[stickfigure]

It can still fit the narrative. There's a game theory to blackmail; if Putin publishes (hypothetical) kompromat then he loses his leverage. So as long as Trump remains less hostile to Russia than the alternative, he can do what he wants.

Also, support for Ukraine is very popular in the US, and Trump is clearly concerned about his image. Also about a potential revolt in the GOP. Cracks are showing already.

[illiac786]

Yeah but that theory explains anything short of bombing Russia directly, hence I wouldn’t say it fits, it’s just a one size fits all.

[AlecSchueler]

But for how many other leaders would you say "bombing Russia directly" is the only convincing way they could show they're not a Russian asset?

[illiac786]

But now you’ve reversed the logic: because he looks like a Russian asset, then the argument fits.

I mean, I don’t discuss that it’s an extremely tempting theory, full of Schafenfreude toward all the idiots that voted for him.