Here's the video: Trump is now openly urging the leaders of Ukraine and China to investigate one of his political rivals.
— Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) October 3, 2019
Via CSPAN pic.twitter.com/xKOSRosyck
This goes back to the president’s appearance on the South Lawn on Oct. 3, when Trump asked China to investigate former vice president Joe Biden and his son Hunter. There’s no way to defend a president publicly asking a geopolitical rival to investigate domestic political rivals, so Republicans have decided to pretend he didn’t do that. The first up was Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.): “I don’t think it’s a real request,†he told reporters Friday morning, “I think he did it to provoke you to ask me and others and get outraged by it.†Republicans on the Sunday shows followed suit. “I doubt if the China comment was serious, to tell you the truth,†said Sen. Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) on CBS’s “Face the Nation." On ABC, Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) feigned incredulity: “George, you really think he was serious about thinking that China’s going to investigate the Biden family?â€
Asked what he thought about Trump asking China to investigate the Bidens, @GOPLeader McCarthy gaslights: "You watch what the president said -- he's not saying China should investigate," he says. pic.twitter.com/BWIQ9Pq7Nv
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) October 7, 2019
I don’t know all the details regarding President Trump’s decision in northern Syria. In process of setting up phone call with Secretary Pompeo.
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) October 7, 2019
If press reports are accurate this is a disaster in the making.
When asked about concerns that Russia might interfere in the 2020 US elections, he replied: "I'll tell you a secret: Yes, we'll definitely do it," Putin said. "Just don't tell anyone," he added, in a stage whisper.