don't give him air time. Cut him short and move on without him. He is not serving the US' best interests and seems beholden to Putin. It seems to me he is playing by Putin's handbook, and you can be rest assured that in their summit, Putin will be hand feeding him more plays from the playbook. The occupant of the White House is nothing more than an Authoritarian Dictator who wants to destroy the democracy and emulate Putin and all the other authoritarians in the world.
5
Democrats are playing nice, therefore no backbone in dealing with this Administration. Instead a constant barrage on news on Mueller, they should be exposing Pruitt and this administration assault on the environment, Zink and his pay to play on this country's land; Devos increasing her wealth in for profit colleges, etc etc etc. But alas, NOTHING!
It's obvious Trump is corrupt.
3
One wonders if the European allies should share their thoughts and secrets with this US 'president'. Unfortunately, the House Committee on Un-American Activities was abolished in 1975.
Putin will only reassure that his comrade, the president, is doing a good job and following orders by wrecking American democracy and turning the country upside down. Putin might even advise the president which states to campaign in because of the coming Russian interference Putin has planned for the mid-terms.
2
I wouldn't be surprised if Trump gave his next campaign rally in Russian. But, it would never happen. He's not smart enough to learn a second language.
3
Clearly, these are not normal times! Where art thou Mr. Mueller?
2
After the way he slobbered over Kim Jung-un, one of the worst dictators of the modern era, I expect Trump to display epic hero worship of the man who is actively trying to demolish America.
And our country will die a little more.
46
Will this be the meeting where Trump delivers the plane load of cash to Putin to pay him back for his help in winning the election; or, did Bolton already make that payment?
2
Payment is the refusal by Trump to impose the sanctions on Russia that Congress overwhelmingly voted for.
Also included in the payback is the weakening of our relationship with our NATO allies, in order to end the Western alliance that's been in place since WWII (as per Mr. Putin's request.)
Diminishing our standing in the world is included in Trump's gift to Putin. The United States is no has become a pariah because of our president's policies.
Russia's also allowed to interfere with our elections again, since the Commander-in-Chief refuses to do anything to prevent such meddling in the upcoming elections.
Putin is like Trump. He doesn't really care about Russia, just how many zeroes in his bank account.
Oh, how nice. A meeting of two kleptocrats. Probably sharing ideas on how to squeeze more money from the "little people" for themselves.
5
Should be a great meeting. Trump gets to thank Putin for all the cyberhacking and fake ads and other things the Russians executed to perfection in their efforts to make sure Trump got elected. Now Trump needs to continue the education he's getting from Putin on what needs to be done to take authoritarian control of the U.S. like Putin has Russia. In Russia, billionaire oligarchs tremble in fear of Putin and some have been put in prison for opposing him or just not doing what he wanted. You can imagine how badly Trump wants to be in the same position in this country. Do yourself a favor and go back and look at all the moves he's made since taking office, including disparaging the FBI, CIA, Justice Dept. etc. etc., and even openly and contemptuously disrespecting long held American traditions. If you can't see that this is what Trump has been building toward ("I alone can solve our problems") and other countless clues then you must be brain dead like many of the media and practically the entire Republican party (or else they don't care, thinking somewhat stupidly that somehow they will benefit). And don't get your hopes up about November. Trump, and his mentor Putin, will find a way to win them.
3
"Summit" is an interesting description of when a spy meets with his handler.
14
What was left out of this article, was that this meeting was agreed upon a while ago; they just rolled it out now to make it look "negotiated".
What a FARCE!!
2
If this meeting goes as well as the onE in Singapore, we may never again have to hold an election.
MAGA MAGA MAGA
4
Nixon may have been evil enough to prolong the vietnam war to get himself reelected, killing many innocent people in the process -- but he never would have given us to an adversary. Ironically, trump evidently views America -- with his senseless and soulless egoism -- as merely another unworthy slab of material he can raise himself upon during his abysmal free-fall towards farcical ignominy.
Don't feel it's possible for a Russian to get on the losing end of a deal with trump.
After all after six bankruptcies who else would look at trump other than the Russian mafia looking to money launder.
2
Did I move from USSR to USSR back in 1995?!!
