Trump has had close business and personal ties with Russia since the 1980s. He very clearly admires dictators in general but Putin in particular, and has praised him on numerous occasions. In Trump’s infamous public call for election interference, it was “Russia, if you’re listening.” Not China, not some other country, Russia.

If you can’t see the obvious signs of causation – not just correlation – you’re the one who needs some coke-bottle specs!

I’m not saying Putin won’t benefit, just pointing out how limiting it is to view Trump through a singular lens.

It’s the explanation – and the only one, to boot – that fits all the pieces. It may be a “singular lens,” bit it is singularly useful!