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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsTrump's relationship with Putin involves kompromat, but not like we think
We may be looking at Trump's relationship with Putin and Russia all wrong.
When we ask what Putin has on Trump we are already making an assumption that Trump has been compromised and kept in line by 'something' that he would never want to reach the light of day. Sure, there likely are many 'somethings' held for a rainy day in case Trump suddenly feels like an American, but kompromat is not the problem--Trump is.
His whole life he has felt as though Americans do not appreciate him enough. He bore a grudge with Manhattan and old money for much of his young adult life. He then went on to try and attract adulation as a 80's new money guy. He claimed to be self-made and worried so much over his self-crafted image that he often posed as "John Miller" or some other made up source to propel his self-made, super-rich, super sexy myth.
He has never felt appreciated enough. Hollywood never turned him into an A-lister either.
All the while he was receiving Russian mob money, and then money from Russian oligarchs, and Russian banks. Finally, Trump's sons reveal that the majority of their assets and investments are Russian. American institutions gave Trump a pass.
Trump has a weird idea about what masculine is and it involves being a tough guy. Along comes Putin and Trump is enamored. Trump wants to be just like him and Putin allows Trump to feel as though they have a special relationship and an agenda together.
Because of this, Trump cares little for the US Constitution, our "America", or the hopes and dreams of Americans and our previous role in the world. In Trump's mind he is not working for, but with Putin. His face lights up when he sees him--not something we would expect from a compromised asset.
In Trump's psyche he sees that he is equal to Putin and is a willing partner in this fantasy relationship. Together they are taking on the world.
Mike 03
(16,616 posts)A good deal of what you are saying is backed up in Craig Unger's book House of Trump, House of Putin.
One reason Mike Bloomberg was able to get under Trump's skin (and still can, when he's ready) is because he is exactly that guy you are talking about who Trump wanted to be but could never gain acceptance as (except for the Hollywood part). He was rejected by New York's elites, and even by New York's non-elites.
pandr32
(11,447 posts)Trump is as resentful and vindictive as can be, and has been nursing a grudge based on his perceived slight for many years.
Thanks to Putin and Republicans he has grabbed all the power he needs to pay us all back with.
I intend to read the book you mentioned. Thank you.
kimbutgar
(20,882 posts)That their leader is a treasonous bastard is not that important to them.
WyattKansas
(1,648 posts)The Reich swingers were all giddy and blushing at how much they admired Putin... Hell, a lot of them actually wished Putin could be President here.
I have always known Republicans are fucked up con artists screeching bullshit all the time to defraud something or someone and they will stab you in the back at every chance they get. But after this Republican Abortion of the Constitution and the Good Ole' USA, everyone in the country should know that the sleazy Republican bastards are evil at everything and all of their voters have questionable everything and their motives are suspect. All Republicans need to be ridiculed and shamed as an evil infestation to the United States.
pandr32
(11,447 posts)Just like real-life sports fans they will defend him until their team is soundly defeated. So what if there is cheating and dirty moves along the way ( )? Winning is everything. We are all losers and they are the winning team--rah-rah-rah.
volstork
(5,394 posts)n/t
Wellstone ruled
(34,661 posts)calling Trump's New York White Trash. And his desire to live in the Hamptons was never going to happen.
PSPS
(13,516 posts)smirkymonkey
(63,221 posts)I hope Trump read it and I hope it sunk in. He is the consummate loser. He will never live up to the image he has of himself in his fantasies.
pandr32
(11,447 posts)None of it is his fault--all of us and the country are to blame. He is serving us up to Putin--the only guy who really gets him and will value him as an equal! Of course, Putin will likely make sure he falls out a window in the end.
smirkymonkey
(63,221 posts)He is so deluded. Putin looks down his nose at him and sees him for the foolish, inferior person that he is. Putin is an evil little troll, but he is definitely smarter than Trump. Trump thinks he is one of the big boys, but he has no idea how he is being played by the world's dictators. One day soon, his treachery will do him in.
pandr32
(11,447 posts)dameatball
(7,380 posts)coti
(4,612 posts)It's apparent that Putin is where his loyalty lies, in the affirmative. He was helped by Russia when America abandoned his deadbeat ass, and he's always had a weird thing for eastern Europe. He's like a dog being lead around by his master, the one who provides him food.
pandr32
(11,447 posts)He thinks he and Putin are bringing it to the world together. He is being led around like a dog, though--by his ego, his desire to make people pay, and his greed. Putin likely can't believe how easy Trump has made this for him.