19 Comments

I’m sorry if you both have commented on this before but how do you react to Dr. John Mearsheimer’s analysis of the war? It seems like he’d rather be right about his thesis - that the West caused this war - than to see the Ukrainians defend themselves.

Expand full comment

It doesn't get more disgraceful than the meeting today in the oval office between Zelensky, Trump and VP henchman JD Vance. This was nothing short of an ambush, designed to browbeat Zelensky into submission. And force a disastrous "peace deal" down his throat. To his credit, he refused to accept the protection racket/ minerals arrangement that would have sold his country short on every important level. And guaranteed NOTHING Ukraine needs to remain a sovereign country. No guarantees of anything. After the conclusion of Russia's war of aggression.

The press conference and luncheon to follow was abruptly cancelled, when Rubio and Waltz kicked Zelensky out on his ass. The WH states that Zelensky will not be invited back until he is ready to deal. I have never in my long life seen anything so disgusting and humiliating for our country on the diplomatic world stage. I do know the Kremlin is doing Vodka shots by the dozen, and laughing with uncontainable joy. We have lost our place in the world. This was an unmitigated disaster.

Expand full comment

Trump claims to be a deal maker, but in reality he does not understand the art of negotiation at all. He thinks he can browbeat Zelensky into giving up his country's mineral wealth for nothing, while preemptively surrendering to all of Putin's demands before he even asks for anything. It's becoming clear why Trump was never able to make money in business.

Expand full comment

I am so ashamed to be an American.

Expand full comment

get used to it because its all downhill from here

Expand full comment

I never thought that in the final days of the republic I would find solace in listening to greybeard Republicans explaining things to me. Thanks from a flaming liberal. (FYI, if I could grow a beard it would be grey as well. ☺️)

Expand full comment

I hope things get better, too. Quickly.

Expand full comment

Wonder what they think of JVLs take that this will lead to nuclear proliferation in Europe.

Expand full comment

Our perfidy causes these feelings in my gut: Disgust, Disbelief, Despair, Despondence, Shame.

Expand full comment

This is absolutely THE best podcast The Bulwark has on offer. I could listen to these guys talk all day. Such a wealth of knowledge, experience, and wisdom. Even when it’s gloom and doom, the information and the insight is invaluable. Please bring on whatever guest(s) you have in mind to further enrich the conversation. And I totally agree that Vance is the Satan in waiting.

Expand full comment

Ann, I agree with you on all points. Eliot and Eric are my go to guys for all things foreign affairs. Slava Ukraine!

Expand full comment

I donated to Ukraine last night after convincing my bank that the website was legit. It’s https://u24.gov.ua/

Expand full comment

I do not believe that Zelensky misplayed his interjections w Trump around these so-called negotiations.

It is clear to anyone paying attention to Trump and how he approaches everything (“what’s in it for me, and make a deal that makes me look good, or else!”), Trump was never going to support Ukraine as an ally and NATO member should.

He will maybe release some aid, if he gets to mine the shit out of Ukraine’s resources, but he was never going to take a stance against Putin.

Trump has abandoned Ukraine, and is sucking up to the vile Putin for whatever he personally, Trump, might get out of some under the table deal.

He has abandoned Article Five, clearly.

He’ll cosplay around being a member of NATO, bc he wants everyone to watch his NATO/or not dance on the world stage, but he’s pulled us out of NATO, effectively.

Expand full comment

It’s a a fascist totalitarian coup happening. Say it.

Expand full comment

Lots of gloom in doom happening now. Thank you for shedding your light on it.

Expand full comment

We tried to tell you Eliot. You kept trying to believe the most positive spin on the administration possible because they are republicans. You would never ever have given a dem this type of benefit of the doubt. You should recognize it and judge both parties equally

Expand full comment

Eliot has such obvious blind spots and biases I can barely put any credibility into what he says. I wonder if he ever followed up on this gem.

https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2024/07/cancel-foreign-policy-apocalypse-donald-trump-ukraine/679038/

Anyone that wrote that at that point in time was not able to accurately assess what going on.

Expand full comment

I know. What is even more crazy he still thinks that Iraq wasn’t that bad for America and wasn’t the direct cause of Trumpism. His blindspots are soooo large it is hard to take anything seriously

Expand full comment

The people who have taken over the US government are a bunch of psychotic, rabid dogs. They are consumed by their power to destroy anyone and everything. There are now some signs that the apathetic American public is beginning to notice.

Expand full comment