2
Oh, why not this, too? Donald Trump has already embraced neo-Nazis, insulted our allies, tossed anything resembling cooperation with the western nations out the window, and praised murderous thugs like they were candidates for sainthood. We have heard not one word about the fact that Putin tried - and very likely succeeded - in tilting our election. Tops on Trump's list of things to ask this murderous thug: his best tips on how to handle all those pesky journalists. And while he's at it, Trump is likely to hand off even more of our world standing in exchange for promises of help to his business empire.
We need a national uprising against Donald Trump, the Republicans who helped put him in power and the elected leaders who have either served as his apologists or have paved the way for his theft of our democracy. Mitch McConnell, we remember what you've done. And the national uprising is coming for you. It's called voting.
But because this summit with the latest in Trump's long list of adored dictators will happen before the mid-term elections, I suggest that the people of the United States march on Washington, a million or more strong, on the same day that Putin is in D.C. And if they don't get a permit for the march, they should march anyhow.
23
Amen!
1
Who is surprised by this announcement? Trump has been openly worshipping Putin as well as the N. Korean dictator for quite some time. A few days ago I saw a reader comment that suggested that trump & his dictator friends may be planning to join hands in ways that would shock the world....like try to make the USA his dictatorship.
Indeed trump has stated his admiration for N. Korea's dictatorship & suggested that maybe the US should do likewise. Now I am beginning to wonder if we should be yelling, "Wake up USA". It seems that every day I read about trump grabbing more & more power. Just what does that wannabe dictator have in mind? Who is aiding & abetting him? Our Congress should wake up & invite this dictator wannabe to depart this office before it's too late. Just what is he doing while all the attention is on the children being held as hostages in those awful camps?
2
I can only imagine how ecstatic Trump must be. Ronald Reagan must be rolling in his graves. The party that was once fiercely anti-communist now cozies up to former Communist dictator.
I can’t even comprehend the perversion Trump engaged in Moscow that he would be so willing debase the values that his country was founded on.
What a disgusting spectacle the GOP has become. The party of liberty and freedom has become nothing more than a party of racism and religious bigotry.
9
Oh, goody. Our ill-elected president is going to have a "meeting" with the person who orchestrated his election.
I feel like I'm living in a Black Mirror episode.
3
While the following lyrics were written and played by the band, Steppenwolf, in the late 60's and early 70's, there is a new Monster on the loose.
"The spirit was freedom and justice
And it's keepers seem generous and kind
It's leaders were supposed to serve the country
But now they won't pay it no mind
'Cause the people grew fat and got lazy
And now their vote is a meaningless joke
They babble about law and order
But it's all just an echo of what they've been told
Yeah, there's a monster on the loose
It's got our heads into a noose
And it just sits there watchin'
Our cities have turned into jungles
And corruption is stranglin' the land
The police force is watching the people
And the people just can't understand
We don't know how to mind our own business
'Cause the whole worlds got to be just like us
Now we are fighting a war over there
No matter who's the winner
We can't pay the cost
'Cause there's a monster on the loose
It's got our heads into a noose
And it just sits there watching
(America)
America where are you now?
Don't you care about your sons and daughters?
Don't you know we need you now
We can't fight alone against the monster"
Writer/s: JERRY EDMONTON, JOHN KAY
Publisher: Universal Music Publishing Group
1
George Bush was the last president who peered into Putin's soul by the way of his eyes and found him entirely trustworthy. Now it is president Trump's turn.
1
American and Russian cooperation and friendship would be great for world peace. I don't know why anybody oppose that. There may be vested interests who want to keep the tension between the two countries for their interests. If those are EU countries, it is too bad. It is a foregone conclusion that Russia is not going to give up Crimea. So there is no point of not talking to Russia due to Crimea. On the other hand if you talk, it may be easy to find solutions for disputes that need to be solved like Syria, Ukraine, etc.
Thank you, Neville Chamberlain, the people of Crimea salute you.
Trump & Putin need to talk to coordinate 2018 & 2020 US elections.
The photos of Vlad and his smile tell it all. Privately, he must laugh hysterically, realizing that he interfered in our elections, and in spite of that he has both Trump and Bolton following him around like drooling, sniveling sycophants.
Trump particularly has been duped as a result of his narcissism. Our allies tell Trump what they think; Putin lies and provides praise and tells Trump what he wants to hear. Putin must have read "The Art of the Deal".
