Trump Plays Russian Roulette Ahead of Midterms

President Trump is expressing his affection for Vladimir Putin at a moment of acute political danger, forcing Republicans to cover for him in the midterm elections while handing Moscow one-sided concessions. Why it matters: Just three weeks before the election, Trump is reviving a decade-long relationship and scandal with a dictatorship that most Americans, including his own supporters, have condemned

At a moment of acute political stakes, President Trump is courting Vladimir Putin, forcing Republicans to maintain cover in the midterm elections while making unilateral concessions to Moscow. Why it matters: Just three weeks before the election, Trump is reviving a decade-long and scandalous relationship with a dictator reviled by most Americans — including his own supporters.