Just an ancillary side note to the U.S-Russia prisoner exchange.
According to an original article from NBC, the negotiations for the prisoner swap included an exchange for either LGBTQ+ hero Brittany Griner or U.S. former marine Paul Whelan.
The Russians would swap either U.S. citizen for the return of arms dealer Viktor Bout; however, the White House would have to decide which American they wanted in return. The White House decided there was greater benefit to getting LGBTQ+ hero Brittany Griner returned, and left Paul Whelan in a Russian prison.
[ NBC Report – Archived Version LINK ]
Obviously, this context of the NBC report makes the Biden administration look bad.
A political and ideological decision within the selection of the Biden administration preference. Realizing this, perhaps after contact from the White House, NBC stealth edited their story after publication in order to eliminate the political problem.
In the original version: “the Kremlin gave the White House the choice of either Griner or Whelan — or none.”
In the stealth revised version: “the Kremlin ultimately gave the White House the choice of either Griner or no one after different options were proposed.”
Even with the modified and carefully worded changes, it looks like Joe Biden chose the trans basketball player over the former U.S. marine, which, given the arc of history, does seem to make sense.
We had the chance to kidnap Putin’s gymnast girlfriend and mother of his love-children while she was still in Switzerland as it took a while for her move back to to Russia. Jus sayin’.
“No deal” is always an acceptable outcome in negotiations.
Why does everyone on the right keep ignoring Whelan’s very shady track record in many respects (such as claiming a BA and an MBA while record show he never completed mor than two years of college), as well as, most importantly, the fact that he was expelled from the marines after being found guilty of larceny in a court martial! All we hear is, “oh, ex marine, hero, hero hero…” Bollocks. Disgraced ex-marine more like it.
I wouldn’t have lifted a finger for Griner or Whelan. Both bad apples – let them rot.
Whatever he did to earn a Court-martial, doesn’t negate the fact that he served his country during a time of war.
For this administration to leave him there is an F’ing disgrace, along with ungrateful internet schmucks like yourself.
It’s the choice of the mob, like in Rome’s coliseum. How awfully progressive are we?
The deal should not have even been on the table. We HAD a policy not to negotiate with terrorists for good reason.
Biden did not cave to Putin, he caved to the progressive left.
He clearly should have replied, “it’s both of you don’t get you arms dealer back.”
Frankly, he shouldn’t have made a trade at all. Viktor Bout is a real threat to good people all over the world.
Perhaps he should be tried and (if) found guilty sentenced for execution.
THEN offer a deal to let him live for both our Americans (perhaps all 3-4 of them).
Leave that deal in Putins court. If he refuses, execute Bout and let the world know we don’t screw arround.
What, we can’t find other Russian spies and operatives to capture?
This is NOT a game of Red Rover!