4
Trump is King Lear.
Liberals are hypocrites on this issue. Their beloved Frau Merkel went to Moscow just weeks ago to meet with Putin. She was all smiles and handshakes. Same story for Macron a week or two prior. The NY Times didn't cover it, because it doesn't fit their narrative of evil Russians. In other news, why are EU countries interfering in our elections by targeting tariffs at states that voted for Trump? How are billions in targeted tariffs against Trump supporters different from $100,000 of mostly innocuous Facebook ads? Who helped the EU coordinate these tariffs? How could they know which states to target? When will Congress investigate the political interference in our elections by the EU?
Merkel and Macron are quite intelligent persons.
There must be note takers and other people to be in the room with Trump and Putin. Our Ntional Security is at risk.
12
Putin will play Trump so smoothly that he will make Kim look like an amateur.
12
No fair, darn it! Putin has those tapes.
My neck is snapping - my head just lurched- the USA & Who are friendlies?? Is this to advance Putin's orthodox view on society, i.e. no gay people, no real reporting if it isn't in agreement with the Kremlin, jail your dissidents, and make the people sit up at attention when you speak.?
What is going on here, how can this be where we are today??
5
OK, "conservatives," let's hear what the John Birch Society has to say about this.
5
Beyond our allies' fear that the Trump-Putin dating event will overshadow the NATO summit, may lie a parallel reminder of a prior ominous historical event some 79 years ago by the name of the Stalin-Hitler pact (although it was signed by Molotov and Ribbentrop) that assured mutual non-aggression and a splitting of Poland between them. And we known how that went. Whose turn is it this time around?
2
Mr. Trump: What momentous agreement is being signed? Nuke Non-proliferation? Perhaps telling Putin to stay out of our elections?? NO!
It's a tea-party with a spy as planned. Bill paid by the US Taxpayers. Stop it! Running from your problems at home doesnt solve them.
The threat to US national security? You 45
8
Can we please stop calling our mooches "allies?" The very instant President Trump proposed to take away a tiny little fraction of the humongous freebies we give them, they had a huge conniption from which they have not emerged yet. Wake up, NYT. Europe and Canada are not our allies. They're our mooches. Let's dump them and talk to countries that have something worth dealing for.
Dump Canada?
Do you believe if we stop being their ally, Canada will break off from North America and no longer be our neighbor?
Do you believe that having countries we border be our enemies instead of our friends makes us safer?
Most countries in the world have a lot of neighbors, but we only border 2 countries. It shouldn't be that hard to be friendly and create mutually beneficial relationships with only 2 countries, especially Canada... yet somehow Republicans can't figure out how to do it. Republicans have become experts at irrationally going against their self interest.
2
And what countries would those be, exactly? North Korea? Russia? Venezuela? The Philippines? Two of those countries are running low on food and have citizens who are starving (North Korea, Venezuela), one poisons its critics (Russia), while another poisons family members (North Korea), and yet another has a leader that thinks getting tough on crime involves murdering and terrorizing the populace (the Philippines). All of these countries are run by cold-blooded dictators and certifiable lunatics who would as soon kill you as look at you - unless, of course, looking at you will benefit them, in which case old Putin and men like him can afford to put on a smile and extend a hand. Trump's such an egotistical ignoramus that he can't even tell when he's being played for a fool, and apparently neither can you. I'll take Canada and Europe, with all their real-world imperfections, any day of the week over a bunch of tin-pot despots and one seriously dangerous ex-KGB agent who is going to use our country and the colossal dunce in the White House to achieve his ends.
2
I'm going to be civil if it kills me, but I am shaking as I write this, I am so furious. "Mooches"? You are seriously calling us mooches? And saying we aren't your allies? Right then - next time you suffer a terrorist attack like 9/11 and invoke Article 5 of NATO we won't reply. We won't open our airspace to take all your citizens in, we won't go with you to Afghanistan (only to be summarily dumped and left with the other "mooches" you disparage while you decide to go start an unwarranted war in Iraq). And I am only giving you one recent example of how your allies behave because trying to teach you the history between our two countries and the myriad ways we have been your ally and friend would take up too much print space. Plus frankly, I think the top of my head would blow off and my attempts at restraint would fail.
For God's sake, educate yourself.
