Donald Trump said he was honored by an endorsement from Russian President Vladimir Putin. But when he was asked about allegations that Putin had stifled and even killed members of the press, here's what he said. "In all fairness to Putin, you're saying he killed people. I haven't seen that. I don't know that he has. Have you been able to prove that? Do you know the names of the reporters that he's killed?" Trump said in an interview from "This Week" on ABC. While there's never been any direct proof that Putin has had anyone killed, some of his enemies have met untimely deaths. Russian secret service agent turned journalist Alexander Litvinenko was poisoned by a radioactive isotope in London in 2006. Though the dosing proved fatal, Litvinenko was able to compose a final message where he blamed the Russian president for his death. (Video via The Guardian) "You may succeed in silencing one man, but the howl of protest from around the world will reverberate, Mr. Putin, in your ears for the rest of your life," Litvinenko's friend read. The Telegraph later reported the NSA obtained communications that proved the Russian government authorized the killing. An international warrant was issued for the two men believed to be responsible. Speaking against Putin can be dangerous for reporters and politicians alike. In February of 2015, opposition leader Boris Nemtsov was shot to death two weeks after he told a newspaper his mother feared Putin would have him killed for his criticism of the Russian president. Friends of Nemtsov again blamed the Russian government for the assassination, an accusation which it denied. Putin even released a statement saying he'd personally find the person responsible. (Video via The Kremlin) Russia can be a dangerous place for journalists. The Committee to Protect Journalists reports Russian journalists experience intimidation and censorship. And CPJ found since 1992, 36 journalists have been murdered there. Thirty two of those killings went unsolved. This video includes Getty Images.
Sunday on on CNNs State of the Union,” former Gov. Rick Perry (R-TX) attacked Republican front-runner Donald Trump by describing him as inconsistent. When asked about Vladmir Putin’s endorsement of Trump, Perry said, “What is next? Fidel Castro. I mean seriously.” Host Jake Tapper said, “This is the front-runner of the Republican Party. I would think that would be the kiss of death.” Perry, who was formerly a candidate for the GOP’s nomination, continued, “I thought there were a lot of kisses of death, but not so yet. And, you know, this is — we were just discussing in the green room. This is one of the most bizarre political environments I’ve ever been involved with and certainly even observed.” Perry added, “I think Americans really need to think about is this the time in the history of this country that we need to have an individual who is so inconsistent in their thought and proclamations, I mean, when six months ago this individual said that you need to be really — you need to watch someone who who would use anti-inflammatory rhetoric against Muslims and six months later he says Muslims can’t be let into the country. Period.”
Sunday on ABC’s “This Week,” Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump got into a heated exchange with host George Stephanopoulos over Vladimir Putin’s praise of Trump. When Stephanopoulos, asked about Vladimir Putin, Trump said, “I have been an extremely [good] dealmaker. I think I’ll get along for the good of our country. This is what I want, make America great again. I believe I’ll get along fine with Putin and other leaders. Obama doesn’t get along with Putin. Putin can’t stand our president and it’s causing us difficulty and frankly, and I said it a long time ago, if Russia wants to bomb the hell out of ISIS and join us in that effort, I’m fine with that. If Putin respects me and if Putin wants to call me brilliant and other things that he said that were frankly very nice, I’ll accept it and I’ll accept it on the behalf of our country.” When asked about Putin killing journalists, Trump said, “I think Hillary Clinton when she was secretary of state made some horrible, horrible decisions and thousands and thousands and even hundreds of thousands of people have been killed. You look at what what went on in Libya. She’s incompetent … As far as the reporters are concerned, obviously, I don’t want that to happen. I think it’s horrible, but in all fairness to Putin, you’re saying he killed people, I haven’t seen that. Have you been able to prove that? Do you know the names of reporters that he’s killed? You have been hearing this. I haven’t seen the name. I think it was despicable if that took place.” Stephanopoulos said, “Here’s what Mitt Romney tweeted, ‘there’s an important distinction, thug Putin kills journalists and opponents our presidents kill terrorists and enemy combatants.” Trump said, “Does he know for a fact? It’s possible that he does. I don’t think it’s been proven. I’m not trying to be –” Stephanopoulos interjected, “Allegations he was behind,” then Trump continued, “Sure, there are allegations. I have read those allegations over the years. But nobody’s proven that he’s killed anybody … If he has killed reporters, that’s terrible. He’s always denied it. He’s never been proven that he’s