i really dislike the constant labeling of donnie & congressional republicans as being "blackmailed"

[unblock]

it strongly implies that they would be doing things differently if they weren't being threatened by putin.

there's very little reason to believe that they're not thrilled with putin's interference, which successfully brought them control of all three branches of government including both houses of congress.

there's very little reason to believe they're not happy with the prospect of lining their collective pockets and the pockets of their rich donors now that they control all the levers of government.

there's very little reason to believe they have some better nature that would prevail were it not for some external threat. particularly if it's a threat that involves private information, when they control all branches of government and much of the media does not particularly dare to confront republicans over much of anything.


i have no problem believing that russia has compromat on donnie and other republicans. what i have a hard time with is the notion that they've ever been compelled to use it. none of the republicans in washington appear in the slightest to be conflicted or reluctant.

they're all acting like they are responding to carrot.
none of them are acting like they are responsding to stick.

[Lars39]

1. I think they're willing for $$$$ without the Russsians having to even threaten them

with the Kompromat they have.

[unblock]

2. exactly

[Ohiogal]

3. I had read

they most Republicans don't care about the Russian meddling because they think Putin did our country a huge favor. I am not making this up!

[unblock]

4. indeed. why would a "win at all costs" party object? they've been cheating for decades.

so why would they object to helpful cheating from russia?

now, if another country helped democrats, of course, *then* they'd be shouting for heads to roll....

[PSPS]

5. It is silly. These people are just what they appear to be. They're not being "forced" to do anything

[salin]

6. I think "Bought" is the more appropriate word

captures the willingness.

[Leith]

7. It Looks Like You Nailed It

rethugs will do anything for money, including taking it from the country formerly known as The Evil Empire. "Sticking it to the libs" is just gravy for them.

[el_bryanto]

8. Good point. Blackmail does kind of let them off the hook eventually.

"We didn't want to take those Putin's money and his help to get us elected, but he forced us too."

Bryant

[unblock]

9. bingo. they're not victims here. they're eager conspirators.