5
This is deeply disturbing to me. The buffoon-in-chief lives in his own alternate reality, and spreads his "truth" like a plague through his tweets. It infects a percentage of the population who inexplicably believe his barrage of constant lies. I am afraid for our place among our allies, and our position in the world. Our planet is being compromised by the idiocy of a scam artist. And our GOP just continues to support him.
10
Is this the new Republican foreign policy emerging - read: White Nationalists of the World, Unite! - , or just another nonsensical media event planned to fill the White House calendar in order to drown the ever-growing outrage about this disgusting presidency?
15
Liberals hail Angela Merkel as "the leader of the free world". (How much longer?)
Angela Merkel has given her support for this U.S./Russia summit, so can liberals just follow her lead?
2
A 'babushka booty call' of sorts? Is it love, or something less?
We all knew long ago that 45 had no shame, but this is really way way over the top, especially given that only his craven die-hard zombies will relish it, even if just to make everyone on the Left squirm and react.
He's being investigated for nefarious acts with this guy.
I mean, COME ON !
America, I no longer recognize you.
2
Finally we're getting around to it:The kind of president Trump wants to be; the sort of club he's itching to join. Feeling isolated and perhaps a little less than up to fostering the sort of relationships that depend on truth and the common good? Worry not, friend. There's a club where the rules are, shall we say, optional. Put your feet up. You can blather and pound and fume to your heart's content, or just aimlessly flip through channels. Because you were right about your base, just like Jefferson was right about an educated populace. Welcome aboard, comrade!
9
Any chance Donald will just stay there and forget all about us? Maybe Vlad can offer him a Russian version of The Apprentice.
2
Overheard in Moscow:
MR. USHAKOV: “From our side, we declared clearly that the Russian government did not meddle in U.S. processes, does not meddle and moreover did not meddle in the 2016 elections.”
MR. BOLTON: “Yup, OK. Sounds good to me. Now, when can my imposter meet with your dictator, and can Mr. Kim join them at the party?”
15
While making sure no other US officials are in the meeting.....just POTUS making his deals.
The ultimate Cold War hawk has adjusted what appear to his former weak positions low these years, to be a factotum for Trump and Putin. A gofer to set up a summit but really a tryst for Trump to display his affections for KGB Putin. What to expect: much fawning by Trump but by Putin a feigned glee as America and the West are sold down the confluence fluence of the Potomac and the Volga rivers. Yalta was not even considered as the meeting place long despised by conservatives as the give-a-way to Papa Joe. The reverse however will take place no matter the location as America’s honor is return in value for filthy rubles now in Don the Cossack’s little hands.
1
And whats' purpose of this?
2
They want to get their stories straight and in agreement when the Mueller investigation opens up.
3
Stop pussyfooting around! Bring Putin and his crew to the White House. Give him the royal tour, show him Lincoln's bedroom, let Vlad buy a ton of #MAGA hats, coffee mugs, and tee shirts for friends back home in Rusher. BOGO on the new #NoCollusion tee shirts. Actually, if Putin did come to the White House it would give Mueller an opportunity to hit him with a subpoena. That would be something!
6
"One-to-one" says the Times--leaving out the mediating "third," the giant Kompromat overshadowing whatever room in which the summit is held.
2
They should make Trump wear one of those body cameras during the summit with Putin - he can't be trusted in any private meetings with his bff Pootie...
15
So Bolton can smile after all? His face is so red, it looks like Vlad told him a great joke, or Bolton is in love!
2
Payback time.
https://newrepublic.com/minutes/135614/trump-sarcastic-asked-russia-hack...
2
This won’t be a summit.
It will be an occasion for Donald Trump to demonstrate his fealty to another autocrat and, at the same time, kick sand in NATO’s face.
The American president is a stupid man but he knows what he’s doing: robotically following orders from his don, Comrade Vlade-Vlade.
40
Liberal heads exploding. Trump the disrupter AND the fixer.
Funny, I didn't hear all this doom when Netanyahu met with Putin.
http://tinyurl.com/yc7syyg2
1
The fixer of what? Self inflicted sanctions on Russia caused by Putin's invasion of Ukraine?
1
I wouldn't really say exploding. Heads don't explode when you witness exactly what you would expect see. Trump meeting privately with a Russian leader known for tampering with US elections, specifically in Trump's favor, while simultaneously undermining the strength of our western allies. That is exactly what I would expect from a Russian stooge. So yeah, no explosion.