killed anybody. You’re supposed to be innocent until proven guilty at least in our country. He’s not proven that he’s killed reporters.” Stephanopoulos said, “But, then, you said, I think our country does plenty of killing, too, what are you talking about that?” Trump said, “Take a look at what we’re doing in the Middle East. We went into Iraq we shouldn’t have. I was opposed of going into Iraq in 2004. Headlines in Reuters, Trump is opposed to the war. You’ll destabilize the Middle East and Iran will take over. Very simple, Iran will take over Iraq. That’s exactly what’s happened. On top of that, we have ISIS. now. We should have never gone into Iraq. When we left, we made a mistake. We made a big mistake with Libya. We destabilize all of these places. We now have a migration with millions of people that don’t know where they’re going. It’s a terrible thing. We have been running by incompetent people, incompetent politicians. That’s probably why I’m leading so high in the polls. People are tired of seeing very, very stupid and incompetent people of running our country into the ground. In the meantime, we owe 19 trillions of dollars. And we better get our act together fast because our country is going down if we don’t.” Stephanopoulos said, “Your comments seem to suggest a moral equivalent of United States to Russia is that what you believe?.” Trump answered, “I’m not saying anything. I’m saying when you say a man killed reporters I’d like you to prove it.I have never seen any information or any proof that he killed reporters, George, you’re just saying, he killed reporters. You and other people killed reporters. I don’t know that. I haven’t seen it. If he did it’s despicable. It’s horrible. You’re making these accusations, I don’t see any proof. By the way, he totally denied that he killed reports are. He totally denied it.” Stephanopoulos said, “I’m still waiting for evidence of killing people as well.” Trump said, “Take a look at — excuse me, take a look at the rampage all over the place. We spent $2 trillion, OK, thousands of hundreds of people killed. We lost thousands and thousands of our great young people. 2 trillion deaths, wounded warriors. We have nothing and Iran is now taking over Iraq with the second largest oil reserves in the world. We were so incompetent. We didn’t get the oil. ISIS got a lot of the oil. Now, Iran is taking the rest of it. they’re getting the lion share, because we don’t know what we’re doing. We’re run by people who don’t have a clue.” Stephanopoulos interjected, “Iran has been backed by Vladimir Putin.” Trump said, “Excuse me Iran has been backed by us. You know why Iran has been backed by us? Because we made one of the dumbest deals in the history of deal making when we gave them a $150 billion. We have 24-day inspections that don’t start for a long time. They can self-inspect. We don’t get our prisoners run. We let Iran become, it’s a terror nation and we let Iran become very powerful. They don’t need to create nuclear they’re now so rich they go out and buy it directly. We’re the ones that really empowered Iran not Russia. But, through sheer stupidity of a deal, we’re are the ones that truly empowered Iran. it’s a disgrace.” Stephanopoulos said, “We empowered Iran more than Russia does?” Trump added, “George, we just made one of the worst deals I have ever seen in deal making. We don’t even get our prisoners back and now after the deal is made. They want to start talking as a new deal to get our prisoners back and they want a lot for the prisoners, for the four prisoners.” Stephanopoulos said, “Russia is part of that deal as well.” Trump said, “Hey, you know why, because Russia is making a lot of money with the deals, because they’re selling missiles and other military armaments. Because they’re smart. You know what we’re getting from that deal? Nothing.” Follow Pam Key on Twitter @pamkeyNEN
In one of his rare, lengthy news conferences, on Thursday, Vladimir Putin called Donald Trump brilliant and talented without doubt. Trump, who always accepts compliments gracefully, welcomed the Russians plaudits and defended his new best friend from criticism. If Putin respects me, and if Putin wants to call me brilliant, Trump told ABC News. Ill accept that, and Ill accept it on behalf of our country. Trump deflected questions from ABCs George Stephanopoulos about the history of accusations against Putin connecting him to the deaths of reporters killed in Russia. Nobody has proven that hes killed anyone, Trump said. Hes always denied it. Its never been proven that hes killed anybody. Youre supposed to be innocent until proven guilty, at least in our country. It has not been proven that hes killed reporters. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, since 1992, 36 journalists have been murdered in Russia. Investigative reporter Anna Politkovskaya, for example, who reported aggressively on Putins regime, and especially its involvement in Chechnya, was murdered in 2006. Her killers were sentenced to life in prison last year. If he has killed reporters, I think thats terrible, Trump added. But this isnt like somebody thats stood with a gun and hes, you know, taken the blame or hes admitted that hes killed. Hes always denied it. Photo via AP Images. Contact the author of this post: brendan.oconnor@gawker.com.
