Trump himself has witnessed the f**g-draped coffins unloaded, heard the muffled sobs of the heartbroken, seen the bottomless grief in the eyes of a child who's lost a parent. How can it be that, after being briefed about Putin targeting American troops for death Trump has offered Putin rewards, like an invitation to rejoin the leading democracies of the G-7 and come to the US for a meeting of the leaders of the free world. An American president who truly loved the troops might perhaps invite Putin to join bin Laden at the gates of hell.

It is a long list, the outrageous things Mr. Trump has said and done. But this has got to be the worst. If true, he has refused to avenge the deaths of American troops -- heroes under his command. Much worse even than sucking up to Putin in Helsinki, where he betrayed our country, siding with the Russian president over the US intelligence community.

Do you believe the denial? Trump lies like you and I breathe: he takes in oxygen and exhales lies. Moreover, if the intelligence community spotted such a dire threat to our troops and did not immediately brief the commander in chief, heads would roll. But even if it's true, Trump sure knows about the plan now. It is time to respond. Time for punishment. Time for deterrence. Time to make those who target American troops tremble.

If Donald T***p w*n't, for wh**ever reason, Russia should take no comfort from his weakness. Patriotic Americans on both sides of the aisle are surging support to Joe Biden, in part because we must have a President who protects America and the heroes who defend us. We will combat terrorism. We will deter aggression. We will protect our people.

Paul Begala