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Comment by jacquesm

3 days ago

> if maduro played by the US rules, he would be in power regardless of crimes

This is the key. Trump loves dictators, no matter how they got into power. As long as they give him what he wants or he's afraid of them.

No, he just plays politics like you must in a complex world of 185 countries, many of which are run by dictators or dictator-like figures.

  • Name a leader he has anything positive to say about who isn't brutal dictator.

  • Must? its a choice. Even more of a choice when you're on top.

    Trump might not have a choice not because they don't exist, but because he is incapable of understanding them. He's clear on not believing in win/win scenarios.

  • Trump has stated his admiration for Putin, Xi and Kim Jong Un.

    • He respects them to the extent that you must for competent opponents. Sometimes, you have to play politics. You have to try to get what you want with compliments before you rush to sacrifice American lives and treasure over what might have been settled diplomatically. And sometimes, you have to bide your time for the right moment to show your full hand.