The main debate today over the Russian bounties placed on US troops is which inept scenario within the White House is most plausible.
- Was President Trump briefed but simply didn’t bother to read or listen to the report?
- Was he briefed and could not comprehend or process the intelligence details and has since forgotten?
- Was he not briefed because aides have decided it was pointless to incur his wrath over information he will reject anyway?
- Was he briefed, understood it, and just decided that the details were more “deep state” intelligence conspiracies that are all hoaxes to make him look bad?
- Was he briefed, believed it, but decided not to act against Russia because he is compromised in some way?
While the lazy, attention deficient Trump again ignoring the basics job requirements of the presidency seems to be the most believable, there is no question that regardless of how it played out internally, Vladimir Putin continues employing techniques to maximize his influence in the White House now.
Dmitry Peskov, a spokesman for Russian President Vladimir Putin weighed in on MSNBC today. His appearance was for an audience of one.
Peskov denied the bounty allegations with specific language not normally heard publicly in diplomatic or media circles. He was emphatic in his delivery, saying he didn’t “think this situation was possible ever”. This was "really ridiculous” to spread this kind of information. In case that wasn’t clear, he added “this is 100% bullshit. It’s not a diplomatic thing, but it’s bullshit”, as simple as that.
That was specifically for Trump. Handler to Asset. In language that will grab his attention and become truth in his stable genius brain. Just like repeating “no collusion” over and over again until it’s an alternative fact he actually believes. Just as Trump was convinced in Helsinki that Putin was very strong in denials about election interference, so why would it be Russia? Trump has now been given his Kremlin talking point. The allegations are bullshit. I’m sure in the next few news cycles we will be hearing from Trump that this US intelligence is rooted in hoaxes, lies, and being met with strong powerful denials.
It will likely become the defense from the White House. The debate over whether Trump was briefed or not would be moot. If Trump takes Russia’s lead and labels it as more fake news, then they will argue he didn’t need to be told and it’s not actionable even if he was told.
While the Trump administration might convince themselves it’s their best defense, it actually would also be the most dangerous reality. To again deny US intelligence and side with Peskov’s presentation would mean we do have president that is under the influence of Russia either as an active asset or useful idiot.