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Tommy_Carcetti

(43,173 posts)
Sat Mar 10, 2018, 11:52 AM Mar 2018

Fascinating Mother Jones piece about Russians fueling support for NRA and Trump

https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2018/03/trump-russia-nra-connection-maria-butina-alexander-torshin-guns/

It's a long read (too long to post) but focuses on two specific figures in particular, Alexander Torshin and Maria Butina, who created a parallel organization to the NRA in Russia and frequently popped up at NRA and Trump campaign events. (Butina even asked Trump a question at a campaign event where Trump hinted at dropping sanctions against Russia.)

Torshin is closely allied with Putin and the Kremlin, and Butina is his protege.

What strikes me most about these stories is how much these shady Kremlin connected figures like to brag over social media about their exploits and attempts to influence Trump and American politics. From Torshin and Butina, to Konstantin Rykov and Artem Klyushin, to Maria Katasonova, they aren't shy or denying everything.

Everything is one big open secret. It's all very in your face. They don't deny everything, and they seem very proud at what they've done.

They're spiking the football in the endzone.
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