CNN’s Zeleny: The Optics and Timing of a One-On-One Putin Meeting Were Not Ideal for the White House

RUSH EXCERPT:

But the optics and timing of a one-on-one Putin meeting not ideal for the white House. As trump becomes the central figure into whether his campaign conspired with the Russian government in the 2016 campaign. The president started his day here in Buenos Aires, defending his business dealings with Russia on Twitter as very legal and very cool. Later, the White House released a statement, again, calling it a Russian witch hunt coax but acknowledging, it does undermine our relationship with Russia. As world leaders gathered, the president four seats away from Saudi crown prince Mohamed bin Salman who the CIA believes ordered the killing of ‘Washington Post’ columnist, Jamal Khashoggi. The president has repeatedly contradicted that assessment. Today said the White House and crown prince exchanged pleasantries. Asked about what? The president shrugged. The president only a few steps behind as the Saudi leader and Russian president had a warm encounter. All smiles and a longhand shake. The White House hoped a signing ceremony for the new U.S., Mexico and Canada trade agreement would be the high point of the day. But a frosty relationship with Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau over steel and aluminum tariffs made clear that deep tensions remain with the key U.S. ally.”