Trump just sang Putin's praises for all the world to hear, and trashed Biden in the same breath. The Republican party has shown time and time again that loyalty to Trump outweighs yesterday's strongly held convictions. Loyalty to Trump has replaced loyalty to the nation in many Republican hearts -- pols and voters alike. Whatever poll you got that 5% number from, it's outdated in light of Trump's latest opinions.
He didn't sing Putin's praises, he pointed out that Putin's methods are, to quote, "savvy". War is confusing and Trump may turn out to be wrong but so far Russia seems to have come up with a plan then executed the plan. While facing no organised opposition. It does look like a well organised operation.
In short, it is entirely possible that Trump is correct. The political discourse can't keep shutting down in emergencies, there are too many emergencies these days for that to be an option. People have to talk calmly about what they think is happening.
Have you not been paying attention to how Trump talks about tyrants? His love letters with Kim Jong Un? Endorsements of Viktor Orban and Bolsonaro? He's a "big fan" of Erdogan? For years now, he's been positively gushing about how much he admires Putin. He tried his damnedest to pull a coup last year, because he wants to join the league of tyrannical dictators. And sure, he badmouthed Biden and insisted that things would be different if he was at the helm, but has he ever shown real opposition to any actions of Putin? Or did he deliberately soften eastern Europe's defensive stance against Russia when he pulled American troops out of Germany?
He pulled troops from Germany (which is not the front anymore) and put troops in Poland and other eastern countries. How is this a move to help Putin? He moved troops on the front and started more bases.
Exercises and bases in all Eastern Europe intensified under Trump.
He likes to talk nicely about people that he's going to strike. Like he always says he likes Xi, but then start a trade war anyway.
He blocked NS2, Biden opened it in his first week in office.
If Trump was so weak toward Putin, Putin would have invaded with Trump in the White House...but Putin invaded with Biden there(and previously woth Obama). Makes you think, doesn't it?