1
All of our heads need to explode. As Tut (totally unhinged Trump) insults our allies and partners he is exploring on becoming a despot.
1
Vote for every Democrat you can find or we will all be under Putin's boot before 2020.
16
Another good reason to protest his visit here--there are already so many! He sucks up to America's adversaries and kicks her allies.
4
Of course he is. Planning is needed for Putin's "input" into the midterms. Unbelievable? Wise up.
10
The Asset is planning a meeting with his Handler.
Hurry up, Mr. Mueller, bust this traitor and get him out of our government. He's a suck up to all enemies, foreign and domestic, and tries to destroy anyone who believes in rule of law.
26
Putin and his minion will meet
The POTUS he installed he'll greet
The NATO alliance
A wrecking appliance
His candidate Trump can't be beat.
Some new hanky panky they'll plot
And Trump will give it all he's got,
He'll create disaster
To please his dear master
In every detail, every jot.
16
I tend to think the summit meeting with Trump and Putin is raising high anxieties among US citizens IN ADDITION TO major European allies of the United States.
12
They need to work out the details for assuring Republican control after the midterms.
And there is, of course, the continuing issue of Russian "adoptions."
20
trump needs more updated instructions from Putin on how to bring more chaos to US and against its allies. So this meeting is essential. Needless to say there wont be a transcript. how Putin conveys his instructions to Trump will be interesting,
11
In cartoons the moron is illiterate
1
“From our side, we declared clearly that the Russian government did not meddle in U.S. processes, does not meddle and moreover did not meddle in the 2016 elections,” Mr. Ushakov said.
From Donald Trump's side, too, unfortunately.
5
Unfortunately for us Trump won't prepare for this meeting at all but Putin will and Trump will eventually take away all those sanctions. I am afraid there will be just 4 people in the room and our democracy and NATO will suffer like never before.
8
This would be the "Summit of Half-Baked Nations That No One Else Will Talk To So They Might As Well Talk To Each Other"? Sort of like the Circus of the Stars summer replacement programming on 70's network TV.
Yawn.
5
Seems like Trump has stumbled on his new favorite substance-free photo-op for his reality TV presidency: the summit (with autocrats hostile to US interests). This with the country that sought to swing the outcome of the 2016 election.
You can't make this stuff up.
13
Gotta coordinate their efforts. Let's see whether anyone from the U.S. side will be taking notes.
1
How can you call it a "summit" when the parties involved will sink as low as they can go to keep their power?
12
Of course they're going to meet, there's much to be done before the 2018 mid terms!
45
Hopefully this won't be Trump's Neville Chamberlain moment. Considering the animosity our president has generated among traditional faithful allies, it might be argued that his moment already happened.
4
Are Putin and Trump colluding to divide the world between themselves in remembrance of Spain and Portugal,who, with the blessings of Pope Alexander VI (a Borgia), divided up the world's so-called newly-discovered lands in the Treaty of Tordesillas (1494)? Or, are we headed for another Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact (1939)? Either way, we should be very, very scared.
3
So now they can discuss colluding again just in time for the midterms. Silence from Congress- not a good sign.
22
Pretty sure everybody already knows they've been coordinating. Don't see what the big deal is.
7
Surely they won't meet in The Ukraine. Will their discussions include sand bagging NATO or how to widen the war in Syria or how to further alienate our long time allies or fix elections or will they simply discuss the expansion of the Trump/Kushner brands in Russia?
9
Couldn't he have just sent Mr. Putin a nice thank-you note for the successful collusion?
Besides the Russo-Republicans (now less than 30% of the electorate), how many Americans would rather be more closely allied with Russia than with Britain, France, Germany, or Canada, countries with whom we actually share common values?
27
We get a ban on travel from Muslim countries whose citizens were NOT part of attacks against Americans, from a president who said "I think Islam hates us".
But he praises the leader of a nation that has occupied parts of their neighboring states, who is an ally of Assad in Syria, whose intelligence service interfered in the United States elections, and assassinated people in Britain and elsewhere.
So the question remains: What does Putin have on Trump? Is it just Trump's naked financial interests, or something worse?