Republican presidential candidate, Governor John Kasich of Ohio, unveiled a new website and video on Saturday, satirically touting a Trump-Putin 2016 bid for the White House, reported the New York Daily News. Gov. Kasich's campaign even came up with an appropriate campaign slogan: "Make tyranny great again." The beauty of this ticket is the balance. On the right is Donald Trump, a modern day, neo-Nazi. And on the left is the former KGB agent, a former Communist Party member, turned brutal, murderous dictator of his political enemies and journalists, Vladimir Putin. While it is not quite balanced geographically, the feeling in the Trump camp is that Putin's support among angry, white males is universal. John Kasich trolls Donald Trump by announcing a Trump-Putin 2016 ticket, following a week that Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin publicly exchanged compliments this past week. Left, Justin Sullivan/Getty Images; Right, Sasha Mordovets/Getty Images John Kasich for President - YouTube In addition, John Kasich's campaign sent out a press release. "In a bold and visionary move characteristic of everything he does, today terrific billionaire Donald Trump named Russian President Vladimir Putin as his running mate in the 2016 U.S. presidential campaign," the faux press release said. "Trump pledged that together with Putin he would 'Make Tyranny Great Again.' " The bromance between Putin and Trump started with Putin quoted as saying about Trump. "He is a bright and talented person without any doubt," Putin adding that Trump is "an outstanding and talented personality." Trump embraced the love on MSNBC's Morning Joe. Trump said last Friday on MSNBC's "Morning Joe" that, "sure" he's happy about the nice things Putin said about him. "When people call you 'brilliant' it's always good, especially when the person heads up Russia," Trump said. "It is always a great honor to be so nicely complimented by a man so highly respected within his own country and beyond." CNN reported that Donald Trump responded on Sunday to the charges that his dear, murderous friend, Vladimir Putin, is really a "brutal, murderous dictator of his political enemies and journalists." Trump defended Putin against these well-documented of killings of journalists in his country. Trump acknowledged that the killings of these reporters were "horrible" on ABC's "This Week" Sunday, noting that Putin hasn't admitted any role in their deaths. "He's always denied it. It's never been proven that he's killed anybody," Trump said. "So, you know, you're supposed to be innocent until proven guilty, at least in our country. It has not been proven that he's killed reporters." He added: "Now, I think it would be despicable if that took place, but I haven't seen any evidence that he's killed anybody in terms of reporters." There you have it. Putin says he didn't do it and that is enough evidence for Donald Trump.
White House hopeful Sen. Marco Rubio pushed back Sunday on Donald Trump saying the GOP frontrunner shouldnt be flaunting praise he gets from Russian President Vladimir Putin. Hes jailed and murdered journalists, political opponents, Rubio said on CBS Face the Nation. Rubio said that while the U.S. has to deal with (Putin) from a geopolitical, realistic level, the Russian president is not someone who is going to go down in history as a great leader. Last week, many Republican candidates spoke out against Trump after he embraced Putin as a world leader he would get along with and respected. Putin praised Trump during his annual address calling him bright and talented. Hes running his country and at least hes a leader, unlike what we have in this country, Trump said during a telephone interview Friday on MSNBC. Rubio also spoke out Sunday against Republican rival Texas Sen. Ted Cruz. Rubio and Cruz have been locked in a heated debate over their immigration records in Congress. Cruz accused Rubio of supporting amnesty for illegal immigrants while Rubio said Cruz hasnt been truthful about his past support for legalization. Rubio also called out other inconsistences with Cruzs past including his position on a free-trade agreement. "We have some differences on some issues. And we should discuss those, like national security, for example. But when you run by telling everybody you're the only purist in the field, you're the only one that's always consistent conservative, well, I think then your record is going to have a light shown on it, Rubio said.
