"In retrospect, Russians who lament the consolidation of Putin’s autocracy all say they reacted too slowly at the beginning. They didn’t believe things could get so bad. They didn’t believe Putin would ever go as far as he did. Sound familiar?" THREAD http://wapo.st/2k4Mjib?tid=ss_tw

"Trump [like Putin] also had never run for office before last year. He presented himself emphatically as a law-and-order candidate. He has promised to cut taxes, thus ensuring support from the business community."

"Like Putin in 2000, he has pledged “to make America great again.” Just as Putin ordered the Russian army into Chechnya, Trump has already threatened to send federal forces into Chicago."

"Just like Putin, Trump and his team have labeled as enemies protesters, journalists and members of allegedly “terrorist” nations."

"Trump’s recent Twitter screed against those opposing him — “Professional anarchists, thugs and paid protesters” — sounds eerily similar to Putin’s reaction to crowds mobilized against him in 2011-2012." And now, fours years later, here we are. END THREAD.