73
a.) He owes him for the election.
b.) The Russians -- Putin and other Russian oligarchs -- bailed him out financially... he was toast (for the nth time). They literally bought him.
So you see our President-Pretend is under contract with Putin. It would be rude (and risky, in financial, legal and political terms) for him not to lick spittle.
2
Trump has a vision of turning the USA into a dictatorship - His remarks and actions should worry everyone who values freedom and democracy.
16
Russia, our new BFF. No wall to separate Trump from his role model. Putin can help explain how to turn a democracy into a total dictatorship. Executive orders are a good start. But there's much more to learn about controlling the media and business. We're already well on the road to oligarchy.
8
If the Russians interfered in our election, they did it fair and square and it's our fault for letting it happen.
Americans have this outdated view, left over from the Cold War portraying Russia as our enemy. They never have been a real threat to our country.
What's wrong with sitting down and talking things out?
4
The notion of "fair and square" interference in an election is a logical fallacy. By definition, interference is not fair and square. Also, it's ridiculous to blame Americans for terrorist acts committed by a foreign government. Are the children who get shot in schools responsible for their own deaths because they "let it happen"?
Russia has always been a threat to Americans, just as the Russian state is a terrible threat to its own citizens. The Russian government kills dissidents and activists. Nothing about the Russian state indicates it is interested in anything but power and money. But Trump also wants to be (already is?) a terrible threat to American citizens.
1
So, I guess the Cold War was fake news?
"If the Russians interfered in our election, they did it fair and square...."
So, what's the weather like in Murmansk these days, Ivan?
1
Perhaps Mr. Putin was inspired by seeing how much North Korea was able to get out of Trump without having to actually give up anything, so he figures now is a good time to get his. Whatever hawks there are in this administration seem more terrified of immigrant children than of the Russian military.
9
Kyes, and he figured out that if you bribe the Trump/Republicans with oil deals human rights, and give Trump a path to Trumpski Towerski, Syrian gas attacks, undermining US democracy, invading other countries, becomes irrelevant to Trump
2
Trump understands that summits with world leaders help him domestically, even if they are with international pariahs who don't keep their agreements. With Trump's "agreement" with Kim Jong-Un already falling apart (the North Koreans are upgrading their nuclear facilities in violation of their vague assurances in Singapore), it's time for another summit to bolster Trump's image and improve GOP chances in the November mid-terms. Putin is in an ideal position, consenting to meet with Trump and effectively offering to give the American president a photo op in exchange for whatever concessions Trump can remember to offer. This is not international diplomacy. This is a case officer massaging an asset.
33
This is less a summit and more a Trump performance review by his mentor, Vlad. And as all reviews go, it will end with action items for Trump to stay on track with his boss’s goals. Look for more widening of the gap between Trump and the EU and NATO.
66
And more petulance and childish insults and behaviour. Perhaps he’ll ask the boss to help in the midterms.
1
For whatever reason, Trump seems set on upending the world as we now know it.
It's hard at first to imagine, but we should all at least be aware of the possibility that the US will soon be closer to Russia and North Korea than with more traditional allies such as Canada, Germany, France, and England.
After Trump, it may be true that the world will never be the same again.
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I disagree. You make it seem as though trump is calculating or even thoughtful, which he isn't. He's merely a grasping infant who evidently views America as another one of his unworthy toys. Nixon was far more intelligent and capabke and our democracy overtook him.
The now debunked story of Russian interference in the election closes the case that Trump was a Manchurian candidate to the puppet master Putin. Trump is a wildly out of control ego maniac. Putin has been accused of numerous totally false narratives. They want Putin to be the villain of Syria and Ukraine when the stories are much more complicated and the US has some degree of responsibility for the situations. Certainly the bizarre chemical poisoning in UK has proven to be less than a slam dunk of Russian criminal behavior. Putin has replaced George Bush as the most disliked politician in Europe although with Trump, Putin may relinquish that crown.
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Debunked? Really? Only every single US intelligence agency disagrees with you
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"Debunked story of Russian interference in the election"? Where have you been getting your 'news' from? The question is not IF there was Russian interference but how much and how it was done — so it can hopefully be prevented in the future.
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Russian interference in the election is absolutely Not Debunked.
