>> you know, fine about putin. he's a powerful leader, a strong leader. he's represented the country, the way the country is being represented. he's actually got popularity within his country. they respect him as a leader. >>. >> a lot of folks are saying, what is he doing here? again, what is he doing here? >> i think it tells us what we know about donald trump, he can't resist a compliment. he can't resist this kind of flattery no matter who it comes from. we know putin, obviously, not very well liked here. certainly not very well liked among republicans. but they do have something in common, right? not to say donald trump would ride a horse shirtless, but that kind of bravado -- >> oh, the mental images, nia. >> yes, yes, so nice. but that kind of strength and ma masculinity and testosterone is something trump is going after