By Matt Rooney
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President Donald Trump’s newly-scrutinized “call” with Ukraine’s president is providing new nightmare fuel for the Democrats’ impeachment headache, Save Jerseyans. The facts, as before with the ultimately debunked Russia storyline, are less important than what his opponents want the facts to be.
But while we’re on the subject of Russia…
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Remember then-President Barack Obama’s hot mic episode with then-Russian president Dmitry Medvedev in Seoul? Back in 2012?
“On all these issues, but particularly missile defense, this, this can be solved – but it’s important for him to give me space.”
“Yeah, I understand. I understand your message about space. Space for you.”
“This is my last election. After my election I have more flexibility.”
“I understand. I will transmit this information to Vladimir.”
That was Obama asking Medvedev to pass a message along to Vladimir Putin: back off during my reelection cycle and I’ll give you what you want after it’s over.
George W. Bush’s first White House Press Secretary (Ari Fleischer) took to Twitter over the weekend to remind a conveniently forgetful media and those who rely upon them for “news” of the episode:
Why would anyone think Obama didn’t solicit help for his 2012 campaign from Medvedev &Putin? O sought campaign help from a foreign gvt when he asked for “space” during the campaign regarding missile defense in exchange for “flexibility” after the election. Impeach Obama. https://t.co/SZPg69rbfT
— Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) September 21, 2019
My point is both inappropriately asked foreign leaders 2do things that would aid their re-elections. The specific ask varied, but the act of asking is wrong. Neither should have done it. With Obama, it was a 2-day flap w Ds and many media defending him. With Trump, it’s a crime.
— Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) September 22, 2019
IF (and I do mean “if”) Trump didn’t tie his requests for the Ukraine to investigate Biden’s son to a quid pro quo? As the Wall Street Journal is reporting? It’s hard to conclude that Trump’s actions, while arguably immature and inadvisable (very bad taste), come anywhere close to Obama promising Putin that he’d help ensure Europe is defenseless after he’s safely reelected.
“Hard” unless you’re a hard-left, Trump-obsessed hack.
In that case I’m sure you’re willing to believe anything supportive of your world view. You have already. You will again.
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