[Zhang Fei]

The lovefest escalated this week when Putin, talking just after his end-of-year press conference, called Trump “a very bright and talented man,” as well as an “absolute leader” in the race for the presidency. Trump, appearing on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” on Friday, returned the warm embrace, saying it’s nice “when people call you brilliant, it’s always good, especially when the person heads up Russia.”

And when pressed by co-host Joe Scarborough about the number of high-profile murders of journalists who have been critical of Putin, Trump was reluctant to offer any harsh words. “He’s running his country, and at least he’s a leader, you know unlike what we have in this country,” Trump responded.

After further questioning, Trump responded, “Well I think our country does plenty of killing also, Joe,” he said. “So, you know. There’s a lot of stupidity going on in the world right now, Joe. A lot of killing going on, a lot of stupidity.”

Read more: http://www.politico.com/story/2015/12/gop-trump-putin-216949#ixzz3xToFbKAc

[nopardons]

And Trump was "wrong" in what he said, was he?

No, he was not.

He was NOT endorsing what Putin does.

[HiTech RedNeck]

I’d abstract out only what we can positively conclude. Waiting to damn on speculation is always a good idea. The Trump take on Putin seems to be: Bright man; Wonderful uniter of his people, I’d love to deal with him. We have no data for any more overtones of the situation.

And frankly if I were in Trump’s position I’d look for ways to build bridges with the world rather than glower at it, if the former were still possible. It isn’t always possible, as Trump’s most recent cautious regard towards world Moslems has indicated. But being cautious friends with Russia could have benefits.

Well good night you folks, this debate is getting tiring and I don’t want to make a brain-o. But it helps to try to ponder out what is really important.