(FreedomBeacon.com)- NPR decided to hop in the Way-Back Machine all the way back to November 2001 to write about the time Russian President Vladimir Putin traveled to then-President George W. Bush’s Crawford, Texas ranch.
Why?
Who knows?
NPR seems to want to remind its readers that early in his presidency, Vladimir Putin “was on a charm offensive” seeking the “respect” of western leaders while promoting “the hope of a new openness for Russians.”
In short, NPR’s article is a long-winded “can you believe this warmongering tyrant was charming the socks off of Western leaders two decades ago?”
To drive the point home, NPR cites the time in November 2001 when Putin, along with his wife Lyudmila, went to President George W. Bush’s ranch in Crawford, Texas. While there, the two presidents met to discuss working together to combat terrorism. It was, after all, just two months after the 9/11 attacks.
During the trip, Putin also visited Crawford High School for a Texas-style barbecue where he was treated to “a little Texas music.”
Nearly 21 years after the fact, NPR even points out what Putin was wearing at this barbecue.
Why?
Who knows.
In case you’re wondering, he wore a dark blazer and a black “open-collared shirt.”
The two presidents did crazy things like talk to reporters about terrorism, and the importance of cooperation between their two countries. You know, things world leaders talk about all the time when they get together for a summit.
After rehashing the 21-year-old visit, NPR then tracked down some of the former high school students who were there the day Vladimir Putin came to Crawford High School.
One former student vividly remembers shaking Putin’s hand. She tells NPR she also remembers Putin’s blue eyes.
Really hard-hitting stuff, isn’t it?
NPR then interviews a few “Russia experts” who point out the blazingly obvious: sometimes adversaries have to work together, but those moments of cooperation are often fleeting and circumstances can unexpectedly change.