The Kremlin Caucus
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It's not a defense of Chen. He terms the affair "devastating" to her reputation.
I still find it easy to believe that Rubin et al had full editorial control over their content, regardless of their lack of due diligence about where the money was coming from. (They were told it was a French billionaire, but didn't investigate too hard.) Having opinions that Russia likes Americans to have, is not proof that those opinions are bought and paid for by Russia. Especially not when the commentators were established and didn't perceptibly change after their contract with Chen's company.
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Again they were both useful (worth Kremlin support) and idiots. (Didn’t need to be paid to regurgitate Kremlin talking points). That much is pretty clear. It doesn’t paint them in a good light.
“No one had to pay me to fellate Putin. And putting my pinky in his ass was my idea!!!!”
Again not exculpatory.
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Chen hasn't been indicted, so exculpatory whatever isn't even on the table yet. Maybe an indictment will be forthcoming.
I think various levels of support for Ukraine can be reasonably held by reasonable people, and Russia will inevitably like one set of opinions more than another. Russia's preference for a set of ideas is not proof of their idiocy. That said, in other contexts I would be happy to admit that Rubin and Pool are audience captured social media personalities without much of interest to contribute. I am just skeptical of the extent of influence the Russian money had on their content.
Chen actually openly wrote for Russia Today, before they went covert behind Tenet Media. I assume she was aware of the real source of funding and I won't be surprised if she's got an indictment coming.
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I can understand them not knowing and not looking too closely at who was the ultimate payer.
Doesn't make them look any better, but I could see most people not really checking.