Sunday on CBS’s “Face the Nation,” Republican presidential candidate former Gov. Jeb Bush (R-FL) said his opponent Donald Trump’s lack of knowledge about America’s nuclear arsenal is “mind-blowing” and his call to ban Muslims from entering the Untied States is “ridiculous.” Bush said, “I’m trying to point out that he is not a serious candidate. His answer about the nuclear triad, for example, was mind blowing. I mean not having any knowledge about what the subject is where you have this exclusive responsibility as president of the United States as commander-in-chief of the armed forces to know when and how to use our nuclear deterrent. He has no knowledge about this stuff. Now he has come out and said Putin is a great guy when he is trying to destabilize our relationships with our allies. He is not a serious candidate.” He continued by saying that understanding the nuclear triad is “important.” “Because it’s been part of the security arrangement that has kept us safe since the post World War II-era,” Bush continued. “We’ve seen a lack of investment in it. We need to refurbish it and strengthen it. The fact that he didn’t know what it is one of those questions that I think you have to answer if you’re running for president of the United States. But it’s not just that. He says that ISIS is not a threat. Two months ago he gets his news from the showsI know that warm your heart that he wakes up in the morning gets his foreign policy and military advice from people that are going on your show. That’s not serious man.” When asked about Trump’s calls to banning Muslims from the United States, Bush said, “It says a lot about Donald Trump that he would say these things knowing that it might have popular support. But that will wane make it harder to do what we need to do which is destroy ISIS. You can’t do it by banning Muslim that’s just ridiculous. People are scared, and when they hear someone that advocates a big position, I can see why people would be — migrate towards that but that doesn’t mean it’s the right thing to do.” On Russian President Vladimir Putin’s praise of Trump, Bush said, “We’re losing influence around the world and Putin is gaining influence. He’s not an ally. He’s a dictator. He’s a bully. He has nothing to do — nothing to admire with him other than fact that he’s strong. And we can admire that, we can respect that, and he admires strength, too. We need a president that actually will stand up for American interests in Europe or Middle East. That’s how you create a better relationship with Putin. You don’t brag about what a great a guy he is. He’s not. He kills journalists.” Follow Pam Key on Twitter @pamkeyNEN
Donald Trump really does like Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Republican presidential front-runner on Sunday defended continued to cozy up to Putin, defending him against well-documented claims that the Russian leader has ordered the killings of journalists in his country. Trump called reporters' killings "horrible" on ABC's "This Week" Sunday. But he noted that Putin hasn't admitted any role in their deaths. "He's always denied it. It's never been proven that he's killed anybody," Trump said. "So, you know, you're supposed to be innocent until proven guilty, at least in our country. It has not been proven that he's killed reporters." He added: "Now, I think it would be despicable if that took place, but I haven't seen any evidence that he's killed anybody in terms of reporters." Trump's defense of Putin comes after Putin called Trump "bright and talented" and "the absolute leader of the presidential race" -- praise Trump embraced as a "great honor." On Friday, Trump had equated Putin's killings with the United States, saying on MSNBC that "our country does plenty of killing also." That comment was enough to draw a rebuke from Mitt Romney, the 2012 GOP presidential nominee, who tweeted: "Important distinction: thug Putin kills journalists and opponents; our presidents kill terrorists and enemy combatants." Still, Trump has stuck with Putin -- who, like Trump, was also interviewed on the episode of CBS' "60 Minutes" that drew the program's highest-ever ratings this fall. "He is a strong leader. What am I going to say, he's a weak leader? He's making mincemeat out of our president," Trump said Sunday. "I didn't say anything one way or the other. He came out with a very nice statement about me, and I said, 'That's very nice, I'm honored by it,'" Trump said. He added: "I think it would be a positive thing if Russia and the United States actually got along." He backed Russia's role in the Iran nuclear deal, saying it makes sense Putin would want closer ties to Tehran now that the United States has agreed to loosen economic sanctions on the country -- freeing up more money to purchase missiles. "Russia is making a lot of money with the deal, because they're selling missiles and other military armaments to Iran and they're making a fortune on it, because they're smart," Trump said.
