Trump was NOT an apologist for Putin. Acknowledging the genius of an enemy is wise, that is what REAL LEADERS do. Not admitting the genius and savvy of the opponent is foolish.
I cannot stand Pence.
Sun Tzu said Know the enemy and know yourself in a hundred battles you will never be in peril. When you are ignorant of the enemy but know yourself, your chances of winning or losing are equal. If ignorant both of your enemy and of yourself, you are certain in every battle to be in peril.
Me thinks Trump is a disciple of Sun Tzu.
I can’t imagine intelligence experts & Readiness planners not discussing both sides of a conflict with equality. To do otherwise is foolish.