Putin: It’s good to finally talk, Donald. I have been watching you.
Trump: Then you know I’ve been doing some great deals in Russia.
Putin: Of course I do, congratulations.
Trump: It’s been good for Russia too, don’t you agree?
Putin: Yes, but it could be better, for both of us.
Trump: What do you mean?
Putin: I understand you are running for president.
Trump: Yes, I’m going to be the next U.S. President. Most of the candidates are losers, and I know I can beat them.
Putin: I certainly hope so, and I can help you.
Trump: How is that?
Putin: We have a powerful cyber-web program. We can broadcast certain messages that will help you and do harm to your opponents.
Trump: I appreciate that, but why would you do it?
Putin: A friendlier United States would be greatly in my interest. In general, I would like less interference from the West
Trump: That sounds like a bribe, Vladimir.
Putin: Let’s just say it would benefit both our countries. Russia and the United States should be on friendlier terms. Fighting only hurts us both.
Trump: I agree with you, but there are a lot of people in America who don’t trust you.
Putin: Maybe so. But you can change that.
Trump: I’m not too sure.
Putin: You can if you become president. Then you will acquire real power. You can change anything you want.
Trump: I may be a great president – maybe the greatest American president – but over here, things don’t work that way. I can’t do anything I want.
Putin: Not for now. If you don’t mind my saying so, American presidents are very weak. It’s not their fault. They have opposition parties. Meddlesome courts. Activist lawyers. Your Constitution. Government watchdogs and institutions. Unsympathetic media. Independent state and local governments. There is much to stop a president from doing what he wants.
Trump: I agree. It’s ridiculous. No wonder we can’t get anything done over here.
Putin: I can show you how to change that, if you are willing to be bold.
Trump: I can be bold. How can I do it?
Putin: When I became president of Russia, I was in many ways like your American presidents. Many forces resisted my efforts, and I had to move slowly. But by using bold, unconventional tactics, I became a strong president. And now, I have real power. No one dares to oppose me. The courts always side with me. There are no government watchdogs, because I control the government. I can change the Constitution as I please. I control all the media too, and the state and local governments depend on me. If I encounter political opposition, I silence it, and if someone gets too troublesome, I put them in prison. If they persist, they disappear. That is real power, Donald, not the weak power of an American president, but true power, and I will have it until I die.
Trump: That’s impressive.
Putin: Did I also mention I have become incredibly rich?
Trump: I’ve heard that.
Putin: You as well could become incredibly rich.
Trump: Tell me, Vladimir, how do I accomplish that?
Putin: In the coming months, I will show you. For now, I will only say you must weaken the people and institutions that oppose you. Once you get elected, you can punish your enemies and reward your followers. As president, you already have great leeway to do so. People will do anything for money. Use the power of the government to bankrupt people or make them rich. Use that power freely. Be bold. Always attack, never defend. People are weak, and they will eventually cave in. Reshape the government and make it a servant of your will. Take control of the media, spread your ideas, silence your enemies. It’s a long process. It took me many years, but I did it. Now I know how to, and I can teach it to you, so you can do it much faster.
Trump: I still don’t get it. What’s in it for you?
Putin: Can I speak frankly, Donald? Your government is always up my ass. Spying. Sanctions. Sending arms and weapons to my enemies. Stirring up people against me. I want all this to stop. If we become friends, I think it could stop, no?
Trump: Maybe it could.
Putin: I’m not asking for much in return, and I’m helping you get what you want. It’s a win for you and a win for me. Do you understand?
Trump: Yes, I do. Tell me more …