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VIDEO How Paul Manafort Made A Career Off Oligarchs, Shady Deals, And Foreign Money | Morning Joe | MSNBC
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How Paul Manafort Made A Career Off Oligarchs, Shady Deals, And Foreign Money | Morning Joe | MSNBC
In this intriguing episode of *Morning Joe*, Frank Foer delves into the tumultuous career of Paul Manafort, the former Trump campaign manager, whose life reads like a cautionary tale of ambition and hubris. Foer profiles Manafort as an "American Hustler," navigating the murky waters of political lobbying in Washington DC while entangled with oligarchs and their dubious connections.
### The Rise and Fall of Paul Manafort
Manafort's background is a complex tapestry of high-stakes lobbying, foreign dealings, and high-profile political strategy. The discussion opens with a stark reminder of Manafort's propensity to "fly too close to the sun." Despite acknowledging the risks inherent in his dealings with authoritarian figures and his ultimate loss of power, Manafort's desire for the high life seemingly outweighed his caution.
Foer explains that Manafort's decision to align himself with the Trump campaign was puzzling to many. With a history of shady dealings, many wondered why he would step into the limelight voluntarily. Contrary to the wisdom of laying low, Manafort's desire for relevance propelled him to join a campaign that would bring his past into focus.
### A Taste for Excess
The account describes Manafort as someone who reveled in luxury, equating his lifestyle with that of an oligarch. His extravagant spending—highlighted by a million-dollar tailor bill—paints the picture of a man who was not just seeking wealth but was caught in a whirlwind of opulence and influence. His life was characterized by a voracious appetite for properties, with an obsession for the elite circles of Europe.
### The Turning Point
Foer's examination further reveals Manafort's precarious situation before joining Trump's campaign. Facing financial distress from a failed client in Ukraine and a personal crisis, Manafort needed a resurgence. His connection with Tom Barrack, a close ally of Trump, granted him the opportunity he desperately sought.
This unexpected role allowed him to leverage his extensive network and experience, providing the Trump campaign with essential credibility and political savvy during a chaotic period.
### Corruption and New Norms
As Foer articulates, Manafort's career not only reflects personal ambition but also raises questions about the changing norms of power and corruption in Washington. His dealings redefined what was acceptable, marking a shift in how influence could be wielded in political circles. The conversation hints at a broader theme in Washington politics where profit and influence often overshadow ethics and accountability.
### Community Engagement
The discussion around Manafort's influence serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities within political campaigns and the interplay of character, power, and corruption. What are your thoughts on Manafort's legacy? Do you think his story has changed the landscape of political lobbying?
For those looking to explore more on this topic, consider discussing the impact of foreign influence in U.S. elections or sharing insights from other political documentaries that have caught your attention. Engage with the community and let's stir an insightful conversation!
In this intriguing episode of *Morning Joe*, Frank Foer delves into the tumultuous career of Paul Manafort, the former Trump campaign manager, whose life reads like a cautionary tale of ambition and hubris. Foer profiles Manafort as an "American Hustler," navigating the murky waters of political lobbying in Washington DC while entangled with oligarchs and their dubious connections.
### The Rise and Fall of Paul Manafort
Manafort's background is a complex tapestry of high-stakes lobbying, foreign dealings, and high-profile political strategy. The discussion opens with a stark reminder of Manafort's propensity to "fly too close to the sun." Despite acknowledging the risks inherent in his dealings with authoritarian figures and his ultimate loss of power, Manafort's desire for the high life seemingly outweighed his caution.
Foer explains that Manafort's decision to align himself with the Trump campaign was puzzling to many. With a history of shady dealings, many wondered why he would step into the limelight voluntarily. Contrary to the wisdom of laying low, Manafort's desire for relevance propelled him to join a campaign that would bring his past into focus.
### A Taste for Excess
The account describes Manafort as someone who reveled in luxury, equating his lifestyle with that of an oligarch. His extravagant spending—highlighted by a million-dollar tailor bill—paints the picture of a man who was not just seeking wealth but was caught in a whirlwind of opulence and influence. His life was characterized by a voracious appetite for properties, with an obsession for the elite circles of Europe.
### The Turning Point
Foer's examination further reveals Manafort's precarious situation before joining Trump's campaign. Facing financial distress from a failed client in Ukraine and a personal crisis, Manafort needed a resurgence. His connection with Tom Barrack, a close ally of Trump, granted him the opportunity he desperately sought.
This unexpected role allowed him to leverage his extensive network and experience, providing the Trump campaign with essential credibility and political savvy during a chaotic period.
### Corruption and New Norms
As Foer articulates, Manafort's career not only reflects personal ambition but also raises questions about the changing norms of power and corruption in Washington. His dealings redefined what was acceptable, marking a shift in how influence could be wielded in political circles. The conversation hints at a broader theme in Washington politics where profit and influence often overshadow ethics and accountability.
### Community Engagement
The discussion around Manafort's influence serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities within political campaigns and the interplay of character, power, and corruption. What are your thoughts on Manafort's legacy? Do you think his story has changed the landscape of political lobbying?
For those looking to explore more on this topic, consider discussing the impact of foreign influence in U.S. elections or sharing insights from other political documentaries that have caught your attention. Engage with the community and let's stir an insightful conversation!
