Following Vladimir Putin's 'endorsement' of The Donald, explaining his hope for "a more substantial, deeper relationship," with America, Trump has reciprocated the show of respect by thanking the Russian president for the "great honor." This mutual back-patting stunned MSNBC anchor Joe Scarborough, who exclaimed, Putin "is a person who kills journalists, political opponents and invades countries," to which Trump responded, silencing Scarborough, "he's running his country, and at least he's a leader, unlike what we have in our country."
“It is always a great honor to be so nicely complimented by a man so highly respected within his own country and beyond,” the GOP presidential front-runner told supporters at a rally in Columbus, Ohio.
"I have always felt that Russia and the United States should be able to work well with each other towards defeating terrorism and restoring world peace, not to mention trade and all of the other benefits derived from mutual respect,” he added. However, as The Hill reports,"Morning Joe" co-host Joe Scarborough was not impressed...
Putin "is a person who kills journalists, political opponents and invades countries"
To which Trump responded...
"Certainly over the last couple of years they've respected him as a leader. I think he's up in the 80s, where you see Obama is in the 30s and low 40s — and he's up in the 80s," Trump said of Putin's popularity.
"I don't know who does the polls, maybe he does the polls," Trump added.
"You obviously condemn Vladimir Putin killing journalists and political opponents, right?" Scarborough asked.
"Well I think our country does plenty of killing also, Joe, so..." Trump said, trailing off.
“I would get along with him,” Trump said in September. “I would get along with a lot of the world leaders that this country is not getting along with.”
He's also said Putin does not respect President Obama."Oh sure, absolutely," Trump responded.
GOP rivals such as former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush have gone after Trump over his endorsement from Putin, who critics have blasted over his country's response to events including the situation in Ukraine.
"To get praise from Vladimir Putin is not going to help Donald Trump," Bush told CNN on Thursday evening.
“I would get along with him,” Trump said in September. “I would get along with a lot of the world leaders that this country is not getting along with.” He's also said Putin does not respect President Obama.
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