Joking With Putin: A Sampler

Editorial of The New York Sun June 29, 2019

What is one supposed to make of the "new furor," as the New York Times put it, that has erupted over President Trump's joke about Russia's meddling in our presidential election? This thighslapper happened when the American leader he sat down with the Russ strongman, Vladimir Putin, on the sidelines of the Group of 20 summit at Osaka and a reporter piped up to ask whether Mr. Trump would tell Russia not to meddle in American elections.

“Yes, of course I will,” Mr. Trump retorted. Then, as the Times related, the American president turned to the Russ leader and, “with a half-grin on his face and mock seriousness in his voice,” told him “Don’t meddle in the election, President.” Mr. Putin “smiled and tittered,” as the Times put it. At which point Mr. Trump pointed at another Russian “in a playful way” and said again, “Don’t meddle in the election.”............... To Read More.....