WASHINGTON (CNN) - Donald Trump really does like Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Republican presidential front-runner on Sunday defended continued to cozy up to Putin, defending him against well-documented claims that the Russian leader has ordered the killings of journalists in his country. Trump called reporters' killings "horrible" on ABC's "This Week" Sunday. But he noted that Putin hasn't admitted any role in their deaths. "He's always denied it. It's never been proven that he's killed anybody," Trump said. "So, you know, you're supposed to be innocent until proven guilty, at least in our country. It has not been proven that he's killed reporters." He added: "Now, I think it would be despicable if that took place, but I haven't seen any evidence that he's killed anybody in terms of reporters." Trump's defense of Putin comes after Putin called Trump "bright and talented" and "the absolute leader of the presidential race" -- praise Trump embraced as a "great honor." On Friday, Trump had equated Putin's killings with the United States, saying on MSNBC that "our country does plenty of killing also." That comment was enough to draw a rebuke from Mitt Romney, the 2012 GOP presidential nominee, who tweeted: "Important distinction: thug Putin kills journalists and opponents; our presidents kill terrorists and enemy combatants." Still, Trump has stuck with Putin -- who, like Trump, was also interviewed on the episode of CBS' "60 Minutes" that drew the program's highest-ever ratings this fall. "He is a strong leader. What am I going to say, he's a weak leader? He's making mincemeat out of our president," Trump said Sunday. "I didn't say anything one way or the other. He came out with a very nice statement about me, and I said, 'That's very nice, I'm honored by it,'" Trump said. He added: "I think it would be a positive thing if Russia and the United States actually got along." He backed Russia's role in the Iran nuclear deal, saying it makes sense Putin would want closer ties to Tehran now that the United States has agreed to loosen economic sanctions on the country -- freeing up more money to purchase missiles. "Russia is making a lot of money with the deal, because they're selling missiles and other military armaments to Iran and they're making a fortune on it, because they're smart," Trump said.
WASHINGTON (CNN) - Donald Trump really does like Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Republican presidential front-runner on Sunday defended continued to cozy up to Putin, defending him against well-documented claims that the Russian leader has ordered the killings of journalists in his country. Trump called reporters' killings "horrible" on ABC's "This Week" Sunday. But he noted that Putin hasn't admitted any role in their deaths. "He's always denied it. It's never been proven that he's killed anybody," Trump said. "So, you know, you're supposed to be innocent until proven guilty, at least in our country. It has not been proven that he's killed reporters." He added: "Now, I think it would be despicable if that took place, but I haven't seen any evidence that he's killed anybody in terms of reporters." Trump's defense of Putin comes after Putin called Trump "bright and talented" and "the absolute leader of the presidential race" -- praise Trump embraced as a "great honor." On Friday, Trump had equated Putin's killings with the United States, saying on MSNBC that "our country does plenty of killing also." That comment was enough to draw a rebuke from Mitt Romney, the 2012 GOP presidential nominee, who tweeted: "Important distinction: thug Putin kills journalists and opponents; our presidents kill terrorists and enemy combatants." Still, Trump has stuck with Putin -- who, like Trump, was also interviewed on the episode of CBS' "60 Minutes" that drew the program's highest-ever ratings this fall. "He is a strong leader. What am I going to say, he's a weak leader? He's making mincemeat out of our president," Trump said Sunday. "I didn't say anything one way or the other. He came out with a very nice statement about me, and I said, 'That's very nice, I'm honored by it,'" Trump said. He added: "I think it would be a positive thing if Russia and the United States actually got along." He backed Russia's role in the Iran nuclear deal, saying it makes sense Putin would want closer ties to Tehran now that the United States has agreed to loosen economic sanctions on the country -- freeing up more money to purchase missiles. "Russia is making a lot of money with the deal, because they're selling missiles and other military armaments to Iran and they're making a fortune on it, because they're smart," Trump said.
