King of the North

Presidents Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin express optimism at Helsinki summit - UPI.com UPI reports: "U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin each expressed optimism at their summit in Helsinki on Monday, a meeting that ended with a controversial joint news conference. [...] Trump's remarks at the news conference were met by some with strong criticism -- particularly for slamming Special Counsel Robert Mueller's Russia investigation and appearing to back Putin's denial that Moscow did not interfere in the 2016 U.S. election.[...] Multiple members of Trump's own government and the entire U.S. intelligence community have already concluded that Russia did indeed attempt to sway the vote in Trump's favor."

Comment: That was a sad spectacle. I really thought Trump would give a grouchy "no comment" on these questions and then privately grill Putin about the election meddling. I mean, the evidence is compelling and no one seriously doubts Russia's hand in it. Trump, the "great negotiator" gained nothing by throwing the US. intelligence community under the bus and gained nothing from Putin in return for his obsequiousness. No deals were struck, no bargains made, nothing at all gained for Trump or the American side. Much was gained for Putin though, whose good word has now been vouched for by the American president and his stature as a great leader cemented for his loyal followers back home, who no doubt will be reminded that the American president did not make an issue of the Russian annexation of Crimea, the invasion of Ukraine or the brazen interference in the American democratic process. Trump gave Putin a free pass and what did he get in return? I'll have to read more analysis, but early reports suggests that Trump, the great deal-maker, came away empty handed.