There are legitimate questions when it comes to President Trump’s relationship with President Vladimir Putin of Russia. Hopefully special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation can put those concerns to rest. Still, when it comes to Trump’s policy towards Russia as compared to Democratic 2020 policy outlines, Trump is clearly stronger.
Let’s start with Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., who wants to gut the military. That course would puncture America’s primary means of deterring Russian aggression. Note that Trump has rightly increased military funding with a strategic focus on state competition.
Then there’s the charismatic Texan Beto O’Rourke. He opposed the provision of lethal aid to Ukraine during his time in Congress. Note that Trump has provided that supply of aid and broader actions.
Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, D-Hawaii, who is still running, believe it or not, could well be living in Damascus as a proud officer of Bashar Assad, were she not in Congress. But it’s not just Assad that Gabbard salutes. She has repeatedly made clear her view that Putin is the victim of unjust U.S. pressure rather than vice-versa.
And of course, there’s Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt. whose foreign policy platform is better for Russian aggression than anything that former KGB officer Putin could dream up.
Finally, there’s former Vice President Joe Biden. As a senior member of the Obama administration, Biden lacks any credibility against Russian aggression. And don’t take my word for it — ask Ben Rhodes.
So yes, Trump is far from perfect on Russia. And perhaps Mueller will bring new facts to light. But if you measure it by actions taken — from Syria to Ukraine to NATO capability — Trump has done more and amassed more credibility to counter Russia than the Democrats who want to replace him.