WASHINGTON (CNN) - Donald Trump really does like Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Republican presidential front-runner on Sunday defended continued to cozy up to Putin, defending him against well-documented claims that the Russian leader has ordered the killings of journalists in his country. Trump called reporters' killings "horrible" on ABC's "This Week" Sunday. But he noted that Putin hasn't admitted any role in their deaths. "He's always denied it. It's never been proven that he's killed anybody," Trump said. "So, you know, you're supposed to be innocent until proven guilty, at least in our country. It has not been proven that he's killed reporters." He added: "Now, I think it would be despicable if that took place, but I haven't seen any evidence that he's killed anybody in terms of reporters." Trump's defense of Putin comes after Putin called Trump "bright and talented" and "the absolute leader of the presidential race" -- praise Trump embraced as a "great honor." On Friday, Trump had equated Putin's killings with the United States, saying on MSNBC that "our country does plenty of killing also." That comment was enough to draw a rebuke from Mitt Romney, the 2012 GOP presidential nominee, who tweeted: "Important distinction: thug Putin kills journalists and opponents; our presidents kill terrorists and enemy combatants." Still, Trump has stuck with Putin -- who, like Trump, was also interviewed on the episode of CBS' "60 Minutes" that drew the program's highest-ever ratings this fall. "He is a strong leader. What am I going to say, he's a weak leader? He's making mincemeat out of our president," Trump said Sunday. "I didn't say anything one way or the other. He came out with a very nice statement about me, and I said, 'That's very nice, I'm honored by it,'" Trump said. He added: "I think it would be a positive thing if Russia and the United States actually got along." He backed Russia's role in the Iran nuclear deal, saying it makes sense Putin would want closer ties to Tehran now that the United States has agreed to loosen economic sanctions on the country -- freeing up more money to purchase missiles. "Russia is making a lot of money with the deal, because they're selling missiles and other military armaments to Iran and they're making a fortune on it, because they're smart," Trump said.
Donald Trump really does like Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Republican presidential front-runner on Sunday defended continued to cozy up to Putin, defending him against well-documented claims that the Russian leader has ordered the killings of journalists in his country. Trump called reporters' killings "horrible" on ABC's "This Week" Sunday. But he noted that Putin hasn't admitted any role in their deaths. "He's always denied it. It's never been proven that he's killed anybody," Trump said. "So, you know, you're supposed to be innocent until proven guilty, at least in our country. It has not been proven that he's killed reporters." He added: "Now, I think it would be despicable if that took place, but I haven't seen any evidence that he's killed anybody in terms of reporters." Trump's defense of Putin comes after Putin called Trump "bright and talented" and "the absolute leader of the presidential race" -- praise Trump embraced as a "great honor." On Friday, Trump had equated Putin's killings with the United States, saying on MSNBC that "our country does plenty of killing also." That comment was enough to draw a rebuke from Mitt Romney, the 2012 GOP presidential nominee, who tweeted: "Important distinction: thug Putin kills journalists and opponents; our presidents kill terrorists and enemy combatants." Still, Trump has stuck with Putin -- who, like Trump, was also interviewed on the episode of CBS' "60 Minutes" that drew the program's highest-ever ratings this fall. "He is a strong leader. What am I going to say, he's a weak leader? He's making mincemeat out of our president," Trump said Sunday. "I didn't say anything one way or the other. He came out with a very nice statement about me, and I said, 'That's very nice, I'm honored by it,'" Trump said. He added: "I think it would be a positive thing if Russia and the United States actually got along." He backed Russia's role in the Iran nuclear deal, saying it makes sense Putin would want closer ties to Tehran now that the United States has agreed to loosen economic sanctions on the country -- freeing up more money to purchase missiles. "Russia is making a lot of money with the deal, because they're selling missiles and other military armaments to Iran and they're making a fortune on it, because they're smart," Trump said.
