The Simplest Secret Instruction Putin Could Give to Trump

Putin: "Do what Rush Limbaugh Tells You To Do."

This instruction is remarkably effective on several levels.

First, it is so simple that even Trump can follow. You make things too complex, and Trump will fuck it up. Plus, Trump probably wants to do what Rush tells him to do anyways, but he probably has staffers trying to waive him off.

Second, if the goal is to create division and instability, listening and following the directions of hate radio is the best way to do it. Scapegoat immigrants and racial and religious minorities. Attack women who are victims of sexual assault. Shut down the government and say that federal employees deserve not to be paid because they really are just Democrats. Rush typically is an extremist, but Trump is bringing the right wing fringe to the mainstream.

Third, following Rush instantly gives you political cover and street cred with your base, because you are doing what one of their icons is saying you should do. Rush says don't end the shutdown until Democrats give you the wall for nothing. Trump complies, and Rush is perhaps surprised that the President is actually following along, and has no choice, but to continue to cheer lead the shutdown even as the country falls apart. Heck, Rush is now advocating an emergency declaration, thus Trump once again has cover.

Fourth, it gives you plausible deniability. Trump would not have to give Putin launch codes or State secrets. Even if he was recorded, Trump could say that he only heard Putin say, "You know, Donald, that Rush Limbaugh, is a very wise man. If I were you, I would listen to him. That is not collusion!"

Personally, I think Rush and Ann Coulter were expecting Trump not to shutdown the government, and they were looking to decouple themselves from Trump to try to avoid getting pulled down with him. They could say, "See! He was not conservative enough! He did not follow through!" Now, they are joined at the hip, egging each other on.

I guess Rush and Ann could try to really raise the stakes by suggesting that Trump nuke Los Angeles, and gamble that Trump won't follow them there, but Trump's MO is to avoid any daylight between himself and the fringe right. However, given this dynamic, it is really simple for the Russians to use Trump as an agent. Just tell him ignore any contrary advice from advisers and do what the right wing media personalities tell him to do. When they say he should shutdown the government, he and Putin will happily oblige.