Trump has emphatically denied ties to Russia - a claim refuted by his Twitter feed and a cursory Google search. Putin says his government had nothing to do with the hack of the DNC computers, even though it carelessly left a trail of crumbs tracing back to his intelligence services. The cunning liar is exploiting the blundering one.

In this quote, Franklin Foer critiques the relationship between Donald Trump and Russia, particularly in the context of the alleged Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. Foer highlights the contradiction between Trump’s denial of ties to Russia and the evidence presented by his Twitter feed and a simple Google search, which suggest otherwise. The quote underscores the tension between Trump's public statements and the actions or evidence that contradict them, portraying him as a cunning liar who manipulates information for his benefit.

Foer also discusses the Russian government's response to accusations of involvement in the hack of the DNC computers, with Vladimir Putin denying any involvement. However, Foer points out the irony in Putin’s denial, as Russian intelligence services allegedly left a trail of evidence that could be traced back to them. This contradiction between Putin’s words and the evidence reflects the carelessness of the Russian government's actions, making it difficult to take their denials seriously.

The quote portrays a dynamic where the cunning liar (Trump) is seen as exploiting the situation created by the blundering actions of Putin and his government. Foer suggests that Trump’s denials are part of a larger narrative of manipulation, while Putin’s mistakes leave a trail of evidence that is difficult to ignore. The interaction between these two figures is framed as one where deception and misinformation play central roles in shaping public perception.

Ultimately, Foer’s quote critiques the political gamesmanship and manipulation of information surrounding the investigation into Russian interference. It highlights the contrast between calculated lies and the incompetence of those in power, reflecting the broader political drama that unfolded during the election and its aftermath.