<p id="postid">4830037 Donald Trump says, “I haven’t seen any evidence that [Vladimir Putin] killed anybody in terms of reporters,” but if he did, “I think it’s despicable.” Appearing on ABC’s “This Week” on Sunday, host George Stephanopoulos pressed Trump about his comments that the U.S. has killed people too and Trump argued that Hillary Clinton’s decisions led to “hundreds of thousands of people” being killed.(RELATED: Trump Downplays Putin Killing Journalists, Dissidents [VIDEO]) “I think Hillary, when she was Secretary of State made some horrible, horrible decisions and thousands and thousands and even hundreds of thousands of people have been killed,” Trump explained. “I mean you look at what went on in Libya you look at so many bad decisions that she made, she’s incompetent as far as I’m concerned.” “As far as the reporters are concerned obviously, I don’t want that to happen. I think it’s horrible. But, in all fairness to Putin, you’re saying he killed people, I haven’t seen that. I don’t know that he has,” Trump argued. “Have you been able to prove that? Do you know the names of the reporters that he’s killed because I’ve been, you know, you’ve been hearing this but I haven’t seen the name. Now, I think it would be despicable if that took place but I haven’t seen any evidence that he killed anybody in terms of reporters.” Stephanopoulos then asked Trump to comment on the criticism he has received from people like Mitt Romney who Tweeted, “Important Distinction: thug Putin kills journalists and opponents; our presidents kill terrorists and enemy combatants.” “Does he know for a fact that he kills the reporters? I don’t know I don’t think anybody knows that,” Trump insisted. “It’s possible that he does but I don’t think it’s been proven. Has anybody proven that he’s killed reporters and I’m not trying to stick up for anybody.” Stephanopoulos then pressed Trump about the allegations, and Trump claimed, “They are allegations, yeah sure there are allegations. I’ve read those allegations over the years but nobody has proven that he’s killed anybody as far as I’m concerned, he hasn’t killed reporters.” Trump insisted: “If he has killed reporters I think that’s terrible. But this isn’t like somebody that stood with a gun in these you know taking the blame or that he’s admitted that he’s killed. He’s always denied its he’s never, it’s never been proven that he’s killed anybody so you know you’re supposed to be innocent until proven guilty at least in our country. He has not been proven that he’s killed reporters.” The killing that the United States has done was “what we’re doing in the Middle East, we went into Iraq, we shouldn’t have,” Trump argued. Stephanopoulos then suggested that Trump was suggesting there was a “moral equivalency between the United States and Russia,” and Trump responded, “I’m not saying anything. I’m saying when you say a man has killed reporters I’d like you to prove it.” “And I’m saying it would be a terrible thing if it were true,” Trump insisted, “but I have never seen any information or any proof that he killed reporters George. You’re just saying he killed reporters. You and other people tell me… If he did I think it’s despicable. I hear these accusations, but I don’t see any proof by. By the way, he totally denies that he kills reporters. He totally denied it.” WATCH:Follow Steve on Twitter and Facebook
BY:Daniel BassaliFollow @bassalidDecember 20, 2015 11:31 am Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump offered a forceful defense of Vladimir Putin Sunday on ABC’s This Week when asked about comments he made earlier this week on Morning Joe. Anchor George Stephanopoulos asked Trump if he had a problem with Putins reputation for killing journalists and political opponents. By his response, it was clear that Trump does not believe Putin is responsible for the death of Anna Politkovskaya or any other Russian writer. In all fairness to Putin, youre saying he killed people. I havent seen that. I dont know that he has. Have you been able to prove that? Do you know the names of the reporters that he killed? Trump said. Opposing conventional knowledge, Trump continued by saying he has yet to see any evidence that Putin as killed anybody in terms of reporters. The statement is unique in that Trump appears to be the only U.S. presidential candidate on either side of the aisle to have a favorable view of the Russian president. The subject has its own Wikipedia page. In a bizarre maneuver, Trump boasted of Putin endorsing him on Friday. He called Putin a great leader and suggested he would get along with him very well. Consistent with his pattern to shower kind words upon anyone who praises him, Trump disregarded Joe Scarboroughs attempt on Friday to remind him of Putins controversial record. When people call you brilliant, its always good, especially when the person heads up Russia, Trump said. Well, also its a person who kills journalists, political opponents and invades countries, Scarborough said. Obviously, that would be a concern, would it not? Hes running his country, and at least hes a leader, you know, unlike what we have in this country, Trump said. Again, he kills journalists that dont agree with him, Scarborough said. Well, I think our country does plenty of killing also, Joe, so, you know, Trump said. Theres a lot of stupidity going on in the world right now, Joe. Lot of killing going on, a lot of stupidity, and thats the way it is. But you didnt ask me the question. You asked me a different question, so thats fine. The business mogul and reality television star dismissed questions about Putins invasion of Crimea and close ties with Iran. Instead, he claimed the U.S. was responsible for the deaths of hundreds of thousands because of its involvement in Iraq. Youre supposed to be innocent until proven guilty, Trump said on Sunday. Mitt Romney blasted Trump on Friday for his admiration of Putin. The former Republican nominee for president tweeted, Important distinction: thug Putin kills journalists and opponents; our presidents kill terrorists and enemy combatants. Im still waiting for the evidence that we have been involved in any direct killings, Stephanopoulos said to Trump during the interview.
