Today and tomorrow 20 of the world's big dogs, plus seven of their invited guest leaders are meeting in Buenos Aires, Argentina. They are there for photo ops and public schmoozing along with some more serious and, in theory, substantial one on one get togethers.
However, because of the times and the nature of those involved things can become strange and awkward at this summit of sorts down south where the gauchos roam.
For example, look at the surreal instant today when Saudi Crown Prince Mohmmad bin Salman Al Saud and Russian President Vladimir Putin exchanged an emphatic handshake and grins that were as enthusiastic as any seen in college football end zones after a touchdown. One can almost hear the brief exchange of words during the moment. Knowing the way those two thugs operate Putin probably told the Prince something along the lines of, Way to handle that bastard Khashoggi. Dude, what a move. I couldn't have done it better myself.
Yes, in some places they take care of journalists in ways Donald Trump can only dream of. Then they show up and act as if they're actually members of the human species.
And speaking of The Big Orange Guy, he called off his private sit down with Putin earlier this week. The administration says he did so, because the Russians shot up and took custody of three Ukrainian navy ships on November 25th near the Kerch Strait which separates the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov.
The Russians aren't buying that excuse. They are claiming Trump backed out of the meeting due to political issues at home. While the Russkies are a wily lot their explanation of the cancelled talk rings true.
Let's face it, Donald Trump probably doesn't give a shit about three Ukrainian ships and 20 plus sailors in a place it is doubtful he has even heard of. On the other hand he does care deeply that his former personal lawyer and fixer, Mike Cohen just pleaded guilty to lying in front of congress about a building deal in Moscow.
Indeed, even Trump has to know it wouldn't look good to have a private confab with a guy who not only helped him win an election, but also might have been the recipient of, as some reports say, a $50 million penthouse atop the proposed Moscow venture--for free.
That's right, given the information coming to light, even the rubes who cheer wildly at those raucous rallies might start asking uncomfortable questions about motives and conduct. After all, you can call Michael Cohen, "a weak person and not a very smart person," all you want, but you are the one who paid him a retainer for 12 years and trusted him with the Stormy Daniels hush money. It doesn't take a genius to realize Cohen knows stuff--actual stuff--and much of it proves you, Donald John Trump are at best a congenital liar or, at worst, a felon.
Of course there are other people at the G20 who could spend some quality time with the American El Supremo. Although since he's spent two plus years incessantly insulting them, most of the nation's traditional allies won't be among that particular crowd. On the other hand Xi Jinping, China's president for life will be. He is a man Trump deeply admires for his willingness to forgo the nonsense of democratic elections and term limits. Besides, they have a lot to talk about, especially when it comes to tariffs and who is coming out on top in the newly minted trade war.
Then there is always the Crown Prince. Locking down that massive arms deal is a must, even if the sale amounts to only a fraction of what DJT has been saying and the number of new jobs he has been promising because of it is an outright lie.
And, obviously, there is always an opportunity for a chance meeting with Putin. All it would take is a fortuitous seating arrangement during dinner tonight. It isn't like it hasn't happened before. Listen, many important deals have been struck over a plate of overcooked steak and potatoes. Plus, Mr. Trump would probably love to hear Vlad's thoughts on how to handle organizations such as MSNBC and CNN.
Not to mention the incoming House of Representatives.
Hey, when in doubt go to the pros. Their methods might be crude, but. as we've seen in both England and Turkey, they are effective.
Think not? Just take another look at that jubilant hand shake we all saw this morning.
11-30-18
I am truly looking forward to next year. Campaigning for 2020 will soon begin, and Ms. Pelosi will be to Trump like the old girlfriend you wish had stayed gone. One thing about him however, he may be crude but he's not stupid. He has taken an old idea and taken it to another level. Want to know what that is? Well, when guilty of something, act indignant and blame it on someone else. The people in the provinces cannot get enough of it. So, right here, right now, I am coming out - politically. O'Rourke in 2020!
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