The far right has always had an isolationist, anti-globalist streak. Distrust of the UN, in particular, and even a disregard or disrespect for NATO. This goes back to Pat Buchanan or maybe earlier than that.
So, given that foundation, add in Trump:
- Criticizing our NATO allies for not contributing more to the alliance (which is a legitimate issue, but could have been handled more diplomatically than Trump's usual bull in a china shop approach.)
-Refusing to seriously criticize Putin in any meaningful way, and even praising him on occasion
Plus:
- The Russian collusion hoax pushed by the left wing media characterized Russia as the bad guy, which of course, created an equal and opposite reaction on the right that Russia must be a good guy.
- Criticism of Russia became interpreted as an indirect criticism of Trump, which of course is an indirect criticism of Trump supporters. So the knee jerk reaction on the right was to defend Russia.
- Ukraine was the source of Trump's first impeachment, as well as one of the likely sources of Biden family corruption, so again, Left wing media: Ukraine good, Right Wing media: Ukraine bad.
Mix all of the above together and bake at 350 for 30 minutes, and you have the unappetizing cake that explains the right wing media apologists for Putin.
As for why it's not catching on across the board in the GOP? I think because many GOP leaders play the "Trump is a victim" and the culture war games, because the stakes aren't as high. No real consequence will be felt by complaining about a Bud Lite commercial. However, even today's spineless GOP leaders have enough common sense to understand the implications for the US and the world if we sit back and let Putin take over Ukraine.
The far right has always had an isolationist, anti-globalist streak. Distrust of the UN, in particular, and even a disregard or disrespect for NATO. This goes back to Pat Buchanan or maybe earlier than that.
So, given that foundation, add in Trump:
- Criticizing our NATO allies for not contributing more to the alliance (which is a legitimate issue, but could have been handled more diplomatically than Trump's usual bull in a china shop approach.)
-Refusing to seriously criticize Putin in any meaningful way, and even praising him on occasion
Plus:
- The Russian collusion hoax pushed by the left wing media characterized Russia as the bad guy, which of course, created an equal and opposite reaction on the right that Russia must be a good guy.
- Criticism of Russia became interpreted as an indirect criticism of Trump, which of course is an indirect criticism of Trump supporters. So the knee jerk reaction on the right was to defend Russia.
- Ukraine was the source of Trump's first impeachment, as well as one of the likely sources of Biden family corruption, so again, Left wing media: Ukraine good, Right Wing media: Ukraine bad.
Mix all of the above together and bake at 350 for 30 minutes, and you have the unappetizing cake that explains the right wing media apologists for Putin.
As for why it's not catching on across the board in the GOP? I think because many GOP leaders play the "Trump is a victim" and the culture war games, because the stakes aren't as high. No real consequence will be felt by complaining about a Bud Lite commercial. However, even today's spineless GOP leaders have enough common sense to understand the implications for the US and the world if we sit back and let Putin take over Ukraine.
Great analysis!
Great disection of that shill McGregor who I found to be bizzarely at odds with mainstream reporting. Know I know why!
Jack Keane is a much better analyst to listen to on the subject and has his head screwed on right.