But mostly right.
Calling Putin Trump's "handler" was a rhetorical flourish that maybe went too far. By that term, I was trying to imply manipulation, though communications backchannels, financial leverage, or blackmail, as opposed to direct control.
The largest disagreement @RadioFreeTom ariculates is registering an objection is something I *don't* say: 
@RadioFreeTom I agree both that Trump is a fundamentally American phenomenon, and that it's conceivable my piece could be read to imply he was foisted on the US by Russia. But...
@RadioFreeTom This is really a matter of a caveat @RadioFreeTom believes I needed to add. I assumed my broader body of writing about Trump, in relation to domestic right-wing politics, made that clear enough.
@RadioFreeTom Anyway, I'm pleased he generally shares my analysis. I think he might be reaching a bit for criticism to preserve a sense of balance, and in so doing is producing quibbles with things I also believe but did not add.