At what point will the dominant global coalition combine Trump's America with Putin's Russia as they together take on the Rest of the World? In that looming scenario, every other country on earth would fight against them in either military, economic, or political terms (or possibly all three). That would be a very different kind of Cold War indeed.
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Trump needs an autocrat refresher course, and who better to get one from than Putin. He also will get assurances, from Putin, that he will win the 2020 election. The Russian hackers are at Trump's disposal.
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If they're willing to meet now, it can only be because they do not fear the consequences of such a meeting. I cannot think of a rational explanation for this behavior that is not terrifying.
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So, Putin meddled with the election and we needed up with Trump, despite his losing the popular vote by 3 million..
Our country is in a shambles because of the chaos caused by our incompetent and feckless prez...we have burned the bridges with traditional allies while cozying up to dictators..not to mention the gulag conditions on the southern border and the unconscionable policy of stealing children reminiscent of child trafficking. while Republicans complain about a lack of civility by citizens using the 1st amendment right sot vice complaint.. thee same guys that laughed at disrespect shown Obama.
Nothing to see here, folks.
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(Will you guys please stop it with the 3 million line? We've had the Electoral College system for more than two centuries! But you guys act like it was an illegitimate dirty trick pulled out of hat just for this year instead of a longtime feature of the US federal system. Does not help.)
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just the facts
Trump and his master and mentor Putin will meet in a summit.
It is truly a victory for Trump's authoritarian vision and his ultimate aim to make Russia Great again. I am sure in the future his Organization will benefit greatly from this Union as well! How predictable!
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This is a wonderful opportunity for Russian-Republican Trump to give thanks:
"Thanks, Vladimir....I wouldn't be here if not for your Kremlin campaign assistance, guidance and your wonderful job hacking DNC emails and delivering them to Wikileaks for careful drip-drip-daily delivery while Rudy's New York FBI office agents staged a rebellion to force Jim Comey to walk the plank."
"Without you Vladimir, my rigged Russian-Republican Supreme Court wouldn't be gilding our American oligarchs and shredding worker rights left and right while restoring traditional religious bigotry, racism and patriarchy to its proper place"
"Now, Vlad, I'm still having trouble rigging the 2018 and 2020 elections; can I count on you again Rig The Vote Again ? Let's face it....we both know I can't win a free and fair election"
Vladimir: "Don't worry, Donald, my Internet Research Agency in St. Petersburg has been working on new and improved election-rigging techniques and we have the best hackers in the world, so relax and enjoy; we have no intention of letting free and fair elections happen anywhere in the world."
Donald: "You are such a great leader, Vlad; I love you"
Vladimir: "Be quiet, you idiot".
November 6 2018, America.
Vote in record numbers.
It's our last shot....before the Russian-Republicans push America into another Revolution.
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Hear hear.
Vote vote.
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The Russian government has made this announcement, but not a peep - make that, tweet - from the US president? He certainly didn't hold back on the planning for the meeting with North Korea.
Why the sudden reticence by the Trump administration? Too risky to advertise a meeting with a country known to have intervened in the election that put him in power, now that we're in another election cycle?
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Trump is being low key because he knows that the Deep State long knives are out for any president who wants to phase out of Endless War.
Just make sure that any peace dividend does not go to the one percent.
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What's the point? Putin could just as well have a conversation with himself.
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What's the point? Payback time.
A summit so that Trump and Putin can preen over each other being "the best" president ever;-)
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Okay Democratic leaders, you better be out there every day questioning why Trump is meeting with Putin. According to every intelligence agency, the Russians interfered in our election and plan to do it again. This President does nothing but praise Putin and does not seem the least concerned about what happened. Why would he , when he was the beneficiary. But, to be so open in his praise of Putin, when he constantly insults our allies is beyond troubling and he should be called out on it constantly.
This summit is Trump slapping us in the face.
For once democrats, please be the one’s playing offense.
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I have a comment pending that says what I am about to say here, but it bears repeating: We need to march on Washington the day that Putin meets with Trump, we need to shut the city down with so many outraged Americans that the government can't function, and we need to be there even if the government tries to stop us. I am not sure the Times will publish this, but I can't be the only person thinking this. Women's March organizers - help us out!
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One problem: It's payback time. Trump **has** to meet with Putin.
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Dems don't play offense. Too nice to take their own side in a fight.
