How’s this for a split screen: While President Biden and his administration are working closely with our allies to sanction Russia for invading a sovereign country, the Republican Party is torn between shameless praise for Putin and the level of confronting Russia.

While President Biden continues to demonstrate strength and lead in the face of Russian aggression, Republicans are once again in total disarray. 

New York Times: “Biden Joins Europe in Punishing Russia With Sanctions”

CNN: “Trump sides with Putin as Biden tries to stop a war”

New York Times: “Republican Candidates Split Over Ukraine-Russia Crisis”

Politico: “The GOP is all over the map politically, as Russian President Vladimir Putin tries to redraw his own boundaries. Former President Donald Trump privately has signaled a split with more isolationist voices from the MAGA wing of the party who have excused Russia’s aggression, who themselves are at odds with more establishment Republicans over how to confront Russian aggression, if at all.”

A significant fraction of the Republican Party – including the defeated former president and his secretary of state – have abandoned our allies and are spewing Russian talking points and praise for Putin. 

NBC News: “Trump praises Putin’s ‘genius’ as GOP fissures grow on Ukraine crisis”

Kansas City Star: “Mike Pompeo has lauded the Russian strongman over the past month as a ‘talented,’ ‘savvy,’ ‘capable statesman,’ offering his praise during a slew of interviews after his political action committee spent $30,000 on improving his performance in media appearances.”

Kansas City Star Editorial Board: “[Josh Hawley’s] public two-step about the Russian threat — amplified by countless tweets and television appearances — has clearly provided aid and comfort to Putin and hard-liners in Russia.”

Politico: “But a vocal GOP minority on and off Capitol Hill — represented by Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Fox News host Tucker Carlson and Ohio Senate candidate J.D. Vance, among others — has taken a third path, actively arguing against any U.S. involvement in the region while still dinging Biden.”

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