A fair part of the “narrow segment of American conservativism” posting here at FR is not American at all, but rather Russian trolls and troll farm employees in St. Petes. Watch for who pursues pro Russia and anti biden arguments. And those who say using 5 or 10% of our military budget to help Russia grind itself down is a poor military investment. Then there are those who insist we can only do one project for our country and stopping violent wanton invasion and destruction should not be it as we cannot walk and chew gum at the same time. Some of these people will converse back and forth, either praising one another or reinforcing anti Ukraine and US/Europe argument.
Soon you will recognize the patterns and identify your own troll list candidates.
These are ABSOLUTELY commonly deployed active measures narratives by FSB and other Russian interests, via either committed (paid or simply loyal) assets, or simply fools who could not find Ukraine on a map over one year ago, and simply chime in with the talking points they are provided, or that they pick up from Fringe fake media. It is a shame.
I wonder if Jim appreciates the extent to which foreign intelligence deployed against the interests of America and American foreign policy are allowed to set up shop here and proliferate.
Often it is a basic truth they will agree with you on, the old “10% kernel of truth” around which it they attach the 90% life and Kremlin commentary. Same arguments. Same cottage industry. As you observed, likely in St. Pete or Moscow itself.