1391 - Mark Ames: Russia Lobbyists, Trump, and the GOP

On today's show, Michael speaks with Mark Ames (@MarkAmesExiled) on Donald Trump's alleged connections to Putin and how the media is covering the story. The recent history of Russian oligarchs influencing politics outside Russia, including lobbying in the US. McCain's ties to Manafort-Davis in 2008, which Mark wrote about at the time. Russia's notorious aluminum industry as a focus of oligarchic warfare under privatization in the 90s. Paul Manafort's ties to dictators and Roger Stone. The silence over the GOP's ties to John McCain in 2008. The Clinton campaigns use of anti-Russian paranoia against Trump. The non-existent appetite for another Cold War. US complicity in the collapse of the Russian economy in 1998. Would Hillary or Trump be more likely to say "no" to generals? Hillary's own Russia connections.

On the fun half: Trump is not spending money on ads. Khizr Kahn continues taking it to Trump, who isn't responding well. Mike Pence churns out meaningless press release distancing and not distancing himself from Trump attacking the Kahns.

ZipRecruiter is once again sponsoring the public show today, go to ziprecruiter.com/majority for more.