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Neil Baron, Salon

Stories By Neil Baron, Salon

Here's why Trump tries so hard to be on Putin's good side -- and it has nothing to do with politics

Here's why Trump tries so hard to be on Putin's good side -- and it has nothing to do with politics

So why does Trump pander to Putin? He won’t criticize him and incessantly flatters and coddles him. He has winked at the annexation of Crimea, threatened NATO, suggested that the G7 should readmit Russia, and done nothing to prevent Russian meddling in U.S. elections.

Donald Trump's insistence on a summit with Vladimir Putin, disregarding the advice of aides and worries of allies, is consistent with his obsession with the Russian leader. But it’s inconsistent with his pattern of choosing policies that resonate with his supporters -- there’s no indication that Trump's followers condone this bromance.