Former national security adviser HR McMaster said Sunday on CBS's “Face the Nation” that the Republican Party needs to “get rid of this weird love affair with Vladimir Putin.”
“This is what I don't understand, Margaret,” McMaster said. “There are people in the Republican Party these days who tend to parrot Putin's talking points.”
Host Margaret Brennan asked, “Why?”
“I don't know if it's because they're attracted to him and see a shirtless man on a horse as a defender of Western civilization, but they have this bizarre response to Vladimir Putin,” McMaster said. You have to give up your love.” Who will not stop trying to restore Russia to greatness at our expense? That's what he's obsessed with. He is obsessed with rebuilding the Russian Empire. Therefore, he has ambitions far beyond those that respond to our actions. ”
He added: “Only force can really stop him, Margaret.”
“And you wrote in your book that you couldn't understand Donald Trump's fascination with Vladimir Putin,” Brennan said. Is he the right person to advise on security?”
McMaster said, “No, no, Margaret, but I think he and the others will judge that as soon as he gets the job.”
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