When Trump says he has no connections with Russia, he is lying. Trump, and several of his advisors have deep financial ties to Russia. When Trump was busy bankrupting his US businesses, US banks wouldn't lend him money, so he turned to Russian financiers. Forbes Magazine, which is very Far Right, made positive connections with Russian money-men, most of whom are also tied to organized crime. This goes a long way toward explaining why Trump won't reveal tax returns and financial records, which would show he has many ties to Russia.
Trump doesn't know Putin? Sure, he doesn't. Trump absolutely knows Mr. Putin. To think otherwise given what we know about his Russian connections, is just plain ridiculous. This may be impeachable when all of this comes out and Trump has to explain why a US President has direct ties to a hostile foreign power.
It's anecdotal, but I have sold 2 homes to an individual I will simply call "X". X has known Mr. Putin since they were children and has the yellowed old photos that prove it. He claims to still be in contact with Mr.Putin, which I don't really doubt but cannot prove. According to X, Putin is pro-Trump because our President-elect isn't savvy about world politics and is easily plied because of his financial connections to Russia. X says Putin is very open about his desire to expand Russia into a new and improved Soviet Union. Trump, who is over a barrel, is likely to comply and recognize the Russian annexation of Crimea and any other aggression Russia undertakes.
Hopefully, the truth comes out before Trump does any more damage. It will be extremely difficult to hide all of his financial skeletons once he becomes President because the magnifying glass will become an electron microscope.
Establishment Republicans might be holding back so their real choice (Pence) can take over when Trump is forced to resign.
Send the hate. Let's see what happens.