The Useful Idiot

I thought Larry O'Donnell covered the Ukraine scandal very well vis a vie the three senior advisors to Trump -- Bolton, Pompeo and Mick Mulvaney -- standing around Trump's desk trying to dissuade Trump from withholding Ukraine aid. They must be called as witnesses in the Senate trial as this is not hearsay but direct evidence.  I kept thinking, though, one rationale not talked about enough was the Russian reason behind Trump's withholding aid. That aid composed of grenade launchers and Javelin missiles among other weaponry is lethal aid that could (1) help Ukraine defend itself against Russian aggression into it and (2) Could increase Russian casualties as well. 

As Nancy Pelosi said all roads lead to Putin. It is clear Putin has a self interest in withholding the Congressionally mandated US aid. Withholding this aid helps Russia while hurting Ukraine's fight against it. Perhaps Trump's rationale to work against the most formidable election opponent, Joe Biden, is a smoke screen or the icing on Trump's cake but the real winner is Putin whose position of aggression against Ukraine is advanced if US aid is withheld. The omnipresent question becomes as it has throughout the Trump so called "presidency": what does Putin have against Trump that compels Trump to do everything he can to ease US opposition to Putin?  Will we ever find out?
 
I believe Putin wants Ukraine back as it was in the old Soviet orbit, a Russian proxy. Is Trump Putin's useful idiot? Answer: YES! Vote Blue and tell all your family and friends to as well and save your nation from Russian influence if not dare I say near takeover.