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Cynical comments do not help. If Trump is his own man and he thinks that a one on one will be helpful for world peace, let him give it a try. Putin is NOT Trumps master and never will be. There are major differences that could "possibly" be worked out and who knows? Did not John Lennon sing give peace a chance?
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First, the only time peace is mentioned anywhere in this article is in reference to the Minks II agreement. An agreement that failed horribly due to non-enforcement which itself was an agreement seeking to resuscitate an already failed agreement. We wouldn't have needed either agreement if not for Russia's illegal annexation of the Crimea in the first place.
Second, Trump is a fool. If Crimea even comes up at all, Trump's goal is to legitimize Russia's aggression.
Third, John Lennon was shot to death.
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Except, Trump is not his own man. We know this; he is Putin's puppet.
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The FBI, CIA and NIA all concluded that Russia interfered in our election. Trump attacks all of those agencies and defends Putin because Putin told him he did not meddle, "and I believe him."
What exactly must Trump do in your eyes to cross the line?
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And so the president continues to make nice to autocratic leaders who share no common values formerly held by the United States. This while simultaneously attacking allies who have stood by us for decades. Through all of this the party formerly known as the republican party stands silent, cowering in fear that a tweet will end their careers and hold on power. What a pathetic display of cowardice and lack of respect for the American people.
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I’m hopeful sanity will prevail after the midterms.
Many Americans are extremely worried about this meeting, too. Mr. Trump's behavior vis-à-vis Russia has been troubling to say the least. It looks very much like Russia has something on Trump, and his insistence on meeting with Mr. Putin, given present circumstances, makes that all the more likely. Trump has yet to do anything to stop present and future Russian interference in our democratic elections. At a prior meeting with the Russian ambassador and foreign minister, Trump revealed top secret information that made its way via Russia to Iran. The North Korea meeting--at which Trump gave away the store and got nothing in return--showed us just how easy it is for somebody like Putin to manipulate Trump.
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Trump is a Russian agent. All his words and actions have shown that from his campaign on through his presidency, apart from some lies about being tougher on Russian than any previous president just thrown in as eye-wash. No one has done more to destroy the Western alliance with personal attacks on G-7 partners and a trade war. No one else has fawned on Putin so much or ignored Russia's continuing violations of international law - occupation of the Crimea, breaking off Eastern Ukraine, abetting use of poison gas and carpet bombing of civilians in Syria. No one else has so blatantly ignored and pooh-poohed Russia's massive interference in the 2016 elections or threat of continued interference. Even stopping joint military operations with South Korea responds to a long-repeated Russian insistence. No doubt in his private talks, Trump will ask for help from Putin to rig the mid-term elections.
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Wow what a quote from Bolton. Of course this is a bad idea. Trump loves dictators and hates our allies, he cut a personal deal with the Chinese and tried to tell the Mexican president that he'd be paid back secretly by the US if he paid for the wall. North Korea looks like a good guy without changing anything. What good can come from this? Just mischief.
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Lots of pictures, some tweets, a few videos, distraction, and well, you can only have one military parade per year, so it's important to have some 'summits.'
'Summit' used to actually mean something. Then again, so did Greatness.
The world wasn't in a great place before Trump, but he's taking it deeper still. Our relationships with traditional allies and partners (i.e., Western European, North American, and NATO allies) were strained, but Trump is destroying them and burning the bridges behind him. The man is making close friends with our traditional adversaries and antagonists. Bolton asks for someone to say it's a "bad idea". In and of itself, in a vacuum, talking with Russia is not a bad idea, but that's ignoring Russia's annexation of Crimea (similar to 1930's Germany's annexation of the Sudetenland) and Russia's invasion of Ukraine (not quite the same of Germany's 1930's invasion of Austria).
We are fighting Russia in a proxy war in Syria. Russia is courting Turkey (a NATO ally) and Turkey, a willing but partner, is buying Russian technology and weapons.
Every US intelligence again agrees that Russia is interfering with our elections, but Trump takes Russia's word that it never happened. Trump encourages fascist groups in the country (e.g., Neo-Nazis, White Supremacists) which is exactly what Russia wants - to foment discord in the American population.
Yet, Trump is going to meet with Putin. What's wrong with this picture? We are heading down a rabbit hole, at the bottom of which there are no American values left.
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