Tensions within gop rise over how to handle Russia

[Charlie Brown]

By Paul Sonne

Jan. 2, 2017 7:37 p.m. ET

WASHINGTON—Tensions within the Republican Party over how to handle Russia are becoming increasingly public as the Senate prepares for confirmation hearings on President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for secretary of state and presses ahead with a review of alleged Russian cyberattacks during the 2016 election.

At the heart of the intraparty split over Russia—which pits GOP lawmakers like Sens. John McCain and Lindsey Graham against Mr. Trump and his national security adviser designate, retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn—is disagreement over a basic question: How much danger does President Vladimir Putin’s Russia pose to the U.S.?

So far, Mr. Tillerson’s full views on Russia aren’t clear. He has praised Mr. Putin and opposed U.S. sanctions on Russia over the conflict in Ukraine, but he has done so principally as an advocate for Exxon’s business endeavors.

http://www.wsj.com/articles/tensions-within-gop-rise-over-how-to-handle-russia-1483403833

[applegrove]

1. They own the Trumpsters. I guess they are just learning what that

means. The GOP started the US on this road to pulling down all norms. Trump is just the logical end to fomenting hatred of government. Psst! Hey GOP - democracy only works when it works. Business depends on fully working democracies and the ensuing order.

[yurbud]

2. "Who do we love more, the military industrial complex and banks OR oil companies?"

For a Republican that is like asking a drug addict to choose between crack and meth.