The Republicans’ servile attitude toward Russian President Vladimir Putin has been met with criticism from leaders abroad. Most recently, former British Prime Minister David Cameron denounced Putin’s appeasers as comparable to those who made it a point to appease Adolf Hitler before World War II.
When Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene was confronted with Cameron’s words, she responded crudely, saying he could “kiss my ass.” Her outburst exemplifies the isolationist “America First” movement in the GOP that enables authoritarians like Putin.
Marjorie Taylor Greene Erupts at Former UK PM’s Criticism
Former British Prime Minister David Cameron recently published an op-ed warning that appeasing authoritarian leaders like Russian President Vladimir Putin could have catastrophic consequences. Cameron pointed out that politicians today who fail to stand up to Putin’s aggression are comparable to those who sought to appease Adolf Hitler in the lead-up to World War II.
When asked to comment on whether she was an “appeaser for Putin,” Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene gave an angry retort. “I think that’s rude name-calling, and I don’t appreciate that type of language,” she said, claiming Cameron should focus on “his own country.” She ended by saying: “Frankly, he can kiss my ass.” Her crude language and dismissive attitude highlight her party’s tendency to side with Putin over America’s allies.
David Cameron Compares Putin Appeasers to Hitler Appeasers
David Cameron, the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, published an op-ed warning against appeasing Vladimir Putin as Western leaders did with Adolf Hitler. In the op-ed, Cameron cautioned against stalling support for Ukraine as it defends itself against Russian invasion.
He argued that failing to act could prove disastrous, comparing inaction to the appeasement of Hitler in the 1930s, that allowed the dictator to expand control over Europe. Cameron asserted that the world faces a threat from Putin, an authoritarian figure intent on amassing power and that Ukraine’s allies must continue backing its defense.
The GOP’s Relationship with Russia
The Republican party has become increasingly supportive of Russia and Putin in recent years, as evidenced by comments from party leaders and media figures popular with the base. Though only a small minority of Republicans prefer Russia over Ukraine, the “America First” movement-from which the party draws influence.
The GOP’s approach to Russia appears motivated more by opposition to U.S. President Biden than by principle or strategy. While Russia works to expand its power, the divisions within U.S. politics offer Putin leverage against Biden that threatens to outweigh America’s advantages.
“Kiss My Ass”: Greene’s Profane Response to Reporter
While Greene took offense at the reporter’s question, her response was needlessly vulgar and disrespectful. Cameron has reason to worry about Russian expansionism, as it threatens European security. His warning was an apt comparison, as Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain’s appeasement of Hitler led to the Nazi takeover of Europe.
The isolationism of Trump’s “America First” movement aligns with Putin’s aims to weaken Western alliances. Republicans like Greene pose no opposition to Putin’s agenda, instead disparaging Ukraine, the victim of Russian aggression. The Heritage Foundation and Senator J.D. Vance spread misinformation to block military aid to Ukraine approved by Congress.
Greene Claims the Question Is “Rude Name-Calling“
According to reports, Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene lashed out when confronted with criticism of her party’s support for Russian President Vladimir Putin. When asked by a reporter from Sky News to comment on whether she is “an appeaser for Putin,” Greene responded that she found the question to be “rude name-calling” and that she did “not appreciate that type of language.”
Some analysts note that Greene’s response ignores the substance of Cameron’s argument. Cameron had warned in his op-ed that failing to stand up to Putin’s aggression and expansionism today is comparable to the appeasement of Adolf Hitler in the lead-up to World War II.
Greene Always Aims for a Big Finish
Greene’s comments were a spectacle, but her theatrics distract from the main issues. While she may dislike comparisons between her party’s policies and historical appeasement, analysts argue these comparisons are fair and accurate. Her comments cast her in the role of the “ugly, ignorant American,” willing to stand by as authoritarians expand power and threaten democracies around the globe.
Greene’s outburst highlights a split in the Republican party between those who strongly support Ukraine and those with isolationist or pro-Putin leanings. Some in the party argue that funding Ukraine takes away from other priorities like social security or the defense of Taiwan.
Cameron Rightly Warns Against Letting Putin Expand Power
Former British Prime Minister David Cameron’s recent warning regarding the appeasement of Russian President Vladimir Putin is an astute observation that should not be ignored. In an opinion editorial published by The Hill, Cameron cautioned against the stalling of a Senate-approved bill providing $60 billion in aid to Ukraine, stating that such actions could have catastrophic consequences.
Cameron likened those who sought to appease Putin to individuals who sought to pacify Adolf Hitler leading up to World War II. Cameron’s warning is astute, given Putin’s clear intention to expand his authoritarian power. As Cameron noted, Putin’s ongoing invasion and annexation of Ukrainian territory is indicative of his desire for greater power and control.
GOP Alignment With Putin Follows America First Isolationism
The Republican Party’s deference to Russian President Vladimir Putin is a reflection of the isolationist “America First” policies championed by former President Donald Trump. The America First movement, which takes its name from a group that sought to appease Adolf Hitler before World War II, abandons America’s allies in favor of unilateral action.
Greene’s outburst reflects the view of Putin sympathizers within the Republican Party, who see Russia as an ally against President Biden. Although only 5% of Republicans support Russia over Ukraine, the far-right wing of the GOP routinely sides with Putin.
Greene Distracts From GOP’s Willingness to Cede to Putin
The Republican party has demonstrated increasing support for Russia and President Vladimir Putin in recent years. While only 5% of Republicans openly support Russia over Ukraine, the far-right faction of the GOP, including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, has consistently sided with Putin against Ukraine.
Greene’s theatrics distract from the main issue: Putin is an authoritarian leader intent on expanding his power, and Republicans like Greene have no issue allowing him to do so. Cameron rightly worries about Russia’s potential expansion and what that could mean for Europe.
Unprofessional Response Not Befitting of a Representative
In the face of criticism, Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene lashed out in an unprofessional manner unbecoming of a member of Congress. However, the substance of the critique remains valid. Former Prime Minister David Cameron rightly warns against appeasing aggressive authoritarians like Vladimir Putin, drawing apt historical parallels.
Greene may resent the comparison, but her party’s refusal to firmly oppose Putin’s invasion of Ukraine raises legitimate concerns. Rather than engaging thoughtfully, Greene chose vulgarity and nationalism. Still, the issues at stake are deadly serious.