After basking in the "great honor" of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s praise, Republican front-runner Donald Trump on Sunday defended Putin against longstanding accusations that his regime has carried out murders of journalists who oppose him. During an appearance on ABC News’ “This Week,” Trump said there is no evidence that Putin was behind any journalist murders in Russia. “In all fairness to Putin, you're saying he killed people -- I haven't seen that,” Putin told host George Stephanopoulos. “I don't know that he has. Have you been able to prove that? Do you know the names of the reporters that he's killed?” Trump added that it would be “despicable” if Putin indeed had killed journalists. “But I haven't seen any evidence that he killed anybody, in terms of reporters,” he said. Several of his Republican rivals have appeared flabbergasted in recent days that Trump would wear Putin’s praise of him as a badge of honor. Ohio Gov. John Kasich’s campaign on Saturday issued a mock press release announcing that Trump had named Putin his running mate. But on “This Week,” Trump continued to boast of the Russian strongman’s admiration. “If Putin respects me, and if Putin wants to call me brilliant and other things that he said which were, frankly, very nice, I'll accept that and I'll accept that on behalf of our country” Trump said. “Because if we get along well with Russia, that's a positive thing, George, not a negative thing.”
On Friday afternoon former Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura contacted Alex Jones to provide him with some informative news. Ventura had recently traveled to Russia to take part in several panels that consisted of former CIA officials and other prominent figures. During his visit, Ventura also attended a press dinner hosted by Russian President Vladimir Putin. While at the reception, Ventura, who had never been to the country previously, says he was shocked at how much the nation was progressing towards freedom, not just in the free market but in basic human rights, and how the United States has been heading in the wrong direction. The former governor told Jones that he was excited about the visit and hoped to break down the experience to listeners of the Alex Jones Show. After asking if he had the chance to talk with President Putin, Jones learned that the President did indeed stop Ventura to shake his hand and state, “Thank you governor for all you’ve done.” Ventura declined to reveal further details of the meeting, saying he would instead tell Alex and his listeners Monday on the Alex Jones Show. Putin’s comments on other political figures, such as presidential frontrunner Donald Trump, have made headlines recently as well. “He says that he wants to move to another, closer level of relations. Can we really not welcome that? Of course we welcome that,” the Russian president said regarding Trump, referring to the business mogul as “bright and talented.” Trump, who called the remarks a “great honor,” responded by calling Putin a “strong” and “powerful leader.” Tune in to the Alex Jones Show onMonday, December 21, from 11am to 3pm CSTto hear about Ventura’s full experience while in Russia. Live video streams of the show are available at infowars.com/show.
NICKI ROSSOLL Sunday, December 20, 2015 09:39AM After receiving praise from Vladmir Putin earlier this week, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump said he thinks "he'll get along fine" with the Russian president if elected. "If Putin respects me, and if Putin wants to call me brilliant ... I'll accept that, and I'll accept it on behalf of our country," he said. (Copyright ©2015 ABC News Internet Ventures.)
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